Text: Luke 8:26-55
As Jesus and His disciples arrived in the region of Gadarenes, He healed a man who had demons. There were many demons in this man (Legion). In the Roman army, a Legion had between 3000 and 6,000 soldiers (v.30). Jesus never destroyed the demons, i.e. sent them to a bottomless pit because the time for such activity had not yet come. It is the same reason why Jesus does not stop evil in this world because the time is not yet; but in the Book of Revelation we see Jesus’ victory over Satan and his demons. Despite the healing of the man, people are demanding Jesus to leave the place on the account of loss of the pigs, (financial loss (vv.33-37). The god of money has continued to possess many as individuals and companies. They can sacrifice
human beings on (false) promises to gain riches.
Jesus urged the healed man to return to his family and tell them what God has done for him for three reasons (vv. 38-39): (i) To be an effective witness to those who knew his former state to agree that this was a miracle; (ii) Jesus wanted to expand His Ministry, this time to a Gentile territory. This was a Gentile region as they were keeping pigs. Jews never reared pigs, for they were unclean animals (Lev.11:7-8); (iii) Jesus knew that since Gentiles did not expect the Messiah, they would not force Him to be crowned as a King, thereby diverting His ministry.
Jesus also healed a lady who had a problem of continual bleeding (v. 44). The lady was healed by touching Jesus’ garment. Jesus wanted the woman to identify herself; otherwise, she would slip into the crowd and go thinking that Jesus’ cloak had magical properties, when actually it was her faith in Jesus Christ that healed her. Also Jesus wanted people to learn a lesson. Jewish law never allowed a man to touch a woman in menstrual period; otherwise, he would become ceremonially unclean (Lev. 15:19- 28). So, a man would avoid touching women or even looking at them. So Jesus drew
attention of those present that this “unclean” woman has touched Him and healed her because she deserved attention and respect. Women like men are special created in the image of God.
Meditate on verse 39. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me share with all people the victories You have graciously accorded me over the years. I pray for Your Kingdom to come on earth, and indeed in my family, as it is in heaven. Amen.