They sailed on to the country of the Gerasenes, directly opposite Galilee.
As he stepped out onto land, a madman from town met him; he was a victim of demons. He hadn’t worn clothes for a long time, nor lived at home; he lived in the cemetery.

  (Luke 8:26:27, MSG)

We continue this Sunday with our theme “Everything Changes,” as we journey through Lent looking at some amazing encounters with Jesus that changed everything.  Drastic, unbelievable healings that changed the course of people’s lives.  People of no significance who were not even given a name.  People who were the invisible of society, the social outcasts.  Those who resigned themselves to live life alienated from family, alone and afraid. 

Our encounter this week takes place in a predominantly Gentile part of the region around the Sea of Galilee, where we meet a man who was more beast than human.  A man who called himself “Legion” because he was possessed by many demons.  You can read his story in Luke 8:26-39.

I think this story is hard for us to grasp at times because we are not as aware of demon possession in our daily lives.  But the more I thought about that idea, the more I thought about those things that take hold of us.  Those things that control us and may over time eventually break us: addiction, stress, mental illness, secrets and lies.  I believe this encounter challenges us to think more broadly about Jesus’ sovereignty over the powers that destroy human life.  

I love this story because it is a reminder that Jesus sees us beyond the surface.  As he was confronted by this demon possessed man, he saw the man held captive inside the shell.  Love and compassion were the tools Jesus used to change this man’s life, not chains and ropes. 

So, what is it that has control over you?  What might you need to surrender to Jesus?

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had been sent, sitting there at Jesus’ feet, wearing decent clothes and making sense. It was a holy moment, and for a short time they were more reverent than curious.  (Luke 8:35-36, MSG)