Jesus frees a demon-possessed man
26 Jesus and his disciples sailed to the Gerasenes’ land, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a certain man met him. The man was from the city and was possessed by demons. For a long time, he had lived among the tombs, naked and homeless. 28 When he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down before him. Then he shouted, “ What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me! ” 29 He said this because Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had taken possession of him, so he would be bound with leg irons and chains and placed under guard. But he would break his restraints, and the demon would force him into the wilderness.
30 Jesus asked him, “ What is your name? ”
“ Legion, ” he replied, because many demons had entered him. 31 They pleaded with him not to order them to go back into the abyss.t32 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs. Jesus gave them permission, 33 and the demons left the man and entered the pigs. The herd rushed down the cliff into the lake and drowned.
34 When those who tended the pigs saw what happened, they ran away and told the story in the city and in the countryside. 35 People came to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully dressed and completely sane. They were filled with awe. 36 Those people who had actually seen what had happened told them how the demon-possessed man had been delivered. 37 Then everyone gathered from the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and returned across the lake. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged to come along with Jesus as one of his disciples. Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “ Return home and tell the story of what God has done for you. ” So he went throughout the city proclaiming what Jesus had done for him.
Tested and proven resources for student-led Senior High youth groups Synago (syn-AH-go) is the Greek word together." It is the root word of "synagogue, " a place where people come together to worship and to learn the life-giving faith. In Synago, Senior High youth find a place among friends who come together to worship and to learn. Each study in the series provides 16 sessions for student-led small groups and includes the necessary information for setting up and maintaining healthy cell groups. This small-group design calls for two student leaders, one or two adult "encouragers, " and up to six additional youth members--usually friends--both churched and unchurched. When the group reaches ten, it splits. The two new groups then grow again to ten. The model (often called "cell groups") has proven effective and is especially appealing to senior highs because it teaches them leadership, encourages them to invite others, creates a safe place of spiritual intimacy, and deals with integrating Bible, life, and faith. A Student Leaders Guide is also available.
Small-Group Sessions include: Who Are We?Get RealState of AlertNormal? What's NormalReply SoonThe Challenge of ChurchWWF: Wildly Walkin' in FaithFriends for the JourneyHome-Time HasslesJesus Jaw Droppers: Story 1Jesus Jaw Droppers: Story 2Jesus Jaw Droppers: Story 3The Lust FactorI Can't Handle the Pressure!Open Before Christmas: Part 1Open Before Christmas: Part 2
Need help selecting the appropriate Curriculum Resource?Be sure to check out our Curriculum Finder to help you find the right resources for your group.