NBC Sunday School Manual For March 26, 2023 :Topic – Jesus Overpower Legions
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Theme of the Month: CALLED FROM THE MARGINS OF SOCIETY.
DATE: SUNDAY, 26TH MARCH, 2023.
TOPIC: JESUS OVERPOWERS LEGIONS.
Devotional Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6.
Background Scripture:
Mark 5:1-20 (cf. Luke 8:26-39).
Lesson Scripture:
Mark 5:1-13, 18-20.
GOLDEN TEXT:
“So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." Mark 5:20
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
● Identify some symptoms of demon possession in the life of a person.
● Recount the dialogue between Jesus and the demon possessed man.
● Affirm that Jesus has power over all demonic powers.
INTRODUCTION:
Since man lost his enviable position and authority because of his rebellion against God in the Garden of Eden, the evil one (the Devil), has been ravaging and unleashing all manners of agony on the world. This manifests in different ways like sickness, poverty, mental and physical illness. Such was the case of the man described in the passage. He was demon-possessed, and he lived in tombs and deserted places. He was an outcast, isolated from the society, and was being controlled by the demons that possessed him. Before his encounter with Jesus and his deliverance, his life was controlled by the evil spirit that lived in him. Interestingly, after his deliverance, the man wanted to be Jesus' follower to show his appreciation.
Glory be to God for the coming of the Messiah, Christ Jesus. His intervention in the situation of humankind altered the course of things. Throughout His earthly ministry, He healed the sick, raised the dead and delivered the demon possessed. He came to undo the work of the Devil, set the captives free and restore dominion to humankind. According to the passage, the man who was living in hopelessness and insanity encountered the King of Glory and his health was restored. Eventually, he went about telling people about his encounter with Jesus and his deliverance from demon possession.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED...
A. A DEMON POSSESSED MAN MEETS JESUS:
[Mark 5:1-5]
Jesus had just calmed the wind when He (Jesus Christ) and His disciples crossed to the lake of the region of the Gentiles, the land of the Gadarenes. Immediately He got out of the boat, a demon possessed man who came out of the tombs met Him (vv. 1-2). The condition of the man was so terrible that no one could tame him, not even with a chain. According to verse 4, the man had been chained hands and feet many times but he had torn the chains apart. , one was strong enough to subdue him. Often times, he was seen wandering around the tombs and through the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones. The following signs showed that the man was demon possessed:
● He lived in the tombs. Naturally, people dread the sight of tombs. So, no normal human being would prefer to live in tombs for any reason.
● His life was controlled by the evil spirit that was living in him. He could not be controlled by anyone.
● He was sometimes chained both hands and feet.
● He would scream uncontrollably and begin to cut his body.
Every effort made to help the man proved futile because the demons had a firm grip on his life. Meeting Jesus marked the beginning of his deliverance. Christians should not be ignorant of the reality of demons which can manifest in different forms. However, we know that Jesus can overpower every unclean spirit regardless of their number because He has ultimate power over every demonic power.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Carefully highlight the reasons why the situation of this man seems hopeless.
2. What could be the intention of the man when he ran to meet Jesus?
B. THE DEMON POSSESSED MAN HEALED:
[Mark 5:6-13]
A growing relationship with Christ Jesus is a significant factor in the restoration of mental and emotional health as demonstrated by the demon possessed man. Scripture says that when the man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of Him (v. 6). He shouted and said, 'What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God's name don't torture me!' (v. 7). It should be noted that the demon was the one speaking through the man. The demon knew who Jesus was and suspected He would punish him. Jesus responded and commanded the demon saying, 'Come out of this man, you impure spirit!' (v.8b). He said, "My name is Legion", "For we are many" when Jesus asked for his identity and pleaded with Jesus not to send them away from the region. Legion is a name given to a division of the Roman army numbering about 6,000 soldiers. Jesus however, demonstrated His authority and the evil spirits came out of the man and went into the herd of pigs (vv. 13).
It is noteworthy that the demon recognised Jesus and he openly acknowledged His authority over him (v. 7). Prior to the coming of Jesus, no one could successfully help this man. But in spite of his violent condition, he became powerless at the command of Jesus (vv. 8-9). In fact, they (the demons) begged Jesus and negotiated their way into a herd of pigs. Ultimately, Jesus has power not only over nature but also over spiritual forces. By His command, the demons left the man immediately and entered into a herd of pigs and got drowned. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we should be ready at all times to boldly exercise the authority of Jesus Christ to undo all the works of the devil that torment people. When we have faith in Christ Jesus, whatever we bind on earth will surely be bound in heaven.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Carefully highlight Jesus' demonstration of power over the situation of the demon possessed man and the lessons it teaches.
2. Why did the demon beg Jesus not to send them away from that region?
C. A WITNESS FOR JESUS:
[Mark 5:18-20]
Most of the miracles Jesus performed attracted people's attention. In the same way, the healing of the demon-possessed man caused the people to be amazed. Those who witnessed it spread the good news. Unfortunately, the people asked Jesus to leave their territory. According to verse 18, the man who had been liberated from demon possession greatly appreciated the new life he now enjoyed. As a mark of gratitude, he begged Jesus to be one of His followers. However, Jesus objected and commanded him saying, 'Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.' (v.19). Straightaway, the man left and began to spread what Jesus had done for him throughout the region of Decapolis. The people were amazed to see a once demon-possessed man in his right senses and testifying about the wonders Jesus had done for him.
Noteworthy in the passage is the man's response to Jesus' healing miracle. He volunteered to be one of Jesus' followers in appreciation of his deliverance. It is a pointer to the fact that it is not enough to appreciate God for His good deeds; we must also be eager to bear witness of His faithfulness wherever we go. Indeed, the man was a faithful witness for Jesus. He obviously did as commanded by Jesus and told his people about the mercy of Jesus which was the reason for his liberation. Much more than his family members and friends, he became a witness for the Lord to the people of Decapolis (v. 20). Christians should be ready to bear witness of the supremacy of Jesus over all the challenges of life. We should be ready to share with people Jesus' wonderful love, grace, mercy, salvation and other blessings so that they too will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss why Jesus thought it would be better for the man to return to his hometown than to be his follower.
2. What lessons can we learn from the man's commitment to the commandment Jesus gave him?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
● Class members should identify ways they can help people in isolation, those with physical needs, or other people going through extreme difficulties and at the point of giving up.
Take Home: State at least three main lessons you are taking home, based on today's lesson:
● __________
● __________
● __________
Commitment:
● Make a commitment to be ready always to proclaim that all power belongs to Jesus and also to bring others to Christ.
REVIEW FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH:
We thank God for the privilege to learn about those who were called from the margins of society. It is my prayer that God will always help us to identify with such people in the church, community and work place in Jesus' Name. Based on these beautiful lessons:
● What new insights did you get about the story of the prodigal son?
● How did the Holy Spirit help you to express childlike faith?
● Which aspect of the story of the Samaritan woman challenged you most and why?
● Which of the lessons did you struggle to understand and what have you done to gain more understanding?
● How have you been able to witness for Jesus?
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
March 25, 2023
Rating:
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