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This healing story is a rare example of Jesus in Gentile territory. While there, he does battle with thousands of demons and transforms the life not only of the one he cures but of the whole community. Underneath these attention-getting details waits a powerful picture of God and an equally powerful call to action. Let’s dig into both!

  • Describe a time you’ve been entirely out of your element, e.g., first day at a new school, first trip to a foreign country . . . or something similar. How did being in such an unfamiliar set of circumstances make you feel?
  • The man healed of demons and his neighbors both have powerful reactions to Jesus’ miracle. What do you make of them? Why do you think their reactions are so different?
  • The location for the miracle is a good 15 miles SE of the Sea of Galilee so Jesus put a lot of work into getting there. Why do you suppose he went the extra mile (pun definitely intended) to do ministry among Gentiles?

Next Step: This story is one of God being powerfully and transformatively present. When have you experienced the presence of God in this way? What have you learned about God as a result? How might you share this experience with someone who doesn’t know God?

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