Built to Connect – Jesus Goes

Today in our Built to Connect series, Pastor David speaks on the demonized man.  The Demon Possessed Man is a documented event recorded for us in three of the four Gospels. As we dive into this story we will see the grace that Jesus has on those who follow him, the mercy on those who need him, and the drive that he has to go to those who want him. 
Scripture: Book Name chp: verse(s)

Discussion Topics:

1. We find the story of the demon possessed man in Matthew 8:23, Mark 5:1 and Luke 8:26 with similar narratives but each having distinct differences on what the author highlights. What are the differences that you see? Why do you think this story was so important to three different authors? What speaks to you the most about this event?
2. Have you ever wondered why Jesus heals some and not others? Have you ever prayed for a miracle and didn’t receive it? Have you come to terms/peace to why that is? If you have or haven’t would you be willing to share that with the group? 
3. Discuss the Three Reasons Jesus Won’t Perform Miracles:
   1. Jesus won’t perform miracles to prove himself.

   Mark 8:11-12 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven.  He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 

   1. Jesus won’t perform a miracle that interferes with God’s larger plan.

   Matthew 26:52-54 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” 

   1. Jesus won’t do miracles where there is not faith.

   Matthew 13:58  And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

4. When we see Jesus tell the healed man that he was not allowed to get in the boat but rather go home and tell others, what message do you get out of that? Did Jesus not care about this man’s ongoing discipleship? What lesson should we learn from Jesus’ leadership moment here? How important is it for us to share our faith with others?
5. We are moving into a season where we will be studying the Miracles of Mercy. How do you think this past Sunday’s sermon ties into the next 6-week Spiritual Campaign?