3. Deliverance From Bondage

LOOKING BACK

Care:

Share how you are doing.
Practice generosity.

Worship:

Worship together in song and prayer.

Celebrate Faithfulness:

Encourage one another in victories.

Cast Vision:

Encourage each other to be committed
followers of Christ.

LOOKING UP

+ Context

Human trafficking, addiction, escapism. There are many types of slavery in our world today. The Bible teaches us that humanity is enslaved to sin, but it also teaches that freedom can be found. In this story, watch Mary, enslaved and possessed by demons, encounter Jesus’ authority and power.

Show. Watch the segment twice.
Tell. Ask a member of the group to tell the story of the segment in their own words.
Complete. Allow the group to fill in any gaps in the story or make any corrections.
Discuss. Group Discussion. Note: It is not necessary to complete all questions.

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¹After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ²and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;

What did you like the most about the story? What caught your attention?
How was Mary’s enslavement affecting her personally and in her community?
What does Jesus’ response to Mary reveal about Him?
How was Mary transformed after being freed by Jesus?

Going Deeper (further discussion if time allows)...:

Why is it significant that the demons knew who Jesus was, calling Him “the Holy One of God?”
What do you think the onlookers thought about Jesus after seeing Him free Mary?
Imagine you were Mary in the story. How do you think you would have felt
towards Jesus?

+ Conclusion:

Meditate on the freedom Mary experienced in the story. Remember the clarity in her eyes after being freed, the gratitude she expressed and the transformation of her whole life. Can you believe this is the same woman from the beginning of the
segment? Imagine the relief of Jesus setting you free from your bondages and
enslavement. How do you wish to be made new? Allow Him to take the weight you are carrying off your shoulders and follow Him.

Consider Jesus.

LOOKING FORWARD

Apply:

How did God demonstrate Himself as trustworthy?
How will you apply what you’ve learned about God?

Practice:

Practice telling the story to one another.

Who will you share this story with?

Pray

Thank God for what you learned.
Pray for one another.
Pray for others in the community.

3.

Deliverance From Bondage