WEDNESDAY

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:1-20

If we can imagine how surprised the disciples were about what had happened in Samaria (which we noticed yesterday), we can be pretty sure that they would have been shocked (and maybe even a bit terrified) at what they encountered in the region of the Gerasenes! The woman at the well may have been a Samaritan (which would have been bad enough for most Jews), but the demon-possessed man (or men, if you read Matthew’s account) living among the tombs would have been shocking! Here is a person who appeared to be completely out of control, perhaps even dangerous both to himself and others. All he is able to do is somehow get to where Jesus came ashore. Jesus pretty well takes care of everything else. Demons are confronted, expelled, and that man is left with his “right mind” restored to him once again. His greatest desire now is to simply be with Jesus, and he begs to go with him. Jesus responds by telling him that, instead, he can go home now and simply tell others of the mercy he had received from God. As you reflect on what the experience of faith was like for this man and how his story unfolded, think about the following:

• What role did the man’s ability to ask for what he needed play in the help that he received from Jesus?

• When Jesus asked the demon for its name, the demon responded, “Legion, for we are many.” Have you ever felt the weight of feeling like you are trying to be different people in different situations, instead of one, integrated person of integrity? How can trusting God help us be more in our “right minds”?

• What does “faith” look like in the experience of this healed man? Was it something he did that God responded to, or something he received that he was grateful for?

• What if faith is not our ability to hang on to God, but rather our willingness to let God hang on to us, and to not try to wiggle out of God’s embrace?

• What kind of faith was involved in the man’s willingness to accept Jesus’ response to his request to go with Jesus?

• As you reflect on this story, what parts of it are you the most drawn to or relate to the most? Why do you think that is?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart and mind as you reflect on this story that describes what faith looks like.