Not so tough when facing Jesus... (Jam 2:19)

Lesson 3 Devotional: Jesus | He is the Torturer of Demons (Mark 5:1–13)

Mark 5:1–13 (NIV)1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 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. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 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!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 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.

Jesus’ Authority Over EvilIn this lesson, we explore the profound truth that Jesus is the torturer of demons—a reality that should embolden every Christian to live without fear, even when confronted by the most daunting challenges. The narrative from Mark 5 is a powerful testament to Jesus' absolute authority over evil spirits. The demons themselves, terrified at the mere presence of Jesus, begged Him not to torture them. This scene reveals the true nature of the battle we face: we follow a Savior who has total dominion over the forces of darkness.

The Enemy's TacticsWhile the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32:18 offers valuable insight into the enemy's tactics, the focus here is on Jesus, who not only confronts these forces but utterly defeats them. The demonic spirits, knowing their fate, begged Jesus for mercy, highlighting the power He wields over them. This authority is the same power that stands with us in our spiritual battles today.King Hezekiah’s situation provides a crucial backdrop to understanding how the enemy operates. After leading the people of Judah to a great spiritual victory by restoring their commitment to God, Hezekiah was met with a significant threat from the king of Assyria. This attack wasn’t just a military maneuver; it was a psychological assault aimed at demoralizing the people of Judah. The Assyrian king used intimidation, attempting to terrify the people and distract Hezekiah from his mission to lead Judah in faithfulness to God.

Spiritual Warfare in Our LivesThis tactic is all too familiar in our spiritual lives. Often, after we experience a spiritual high—such as a powerful devotional time with God—we find ourselves immediately confronted with conflict, whether it’s within our families, at work, or in other areas of our lives. Just as the Assyrian king sought to undermine Hezekiah’s leadership by sowing fear, the enemy tries to destabilize us after moments of spiritual victory, hoping to divert us from our mission to love and shepherd those around us.However, spiritual warfare is not limited to direct confrontations with evil spirits; it often manifests in our relationships and daily interactions, especially within our families. As Christians, we are called to be shepherds like Jesus, guiding and protecting those under our care. This shepherding role becomes especially critical when we face challenges within our families.

The Role of the Good ShepherdThere are times when we encounter tension and conflict in our close relationships—whether with a spouse, children, or others we deeply care about. In these moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation or to mistakenly see the other person as the enemy. But as believers, we must remember that our true battle is not against flesh and blood. The frustrations, anger, and conflicts that arise are often symptoms of deeper spiritual battles.In these instances, we are called to respond as Jesus would, with the heart of a good shepherd. Jesus, the torturer of demons, also exemplifies what it means to protect, guide, and care for those under His care. When faced with familial challenges, we must approach them not merely as conflicts to be resolved but as spiritual battles to be fought with the same authority and love that Jesus demonstrated.

Standing Firm in ChristPrayer, patience, and a steadfast commitment to God’s truth are our weapons in these battles. Just as Jesus cast out the demons and brought peace to the man in the tombs, we too can bring peace and resolution to our families by relying on the power of Christ. The enemy might try to sow discord and fear, but we can stand firm and hold our ground with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11, 13), knowing that we have the power to tear down the strongholds that stand in our way as we finish the mission Jesus has for us, confident that He has already won the victory.

You can take your stand! (2Cor 10:4-5)

As you navigate these challenges, whether in your own life or in helping others, remember that your role as a shepherd is to guide your loved ones through the storm, pointing them to Jesus, who has the power to calm even the most turbulent seas. The key is to keep your focus on Christ, understanding that the conflicts you face are not just about the immediate circumstances but are part of a larger spiritual battle.

The Victory is SecuredThis lesson is designed to encourage you not only to recognize the authority of Jesus over demons but also to apply this understanding in your everyday life, especially in your relationships. By embodying the role of the good shepherd, you can help lead those you care about through their struggles, armed with the confidence that Jesus, the torturer of demons, is with you every step of the way.Remember, no matter what comes against you, whether it’s external opposition or internal family strife, you have nothing to fear. Jesus has already overcome, and with Him on your side, you are equipped to be both a warrior and a shepherd, leading others into the peace and victory that only He can provide.

Walking As Jesus Did: Practical ApplicationHow can we apply what we learned today to walk as Jesus did? In our efforts to serve and love our flock, we will face attacks from the evil one. In the same way Jesus relied on the power of God, so can we. Here are some practical steps.

1Look to Jesus: Immediately say a prayer to God in your heart, just as Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1:12 when she was at the temple praying in anguish of heart. Pray for strength, wisdom, or whatever you need in the moment.
2Recite Scripture: Speak a memory verse or passage in your mind that strengthens you in the moment. This helps to combat the enemy’s lies with God’s truth—the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17).
3Return to the Word: As soon as possible, spend time reading the Bible, especially where you left off in the Gospels. This is crucial for major attacks, providing the spiritual nourishment needed to stand firm and to keep moving forward.

Lesson 3 Training Tips: Overcoming Conflicts with Jesus

Getting More from Your Study of the GospelsThese insights aim to build your faith, deepen your understanding, and encourage practical application of God’s Word.

1Create a Journal: Nothing fancy—just get a spiral notebook or use a note-taking app on your phone. This will be your "field notebook" for recording spiritual needs, insights, and other things that arise in your daily walk with God.
2Capture the Conflicts: When a conflict or troubling situation arises during your day, ignore it and stay focused. If it distracts you again, ignore it once more. If it persists, jot it down in your journal. During your next Bible study, see how the Holy Spirit guides you on these matters directly through the Word of God!
3Focus on Jesus: Be aware of conflicts, but keep your focus on Jesus and His Word. As you read the Gospels, note how Jesus addresses similar issues. When those troubles arise again, redirect your thoughts to the relevant passage. Take your thoughts captive (2Cor 10:4-5), and let the conflict trigger God’s Word, not stress. This is how you renew your mind in Christ!

Lesson 3: Jesus | With Him, We Can Overcome Evil (Mark 5:1-13)

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