Week 4 | Day 5 JESUS GOES TO THE OTHER SIDE Matthew 8:23-33 | Mark 5:1-20 | Luke 8:22-39

After ministering around Capernaum, Jesus deliberately crossed the Sea of Galilee into Gentile territory—the “other side.” There He meets a man tormented by a legion of demons, isolated among tombs, hostile, and humanly unreachable. Yet the demons recognized what many people refuse to confess—Jesus is the Son of the Most High God. With a word, Christ delivered the man, sending the demons into a herd of pigs that rush into the sea.

But the surprise isn’t only the miracle—it’s the reaction. The delivered man is restored and ready to follow Jesus, while the surrounding community, more attached to their comfort and losses than to a transformed life, begged Jesus to leave. The story is a vivid reminder that while the gospel is for everyone everywhere and Jesus has complete authority over darkness, that even His undeniable power can be rejected when our culture’s values—or our won fears—matter more than Christ.

Application

1. Remember the gospel is for Everyone Everywhere – and not for Only a Select Few

Jesus went into Gentile territory on purpose. Ask God to expand your heart beyond familiar circles—because the good news is for “whoever will believe.”

2. Be Willing to Crossover to the Other Side for Even One Person

Jesus crossed over and went the distance for a single man no one else wanted. Pray for courage to step into hard places and hard conversations, even when you think you’ll be resisted.

3.Take Spiritual Warfare Seriously—Respect It, but don’t Fear It

Darkness is real, but it is not equal to Jesus. Walk in prayer, truth, and dependence on Christ’s authority rather than trying to fight battles in your own strength.

4. Watch for what You Might Value More than Transformation

The townspeople saw loss before they saw deliverance. Ask: Is there any “cost” that would make me push Jesus away—control, comfort, reputation, or finances?

5. Let Your Testimony Start Where You Are

Jesus told the healed man to go home and tell what the Lord had done. Your first mission field is often your closest one—family, friends, neighbors—sharing mercy with clarity and humility.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that You crossed to the other side for people the world overlooks and the enemy torments. Thank You for Your authority over every force of darkness and for the freedom You give. Forgive me for the times I’ve valued comfort, control, or cultural approval more than Your transforming work. Give me a heart for everyone everywhere, and the courage to go to the other side when You call—especially to those who seem hostile or indifferent. And thank You that when I was on the other side, You came looking for me, sending faithful voices like David Whiting and Carl Dobson and others. Now lead me, strengthen me, and use me to tell what You have done. In Your name, amen.