TITLE: A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
TEXT: MATTHEW 8:28-34
INTRODUCTION
A. Jesus’ Movements
B. Evidence of Jesus’ Power and Authority
C. Jesus journeys to region of Gadarenes
DEMON POSSESSED MAN (Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)
A. Problem met Jesus (Luke 5:2)
B. Insurmountable Conditions
1. Many demons (legion)
2. Extremely fierce
3. Possessed man for a long time
DEMON POSSESSED MAN HEALED
A. Demons begged for mercy
B. Demons cast into swine
C. Man was cleansed, clothed and in his right mind
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY LOST
A. The herdsmen
1. The herdsmen fled to tell others
2. The herdsmen testified how the man was delivered from the demons
3. The herdsmen testified how the pigs ran into the water and was drowned
4. Instead of running to the town, they should have run to Jesus to be blessed
B. The townspeople
1. They came out to meet Jesus
2. They were afraid of Jesus
3. They asked Jesus to leave
4. Instead of begging Jesus to leave, they should have begged Jesus to stay
THERE IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR US
A. We live in insurmountable times
B. We are Jesus’ Arms, Hands, Legs, and Feet (Philippians 2:13)
C. There is an opportunity for us to receive from Jesus
D. There is an opportunity for us to minister Jesus to others (Mark 5:20; Luke 8:39)
E. Therefore, Instead of us turning from Jesus, we should turn to Jesus
