| Series | The Gospel of Luke |
|---|---|
| Theme | 2. Receiving the word - Mauaina le upu |
| Colour | Lanu Auro |
Scripture Focus: Luka 8:22-39
Now on one of those days, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water. They came to him, and awoke him, saying, “Master, master, we are dying!” He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid they marveled, saying one to another, “Who is this, then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?” They arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, a certain man out of the city who had demons for a long time met him. He wore no clothes, and didn’t live in a house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, “What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torment me!” For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For the unclean spirit had often seized the man. He was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters. Breaking the bands apart, he was driven by the demon into the desert. Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered into him. They begged him that he would not command them to go into the abyss. Now there was there a herd of many pigs feeding on the mountain, and they begged him that he would allow them to enter into those. He allowed them. The demons came out of the man, and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned. When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who saw it told them how he who had been possessed by demons was healed. All the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them, for they were very much afraid. He entered into the boat, and returned. But the man from whom the demons had gone out begged him that he might go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your house, and declare what great things God has done for you.” He went his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
- Luke 8:22-39 (WEB)
Study:
This passage presents a powerful encounter with Jesus. We see Him demonstrating authority over nature, calming a violent storm, and then confronting demonic forces in a man tormented for years. The demon-possessed man, known as Legion, represents the depth of spiritual bondage. The demons’ plea to enter the pigs, and the subsequent destruction of the herd, is a stark illustration of the destructive nature of evil. However, the true focus shifts to the transformed man. He is found clothed and in his right mind, sitting at Jesus' feet – a visual of restored dignity and a new life centered on Christ. Interestingly, the people of the region, though witnessing this miracle, ask Jesus to leave. Their fear and concern for their livelihood overshadowed their appreciation for the liberation that occurred. Jesus then directs the healed man to return to his own community and share his testimony.
Application:
True spiritual transformation often comes at a cost. For the demon-possessed man, the cost wasn’t directly monetary, but involved relinquishing control and facing a profound change. For the pig owners, the cost was financial loss. For the townspeople, the disruption of their comfort zone and their priorities was too much to bear. Similarly, fully surrendering to Christ may mean letting go of old habits, facing discomfort, or even experiencing opposition from others. The healed man’s story calls us to be bold witnesses, sharing our own testimonies of God's transformative power, even when it's not easy. It also highlights the sadness that others may reject the message of hope simply out of fear or self-interest.
Reflection Questions:
- What “storms” are you currently facing in your life? How can you trust Jesus to calm them?
- What areas of your life might be under the influence of “demonic” forces – unhealthy patterns, destructive habits, or negative beliefs?
- Are you willing to pay the cost of genuine spiritual transformation in your life?
- How can you be a more courageous witness to the transformative power of Jesus in your community?
- What does the reaction of the Gadarenes teach us about our own fears and priorities?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your power and authority over all things. Deliver us from the storms in our lives and the spiritual bondage that holds us captive. Give us the courage to surrender fully to you, and to share the good news of your salvation with others, even in the face of opposition. Help us to prioritize your Kingdom and to value eternal things above temporary possessions. Amen.
Tags: Luke, Gospel of Luke, demons, healing, transformation, faith, testimony, spiritual warfare, deliverance, Jesus’ power, Gadarenes