Witnessing for Jesus

June 17, 2024 Study Guides

Sermon Study Guide

“Crossing Barriers: Witnessing for Jesus”

Main Passage: Mark 4:35–5:20

How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide is designed for a variety of settings, including personal Bible study, small group discussions, Sabbath School classes, and family worship. Whether you are preparing for worship, leading a group, or sharing faith at home, you will find tools here to deepen your understanding of God’s Word and help you grow as a witness for Jesus.

📖 Scripture Focus – Key Bible passages to meditate on and memorize.
💭 Teaching Points – Core lessons and insights drawn from the sermon, unpacked with historical context, illustrations, and biblical cross-references.
❓ Discussion Questions – Thought-provoking questions to encourage reflection and lively group conversations.
✍️ Personal Application – Practical steps and spiritual challenges to help you live out the message in your daily life.

Session 1: Trusting Jesus in Life’s Storms (Mark 4:35-41)

Opening Scripture: “He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.” (Mark 4:39, NRSV)

Teaching Summary:

The setting is significant: Jesus and His disciples are crossing from Jewish territory into Gentile lands when a sudden storm threatens to swamp their boat. This was no ordinary storm; the geographical and meteorological conditions of the Sea of Galilee cause fierce, unpredicted squalls. The disciples, experienced fishermen, feared for their lives. This illustrates how even seasoned believers can face unexpected trials that test their faith deeply.
Jesus’ response is both remarkable and revealing. He is asleep amid the chaos, and the disciples wake Him with a desperate question: “Do you not care that we are perishing?” This question echoes our own doubts when life’s storms rage. It reminds us that it is natural to question God’s care during crises, yet Jesus is never unaware or indifferent to our struggles.
Jesus rebukes the wind with authority, using language usually reserved for commanding evil spirits. This shows His divine power over nature and spiritual forces. The calm that follows amazes the disciples and challenges them to examine their faith. Jesus asks, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” This question invites us to trust Him fully, even when circumstances look dire.
The disciples’ awe leads them to ask, “What manner of man is this?” Their question points to the heart of the gospel: Jesus is God incarnate, the Creator who holds all power. This passage calls us to recognize Jesus’ sovereignty in our lives and to place our trust in Him regardless of the storms we face.

Discussion Questions:

How have you experienced “storms” in your own life that challenged your faith?
Why do you think the disciples were so surprised by Jesus’ authority over the wind and waves?
What does Jesus’ question, “Have you still no faith?” mean to you personally?
How can knowing Jesus is sovereign over nature and spiritual forces increase our confidence in Him?

Personal Application:

Reflect on current challenges or fears you may have. Bring them to Jesus in prayer, trusting that He is in control even when you feel overwhelmed.
Memorize Mark 4:39 and meditate on it whenever you feel “storms” in your life.
Share with a trusted friend or family member a time when God calmed your fears or difficulties.

Session 2: Jesus Crosses Barriers for the Broken (Mark 5:1-20)

Opening Scripture: “When he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him.” (Mark 5:2, NRSV)

Teaching Summary:

Jesus intentionally crosses from Jewish, holy territory into Gentile, pagan land—the Decapolis—where Roman gods were worshipped. This journey was culturally and religiously significant because Jewish people of the time avoided contact with Gentiles. Jesus crosses physical and spiritual boundaries to reach the man tormented by many demons, showing that no barrier of ethnicity, ritual uncleanness, or brokenness can stop Jesus from seeking the lost.
The man’s condition is despairing: living among tombs, self-harming, physically and mentally broken, and untamed even by chains. This man represents those whom Satan has deeply oppressed, illustrating the destructive power of sin and demonization. Yet Jesus comes to bring healing and restoration, showing His power to redeem even the most desperate lives.
In confronting the demons, Jesus commands them to leave the man, demonstrating His authority over evil. The story confirms that Jesus never loses a battle with Satan. For believers, this is a powerful assurance: no darkness or bondage is beyond the reach of Christ’s healing grace.
Jesus’ healing results in economic loss for the local community—their large herd of pigs rushes into the sea and drowns. This illustrates a profound spiritual truth: human souls are worth more than material wealth. The community’s reaction—asking Jesus to leave—shows how often people prioritize possessions over salvation, a caution for us to evaluate what we truly value.
The healed man becomes the first missionary Jesus sends out to proclaim God’s mercy. Despite his lack of formal religious training or credentials, his testimony transforms his community. This highlights the power of personal witness and encourages all believers that God can use anyone who has experienced His grace to share the gospel effectively.

Discussion Questions:

What barriers—cultural, social, or personal—might keep us from reaching people in need like the demoniac?
How does Jesus’ willingness to cross those barriers challenge your own approach to witnessing?
Why do you think the local people valued the pigs more than the man’s life? What does this say about human priorities?
How can sharing your personal testimony be a powerful form of witnessing?
What fears or obstacles do you face when thinking about sharing your faith?

Personal Application:

Identify someone in your life who feels “unclean,” broken, or rejected—and pray for the courage to reach out to them with God’s love.
Write down your personal testimony, focusing on how Jesus has changed your life, and practice sharing it briefly with a friend or family member.
Consider any “pigs” or material things you may be valuing more than your relationship with God, and ask Him to help you reorder your priorities.

Session 3: The Value of Every Soul to God (Mark 5:11-17; Psalm 107:23-31)

Opening Scripture: “Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.” (Psalm 107:23-24, NRSV)

Teaching Summary:

The drowning of the swine, representing the local community’s wealth, emphasizes a deep spiritual truth: every person is infinitely more valuable to God than all the riches of this world. This story challenges us to recognize that God’s priorities are not measured by money but by the worth of human souls.
The Psalmist’s words in Psalm 107 echo the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’ authority over the storm. The psalm praises God for calming the tempest and rescuing those in distress. The disciples, familiar with these scriptures, would have understood that Jesus displayed the power of Yahweh Himself. This connection deepens our understanding of Jesus as the divine Savior and protector of His people.
God’s care extends to those in every kind of distress—those lost at sea, imprisoned, sick, or wandering in the desert of life. The passage reminds us that God hears our cries and is capable of delivering us from any trouble, further assuring us that no situation is beyond His reach.
Jesus’ mission is to rescue the lost sheep, the broken and the rejected. He values each one individually and is willing to cross boundaries, face rejection, and endure economic loss to bring salvation. This is a model for how we should value others and be willing to sacrifice for their salvation.

Discussion Questions:

How does the story of the drowned pigs challenge your perspective on material wealth versus spiritual well-being?
What can we learn from Psalm 107 about God’s response to people in distress?
In what ways does knowing Jesus as the divine rescuer affect how you face your personal hardships?
How can we imitate Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice for the salvation of others?

Personal Application:

Reflect on your priorities and ask God to help you place greater value on people than possessions.
Memorize Psalm 107:28-29 and use it to remind yourself of God’s power and care in times of trouble.
Look for opportunities this week to sacrificially serve or share the gospel with someone who is in spiritual or emotional distress.

Session 4: Faithfulness in Small Things and Spiritual Growth (Luke 16:10-11; Mark 5:18-20)

Opening Scripture: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much; and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10, NRSV)

Teaching Summary:

Jesus’ sending of the healed demoniac back to his community as a missionary shows that faithfulness in small things leads to greater spiritual responsibility. This man had no formal training, yet his personal testimony was powerful and effective. It reminds us that God can use anyone who is faithful and willing, regardless of background or status.
The passage from Luke teaches us that spiritual growth is connected to faithfulness in everyday responsibilities, including financial stewardship. Jesus links honesty with “dishonest wealth” to the ability to be entrusted with “true wealth,” meaning spiritual blessings. This challenges us to examine our integrity and faithfulness in all areas of life as a foundation for spiritual maturity.
Faithfulness in tithing is a practical expression of trust in God’s provision. It creates “space” in our lives for God to work and bless us, building our faith. The preacher’s testimony of God’s faithfulness when he and his wife decided to be faithful in tithing encourages us to make similar commitments and experience spiritual growth.
God’s call to faithfulness extends beyond finances to all areas of life. As we faithfully manage what He has entrusted to us, He will entrust us with greater blessings, including opportunities to witness and serve.

Discussion Questions:

What “small things” has God entrusted to you that you might sometimes overlook?
How does faithfulness in financial stewardship affect your spiritual life?
What fears or doubts might prevent you from being faithful in tithing or other responsibilities?
How can you encourage others to be faithful with what God has given them?
What lessons can we draw from the healed man’s obedience to Jesus’ command to witness?

Personal Application:

Evaluate your faithfulness in small areas such as time management, finances, and daily devotions. Pray for God’s help to be faithful in each.
If you are not currently returning tithe, consider making a covenant with God to start this month and commit to faithfulness.
Write a short testimony of what God has done in your life and look for opportunities to share it with someone this week.

Session 5: Sharing Your Testimony—The Power of Personal Witness (Mark 5:19-20)

Opening Scripture: “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” (Mark 5:19, NRSV)

Teaching Summary:

Jesus’ command to the healed man to share his story is the first missionary sending in the gospel narrative, even before Jesus called the Twelve or the Seventy. This shows the power of personal testimony as a tool for evangelism and inspiration. It does not require theological degrees or formal training, only a heart transformed by God’s mercy.
Sharing our testimony focuses on three simple parts: life before Christ, how we met Christ, and life after meeting Him. This simplicity makes testimony accessible and powerful because it is authentic and relatable. Personal stories cannot be disputed and often touch hearts more deeply than theological arguments.
The preacher’s example of sharing his testimony on a plane demonstrates how God provides divine appointments for witnessing. It encourages us to pray for such opportunities and be ready to share when they come, trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us the right words.
Witnessing is not about delivering a complete doctrinal lecture but about declaring God’s mercy and transformative power in our lives. This approach removes pressure and invites genuine conversations about faith.
The healed man’s witness led to a great harvest, with thousands ready to meet Jesus. This inspires us to be faithful witnesses, confident that our simple testimony can be the seed that brings many to Christ.

Discussion Questions:

What are the three parts of your personal testimony? Have you ever shared it with others?
Why is personal testimony such a powerful form of witnessing?
How can you prepare yourself to share your testimony more confidently?
Have you ever experienced a “divine appointment” to share your faith? What happened?
What fears or excuses keep you from witnessing, and how can you overcome them?

Personal Application:

Write out your testimony in three parts: before you knew Christ, how you came to faith, and life after faith.
Pray daily this week for God to bring one person into your life who needs to hear your story.
Practice sharing your testimony with a trusted friend or family member to build confidence.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and power to transform lives. Help us to trust You in the storms of life, knowing that You are sovereign and in control. Thank You for crossing every barrier to reach us, no matter how broken or lost we are. Teach us to value souls above all earthly wealth and to be faithful in the small things, including our stewardship of the resources You have entrusted to us. Give us courage and boldness to share our personal testimonies with those around us, trusting that Your Spirit will guide our words and bring a great harvest. May we be faithful witnesses, shining Your light in our homes, communities, and the world. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.