The Magnificent Maniac
lass=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1) 3-29-09…AM…SBC 2) “The Magnificent Maniac”
Mark 5:1-20
Matthew 8:28-34—Luke 8:26-39
Introduction: Recap of events
1- Jesus has been teaching and showing the people that He is the Mediator of God’s Kingdom
2- We have found Christ not only teaching on the distinctiveness of the Kingdom, but also backing up that teaching with demonstrations of power and authority (calming the storm – 4:35-41)
3- Jesus just calmed the storm that the disciples thought they were going to perish in and Christ challenges their faith
4- The level and depth of faith of those closest to Jesus Christ was revealed as being quite shallow – 4:40
5- I think this reveals that even though we possess saving faith, we many times still have a lack of faith
In the same way, this account teaches us that…
Proposition: Believer’s must be transformed by trust.
Pray
Transition: First of all in this story the reader is confronted with…
1) Christ’s Authority v1-13
A- The other side of the Sea of Galilee Matt. - Gadarenes Mk/Lk – Gerasenes – Origen - Gerasenes
B- Jesus stepped out of the boat and was met by a man that was possessed by demons
1- v3-5 – lived in tombs—bound with chains—broke chains—crying out—cutting himself
2- Could not be “subdued” – to tame an wild animal—and yet Christ loved Him
Application Point: Here is a man that was unlovable and needy and yet Jesus showed mercy on Him – v19
· Do you have heart for people?—Do you have a heart to show mercy or cast judgment on people
· Have you trained yourself to notice the needs of others?—Are you training your kids to notice needs?
· Don’t just notice the need but ask, “What can I do to help?” – Philippians 2:3 (fight selfishness)
C- The Dialogue with the demons v7-12
1- These demons recognize Jesus for who He is and call Him by His title signifying the demons recognition of the superiority of God the Father over themselves
2- they realized they were powerless against Jesus – they had to have Jesus’ permission v13
· the unpardonable sin (3:26) – Satan is not divided – Christ is superior!
3- Pigs: the true miracle here is not what happened to the pigs but to the man v12-13
Summary:
Ø In this section we, once again, see the display of Christ’s authority
Ø This display of authority must bring us to our knees in worship and reverence of God’s Son
Transition: Secondly we see…
2) Christ’s Effect v15-20
A- On the towns people
1- The report of the herdman was so unbelievable that many people went to investigate the incident for themselves.[1]
2- They saw the demon possess mind like they had never seen him before and they were afraid
3- What were they afraid of?
- Because of their superstitions they were terrified by anyone who had such enormous power, and they begged Jesus to go away. [2]
- Ironically they feared Jesus more than they did the demoniac and cared more for their pigs than for a fellow human being.[3]
What should have been the result?
Initial sadness because of the loss of the pigs would have been natural. But should not they had responded differently?
- More concerned over the loss of personal property than over someone in need.
- They were selfish. – they should have thought more about others
- They should have embraced the man who was now
- They should have brought their sick and handicapped to Jesus to be healed?
- They have begged Jesus to stay a while longer in their midst, in order to impart blessings for body and soul? Cf. John 4:40.[4]
B- on the man (contrast to v3-5)
1- The man’s composure obviously made a more positive impression on Jesus’ disciples than on the local residents. [5]
2- He was transformed by the power of Jesus – clothed and acting sensibly
3- The healed man begged to go with Jesus, but Jesus wanted him to stay and be a missonary
4- He had the right desire of any true disciple – to be with and to know Jesus
Transition: We have been presented two different approaches in responding to Christ – belief and unbelief
We have been presented with evidence for the unique deity of Jesus Christ
But what will we do? What will be Christ’s effect on us
Conclusion / Application:
1- 1 Corinthians 5:17 type of transformation – radical amputation will lead to significant transformation
2- God will for us is that we be transformed by the power of the Gospel
3- Transformation begins with trust
· Centering your life on Jesus Christ-God’s demands perfection—you can’t meet it on your own w/out faith
· The answer to your spiritual problems is Jesus Christ – let him transform your heart – look and live
Believers:
· faith is not just confined to the beginning of our Christian life – Galatians 2:20
· transformation comes by self-confrontation (the hardest kind of confrontation)
· Transformation comes by continually submitting the Jesus Christ - Hebrews 11:6
Have you made a clear break from the ruling power of sin in your life?
Can you look back over the last couple of years and see a pattern of growth in godliness?
If you haven’t and can’t then maybe your not really being transformed into the likeness of Christ
If you can, then continue in your love for Christ by knowing that God is being glorified through your life
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[1]John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985), 2:123.
[2]James A. Brooks, vol. 23, Mark, electronic e., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 91.
[3]James A. Brooks, vol. 23, Mark, electronic e., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 91.
[4]William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, vol. 10, New Testament Commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Mark, Accompanying Biblical Text Is Author's Translation., New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-2001), 196.
[5]James A. Brooks, vol. 23, Mark, electronic e., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 91.