I’m About To Bounce Back

Text: Mark 5:19

Mark 5:19 (KJV 1900)

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Thesis: I’m About To Bounce Back

Setting the Scene

Mark, also known as John Mark, emerges in the New Testament as a significant figure closely associated with the early Christian movement.

He is traditionally believed to be the author of the second Gospel, bearing his name.

Though not one of the original twelve apostles, Mark played a vital role in the spread of Christianity, serving as a companion and interpreter to both Paul and Peter.

His close relationship with Peter is particularly significant for understanding the Gospel of Mark.

Early church tradition, including the writings of Papias and Irenaeus, suggests that Mark's Gospel is essentially a written record of Peter's eyewitness account of Jesus' life and ministry.

This connection lends the Gospel a sense of immediacy and authenticity, placing the reader in close proximity to the events surrounding Jesus.

2. Mark's Gospel: A Dynamic Proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God

Mark's Gospel is characterized by its fast-paced, action-oriented narrative.

It wastes no time on lengthy genealogies or theological discourses.

Instead, it plunges the reader directly into the heart of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing his powerful deeds and authoritative teachings.

Mark's Core Purpose:

Mark's primary aim in writing his Gospel is to present Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior of Israel, and the Son of God.

However, Mark's portrayal of Jesus is not a triumphalist one.

He emphasizes Jesus' suffering and rejection, challenging conventional expectations of the Messiah.

This is why we say He’s Mark’s Suffering Servant

Through this paradoxical presentation, Mark invites his readers to grapple with the true nature of Jesus' messianic identity and mission.

Mark's Intended Audience:

While the exact audience of Mark's Gospel is debated, several clues suggest that he was writing primarily for Gentile Christians, possibly in Rome. The Gospel's lack of emphasis on Jewish customs and its explanations of Aramaic terms support this theory.

Furthermore, Mark's emphasis on Jesus' suffering and rejection might have resonated with a community facing persecution.

3. Mark's Narrative: A Chronological Overview (Up to Chapter 5)

Chapter 1: The Ministry Begins

The Baptism of Jesus: Mark introduces Jesus with a dramatic scene of his baptism by John the Baptist, accompanied by a divine declaration of his Sonship.

Calling the Disciples: Jesus begins gathering his followers, emphasizing their role as "fishers of men."

Healing and Exorcism: Jesus demonstrates his power over sickness and demonic forces, attracting crowds and generating excitement.

Chapter 2: Conflict and Controversy

Healing the Paralytic: Jesus' authority to forgive sins is challenged by religious leaders.

Calling Levi: Jesus associates with tax collectors and sinners, drawing further criticism.

Sabbath Controversies: Jesus' actions on the Sabbath lead to accusations of lawbreaking.

Chapter 3: Growing Opposition

Choosing the Twelve: Jesus appoints his apostles, symbolizing the formation of a new community.

Blasphemy Accusations: Jesus' opponents attribute his power to Satan, intensifying their conflict.

Jesus' True Family: Jesus redefines kinship based on spiritual connection rather than blood ties.

Chapter 4: Parables and Teachings

Parable of the Sower: Jesus explains the varying responses to his message through a parable.

Stilling the Storm: Jesus demonstrates his power over nature, calming a raging sea.

Exorcism of the Gerasene Demoniac: Jesus liberates a man tormented by demonic forces.

Chapter 5: Miracles and Compassion

Healing the Woman with the Issue of Blood: Jesus' power flows even through a touch of faith.

Raising Jairus' Daughter: Jesus overcomes death, restoring life to a young girl.

4. Conclusion: Mark's Profound Impact

Mark's Gospel, though concise, packs a powerful punch.

Through its vivid narrative and focus on Jesus' actions, it proclaims a message of hope and salvation.

Mark invites his readers to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, even in the face of suffering and rejection.

His Gospel continues to inspire and challenge believers today, reminding us of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Let's trace the journey of the man in Mark 5, and see how it parallels our own lives:

Possessed by demons: He was in chains, isolated from society.

Similarly, we might find ourselves bound by addictions, mental health struggles, or destructive behaviors.

Living among the tombs: He was separated from the living, much like how we can feel disconnected from our loved ones and community in our darkest moments.

Encounter with Jesus: This was his turning point.

For us, it might be a moment of clarity, a rock-bottom experience, or a divine intervention that sparks change.

Deliverance and restoration: Jesus freed him from his demons. In our lives, this could be overcoming addiction, finding healing from trauma, or breaking free from toxic relationships.

No matter where you are in this journey - whether you're still among the tombs or you've just had your encounter with Jesus -

Remember this truth: you're about to bounce back.

I’m here to declare that God's not done with you yet.

Sermon Body

1. Recognize and Resist in Your Deliverance (Edification/Education)

Punchline: "Your deliverance isn't just about leaving your past behind - it's about standing firm in the face of familiar temptations and transforming your responses."

Expound: In Mark 5:19, we encounter a profound moment: Jesus "suffered him not" to go with Him.

Instead, He instructed the man, "Go home to your own people."

This wasn't a rejection, but a divinely orchestrated test and mission, designed to solidify the man's deliverance and extend its impact.

Deliverance often comes with a multifaceted challenge:

Can you resist temptation in the very place where you once fell?

Can you maintain your newfound freedom in familiar territory?

It's as if Jesus is saying, "Now that you're free, let's see if you can stay free where you were once bound."

Consider the psychology behind habitual behaviors and addiction.

Our brains form neural pathways associated with certain environments and triggers.

That's why it's so easy to fall back into old habits when we're in old environments.

The recovered alcoholic passing their former favorite bar might feel a strong urge to drink.

The reformed gossip attending a social gathering might find themselves tempted to engage in harmful talk.

These are pivotal moments when our deliverance is truly tested and our new identity is forged.

Your deliverance isn't just about escaping your past; it's about fundamentally transforming your response to familiar triggers.

It's about rewiring those neural pathways and creating new, healthy associations.

This process aligns with modern understanding of neuroplasticity - our brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

When Jesus delivers you, He doesn't just change your location - He changes in your nature.

No condemnation

You're not just removed from the tombs; you're given new life, new power, and the ability to form new neural pathways.

Let this mind

This is your true "bounce back" moment - when you can stand firm in the face of old temptations, demonstrating the reality and depth of your deliverance.

It's not just about avoiding old haunts, but about transforming those very places through your changed presence.

Your deliverance becomes a testimony not just of where you've been, but of who you've become in Christ.

Transition: But recognition alone isn't enough. We need to take action...

2. Return to Your People (Exhortation/Life Application)

Punchline: "Your comeback story includes the very people you left behind."

Expound: Jesus specifically instructs the man to "Go home to your own people."

This isn't just about physical location; it's about revisiting the scene of your past failures and reconnecting with those you've hurt.

It's about facing your demons head-on.

Can you look failure in the face and not flinch?

Consider these relatable examples:

An ex-convict returning to their old neighborhood, determined to make amends and live differently.

A recovering addict walking past their former dealer's corner without giving in to temptation.

A student who dropped out due to poor grades, returning to the same classroom with renewed determination.

Your comeback isn't just about personal improvement; it's about proving to yourself and others that you've truly changed.

It's about standing firm in the face of old temptations and transforming your responses.

Remember, throughout the text, this man seemed to have no one - he lived among the tombs, isolated and alone.

Yet Jesus sends him back to "his people."

This reminds us that even when we feel most alone, we still belong somewhere.

Your family, friends, and community are often the very people God uses to support your recovery and growth.

Returning to your people involves:

Reconciliation: Mending broken relationships and rebuilding trust.

Accountability: Allowing others to support and challenge you in your growth.

Service: Using your experience to help others who are struggling.

Your bounce-back isn't a solo journey.

It requires humility, courage, and a willingness to lean on others.

Don't try to go it alone - return to your people, face your past, and let your comeback story inspire those around you.

Transition: But as we return and face our past, we have a responsibility...

3. Recount Your Testimony (Comfort w/ Jesus - the whooper)

Punchline: "Your story of bouncing back is someone else's hope for a new beginning."

Expound: Jesus instructs the man to share his testimony, not just for his own benefit, but for those still bound.

Let's break down the word "testimony":

Etymology: The word "testimony" comes from the Latin word "testimonium," which means "evidence" or "proof."

"Testi-" relates to "testify" or "attest," meaning to bear witness or give evidence. "-mony" is a suffix that forms nouns, often indicating a state, condition, or action.

Together, "testimony" means "bearing witness to a state or condition" - in this context, it's the act of declaring the condition that God has brought about in one's life.

Definition: In a religious context, a testimony is a public declaration of a personal experience with God or a spiritual truth.

Look at the text

Mark 5:15 (KJV) states: "And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."

This verse powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of the man's encounter with Jesus. Let's break it down:

From possessed to peaceful: The man who was once violently controlled by demons is now sitting calmly.

From naked to clothed: Previously, he likely tore off his clothes in his tormented state.

Now, he's properly dressed, symbolizing restored dignity.

When God bounces you back, you will be restored and have renewed dignity.

Because nakedness is a sign of humiliation, but covering is a sign of protection

From insane to "in his right mind": His mental state has been completely restored, showcasing the holistic healing Jesus provides.

Which means God is going to make sure you can maintain your deliverance

This dramatic change was so profound that it instilled fear in the onlookers.

It serves as a vivid picture of the "before and after" in a testimony, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's transformative power.

Psalm 96:3 - "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."

Isaiah 12:4 - "Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted."

Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Don't keep your story to yourself.

Share it boldly and watch how God uses it to inspire, encourage, and transform others.

The power of a testimony lies in its ability to spark hope and change in those who hear it.

I’ve seen the lightning flashing,

And heard the thunder roll;

I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing,

Trying to conquer my soul;

I’ve heard the voice of Jesus,

Telling me still to fight on;

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

Look at your neighbor and say neighbor

I’m About To Bounce Back

Conclusion

Family and friends, today is your day to declare, "I'm about to bounce back!" Recognize your deliverance, return to your people, and recount your testimony. Your bounce-back story is just beginning, and it's going to impact more lives than you can imagine. Let's bounce back together, for the glory of God!