Jesus heals the demon-possessed!

Jesus said to him, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. All the people were amazed.” Mark 5:19-20

When Jesus got out of the boat on the shore, they went across the lake to the region called Gerasenes. Then a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. He lived in the tombs. No one could bind him, not even with a chain. People chained his hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was able to subdue him. Night and day he used to cry from the tombs and hills. Also, he cut himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus from a far distance, he ran toward Jesus and fell on his knees in front of him. He cried in a loud voice, “what do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name do not torture me!” When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “ Come out of this man, you impure spirit.” Then Jesus asked him, “what is your name?’ He said to Jesus, my name is Legion for we are many.” He begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He permitted them. The impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

The herdsmen of the pigs ran off from there and reported the incident in the town and countryside. The people went out to see what had happened. The people saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind. People got afraid.

When Jesus was getting back into the boat, the man who was possessed by demons begged Jesus to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said to him, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. All the people were amazed.

Previous daily insights elsewhere taught us Jesus has power over nature. Today’s insight reminds us of the fact that Jesus Christ has authority over the devil, demons, and the kingdom of darkness. When Jesus asked the impure spirits to come out of this man, they came out. Did you notice the demons immediately recognized Jesus Christ? They called him Jesus, the Son of the Most High God. You see the demons recognize, know, testifies and obeys Jesus, the Son of God. Then I wonder why people had a problem in acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God. Is it not weird? The Bible gives us the reason why? The God of this age (Devil) has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” People need God’s miraculous revelation to know and believe in Christ as the Son of God because the devil has blinded the minds of unbelievers.

The man was possessed by several demons. They said the name is Legion. A legion is the largest unit in the Roman army. A legion means an average of five thousand fighting men. In other words, it refers to numerous or a multitude. In short, this man was possessed by a large number of demons. This man was uncontrollable due to the number of demons inside him gave him untamable strength. However, always God’s power and authority are greater, and demons and the devil’s power are subservient to God’s power. That is why the Bible says “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” If you are a believer in Jesus Christ the one in your (the Jesus Christ) is greater in power than he is in this world (the devil).

We do not know for sure how demons can possess people. The indications from the Bible are this- habitual and unconfessed sins can open up the door for demons to enter into lives. Immoral lifestyles, getting into the habits of drug and alcohol usage, continuous rebellion, bitterness, and unforgiveness could also open up the doors. Bible says in Ephesians 4:17-32 some of the ways we can give the devil a foothold in our life. These include keeping anger in the heart without forgiving others, consistent sensual life without confession, and cleansing by the blood of Christ. Bible also links impure spirits and demon’s entrance into our lives through the worship of idols. Bible indicates idol worship and worship of demons are related. Refer to Deuteronomy 32:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:20.

Confession of our sins is crucial in this regard. This is why John says in 1 John 1 instead of saying we are without sin and claiming we have not sinned, we need to confess our sins, and when we do that, the Lord is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Upon confession of our sins and turning away from sins and addictions, the devil loses his influence on us because the divine and sinless blood of Christ cleanses us from all our impurities.

The demons inside the man knew that Jesus would not allow them to live there anymore. Therefore, they begged Jesus’s permission to let them go into pigs. When Jesus gave authorization, they went into the herd of pigs, about two thousand in number, and got drowned in the lake. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has power overall. When Jesus says demons come out and when He says go, they go. Without his permission, the demons could not go into the pigs. Upon the consent of Jesus, they went into the pigs, and they all rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. The devil always leads to destruction and ruin. In contrast, Jesus Christ gives abundant life, love, and peace.

Beloved, you see, this man once lived an ordinary life like other people. However, then later in his years, he was possessed by demons. He became uncontrollable, and people threw him out of their community. He ended up in tombs. What an unfortunate situation. However, Lord Jesus showed mercy toward him, healed him from the demons.
You see, Lord Jesus has power over demons and the Devil, but He also has mercy and compassion toward those who are possessed by demons. He has mercy, love, and compassion on all of us. He has the power and authority to cast demons out of a man. Lord Jesus is merciful and gracious. Nobody including his own family could help him, but Jesus stepped in and helped.

When he became well, the man asked Jesus for permission to go with him. However, Jesus had a different plan for his life. Instead of letting him go with him, Jesus gave another assignment to him. “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has mercy on you.” He went around and started witnessing the love, mercy, and grace of Lord Jesus to all people in Decapolis.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I know you have authority and power over darkness, demons, and devil. I believe and accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord because He died and rose again for my sins. Please forgive my sins. Wash me and cleanse me today and use the rest of my life for your glory. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”