When He came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Matthew 8:28 - 29 For the first time I examined myself with a seriously practical purpose. And there I found what appalled me; a zoo of lusts, a bedlam of ambitions, a nursery of fears, a harem of fondled hatreds. My name was legion. - C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy Background: The stories of Jesus in these chapters intentionally unveil the Son of God in His power and authority. From the leper that is healed (8:1 – 4), to the servant of the centurion (8:5 – 13), to the mother-in-law of Peter (8:14 – 17). Next, the wind and the waves obey His voice (8:23 – 27), and demons submit to His command (8:28 – 34). Before long death itself must surrender to His power and word (9:18 – 26). The kingdom of God advances upon the authority of Jesus, and nothing can stand in His way! Introduction: The Spiritual Realm Men Terrorized Demons Tormenting Jesus Triumphing Bondage Treated Community Terrified Men Testifying Conclusion: Steps to Freedom Discussion Questions: Stories carry themes that resonate within us. They are like underground rivers that touch us at the deepest level of our being and help us make sense of our lived experiences. The story of the two men delivered of evil spirits is one of those stories. It carries themes of bondage, brokenness, desperation, and deliverance. The intent of the story is to show the power of Jesus to set people free. o What part of the story ‘resonates’ with you the most? Who do you identify with… the men, the herdsmen, the townspeople? Why do you think that is? o Like the sea that Jesus calmed and like the storms that He calmed in these men, you and I can have storms that are bigger than us and cause us to fear. Have you identified any in your life? Have you asked Jesus to deliver you, or (like these men) have you grown accustomed to life this way, and have some misgivings about ‘letting go’? o Perhaps your first prayer is – “Lord, I am willing to be made willing. Please set me free”.