Discussion Guide: Why Real Change Is A Fight

Desired Takeaway
Jesus is not repelled by our darkness—He moves toward it with authority and compassion. As His apprentices, we are invited to follow Him into uncomfortable places, trust Him in the slow work of freedom, and value people over our own comfort or security.

Icebreaker
  • What kind of mess makes you most uncomfortable — emotional, relational, financial, spiritual?

Lean In
  • When you think about “unclean” or “off-limits” spaces in today’s world, what comes to mind? Why do you think we instinctively avoid certain people or places?
(Let this stay broad at first—culturally, socially, politically, personally.)

Look Down
Read Mark 5:1–20 slowly together.
What stands out about:
  • Where Jesus chooses to go?
  • The response of the demons versus the crowd?
  • The transformation of the man—and what Jesus asks him to do next?
  • Where do you see Jesus’ authority? Where do you see His compassion? Where do you see resistance?

Look Out
Jesus crosses boundaries—geographical, spiritual, social. Where do we see similar “graveyards” today?
  • Why do you think communities sometimes prefer the “status quo” over someone’s healing?
  • Can you think of examples where restoring a person might cost others financially, socially, or emotionally?

Look In
  • Is there any area of your life that feels like a graveyard—something marked by shame, secrecy, or defeat?
  • How does it reshape your view of God to realize Jesus walks directly into those spaces?
  • The demons recognize Jesus’ identity but resist His reign.
  • Where might you affirm Jesus with your beliefs but resist Him in practice?
  • What would surrender—not just belief—look like there?
  • Freedom in this story isn’t quiet—it disrupts a whole town.
  • How do you respond when someone else’s growth inconveniences you?
  • Are you patient with slow transformation—in yourself or others?

Live It Out
Imagine a community where:
No one was labeled “too far gone.”
We were patient with messy transformation.
We valued human restoration over personal comfort.
Testimonies of mercy were shared freely.
  • What would your small group look like? Your church? Your city?
  • What is one small but concrete way you can step toward someone or somewhere you’ve been avoiding?

Optional Exercises for the Week
1. Cross the Sea Prayer Walk
Ask the Lord to show you one “boundary” you tend to avoid. It could be a conversation, a neighbor, a social space, or an internal struggle.
Take one intentional step toward it this week—physically or relationally—while praying, “Jesus, let me walk where You walk.”
2. Testimony Practice
The restored man was sent to tell what the Lord had done.
Write down (1 page max) a specific way Jesus has freed or healed you.
Practice sharing it in 3–5 minutes. Look for a natural opportunity to share it this week.
3. Slow Freedom Reflection
Notice where growth feels slow in your life.
Each day, pray:
“Jesus, I trust Your authority even when freedom is gradual. Help me cooperate with You.”
Journal any resistance, bargaining, or fear that surfaces.

Prayer Prompt
Invite the group to pray around these themes:
  • Gratitude that Jesus is not afraid of our darkness.
  • Courage to stop avoiding people or places we’ve labeled “unclean.”
  • Patience with the slow work of transformation.
  • Willingness to value people over comfort.
  • Boldness to share what the Lord has done with mercy.
Close by asking Jesus to show each person one concrete step of obedience this week—and to give them grace to take it.

Suggested Resources for Further Study
Books
  • The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
  • Renovation of the Heart – Dallas Willard
  • Live No Lies – John Mark Comer
  • Your Story Has A Villain – Johnathan Pokluda