Escaping the messiness of life is not something any of us are exempt from.  Whether it’s past mistakes and regrets or present failures, we can often feel disqualified from God’s care and affection. 

But what if you’re wrong? What if the God that we often give up on has never given up on you?

I want to look at the outrageous story in Matthew 8 that proves that nothing is too broken for God to heal and that His relentless love and compassion can not only transform your life, but can offer you a newfound hope and unexpected purpose for your life.

[Mat 8:28-34 NLT]

“When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.

29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” 30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.” 32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.”

1. Jesus has the authority of God

[Acts 2:22 NLT]

“People of Israel, Listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus, the Nazarene, by doing powerful miracles, wonders and signs through him as you well know.“

[Isaiah 35:4-6 NLT]

“Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” 5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. 6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.”

2.  Jesus came to Rescue broken people

Warren Wiersbe “The Bible Exposition Commentary”  “This dramatic incident is most revealing. It shows what Satan does for a man: robs him of sanity and self-control; fills him with fears; robs him of the joys of home and friends; and (if possible) condemns him to an eternity of judgment.  It also reveals what society does for a man in need; restrains him, isolates him, threatens him, but society is unable to change him. Christ came to them, He delivered them by the power of His Word. He restored them to sanity, society and services.”

[Matthew 9:10-13 NLT]

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” 12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

 3. Jesus Rescues People to Rescue People

[Mark 5:18-20 NLT]

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.”

The decision to trust/obey God when life turns out differently than we planned, can become the platform by which God would be most glorified in our lives. Jesus turns our scars into amazing stories.

Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?