Interpretting a Difficult Passage- Luke 8:26

For those who have never read Luke 8:26-39, let me say that this is probably one of the most interesting verses I have ever read.  Not because it is so amazing, but because it has so much hidden meaning!  It took me a full two meditations (so about 2-3 hours) to break down this passage so I can fully understand the scenario.

In summary of what does happen, Jesus and his disciples "sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee."  When they come upon the shore there is a man who is demon-possessed, screaming at the top of his lungs for help.  This man was buck naked and lived "in the tombs," so he was literally living among the dead in some caves.

The demons inside of the man start calling out to Jesus, asking Him not to torture them or send them to "the abyss" (which is a deep pit where the devil and demons will reside on judgement day).  

Jesus asked the demons what their name was, they responded by saying "Legion," which signifies that there were many demons in this man, not just one or two.

The demons continued to beg Jesus not to send them to the abyss, but to let them live in some pigs in the hillside.  Once all the demons were in the pigs, the pigs stampeded into the deep river bank and drowned.

The man then became clean and free of the demons, and was now fully clothed, in his right mind, and at the feet of Jesus.

The towns people were then afraid of what Jesus did and urged Him to leave town, the man came to Jesus before he left and begged to leave with Him.  However, Jesus told him to stay in the town and tell all about what the Son of God has done for Him.

Like I said, this was pretty freaky to read.  Being a non-denominational Christian, I have never really taken demon-possession as something on my priority list to read and learn about.  I have always been more of a "learn how God is love and peace"-type gal.

However, learning about this, as much as a struggle it was, has surely given me a different dimension and side of Jesus I have never seen before!

Some of the points I would like to make after breaking down this passage are:

1. Jesus traveled all the way across the sea to save one man.
•  This teaches us that we are all worthy and valuable in God's eyes
2. This man who was saved had MANY demons living in him.
• I wonder sometimes what the crap these people have done to have a demon possess them, especially with this man.  However, regardless how hopeless we may seem to be reached, someone can always be saved if they allow Jesus into their hearts.
3. The demons were truly afraid of Jesus, and would rather drown as pigs then face His wrath.
• For those who do not know, Pigs in Jewish culture were the lowliest form of animals and unclean.
• Which, makes it sort of fitting for the demons to take upon the pigs.
4.  The townspeople were more concerned about their livestock drowning than the man being changed
• You would think that after a man living his life naked and up in the caves, chained and possessed- the townspeople would be in awe at Jesus' ability to heal him than worrying about their pigs drowning
• This shows that even though our lives may truly be changed by Christ, people truly just don't care or notice as sad as it may seem.
• When people are focused on the world, they lose sight of the supernatural wonder of God.
5. Jesus told the man to stay in the area and tell all the region about His healing. 
• The man probably realized how awkward and hard it would be to facilitate back into him home town, and would rather be with Jesus.

• However, Jesus told the man to stay to be a witness and share his testimony!  Sure, it will be hard to adjust back, but those who are lost may have an opportunity to see the wonder that God has done for this man! 

From what you have read, I hope this passage sticks out as much to you as it did to me.  Part of Jesus' ministry was healing others from demon possession.

While Jesus did, that does not mean we should start becoming Demon Hunters (even though that would be a pretty cool occupation).  But, we are to be aware of their presence, but not so much looking for them.  Because trust me, if you go looking for darkness in the world- you will find it.

As Christians, we are to be a light and pray for those we see who live in darkness- not so much possessed by demons, I don't think I even know anyone who is.  But, friends we see living their lives lost in drugs, alcohol, fidelity, adultery, and sin.

We all face temptation and are at risk for falling into traps, but with the Holy Spirit living and leading in us- we can overcome anything.

For those who usually skim over these types of passages, I urge you to try developing a deeper study into it and try to learn things that are relevant to what you are familiar with, or just gain a total different perspective on the manner.

It does take time, it does take effort.  However, let the Holy Spirit (and maybe the power of Google) lead you to these deeper and new understandings.

Have a blessed day, and good luck with this challenge friends!

<3KM