SueAnn Porter

Based on:

Luke 8:26-39 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%208%3A26-39&version=NKJV

Mark 5:1-20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%205%3A1-20&version=NKJV

Jesus came to the Demoniac at Gadarenes and asked him his name. The demons answered, “Legion, for we are many.” One translation uses the word “mob” instead of legion.  A mob of demons.

The demons begged to go into the pigs rather than be sent to the abyss/hell.  Jesus let them go into the pigs. Jesus was not showing the demons mercy; He did this for the benefit of those watching, who were the keepers of the pigs.

The pigs flew over the cliff, into the water below, and drowned.

Pigs were considered an unclean animal. Jews of this time were forbidden from eating them.

Those who were feeding the pigs went back and reported it to the rest of the city, which included those who actually owned the pigs.

The keepers of the pigs were afraid. Jesus had just destroyed their livelihood.

Then the man who had the demons was healed and in his right mind. The pigs’ owners just lost their source of income, and food. Now the crazy man was healed. The world was not making sense to them.  Jesus had turned the world right side up, but they were so used to it upside down, they were afraid.

They were afraid of Jesus and His great power!!

The townspeople begged Jesus to go away. They were not interested in the miracle of healing and deliverance this man just experienced.  They cared more about their pigs than the man who was just given his life back.

Do we get so caught up in how things are, that we don’t consider how they are supposed to be?

But there is a happy ending to this story.

The healed man asked if he could go with Jesus and His disciples in the boat. Jesus told him, “No. Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and has had mercy on you.”

So the man departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all marveled. 

The Decapolis was the entire region. Not just the  Gadarenes. This story spread throughout the whole region, with the former demoniac preaching the Good News of Jesus. No one could argue with the victory. I’m sure this man’s story was known all over this area for many years. Now that he was healed and delivered, it was easy to believe in Jesus’ power.

Happy Resurrection Day!