Today you should read: Luke 8:26-56
In today’s reading, on the hem of one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus’ ministry, we find three different interactions that Jesus had that demonstrate His power.
In the first, Jesus demonstrates His power over the spiritual realm when He casts out not only one, but over 5,000 demons from a man (v. 26-39). In the second, Jesus demonstrates His power over sickness when He heals a woman who had wrestled with an ailment for her entire life (v. 43-48). Finally, Jesus demonstrates His power over death when He raises a young girl from the dead (v. 40-42, 49-56).
I think these three interactions speak to three different sets of people that may be reading Jumpstart today.
- You come from a background you’re not proud of. You had demons that you couldn’t seem to shake and just when they felt the most overwhelming Jesus stepped in and set you free.
- There was a certain sin that, no matter what you did, it followed you everywhere you went. You felt beaten down, you felt rejected, you felt unlovable. But you realized that there’s a God that picks up the broken down and welcomes home the unlovable.
- You’ve realized that your sin separated you from God and apart from Him you were spiritually dead. But when Jesus rose from the dead, He left your sin there. He left your pain, your suffering, your doubts, your shame, He left your death behind.
Regardless of your situation, you have to ask yourself if Jesus is powerful enough to reach you exactly where you’re at (He is).
The most “Christian” person, the person who “only sometimes” messes up, the person that has completely strayed away from God, and the person that doesn’t want anything to do with God all need Jesus the exact same. The Gospel covers all.
Which story do you most relate to? Please don’t hesitate to comment if we can be praying for you in anyway!
By: Neil Monroe — Student Ministry Intern
JumpstartCPC.com 
Thanks Neil – great commentary today!
Amen! Thank you Neil. Sometimes I see myself in all “three different sets of people.” The beauty of the Gospel is that wherever we find ourselves, Jesus is there!
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful & just and will forgive us our sins & purify us from ALL unrighteousness.
The Light is always near no matter how dark our situation appears to be!
amen Mike.