Seeing Humanity: The Power of Compassion and Presence

Summary

In today’s reflection, we encounter Jesus meeting a man who has been cast aside by his community, living among tombs, stripped of his dignity, and known only by his affliction—Legion. Jesus does not see a problem to be solved or a threat to be contained, but a person in need of restoration. This act of seeing the humanity in another, regardless of their condition or the labels society has placed on them, is at the heart of what it means to follow Christ. Restoration is not just about returning someone to a previous state, but about recognizing and honoring their inherent worth, even when the world has forgotten them.

This call to see the humanity in others extends beyond the pages of scripture and into our own world, where people are often dehumanized for their culture, beliefs, or circumstances. As followers of Jesus, we are challenged to resist the temptation to judge or exclude, and instead to recognize our shared ancestry and interconnectedness. The divisions we create—whether through politics, nationalism, or even the flags we display—often distract us from the deeper truth that all people are made in the image of God.

Today, we also turn our attention to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and to their caregivers. Like the man in the Gospel, those with memory loss can become isolated, misunderstood, or ignored. Yet the good news is that God’s love and presence remain, even when memory fades. Sometimes, entering into the moment with someone—listening to a repeated story, sharing a simple joy, or offering presence without correction—is a sacred act. Healing may not always look like a cure; sometimes it is found in dignity, in being known, and in the faithful love of those who care.

Caregivers, too, are seen and honored by God. Their daily acts of love, patience, and sacrifice echo the faithfulness of Christ. The journey is often marked by grief and exhaustion, but it is also holy ground. In the fragments of memory, in laughter, in questions asked again and again, the gospel is still being told. Our calling is to listen, to love, and to remember that even when things are lost, God’s love remains.

Key Takeaways

- Restoration Begins with Seeing the Person, Not the Problem
Jesus’ encounter with the man called Legion reminds us that true restoration starts when we look past labels and conditions to see the person beneath. Society may define people by their struggles, but Christ calls us to recognize their humanity and worth, regardless of circumstance. This is a radical act of love that challenges us to do the same in our own relationships and communities. [00:57]

- Our Shared Humanity Transcends Boundaries and Beliefs
The divisions we create—national, religious, or cultural—are often artificial barriers that obscure our common ancestry and shared dignity. Remembering that all people are connected, and that Jesus himself was a marginalized figure, calls us to resist dehumanization in all its forms. We are invited to hold leaders and ourselves accountable for how we treat others, especially the most vulnerable. [04:31]

- Presence is More Powerful than Correction in the Face of Memory Loss
When journeying with those affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, the most Christlike response is not to correct or fix, but to enter the moment with compassion. Listening to repeated stories, sharing in simple joys, and honoring the person’s experience are acts of sacred presence. This mirrors how God listens to us, patiently and lovingly, even when we repeat ourselves in prayer. [16:13]

- Caregiving is a Holy Vocation Marked by Both Love and Lament
The daily reality of caregivers is filled with both small joys and deep griefs. Their faithfulness in the face of loss, exhaustion, and uncertainty is a living testimony to God’s steadfast love. Caregivers are not invisible to God; their tears, frustrations, and sacrifices are seen and honored, and their journey is a vital part of the gospel story. [18:47]

- Healing is Found in Dignity, Presence, and Being Known
For those living with dementia, healing may not mean the restoration of memory, but the assurance that they are still known and loved. Dignity is preserved when we listen, when we respond with kindness, and when we affirm the value of each person, regardless of their cognitive ability. In these moments, the good news is proclaimed anew: even in forgetfulness, God remembers us. [17:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Jesus Meets the Forgotten
[02:43] - Seeing Humanity Without Exception
[04:31] - Our Shared Ancestry and Faith
[05:40] - The Importance of Context and Accountability
[06:51] - The Power We Hold and Global Injustice
[08:04] - Compassion for the Suffering
[09:16] - Political Rhetoric and Responsibility
[10:03] - Nationalism, Flags, and Christian Identity
[12:27] - Honoring Veterans and True Respect
[13:36] - Purple Sunday: Alzheimer’s and Dementia
[14:32] - The Isolation of Memory Loss
[15:25] - Entering the Moment with Compassion
[16:13] - Sacred Presence in Repetition
[17:49] - Healing Beyond Memory
[18:47] - The Holy Work of Caregiving
[20:50] - Prayer for the Forgetful and the Faithful

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Seeing and Honoring the Forgotten

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### Bible Reading

Mark 5:1-20
(Jesus heals the man possessed by Legion, restoring him to community and dignity.)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Mark 5:1-20, how do the townspeople treat the man possessed by Legion before Jesus arrives? What words or actions show their attitude toward him?
2. When Jesus meets the man, what is the first thing he asks? Why is it significant that the man responds with “Legion” instead of his real name?
3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus see in the man that others do not? [00:57]
4. What happens to the man after his encounter with Jesus? How do the people react to his restoration?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chooses to ask the man his name, even though others have only seen him as a problem or a threat? What does this say about how Jesus views people? [00:57]
2. The sermon says restoration is not just about fixing a problem, but about honoring someone’s worth. How does Jesus’ interaction with Legion show this deeper kind of restoration? [00:57]
3. The preacher compares the isolation of the man with Legion to the isolation experienced by people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In what ways are these experiences similar or different? [14:32]
4. The sermon mentions that healing may not always look like a cure, but can be found in dignity and being known. How does this challenge our usual ideas about what it means to be “healed”? [17:49]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to see the humanity in others, even when society labels or excludes them. Who in your life or community might be “forgotten” or defined by their struggles? What is one way you could see and honor their humanity this week? [00:57]
2. The divisions we create—through politics, culture, or even the flags we display—can distract us from our shared identity as God’s children. Are there any labels or boundaries you have put up that keep you from seeing someone’s true worth? How could you begin to break down those barriers? [10:03]
3. When someone repeats themselves or seems confused (like those with memory loss), do you feel tempted to correct them or move on? What would it look like to offer presence and compassion instead? Can you think of a recent moment when you could have responded differently? [16:13]
4. If you are a caregiver, or know someone who is, what are some ways you can recognize and honor the “holy ground” of caregiving? How can the group support caregivers in practical ways? [18:47]
5. The sermon says that even when memory fades, God’s love and presence remain. How can you remind someone in your life that they are known and loved, even if they feel forgotten or lost? [17:49]
6. The preacher shared about listening to repeated stories and entering the moment with someone, rather than correcting them. Is there someone in your life who needs you to “enter the moment” with them this week? What would that look like? [16:13]
7. Think about a time when you felt unseen or misunderstood. What helped you feel restored or valued again? How can you offer that same kind of restoration to someone else? [00:57]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for those who feel forgotten, for caregivers, and for the ability to see and honor the humanity in everyone, just as Jesus does.

Devotional

Day 1: Restoration Begins with Seeing the Person

Restoration is not just about fixing what is broken, but about truly seeing the humanity in those whom society has forgotten or cast aside. In the story of the man called Legion, Jesus does not define him by his affliction or his condition, but instead meets him with compassion and presence, recognizing his inherent worth. This act of seeing and naming the person, rather than the problem, is the first step toward healing and restoration. We are called to look beyond labels and conditions, to see the sacredness in every individual, and to remember that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. [00:57]

Luke 8:26-39 (ESV)
Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Reflection: Who in your life have you overlooked or labeled by their struggles rather than seeing their full humanity? How can you intentionally see and honor their personhood today?


Day 2: The Call to Restore Humanity in a Dehumanizing World

As followers of Christ, we are called to resist the dehumanizing forces in our world—whether they come from political rhetoric, prejudice, or indifference—and instead to restore and affirm the humanity of every person, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. This means refusing to participate in systems or conversations that strip others of dignity, and instead advocating for justice, compassion, and inclusion. It is not enough to remain silent or passive; each of us has the power and responsibility to see, speak, and act in ways that honor the image of God in others. [02:43]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reflection: Where do you see dehumanization happening around you—at work, in your community, or in the news—and what is one concrete step you can take today to affirm someone’s dignity?


Day 3: Meeting People Where They Are

True compassion means entering into the reality of another person, especially those who are confused, isolated, or struggling with memory loss. Instead of correcting or insisting on our own logic, we are invited to meet people where they are, to listen with patience, and to honor their stories—even when they are repeated or fragmented. This presence is a sacred act, mirroring the way God listens to us, and can bring dignity and comfort to those who feel lost or forgotten. [16:13]

Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel isolated or misunderstood. How can you enter their world today with patience and presence, rather than trying to fix or correct them?


Day 4: The Sacred Work of Caregiving

Caregivers walk a difficult and holy path, carrying the weight of love and loss as they accompany loved ones through illness, confusion, or decline. Their daily acts of kindness, patience, and sacrifice are seen and honored by God, even when they feel invisible or exhausted. The gospel message is not only for those who are afflicted, but also for those who care for them—reminding caregivers that their labor is sacred, their tears are noticed, and they are never alone. [18:47]

Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV)
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Reflection: If you are a caregiver, what is one way you can allow yourself to receive support or rest today? If you know a caregiver, how can you tangibly encourage or help them this week?


Day 5: God Remembers When We Forget

Even when memory fades and stories are lost, God’s love remains steadfast. God is the keeper of all memory, knowing us fully even when we cannot remember ourselves or those we love. In moments of confusion, loss, or forgetfulness, we can trust that we are never forgotten by God. This assurance brings hope and comfort, reminding us that our worth is not dependent on our abilities or recollections, but on God’s unchanging love. [20:50]

Isaiah 49:15-16 (ESV)
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”

Reflection: When have you felt forgotten or unseen? Take a moment to rest in the truth that God remembers you fully and loves you completely, even in your moments of weakness or confusion.

Quotes

As Christians we are called to see the human in each person. Jesus doesn't give an asterisk on there and tell you well only see the humanity in this if this or if that. Jesus calls us to see the humanity of people period. [00:01:46] (00:00:28 seconds)  #HumanityWithoutConditions Edit Clip

Because my job isn't to correct the memory. My job is to enter the moment. Jesus didn't ask the man with legion for his medical history. He didn't give him a popping test. He simply asked, what is your need? He has something relational, something sacred, and sometimes that's all someone with dementia is hoping for. Someone to ask, who are you? Tell me again. [00:16:00] (00:00:36 seconds)  #ListeningIsHealing Edit Clip

Sometimes in these visits, clarity feels like a visitor who shows up and disappears. So instead of trying to explain the full story, I simply met the moment with presence. Because the act of asking, even when repeated, is a way of reaching out, of saying, I'm still here, are you? And so I listen again and again, like it's the first time, just as God listens to us when we pray the same prayer night after night. [00:16:57] (00:00:37 seconds)  #DignityBeyondMemory Edit Clip

That too is gospel. The ability to follow someone home by first meeting them where they are. The man called Legion sat at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind. But for those living with dementia, healing may not mean full restoration of memory. Healing may look like dignity in listening. [00:18:06] (00:00:23 seconds)  #GriefAndLoveTogether Edit Clip

Healing may look like being known beyond what we remember. Healing may look like someone repeating a story for the fourth or fifth or sixth time and someone else replying, thank you, that was beautiful. [00:18:29] (00:00:17 seconds)  #VisibleInFatigue Edit Clip

For every lighthearted moment, there are days of heavy grief. For every smile, there's often a night filled with relentlessness, restlessness, or sadness. Caregivers, spouses, children, friends journey beside their loved ones into the unknown. They mourn little losses over and over again. A forgotten name, a misrecognition, the slow erasing of shared history. [00:18:58] (00:00:35 seconds)  #FaithfulInForgetfulness Edit Clip