Have you ever felt like you were in the presence of real evil? Not just something or someone bad, but something, dare we say, demonic? If so, please share with the group what that was like, how you felt, what you did.
Digging Deeper
The passage we are going to look at seems appropriate in the Halloween season. Jesus unveils a dark spiritual reality in the world, one that we might not want to look into or even acknowledge. But for Jesus, it was very real.
Read Luke 8:26-39
- Do you believe in a literal heaven, and hell? Angels, and demons? Why or why not or what questions do you have? How does the biblical narrative demand the existence of these “supernatural” realities?
- Further study/reading on the origin and nature of Satan see Isaiah 14:12-23, Job 1, 1 Chr. 21:1, Eph. 6:10-12
Let’s walk through the story:
• What seems to be the nature of demonic possession, as compared to oppression, or temptation, as we see in Matthew 4:1-11?
The demons (Legion) acknowledge and seem helpless simply in the presence of Jesus.
- Considering this, who then should be afraid of Satan/demons, and why?
- Who has no need to fear Satan/demons, and why?
- Why does Jesus honor Legions request?
- How is their fate symbolic in the Jewish context?
- What is the result for this man?
- How is Legion a metaphor for many lives today?
- Do you think many people in our community struggle with actual demons, or the demons of their own creation?
- Considering now the close of this story, what wouldn’t you give to be found clothed, cleaned, and in your right mind?
- How can Jesus do this for all of us?
- How can we go to our respective homes and tell how much God has done for us?
Closing
This story brings up many controversial and complicated questions. Take time to address any burning questions. Then give assurance that all who commit their lives to Jesus are promised protection from evil and the security of heaven.
Wrap up with announcements and prayer to close this UNVEILED series.
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