Legion and the Demons - What a Story!

Luke 8:26-39

This is a well-known passage (often referred to as "the healing of a demon-possessed man.")  Sometimes when we read familiar stories it's easy to gloss over the deeper meaning.  So, for today's blog, let's put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples.

In the verses right before the ones we read today, Jesus calmed the storm that threatened to capsize - even destroy - the boat they were in.  In fact, he 'rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. (v. 24).'  Whoa......who is this man, that even the wind and water obey him?  They are in awe - they've just witnessed something they've never seen before.

I would be shaking in my boots!  Filled with wonder and awe.  Trying to figure out what would happen next.  Pinching myself to see if I really saw what just happened.

So.....they sail to Gerasenes, they get off the boat, and they are met by a demon-possessed man.  This man's name was Legion.  In those days, Legion referred to 6,000 soldiers.  This man was very, very sick - possessed by the equivalent of 6,000 demons.  He was shunned by polite society, to put it delicately.  No one wanted to be around this man - and he begged Jesus to leave him alone.  "I bet you, don'.t torture me?" (v. 29).

You know the story - Jesus, despite the man's pleas, commands the evil spirits, the demons to come out of the man.  The demons go into a herd of pigs; the pigs rush down a steep bank into the lake and are drowned. 

And Legion?  He is clothed and is in right mind.  Simply amazing!  Jesus tells him to 'return home and tell how much God has done for you. (v. 39)'

Yes, it's a lot to process for the disciples.  And there is a lot there for us, too. 

1.  What in your life makes you feel like a legion?  What is keeping you awake at night, filling you with anxiety?
2.  Have you ever told Jesus to leave you alone, like Legion does in verse 28?  To let you do what you want, even if it hurts you?
3.  What is the most dramatic thing you have seen Jesus do in your life?  In another's life? 
4.  How did Jesus treat Legion when he met him?  How does Jesus treat you?

Lord, this is a familiar passage, but it's a disturbing one.  Help me to hand over my 'legions' to you, and to trust that your way is always best.  Amen.