What Jesus Did! 'Frightened?' — Mark 5:14-15

Sunday, March 24, 2024

[After Jesus cast the evil spirits out of the man and into the pigs, the] herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.
— Mark 5:14-15 NLT

Key Thought

Let's be honest. Most people don't believe that an old dog can learn new tricks, that a leopard can change its spots, or that people can really change. When they find someone who has been truly and dramatically changed, they are curious and sometimes even frightened. In this story, the people from the surrounding countryside apparently thought, "If Jesus has the power to change someone so radically bad who is under the control of evil, what kind of changes might he bring to someone like me?" Jesus does bring change... real change... transformational change... good change. So we must ask ourselves, "Do I want to change? Do I want Jesus to have his way with me?" You see, change can be scary! So, dear friend, be assured that if you invite Jesus into your world and offer him control of your life, changes will occur. Not everyone will see those changes as good changes. Don't be afraid! The changes Jesus makes in your life are for your eternal good!

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, please unleash Jesus' power in my life to change me in ways that drive out the evil, the bad, and the influence of Satan while unleashing the power of your Holy Spirit who brings about the fruit of your righteousness. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Revelation 3:14-22
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 5:14-15 NLT — He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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