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Sharing Your Story

Pastor Josiah

Text: Luke 8:26–39

Date: February 8, 2026

Tagline

Jesus changes lives—and then sends changed people to tell the story of what he has done.

Sermon Summary

In Luke 8, Jesus encounters a man whose life has been utterly undone—isolated, powerless, and living among the tombs. With a word, Jesus restores him, revealing not only his authority over evil but his heart to reclaim what is broken. When the townspeople respond with fear and distance, Jesus gives the healed man a simple commission: go home and tell what God has done for you. The first missionary to the Gentiles is not trained or polished—he is simply transformed.

This sermon reminds us that the gospel spreads through stories of real change. We often hesitate to share our faith because we feel unqualified, fear imposing on others, or feel uncomfortable—but Jesus never asks us to argue or persuade. He calls us to witness: to share what we have seen and heard. Whether our story is dramatic or quiet, finished or still unfolding, God uses honest testimony to point others to the power of Christ at work in ordinary people.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • Playful: What’s a movie, book, or story that changed the way you saw the world—and why did it stick with you?
  • Meaningful: Who has shared a personal story with you that made faith feel real or compelling?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read Luke 8:26–39 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

God Revealed

What do we learn about Jesus from the way he restores the demon-possessed man? Really focus on Jesus and see his heart and actions.

Humanity Mirrored

Where do you see aspects of yourself or our culture reflected in the man’s isolation, shame, or powerlessness—or in the crowd’s fearful response to Jesus?

Gospel-Centered Vision

How does this passage—and Josiah’s or Simeon's three minute testimony—help us see the gospel not just as a set of beliefs, but as a story of real transformation?

Transformed Living

The healed man is sent out immediately, even before he fully understands Jesus. What does this say about who is “qualified” to speak about faith?

Sharing and Witness

With whom have you shared your story recently—something of what Jesus has done, or is still doing, in your life?

For Further Study

  1. Acts 1:8 — Jesus defines witness as telling what we have experienced through the power of the Spirit.
  2. Psalm 66:16 — God invites his people to publicly recount what he has done for their souls.
  3. John 9:24–25 — A healed man testifies simply: “I was blind, now I see.”
  4. Mark 5:18–20 — The parallel account highlights obedience over understanding.
  5. 1 Peter 3:15 — We are called to give a reason for our hope with gentleness and respect.
  6. James 5:16 — Sharing our struggles brings healing through prayer and community.
  7. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Life in Christ is marked by genuine new creation.
  8. Luke 24:48 — The risen Jesus names his followers as witnesses to what they have seen.
  9. Revelation 12:11 — God’s people overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
  10. Psalm 107:2 — The redeemed are called to say so

 

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