Monday, September 26, 2011

A Morning Cup of Tea: The Demoniac of Gadara, Healed

When Jesus came off the ship at Gadara (Mark 5) he was met by a man possessed by demons. The man apparently lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him with chains or fetters. He'd simply break them. He spent his time in the tombs crying and cutting himself. But when he saw Jesus, he came to him and worshiped him. The man, or most likely the demon inside him, addressed Jesus.
 7. And cried with a loud voice,  and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God that thou torment me not.
   Even unclean spirits knew who Jesus was! They knew the power he had. 
  Jesus asked the demon his name, and he replied Legion, for we are many. They did not want to leave the area, and asked to be sent into a herd of swine, which Jesus allowed them. The swine then ran into the sea and were drowned.
 The ones who took care of the swine saw this, and ran to tell the news far and wide. People came to see for themselves, and there was the man, in his right mind and fully clothed now. They heard what had happened and now they were afraid. They asked Jesus to go, which he did.
  I've always wondered why the locals did not want Jesus to stay there. Were they afraid of that much power? Were they afraid the demons would be back? 
 The fact that the demons knew him on sight tells me that when he does come back for his bride (the church), there will be no doubt in anyone's mind. All unbelief will fall away. But it also shows that simply believing Jesus is the Son of God will not save. There is more to it. 
 Before Jesus left, the man who had had the possession wanted to go with him. Jesus told him no, but to go home to his friends and tell them what God had done for him. He went to Decapolis and told everyone. (v 19, 20)
 Tomorrow we will begin on verse 21.

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