HE CAn HAndle it
Jesus has a remarkable way of handling or fixing the things that are deemed too hard for us. He brings peace to the troubled heart and comfort to the broken spirit. His love is unconditional, and his mercy knows no bounds. Though we face challenges, whether physical, spiritual or mental, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus can handle it.
#1 Shame: A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. #2 Torment: There are two types of torment, one physical and the other mental. a. Physical Torment- the state of being physically demon possessed. We see this all throughout the Gospels, Jesus casting out and freeing people who were being physically oppressed by demonic spirit(s), like the man possessed by “Legion” in our text. b. Mental Torment- Mental torment is a debilitating mental state of captivity. This form of bondage or mental prison prohibits one from moving forward, this can manifest in the form of deep shame, chronic hopelessness, restless anxiety, or fear. #3 Fear: Fear can be seen as a subdivision of torment. This fear cripples and keeps one from progressing or reaching their full potential. It can also sometimes rob you of your blessing. #4 Guilt: The devil has a way of reminding us of our past sins, even after we have repented and given them to God; causing us to revisit the guilt and condemnation we once felt. #5 Lack of Knowledge: Ignorance is the lack of knowledge or information. When we don’t take the time to know God for ourselves or don’t understand who we are in Christ; the devil can use that to his advantage. a. Hosea 4:6 #6 Unbelief: When we don’t believe in the fullness of who God says He is, it causes a huge rift. Unbelief starts with doubt and doubt unresolved becomes unbelief.
Jesus Handles Shame
a. The bleeding woman is healed and Jesus calls her his daughter- Mark 5:25–29 b. Zaccheus is presented back to the community as a “son of Abraham”- Luke 19:9 c. The prodigal son in the story is welcomed back into the family- Luke 15:21–32 d. Jesus handled our shame- Hebrews 9:11-14
Jesus Handles Torment
a. Physical Torment i. Jesus is bad news for demons but good news for us- Matthew 17:14-18 b. Mental Torment i. Jesus restores Peter, thus handling his mental torment- John 21:15-19 ii. Peter’s story of restoration is a vast contrast to the fate of JudasMatthew 27:3-5
Jesus Handles Fear a. Jesus gives us peace in exchange for our fear- John 14:27 b. Jesus is overly concerned about us- Luke 12:7 Jesus Handles Guilt
a. Jesus has freed us from condemnation- Romans 8:1-2 b. Through Jesus, we are always in right standing with God- 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus Handles Lack of Knowledge
a. Jesus teaches Nicodemus Kingdom Principles- John 3:1-21; such an impression is made on Nicodemus that he aids Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus’ body for burial after the crucifixion.
Jesus Handles Unbelief
a. Jesus compels Thomas to believe- John 20:24-29 b. Jesus acts in our lives to help our unbelief- Mark 9:21-27
Journal It Have you ever or are you currently struggling with any of these? Circle ALL that apply. (1) Shame (2) Torment (3) Fear (4) Guilt (5) Lack of Knowledge (6) Unbelief If you’re not currently struggling with one of these, write down something with which you’re struggling, or the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to face that you’re still holding on to. (i.e. unforgiveness, church hurt, worry, etc.)
Today’s Activity Step 1: Write your “Journal It” on the water bottle . How long have you been holding on to this? Step 2: While holding the water bottle in one hand (with ALL five fingers), try tying the string around the wrist of your partner, making a bow. Step 3: Discussion: Were you able to complete the task? Why or Why not? Step 4: Empty the water from your bottle in the trash can labeled “Let it Go.” Step 5: Throw the empty bottle in the trashcan labeled “It’s Handled.” Step 6: Repeat Step 2, but this time, with both hands free. Step 7: Discussion: Describe your experience.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31