Luke 8:26-39
Q.1. What lessons can we learn from the dealings that Jesus had with the demoniac and the demons? – (Lk.8:26-33)
Jesus had demonstrated that He had power over nature. He was about to reveal that He also had authority over demons. We find it difficult to identify – the schemes of the devil … the rulers … the powers … the world forces of this darkness … the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph.6:12). Jesus perceived the unseen as easily as the seen. He had taken His disciples over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee – to the region of the Gerasenes (Lk.8:26). Matthew recorded that there were two men, while Luke concentrated on the man who wanted to follow Jesus (Lk.8:38). The man was pathetic, naked, and violent (Lk.8:27 & 29 c.f. Mk.5:2-5). Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to leave him. Then he – Seeing Jesus, cried out and fell before Him, and cried in a loud voice, ‘What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most-High God? I beg You not to torment me’ (LK.8:28-29). Jesus demanded to know the identity of the demons. They responded – ‘Legion’ and the demons implored Him not to command them to go into the abyss (Lk.8:30-31 c.f. Rev.20:1-3). In revealing His absolute Lordship by casting the demons into the swine, Jesus actually consigned them to the abyss when the swine drowned (Lk.8:32-33). The demons were not in control of their destiny – Jesus was.
Q.2. In what way did the liberation of the demoniac describe the conversion of all sinners? – (Lk.8:34-36)
Before the demoniac was healed, he lived in the shame of his nakedness, and was out of control. He made his home among the tombs of dead men and could not be restrained, even with chains (Lk.8:27-29). He was an embarrassment to his family and friends. He was lost and without hope. Some of these descriptions sum up our former manner of life. However, then Jesus entered his life. After the exorcism, and when the witnesses returned … they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind (Lk.8:35). Jesus restores our dignity and hope. Nevertheless, many find the cost of discipleship too demanding (Lk.8:34-37).
Q.3. Why did Jesus send the healed demoniac back home? What impact did the man have? – (Lk.8:37-39)
It was not surprising that the man expressed his desire to follow Jesus (Lk.8:38). However, Jesus responded – Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you … (Lk.8:39). Jesus was His Liberator and Hero. To any who met him, he was just another man. Not so in his village. The demoniac had a reputation, and now he was a changed man. All who heard his testimony would know that it was true, and that Jesus had the power to change even the worst sinners. He also had a family, and needed to re-establish himself into normal living, to prove that he truly was a new man. The converted man did not disappoint. He boasted about Jesus throughout the whole city (Lk.8:39).