From Chains to Mission

Hello & Greeting

Prayer Requests

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Message

Me

You ever notice how people love to give you labels?

When I got my first car — I earned a nickname with my co-workers that stuck way longer than I’d hoped. My first car was a gift from my great-grandfather. He’d stopped driving a few years before I got my license — and so it was handed down to me. And you know the saying, “You don’t look a gift horse in the mouth?” Well — the thought applies to a free car.

CAR GRAPHIC

It was a white 1983 Chrysler Cordoba. Now — I’m told in the 70’s and 80’s — this thing was peak luxury — it was the car to have. In 2006 — when you’re desperately trying to impress your friends — not so much.

And so my co-workers decided to call me “hooptie”. …and it stuck. Even after I got rid of this car and finally got something I picked out myself — which — by the way was a five-speed Toyota Celica — which was way cooler — I didn’t outlive that nickname — and they still called me “hooptie”.

But it’s funny how priorities change when you grow up because in today’s age of crazy-expensive vehicles and soaring interest rates — that paid off hooptie doesn’t look so bad anymore.

BACK TO “CROSSROADS” GRAPHIC

Sometimes those labels are harmless and funny… but sometimes the labels stick and make us feel heavier. See — I’ve had seasons in my life where I felt like I was being defined by the wrong thing. Maybe it was mistakes — maybe it was my weaknesses — and maybe it was just what other people thought about me.

If you’ve ever been there — you know know that the longer you live with a label — the more you start to believe it’s the truest thing about you.

It’s like carrying around these invisible chains. You may look free on the outside, but on the inside — you’re locked up tight.

And here’s the thing — once you start to believe that label — you start to live like it’s true. You stop fighting. You stop hoping. And you stop believing like freedom is even possible.

That’s what chains do. They don’t just hold us back physically — they hold us back mentally — emotionally — and even spiritually.

We

And those chains may look different for each of us — but if we’re honest — I think we can all agree we know what it feels like to be chained up, right?

For some of us — it’s an addiction. That thing you swore you’d never go back to again — but it keeps pulling you back.

Maybe for others — it’s anger. That flash of rage you regret the second it comes out — but you just can’t seem to shut it off.

For some — it’s shame. You replay that mistake in your head — and it feels like a chain around your neck that won’t let you forget.

And for others — maybe it’s the fear of other people’s opinions. You don’t even need physical chains when you’re living for approval all the time.

But we don’t call them chains. We call them “habits”… or “coping mechanisms” … or “personality quirks.” But if we’re honest — a lot of us are living more bound than free.

And here’s the cruel part — the world isn’t much help. See, most of the time, the world would rather restrain you in those chains than restore you. And the world will slap a label on you instead of offering freedom.

You might hear things like:

“Oh, she’s always been like that.”

Or, “He’ll never change.”

Or maybe, “That family’s messed up — don’t bother.”

But here’s the truth — every one of us has been bound by something. And every one of us has a place where we’ve wondered if we’ll ever be free.

God

But the good news is that Jesus doesn’t just see the chains — He sees the person underneath. And when He shows up — the chains don’t get the last word.

This morning we’re continuing in our “Crossroads” series — where we’re exploring four encounters with Jesus from the book of Mark. Last week — we met a paralyzed man who had an encounter with Jesus that nobody expected. This man was coming to Jesus for physical healing — but he walked away — literally — not just with physical healing — but with spiritual healing through forgiveness.

This morning we’re in Mark Chapter 5.

As you’re turning there — we’re about to meet a man who was struggling. He was possessed by demons. Society had written him off — he was isolated — he was broken — and he was at the end of his rope.

But Jesus’ interaction with this man wasn’t more shame and fear — Jesus offered healing. Let’s take a look:

Exposition

Mark Chapter 5 — starting in verses 1-5:

vv. 1-5

Mark 5:1–5 NIV

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

Just imagine walking past that graveyard at night and hearing this man cry out. Imagine parents holding their children closer — warning them not to go near the tombs.

When Jesus steps off the boat here — He’s entering enemy ground — spiritually speaking. Gerasenes is Gentile territory. To the Jewish people — these followers of Jesus — this land is considered “unclean”: it’s full of unclean practices — unclean animals — and unclean tombs. To them — this is about as far from God’s presence as you can be. In other words — Jesus steps onto ground that no respectable rabbi would dare to go. But Jesus doesn’t care about the opinions of the world — He cares about bringing freedom to people.

And so from this “unclean land” — comes an unclean man.

Mark describes him here:

He lives among the tombs.

He’s violent — and out of control — and terrifying the community.

They tried to chain him up — but he ripped the chains apart.

He cries out day and night.

And he cuts himself with stones.

This man isn’t just an outcast — he’s a living reminder that evil has set up camp right outside town.

This man is living in bondage: physically — emotionally — and spiritually. He’s not just oppressed — he’s possessed. Everybody else gave up on him. And the world chained him up.

Some of us know what that feels like. Maybe you’re not living in a graveyard — but you’re feeling dead inside. You’re not bound by shackles — but you’re chained to something you can’t shake.

That’s what this man is experiencing. But Jesus is about to set him free:

vv. 6-8

Mark 5:6–8 NIV

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

Notice here: the demons recognize Jesus’ authority before anybody else does. The disciples are still figuring him out. The crowds are still guessing. But Hell already knows exactly who He is.

Isn’t it wild that the demons bow quicker than the disciples?

Peter’s still trying to figure out where to put his sandals — and these demons already know how to hit the floor!

Think about that — the very things that torment us know they don’t stand a chance against Him. The chains of addiction — the lies of shame — the grip of fear — they act like they own us — but the moment Jesus steps onto the scene — they have to bow down.

Even Hell can’t help but bend its knee when Jesus shows up.

What you thought had locked you up forever? What you thought you’d never break free from? Hell may have staked a claim on it — but the authority of Christ means those chains start rattling. Because when Jesus shows up — chains don’t just weaken — they fall.

vv. 9-10

Mark 5:9–10 NIV

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

That name — “Legion” — it holds significance. A Roman legion could be up to six-thousand soldiers — a terrifying and unstoppable force. That’s what’s going on inside this man. But notice — it’s not Jesus who’s begging here — it’s the legion. Thousands against One — and the One is still in charge.

Don’t miss this: the man who had everybody else trembling is now trembling himself before the authority of Christ. The demons that chained him — that terrorized him — that broke him — they’re the ones begging for mercy now.

That’s the shift when Jesus steps in.

What once looked unshakable starts to shake.

What once looked unbearable starts to beg.

Because the chains that hold us don’t get the final word — the Savior Who breaks them does.

vv. 11-12

Mark 5:11–12 NIV

A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.”

So these demons — the ones nobody could control — they’re begging not to be tormented. They’re begging to not be sent away.

And these pigs — it’s not just coincidence and convenient timing that they’re here. See — for the Jewish people — pigs are the ultimate symbol of uncleanness. They aren’t just animals you avoid eating — they represent everything impure about Gentile culture. So when Mark tells us there’s a massive herd of pigs here — it’s his way of saying, “This place couldn’t be more spiritually defiled. And yet — that’s exactly where Jesus chooses to go.” And it’s a reminder — that Jesus isn’t afraid to walk into the middle of our mess, either.

v. 13

Mark 5:13 NIV

He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

So why send the demons into the pigs? Well — evil can’t help but destroy. It always looks for something to inhabit — to twist — and to destroy. And when Jesus grants permission — it proves He’s still the one in charge. Even their destruction only happens under His authority.

I mean — picture it: two thousand pigs — squealing — stampeding — crashing into the water. This hillside is trembling under the weight of evil fleeing from the presence of Jesus. Also — some poor farmer is just standing there, like, “Well, there goes my retirement.”

It’s chaos for a moment — but it’s also crystal clear: the demons are gone — the chains are broken — and the man is free. The very spirits that once dragged him into the tombs just drown in the see.

Hell lost its grip — and it lost it loudly. This is a public display of Jesus’ authority. These pigs aren’t just a random detail — they’re visible proof. The demons are gone. That’s what freedom looks like when Jesus speaks a word. And when Jesus sets us free — He makes it clear the old masters don’t own us anymore.

And look at how the people respond:

vv. 14-15

Mark 5:14–15 NIV

Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

Everybody runs off to tell the town what happened. And when they come back — they see a man who use to terrify them. But now — something’s different:

He’s sitting — no longer restless.

He’s dressed — with his dignity restored.

And he’s in his right mind — clarity and peace where chaos used to reign.

This is a total transformation. Jesus doesn’t just calm him down — He restores him — completely.

“JESUS DOESN’T JUST TAME US” GRAPHIC

See Jesus doesn’t do halfway freedom. He doesn’t just tame us. He transforms us.

When Jesus steps in — we don’t just get our chains loosened — we get a brand-new life. The old identity dies — and something new entirely begins.

See — the people of the town see a man that they thought was beyond saving — now restored. But heaven sees a preview of resurrection — a man who had been as good as dead as now fully alive.

That’s why Paul would later write in 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

That’s the picture of what a new life in Christ looks like — freedom — and peace — and hope.

And you’d think these people who’ve witnessed this would celebrate, right? I mean — they’ve gotta be saying, “Finally, somebody got this man some pants!”

Wrong. Now, they’re afraid. Take a look:

vv. 16-17

Mark 5:16–17 NIV

Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

But this doesn’t make any sense, right? You’d expect a party to break out. This man’s been the community’s nightmare. Parents told their kids to stay away from the tomb. Farmers avoided this stretch of land. He was the scary story people whispered about at night.

And now? He’s calm. And he’s clothed. And he’s in his right mind. People should be dancing in the streets.

But instead — they’re afraid. They’re begging Jesus to leave.

“FREEDOM DISRUPTS THE FAMILIAR” GRAPHIC

Why? Because freedom disrupts the familiar.

They had grown used to the crazy man in the tombs. And as awful as it was — it was predictable. They could chain him up — and keep him at a distance — and manage the problem. But when Jesus sets him free — it exposes a power they can’t control.

It’s like the light got flipped on in a dark room — and instead of celebrating — that they can finally see — they squint — and cover their eyes — and they beg for the light to be turned back off.

And isn’t that how we often respond? Sometimes we’d rather live with the bondage we understand than the freedom we can’t explain. Because real freedom means surrender, right? If Jesus can calm a a man like this — then He has authority over our life too. And that can be scarier than the chains.

Let’s be honest — how often do we do the same thing? We ask Jesus to heal our pain — but not touch our habits, right? We want Him to fix the problem — but not disrupt our priorities. We don’t mind a Savior — as long as He doesn’t act like Lord.

But for this man — he’s has found freedom — and he doesn’t care what the people think. Look at how he responds:

v. 18

Mark 5:18 NIV

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.

This man does what we’d all expect — he begs to stay with Jesus. And after years of torment — who wouldn’t want to cling to the One who brought peace.

But Jesus surprises him:

v. 19-20

Mark 5:19–20 NIV

Jesus did not let him, but said, “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.” 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.

Think about that. The same community that chained him up — the same neighbors who wrote him off as hopeless. The same families who told their kids to avoid the area at all costs. That’s exactly where Jesus sends him.

Yesterday — they couldn’t even walk past his street without fear. But today — he’s knocking on their door — clothed, calm, and preaching mercy.

Jesus doesn’t just free him from something — He frees him for something. His scars become his sermon. And his story becomes his assignment.

Mark says he went to the Decapolis — that’s an area of ten cities — and told everybody what Jesus had done for him. And the result? “All the people were amazed.”

Hell tried to silence him in the tombs. But Jesus turned him into a missionary.

Revelation 12:11 says:

Revelation 12:11 NIV

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;

That’s what happened here. His testimony becomes a weapon.

And that’s what happens with us, too.

Think about it — the very arms that once bore chains are now raised to testify about mercy. Those scars that marked his torment are now the proof of his deliverance. That’s the power of testimony: what once shamed you becomes what God uses to reach others.

And that’s the invitation for us, too. Because this isn’t just a story about one man in the tombs — it’s a picture of what Jesus wants to do in our lives.

You

So where do you find yourself in this story?

Maybe you’re the man in the tombs — not chained on the outside — but you feel chained on the inside. Addicted. Ashamed. Carrying guilt you can’t shake. And you wonder if freedom is even possible.

Maybe you’re the townspeople — more comfortable managing problems than trusting Jesus with them. Maybe you’ve been guilty of writing somebody off as “too far gone”. Maybe you’ve even convinced yourself that it’s safer to keep Jesus at a distance than let Him disrupt your life.

Or maybe you’re at the crossroad moment — you know Jesus has the authority to break your chains — and the question is — are you willing to step into that freedom?

Here’s the good news: the same Jesus who stepped into enemy territory — who walked straight into the tombs — who faced down a legion of demons — that Jesus is here — and He still speaks freedom today.

The only real question is this: Will we keep living in our chains? Or will we step into the freedom that He offers?

We

Now imagine with me — what if we truly believed this story is true — and lived it out?

What if we become people who never write somebody off as “too far gone”?

What if we refuse to see people by their labels — and instead see them by what Jesus can do in their ives?

What if — instead of living in these chains ourselves — we walked into that freedom that Christ offers?

It doesn’t matter your age — or your situation — or your circumstances — Jesus can help us shed those chains — and those labels — and truly experience hope and grace that can only be found in Him.

Picture it — stories of freedom that spill out of The Turning Pointe and into the community around us. And it doesn’t stop here — because Jesus didn’t just free this man — He sent him. Imagine a whole church full of people on mission — telling our city — and our neighborhoods — and our families — “Look what God has done for me. Look at His mercy.” Maybe we’d even have people amazed — just like in our passage today, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!?”

Because when the world tries to define people by a label — the church gets to point them to a new name in Christ.

Call to Repentance

That’s what the Gospel does in the lives of people. See — this man didn’t free himself. He didn’t break his own chains. And he didn’t crawl his way out of the tombs. Jesus stepped in — spoke a word — and set him free.

And listen — the same Jesus who crossed the lake — who stepped into enemy territory — who walked straight into the tombs — He’s still stepping into lives today. He still has authority over every chain — every shame — and every torment that holds us down.

But here’s the thing: freedom isn’t automatic. This man still had to respond. He still had to stand up — put on clothes — walk back into his community — and testify. And the same is true for us. Jesus can break the chains — but we have to walk into that freedom.

So maybe today is the day to stop managing your chains and let Jesus break them. Maybe today is the day you stop hiding in the tombs and ask Him to bring you back to life. Maybe today is the day you stop believing the labels the world has slapped on you: failure — unwanted — unworthy — and start believing the name Jesus gives you: forgiven — free — child of God.

That’s the Gospel. We don’t rescue ourselves. We don’t clean ourselves up first. We don’t break our own chains. We bring our bondage — and our shame — and our brokenness — and Jesus does what only He can do.

Church, don’t walk out of here today with those chains still holding you down.

Prayer

Communion