Nov. 9-13 Chapels Focus on Scripture from Mark 5

This week, our scripture that guided our chapel times was Mark 5:1-20, the story of Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man.

On Monday, November 9, we had a follow-up chapel time from the previous Friday on the relationship between church and state. Joel Beachy, pastor at East Union Mennonite Church shared what scriptures can guide us in our thinking about that relationship. Then Josh Lundberg, pastor at Kalona Mennonite Church shared his own story of understanding what it means for followers of Jesus to relate with the state. 

Tuesday’s chapel time was spent in small groups in which groups were encouraged to continue to discuss what questions and observations they may have from the previous chapels.

On Wednesday, we began the focus on Mark 5:1-20. We viewed videos of depictions of the story, and then viewed the Bible Project videos about how demonic characters are portrayed in the scriptures. Jesus has come to bring freedom from oppression of all kinds.

Thursday featured Mike Wagner, Hillcrest Academy music teacher sharing some thoughts on our story from Mark 5. Mike shared insights from the Global Bible Commentary about how this story is both a political statement against the Roman Empire as well as a call to action for Christians to resist systems of oppression.

Friday’s chapel closed out the week with discussing in small groups our responses to the story of Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man.