Transformative Power of Jesus: Stepping into the Light
Summary
This morning, we gathered to reflect on the transformative power of Jesus, as seen in the story of the demon-possessed man in Mark’s Gospel. Just as skilled craftsmen restore old barns to their original beauty, God desires to strip away the layers we’ve added to our lives—layers of shame, secrecy, and self-protection—to reveal the good “bones” He created in us. We often long for change in others, but true transformation begins when we allow God to work in our own hearts, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly.
The story in Mark 5 shows Jesus intentionally crossing boundaries—geographical, cultural, and spiritual—to reach someone living in darkness and isolation. The man, tormented and cast out by his community, encounters Jesus and is set free. This freedom is not just for the few, but for all. Even the demons recognize Jesus’ authority, and the man’s life is forever changed as he steps into the light.
We all have areas we try to keep hidden, believing they are too dark or shameful to bring into the open. Yet, as witnessed at student camp and in our own community, stepping into the light—acknowledging our struggles and seeking help—opens the door for God’s healing and restoration. The man in the story wanted to follow Jesus physically, but Jesus sent him back to his own people to share what God had done. Our stories, no matter how unfinished or imperfect, are powerful testimonies of God’s mercy.
We are called to bring our hidden places into the light, to acknowledge God’s power, and to share our stories with others. This is not just for our own sake, but so that others might be drawn to the hope and freedom found in Christ. Whether we feel equipped or not, Jesus sends us out—just as we are—to bear witness to His transforming love. As we do, we become part of God’s ongoing work of restoration, both in our lives and in the world around us.
Key Takeaways
- True transformation begins when we allow God to strip away what we’ve added to our lives—our defenses, secrets, and self-made identities—so that our original, God-given identity can shine through. Like the barns restored to their “good bones,” we are most alive when we let God reveal who we truly are in Him. [03:33]
- The power of Jesus crosses every boundary—no one is too far gone, too unclean, or too isolated for His love to reach. The story of the demon-possessed man reminds us that Jesus seeks out those in the darkest places, and His authority is greater than any force that binds us. [05:58]
- Stepping into the light requires courage to acknowledge what we’ve kept hidden, whether it’s sin, pain, or shame. When we bring these things into the open—before God and trusted community—we open ourselves to healing and freedom that secrecy can never provide. [07:19]
- God’s power is not just something to be admired from a distance; it is to be pleaded for and relied upon in our own lives. The demons recognized Jesus’ authority, but we are invited to fall on our knees, trusting in His goodness and mercy to bring real change for ourselves and those we love. [10:38]
- Our stories of God’s mercy are meant to be shared, even if we feel unprepared or unfinished. Jesus sends us out as we are, trusting that our honest testimony of what He has done can inspire faith and hope in others. We may be the answer to someone’s prayer, simply by sharing how God has met us in our need. [20:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Connecting People to God and Each Other
[02:15] - The Barnwood Builders Analogy
[03:33] - The Necessity and Challenge of Change
[04:49] - Introduction to Mark’s Gospel
[05:58] - Jesus Crosses Boundaries for the Isolated
[07:19] - Stepping Into the Light: Student Camp Stories
[09:23] - The Power and Authority of Jesus
[11:20] - Jesus: Savior for All
[13:39] - Transformation Through Encounter
[14:51] - The Cost and Fear of Change
[16:04] - The Community’s Response to Jesus
[17:34] - Sent to Share: The Man’s New Mission
[20:55] - Equipped to Share Your Story
[22:16] - Living Forever Changed
[24:48] - Stepping Into the Light in Community
[25:27] - Sharing What the Lord Has Done
[26:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Stepping Into the Light – Mark 5”
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### Bible Reading
Mark 5:1-20 (ESV)
> 1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
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### Observation Questions
1. What boundaries did Jesus cross to reach the man in the story? (geographical, cultural, spiritual) [05:58]
2. How did the community treat the demon-possessed man before he met Jesus? [05:58]
3. What was the reaction of the demons when they saw Jesus, and what did they call him? [09:23]
4. After the man was healed, what did Jesus tell him to do, and how did the man respond? [17:34]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was willing to go to a place and a person that everyone else avoided? What does this say about his character and mission? [05:58]
2. The sermon compared our lives to old barns with “good bones” under layers of additions and coverings. What might some of those “layers” be in our own lives, and why do we add them? [03:33]
3. The people in the region asked Jesus to leave after the miracle. Why do you think they responded this way, even after seeing someone set free? [16:04]
4. Jesus sent the healed man back to his community instead of letting him follow. What might be the significance of sharing our stories where we are, even if we feel unprepared? [20:55]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about “stepping into the light” and bringing hidden things into the open. Is there an area of your life you’ve kept in the dark—maybe out of shame, fear, or self-protection? What would it look like to take a first step into the light this week? [07:19]
2. Jesus crossed boundaries to reach someone isolated and hurting. Who in your life might feel “out of reach” or isolated? What is one practical way you could cross a boundary to show them Christ’s love? [05:58]
3. The man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus sent him back to share his story. Is there a part of your story—maybe even an unfinished or messy part—that God might want to use to encourage someone else? Who could you share it with? [20:55]
4. The sermon mentioned that true transformation is often uncomfortable or costly. Can you think of a time when God asked you to change something that was hard to let go of? What helped you take that step? [03:33]
5. The demons recognized Jesus’ authority, but the man fell at Jesus’ feet and pleaded for help. When was the last time you really pleaded with God for change or healing in your life or someone else’s? What keeps you from doing this more often? [10:38]
6. The community was more concerned about their pigs than the man’s healing. Are there “comforts” or “priorities” in your life that sometimes keep you from celebrating or seeking God’s work? [16:04]
7. The sermon said, “We may be the answer to someone’s prayer, simply by sharing how God has met us in our need.” Who might be waiting to hear your story? What’s one step you can take this week to share it? [25:27]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to step into the light, for God’s power to bring real change, and for opportunities to share their stories with others.
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping Into the Light: Bringing Hidden Struggles to Jesus
Just as the man possessed by demons emerged from the tombs to meet Jesus, we are invited to step out of the darkness and bring our hidden struggles, secrets, and burdens into the light. Many of us have areas in our lives that we try to keep hidden—addictions, anger, shame, or pain—believing that if we keep them in the dark, they will not harm us or be discovered. Yet, true transformation begins when we acknowledge these areas before God, trusting that He meets us with compassion and power. Taking the first step into the light may be as simple as naming our struggle in prayer or sharing it with a trusted friend, but it is the beginning of being forever changed. [07:40]
Mark 5:1-6 (ESV)
They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.
Reflection: What is one area of your life you have kept hidden in the dark? What would it look like to take a first step into the light with Jesus this week?
Day 2: Acknowledging the Power of Jesus
Even the demons recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God and submitted to His authority, falling at His feet and pleading with Him. How often do we forget the immense power and authority that Jesus holds over every force of darkness and every burden we carry? We are invited to remember and acknowledge the power of our Lord—not just intellectually, but by coming to Him in prayer, falling to our knees, and pleading for His help and intervention in our lives and the lives of others. There is no situation too dark or too strong for Jesus to overcome. [10:38]
Mark 5:6-13 (ESV)
And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
Reflection: When was the last time you truly acknowledged Jesus’ power in prayer? Who or what do you need to bring before Him today, trusting in His authority?
Day 3: Jesus Came for All—No One Is Beyond His Reach
Jesus intentionally crossed into Gentile territory, a place considered unclean and outside the boundaries of religious comfort, to bring healing and freedom to someone everyone else had cast aside. This act reveals the heart of God: there is no one too far, too broken, or too different for Jesus to reach. He came not just for a select few, but for all who call on His name, regardless of background, age, or past. The invitation to be forever changed is open to everyone, and we are called to celebrate and support each person who responds to Jesus’ love. [11:20]
Mark 5:14-20 (ESV)
The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Reflection: Who in your life have you considered “out of reach” for God’s love? How can you pray for them or reach out to them this week, believing that Jesus came for all?
Day 4: Sharing What the Lord Has Done for You
After being healed, the man wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus sent him back to his community to share his story. We are each uniquely equipped to share what God has done in our lives—no special training required, just a willingness to tell our story. Our testimony of God’s mercy and transformation can inspire hope and faith in others, especially those who may feel alone or beyond help. When we share our story, we become part of God’s work in the world, offering light and encouragement to those who need it most. [20:55]
Psalm 107:1-2 (ESV)
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble
Reflection: What is one specific way you can share your story of God’s work in your life with someone this week—whether in conversation, a note, or a post?
Day 5: Community and Support in the Journey of Change
Transformation is not meant to be a solitary journey. When we step into the light and acknowledge our need for help, God often provides support through community—people who will walk with us, pray for us, and encourage us as we pursue change. Whether it’s through a small group, a recovery ministry, or a trusted friend, inviting others into our story can be the key to lasting freedom and growth. Don’t underestimate the power of community in helping you become who God has called you to be. [24:48]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Reflection: Who is someone you can invite into your journey for support, or who might need your encouragement as they seek change? How can you take a step toward deeper community this week?
Quotes
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