SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Jesus and the Unclean spirits


Mark 5:1–13 | Jesus Is Greater

Introduction:

There is a real spiritual battle taking place in the world around us. Scripture tells us that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, and sometimes we can underestimate just how destructive spiritual darkness can be. But the good news of the gospel is that no darkness is greater than the authority of Jesus. In Mark 5:1–13, Jesus encounters a man whose life has been completely devastated by spiritual affliction. What happens next reveals not only the destructive power of the enemy, but the unmatched authority of Jesus. This passage reminds us that Jesus is greater than the enemy, that no one is beyond redemption, and that recognizing Jesus as Lord means submitting our lives to Him.

Read Mark 5:1–13 out loud in your group.



Discussion Questions:

Part 1: The Enemy Comes to Destroy

Mark 5:1–5

  1. Think about a time when you encountered someone who was really struggling or going through a difficult season. How did you respond? Was your first instinct to move toward them or keep your distance?

  2. Mark describes this man's life as one of isolation, destruction, and hopelessness. He was living among the tombs, separated from his community, and hurting himself. What stands out to you most about the way Mark describes his condition?

  3. Read John 10:10. Jesus describes the enemy as one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. How does this man's story illustrate what Jesus is talking about? What are some ways we can see the destructive work of the enemy in the world around us?

  4. Read Ephesians 6:12. What does it mean to understand that our struggle is not ultimately against flesh and blood? How might this change the way we view difficult people or situations?

  5. Sometimes we are more comfortable keeping our distance from broken people than getting close enough to help them. Why do you think that is? How can we learn to see people through the lens of God's desire to redeem them rather than simply through their brokenness?

Part 2: Jesus Is Greater Than the Enemy

Mark 5:6–13

  1. Notice the contrast between Mark 4:41 and Mark 5:7. In the previous story, the disciples are asking who Jesus is. In this story, the demons immediately recognize Him as the Son of the Most High God. What do you think Mark is trying to show us through this contrast?

  2. The demons knew who Jesus was, but that didn't mean they belonged to Him. Read James 2:19. What is the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and genuinely trusting and surrendering your life to Him? Why is this distinction important for Christians today?

  3. The demons identify themselves as "Legion," suggesting a multitude of unclean spirits. Yet Jesus doesn't struggle with them, negotiate with them, or call upon someone greater. They actually have to ask His permission. What does this interaction teach us about the authority of Jesus?

  4. Read Colossians 1:15–17 and Colossians 2:15. What do these passages teach us about Jesus and His authority over the spiritual realm? How should having a bigger view of Jesus change the way we think about spiritual warfare?

  5. There are two unhealthy extremes when it comes to spiritual warfare: acting as though the spiritual realm doesn't exist or becoming so preoccupied with it that we live in fear. Why do you think Christians can fall into either of these extremes? What would a healthy, biblical perspective look like?

Part 3: Recognizing Jesus as Lord Means Submitting to Him

Mark 5:6–13

  1. Read Luke 6:46. Jesus asks, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" It's possible to recognize Jesus' authority without actually submitting to it. What are some ways people can acknowledge Jesus as Lord with their words but resist His leadership in their lives?

  2. Is there an area of your life where you know what Jesus asks of you, but you have struggled to obey? What would it look like to genuinely surrender that area to His authority?

  3. Read Romans 8:38–39. Paul reminds us that neither angels nor demons nor any other spiritual power can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. How does this promise encourage you when you think about the reality of spiritual warfare?

  4. As we wrap up, consider these three truths from today's passage:

  • Never underestimate the reality of spiritual darkness.

  • Never underestimate the authority of Jesus.

  • Don't just recognize Jesus as Lord. Submit to Him as Lord.

Which of these three truths do you most need to be reminded of right now, and why?