July 3, 2025 • 20 mins
Even a legion of demons must bow to Jesus, the One who commands the storm and sets the oppressed free.
After a storm calmed at Jesus' command, the demon-possessed man known as Legion is confronted by the Son of God. Though the legion of demons beg for mercy, Jesus drives them into a herd of pigs, freeing the man and revealing His unmatched power over the spiritual realm.
Today's Bible verse is John 16:33, from the King James Version.
Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.
Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I have said these things to you that in me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have overcome the world. John sixteen
thirty three. Dear Lord Jesus, we praise you for overcoming
(00:21):
the darkness and despair of this world. You are victorious,
and in you we find our peace and strength. When
troubles surround us, remind us that you have already triumphed
over every fear and sorrow. Lift us up to stand
(00:45):
and victory with you. Refusing to live as victims in
the darkness around us, empower us to walk as champions
over sin, fear, and despair because of your mighty power
at work within us. Fill us with courage to face
(01:06):
each day knowing that you have overcome the world and
have called us to share in that victory. In your
powerful name, Jesus, we pray Amen. Thank you for praying
with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast, Gospel inspired
(01:31):
stories told with a cinematic touch and heartfelt reflection. Remain
here for another story on Jesus and Demons, and as always,
make sure to follow this podcast and share it with
a friend. Free to roam his macabre little kingdom the
(01:51):
demons spent his days and nights howling from the hilltops
that encapsulated the tombs. He would cry out and carried
to the frightened village by the water's surface. As the
afternoon light faded, billowing clouds as black as pitch loomed
ominously in the sky. They sailed over the calm waters,
(02:16):
bringing rocking waves and torrents of rain with them. Gabriel
stood in the downpour and wailed with full force as
icy needles landed on his skin. The demons watched the
peaceful sea turned to disarray, order to chaos. They sneered
(02:37):
with glee at seeing God's creation rage war upon itself.
Several knots from the shore, a boat was being catapulted
through the waves. The demon watched outlines of sailors pulling
at the ropes. Between the cracks of thunder. He could
hear their strenuous shouts. The demon howl with laughter as
(03:01):
he watched the frightened men. The demons were delighted to
take in the spectacle, but his entertainment didn't last long.
From across the tumultuous sea, the demons heard a voice
as fierce as a lion's roar. Even with the wind
and rain, they could hear it as clear as day.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Peace be still.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
In an instant, the waves plateaued, the rain ceased, and
the bright morning sun bore through the dark storm clouds.
The demons nearly fell to the ground in shock. Deep down,
Gabriel could feel his heart pounding in his throat. He
looked back to the boat to see a man standing
(03:50):
at the bow speaking to the now calm sailors. Gabriel
sensed the demons distress, croaking out of his throat. Against
his will, the demon sneered.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Tatsy not here.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
The demons raced into the tomb, as if preparing for
the battle to come. They knew they were no match
for the man who commanded the storms, but their pride
wouldn't let them fall without a fight.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Just as Jesus spoke peace over the chaotic storm, he
wants to speak peace to the chaos swirling within you.
Jesus is captain over the outer and the inner storms.
Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from pray dot Com.
We're so excited to have you with us today as
we explore another episode about Jesus's power over demons. The
(04:55):
month of October is filled with celebrating darkness, but we
know that the real celebration is in Christ's light prevailing
over the darkness. Today we're diving into one of the
most dramatic episodes in the Gospels, Mark chapter five, verses
one through twenty. Picture this. Jesus and his disciples step
(05:16):
out of a boat after a stormy night, probably hoping
for a moment of peace. Instead, they're greeted by a
man who could be the poster child for a horror movie.
Living in tombs, breaking chains and screaming. Day and night
talk about a warm welcome.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
The night was almost over and the sun was rising
over the glassy sea. The other side was within view,
like a mother placing her child down in its bed.
The vessel was placed carefully onto shore by the sea.
The disciples stumbled out of the boat, praising God they
(05:54):
were alive. Matthew leaped out of the boat and puked.
All this was far more excitement than counting coins in
the safety of his boof the disciples embraced each other
with an exhausted laughter. Jesus and Simon exchanged glances. Simon
felt comforted by his presence Jesus had told them they
(06:18):
would make it to the other side.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
They should never have down it.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Jesus laughed with his disciples and helped Matthew to his feet.
As the rest of the men made it off of
the boat, a deep and painful cry could be heard
from the cans. The screams pierced through the mountains. John's
eyes flashed. The sound was bone chilling. James turned his
(06:44):
head as the sound of screams and broken chains grew
louder and louder. The men looked to their right to
see a beast of a man running toward them at
full force. The man was naked and blood dripped from
his torn apart chest. His eyes were filled with bloodthirst,
(07:06):
and his speed was unnatural, even with the heavy chains
dangling from his wrists and ankles. He huffed as he
sprinted towards Jesus. John was the first to bolt back
to the boat, and the rest of the disciples began
to make a run for it. However, Jesus stepped forward.
The man continued his pursuit like a predator, picking up
(07:29):
speed with every step. Jesus marched forward. The disciples had
just watched him tame the seas, yet this man seemed
to be more dangerous than the tempest. The man was
closing the gap, and Jesus continued to steadily march towards him.
As he got close, the man leaped into the air
(07:52):
to pounce on Jesus, but he did not get the chance.
Jesus held out his hand, causing the man to jolt
back to the ground. He writhed on the floor. The
blood on his chest dripped down his entire body. Tears
of pain and agony streamed down his face. He roared
(08:15):
like a wounded animal. Jesus knew what was plaguing this man.
Jesus spent down to touch the man, but the demon
leaped back on to his feet. He circled Jesus, cocking
his head back and forward as he spoke. The demon spoke,
but Jesus could hear the man behind the voice. The
(08:39):
man was in pain and needed to be liberated. Like
the disciples moments earlier, the man was caught in an
intense storm.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
You know who I am and why I have come.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
He screamed as he leaped forward again for another attack,
but he was quickly thwarted, unable to lay a hand
on Jesus. The demons circled around Jesus, who tracked his
every motion. An ancient evil emanated from the demon, an
evil Jesus was familiar with.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
What is your name? Your real name now?
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Jesus asked the question as though interrogating the demon. The
disciples were watching from afar. They were not as confidence
as their teacher was in such a high stakes environment.
The demon looked ready to attack at any moment. Yet
Jesus was in no danger. Even the demons knew who
(09:44):
their creator was, they dared not touch him. The demon
let out a disturbing laugh that caused the disciples chests
to tighten. A coarse aile curved on the sides of
his mouth. He evoked numbers to intimidate Jesus. However, it
(10:06):
would not work. Jesus took a few steps forward, and
the demon tripped and fell on his back. He was
afraid of Jesus, and rightly so. He stood in the
presence of the Lion of Judah, the one who was
prophesied to crush the serpent's head. The demon cowered in
(10:29):
fear and fell to his knees. The demon, knowing his
place in the heavenly hierarchy had resorted to begging. The
demon gestured toward a herd of pigs grazing on bluffs
overlooking the sea. The demons asked for mercy from Jesus.
(10:52):
It was an odd exchange, and the disciples watched in awe.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Jesus nodded, be out of this man, away with you.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
At Jesus command, the man's body jolted backwards. He groaned
and screamed for a moment, and then there was silence
as the man lay faced them and said. As Jesus
looked up to the bluff and the sea, the herd
of Snyn began to circle in confusion. Squealing, they writhed
(11:25):
with dead bodies in every direction, each one. They all
run off the cliffs into the sea. All the demons
were consumed, and the oppressors drowned in the bottom of
the sea. The pig herders ran after the falling pigs
and watched them drown in the bottom of the sea.
(11:46):
They looked down to see Jesus kneeling over the man.
Legion had become a menace to the nearby community, so
the herders immediately ran back into town to tell the
people what had happened. Jesus looked over the man's mangled body.
He was unconscious, but alive and free from his oppressors.
(12:10):
Jesus gestured for the disciples to come and bring water
and clothing. They looked at one another, nudging each one
to go first. John came forward with some water, and
James followed with a tunic. Matthew trailed timidly behind. Jesus
gave him water, bread and clothed him, Andrew sewed up
(12:33):
his scars as best he could. He only had experience
with fishing nets. After having food and water, the men
began to think clearly. He stayed close to Jesus, clinging
to him like a frightened child. Eventually, the pig herders
returned with a mob of villagers. They expected to drive
(12:57):
out the man again and shew him back in the mountains.
For years, they had shunned him, even resorting to chaining
him to the cave walls. Yet he had broken his
chains every time and terrorized the village below. Yet they
found the man sitting with the disciples in his right mind.
(13:19):
They approached with pitchforks and daggers in their hands. The
village leader approached the group with his sword in hand.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Please, you must leave.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
The man begged, completely destitute of any courage. His knees
were trembling, and his sword was shaking in his hand.
The people stirred. As John said these things, The leader
nodded his head.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Yes, we can see that the man is clearly healed,
but it is not him.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
We are afraid of Joseph's gesture toward Jesus. The disciples
tilted their heads in confusion. Jesus understood their fear. They
were more afraid of Jesus's power than the danger of
the demons. Poems.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Please.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Though the man was much calmer now, his fear could
not be concealed.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
What you have done is miraculous. But do not return here.
We want no more dealings with demons.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Jesus had not come to disturb the village. He had
come to bring peace and healing. Knowing that his job
was done, he waved for his disciples to follow him,
and they departed back to their boat. The men boarded
the boat and James and John were beginning to push
the boat out to sea. Gabriel came to the boat
(14:49):
and Jesus jumped off and embraced him He enveloped him
with fatherly love, and the man began to weep. He
whispered through broken sobs into Jesus's shoulder. Tears streamed down
his cheeks. The disciples hearts broke as they watched. Jesus
(15:13):
held his shoulders and looked him in the eye. No,
my child, Gabriel looked up at Jesus with bloodshot eyes.
Jesus's words had nearly strickened him to death with grief.
Speaker 3 (15:28):
Something grand has happened to you. Tell people the story.
Tell them how you were lost and now you're found.
Tell them of the great things you witnessed. Tell them
how much the Lord has done for you, and how
he has had mercy on you.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
He understood now Jesus wasn't denying him. He was welcoming
him to be a part of his mission in his
own unique way. He wiped his nose and nodded. Jesus
smiled and gave him one final embrace. He boarded the boat.
(16:06):
James and John launched the boat into the sea, and
Simon held the rudder once again. Andrew let the sails
down and the Disciples departed. Gabriel stood at the shoreline,
watching as the boat faded into the horizon. For years,
his body had not been his own. He was enslaved.
(16:30):
Yet God had liberated him and delivered him from his oppressors.
Legion was consumed and his oppressors drown in the bottom
of the sea. He saw the great power that the
Lord used against the demons, so he feared the Lord
and believed in the Lord of his salvation.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Let's set the scene. This man is described as having
an unclean spirit. He's not just having a bad day.
He's completely overtaken by evil forces. He lives among the dead,
perhaps because society has written him off as a lost cause.
His strength is supernatural. Chains and shackles can't hold him.
(17:18):
He's self destructive, cutting himself with stones. In modern terms,
he's a one man haunted house. But here's the kicker.
When he sees Jesus from afar, he runs and worships him.
Even the demons recognize divine authority. The man cries out,
what have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of
the Most High God. Imagine how scared the disciples must
(17:40):
have been. They almost perished in a storm. Then the
moment they stepped on to shore, a naked bleeding demoniac
came charging at them. Poor guys. Jesus isn't rattled, though.
He commands the unclean spirit to come out. He asks
what is your name? And the reply is chilling. My
name is Legion, for we are a Roman legion consisted
(18:02):
of about six thousand soldiers. Whether literal or symbolic, it's
clear this man is heavily oppressed. The demons beg Jesus
not to send them out of the country, but instead
into a herd of pigs. With his permission, they enter
the pigs, and the whole herd, about two thousand, rushes
into the sea and drowns. Now, that's something you don't
(18:23):
see every day. Now, that's something you don't see every day.
The pig herders are understandably freaked out. They run to
tell everyone in the city and countryside. When the people arrive,
they see the formerly possessed man sitting and clothed and
in his right mind. Their reaction fear. They plead with
Jesus to leave their region. Wait what, you'd think they'd
(18:46):
be grateful, or at least curious, But sometimes people are
more comfortable with familiar dysfunction than transformative power. Jesus disrupted
their status quo, and that scared them more than a
demod ever did. As Jesus prepares to leave, the man
begs to go with him, but Jesus says, go home
(19:06):
to your friends and tell them what great things the
Lord has done for you. And so the man becomes
the first missionary to the decapolist a gentile region. He
doesn't need a seminary degree or a long preparation period.
His testimony was enough. But what are some lessons we
can glean from this story? First, no one is beyond reach.
(19:27):
If Jesus can transform a man overtaken by a legion
of demons, he can handle whatever you're facing. Addiction, fear, doubt,
none of these are a match for his power. Second,
the recognition of authority. Even the demons acknowledge Jesus's lordship,
how much more should we who are recipients of his grace? Third,
(19:51):
the mission begins at home. The man wanted to travel
with Jesus, but his mission field was his own community.
Your story can impact them around you more than you realize.
This story challenges us to confront the demons in our
own lives and communities. This story challenges us to confront
the demons in our own lives and communities. It urges
(20:14):
us to move from complacency to action, from fear to faith.
Lets not be like the townspeople who ask Jesus to leave,
but instead invite him to transform us, no matter the cost. Remember,
when Jesus steps on to the shore of our lives,
even the darkest forces must flee, and in their place
(20:35):
we find freedom, purpose, and a story worth telling.
I have said these things to you that in me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have overcome the world. John sixteen
thirty three. Dear Lord Jesus, we praise you for overcoming
(00:21):
the darkness and despair of this world. You are victorious,
and in you we find our peace and strength. When
troubles surround us, remind us that you have already triumphed
over every fear and sorrow. Lift us up to stand
(00:45):
and victory with you. Refusing to live as victims in
the darkness around us, empower us to walk as champions
over sin, fear, and despair because of your mighty power
at work within us. Fill us with courage to face
(01:06):
each day knowing that you have overcome the world and
have called us to share in that victory. In your
powerful name, Jesus, we pray Amen. Thank you for praying
with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast, Gospel inspired
(01:31):
stories told with a cinematic touch and heartfelt reflection. Remain
here for another story on Jesus and Demons, and as always,
make sure to follow this podcast and share it with
a friend. Free to roam his macabre little kingdom the
(01:51):
demons spent his days and nights howling from the hilltops
that encapsulated the tombs. He would cry out and carried
to the frightened village by the water's surface. As the
afternoon light faded, billowing clouds as black as pitch loomed
ominously in the sky. They sailed over the calm waters,
(02:16):
bringing rocking waves and torrents of rain with them. Gabriel
stood in the downpour and wailed with full force as
icy needles landed on his skin. The demons watched the
peaceful sea turned to disarray, order to chaos. They sneered
(02:37):
with glee at seeing God's creation rage war upon itself.
Several knots from the shore, a boat was being catapulted
through the waves. The demon watched outlines of sailors pulling
at the ropes. Between the cracks of thunder. He could
hear their strenuous shouts. The demon howl with laughter as
(03:01):
he watched the frightened men. The demons were delighted to
take in the spectacle, but his entertainment didn't last long.
From across the tumultuous sea, the demons heard a voice
as fierce as a lion's roar. Even with the wind
and rain, they could hear it as clear as day.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Peace be still.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
In an instant, the waves plateaued, the rain ceased, and
the bright morning sun bore through the dark storm clouds.
The demons nearly fell to the ground in shock. Deep down,
Gabriel could feel his heart pounding in his throat. He
looked back to the boat to see a man standing
(03:50):
at the bow speaking to the now calm sailors. Gabriel
sensed the demons distress, croaking out of his throat. Against
his will, the demon sneered.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Tatsy not here.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
The demons raced into the tomb, as if preparing for
the battle to come. They knew they were no match
for the man who commanded the storms, but their pride
wouldn't let them fall without a fight.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Just as Jesus spoke peace over the chaotic storm, he
wants to speak peace to the chaos swirling within you.
Jesus is captain over the outer and the inner storms.
Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from pray dot Com.
We're so excited to have you with us today as
we explore another episode about Jesus's power over demons. The
(04:55):
month of October is filled with celebrating darkness, but we
know that the real celebration is in Christ's light prevailing
over the darkness. Today we're diving into one of the
most dramatic episodes in the Gospels, Mark chapter five, verses
one through twenty. Picture this. Jesus and his disciples step
(05:16):
out of a boat after a stormy night, probably hoping
for a moment of peace. Instead, they're greeted by a
man who could be the poster child for a horror movie.
Living in tombs, breaking chains and screaming. Day and night
talk about a warm welcome.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
The night was almost over and the sun was rising
over the glassy sea. The other side was within view,
like a mother placing her child down in its bed.
The vessel was placed carefully onto shore by the sea.
The disciples stumbled out of the boat, praising God they
(05:54):
were alive. Matthew leaped out of the boat and puked.
All this was far more excitement than counting coins in
the safety of his boof the disciples embraced each other
with an exhausted laughter. Jesus and Simon exchanged glances. Simon
felt comforted by his presence Jesus had told them they
(06:18):
would make it to the other side.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
They should never have down it.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Jesus laughed with his disciples and helped Matthew to his feet.
As the rest of the men made it off of
the boat, a deep and painful cry could be heard
from the cans. The screams pierced through the mountains. John's
eyes flashed. The sound was bone chilling. James turned his
(06:44):
head as the sound of screams and broken chains grew
louder and louder. The men looked to their right to
see a beast of a man running toward them at
full force. The man was naked and blood dripped from
his torn apart chest. His eyes were filled with bloodthirst,
(07:06):
and his speed was unnatural, even with the heavy chains
dangling from his wrists and ankles. He huffed as he
sprinted towards Jesus. John was the first to bolt back
to the boat, and the rest of the disciples began
to make a run for it. However, Jesus stepped forward.
The man continued his pursuit like a predator, picking up
(07:29):
speed with every step. Jesus marched forward. The disciples had
just watched him tame the seas, yet this man seemed
to be more dangerous than the tempest. The man was
closing the gap, and Jesus continued to steadily march towards him.
As he got close, the man leaped into the air
(07:52):
to pounce on Jesus, but he did not get the chance.
Jesus held out his hand, causing the man to jolt
back to the ground. He writhed on the floor. The
blood on his chest dripped down his entire body. Tears
of pain and agony streamed down his face. He roared
(08:15):
like a wounded animal. Jesus knew what was plaguing this man.
Jesus spent down to touch the man, but the demon
leaped back on to his feet. He circled Jesus, cocking
his head back and forward as he spoke. The demon spoke,
but Jesus could hear the man behind the voice. The
(08:39):
man was in pain and needed to be liberated. Like
the disciples moments earlier, the man was caught in an
intense storm.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
You know who I am and why I have come.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
He screamed as he leaped forward again for another attack,
but he was quickly thwarted, unable to lay a hand
on Jesus. The demons circled around Jesus, who tracked his
every motion. An ancient evil emanated from the demon, an
evil Jesus was familiar with.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
What is your name? Your real name now?
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Jesus asked the question as though interrogating the demon. The
disciples were watching from afar. They were not as confidence
as their teacher was in such a high stakes environment.
The demon looked ready to attack at any moment. Yet
Jesus was in no danger. Even the demons knew who
(09:44):
their creator was, they dared not touch him. The demon
let out a disturbing laugh that caused the disciples chests
to tighten. A coarse aile curved on the sides of
his mouth. He evoked numbers to intimidate Jesus. However, it
(10:06):
would not work. Jesus took a few steps forward, and
the demon tripped and fell on his back. He was
afraid of Jesus, and rightly so. He stood in the
presence of the Lion of Judah, the one who was
prophesied to crush the serpent's head. The demon cowered in
(10:29):
fear and fell to his knees. The demon, knowing his
place in the heavenly hierarchy had resorted to begging. The
demon gestured toward a herd of pigs grazing on bluffs
overlooking the sea. The demons asked for mercy from Jesus.
(10:52):
It was an odd exchange, and the disciples watched in awe.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Jesus nodded, be out of this man, away with you.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
At Jesus command, the man's body jolted backwards. He groaned
and screamed for a moment, and then there was silence
as the man lay faced them and said. As Jesus
looked up to the bluff and the sea, the herd
of Snyn began to circle in confusion. Squealing, they writhed
(11:25):
with dead bodies in every direction, each one. They all
run off the cliffs into the sea. All the demons
were consumed, and the oppressors drowned in the bottom of
the sea. The pig herders ran after the falling pigs
and watched them drown in the bottom of the sea.
(11:46):
They looked down to see Jesus kneeling over the man.
Legion had become a menace to the nearby community, so
the herders immediately ran back into town to tell the
people what had happened. Jesus looked over the man's mangled body.
He was unconscious, but alive and free from his oppressors.
(12:10):
Jesus gestured for the disciples to come and bring water
and clothing. They looked at one another, nudging each one
to go first. John came forward with some water, and
James followed with a tunic. Matthew trailed timidly behind. Jesus
gave him water, bread and clothed him, Andrew sewed up
(12:33):
his scars as best he could. He only had experience
with fishing nets. After having food and water, the men
began to think clearly. He stayed close to Jesus, clinging
to him like a frightened child. Eventually, the pig herders
returned with a mob of villagers. They expected to drive
(12:57):
out the man again and shew him back in the mountains.
For years, they had shunned him, even resorting to chaining
him to the cave walls. Yet he had broken his
chains every time and terrorized the village below. Yet they
found the man sitting with the disciples in his right mind.
(13:19):
They approached with pitchforks and daggers in their hands. The
village leader approached the group with his sword in hand.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Please, you must leave.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
The man begged, completely destitute of any courage. His knees
were trembling, and his sword was shaking in his hand.
The people stirred. As John said these things, The leader
nodded his head.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Yes, we can see that the man is clearly healed,
but it is not him.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
We are afraid of Joseph's gesture toward Jesus. The disciples
tilted their heads in confusion. Jesus understood their fear. They
were more afraid of Jesus's power than the danger of
the demons. Poems.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Please.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Though the man was much calmer now, his fear could
not be concealed.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
What you have done is miraculous. But do not return here.
We want no more dealings with demons.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Jesus had not come to disturb the village. He had
come to bring peace and healing. Knowing that his job
was done, he waved for his disciples to follow him,
and they departed back to their boat. The men boarded
the boat and James and John were beginning to push
the boat out to sea. Gabriel came to the boat
(14:49):
and Jesus jumped off and embraced him He enveloped him
with fatherly love, and the man began to weep. He
whispered through broken sobs into Jesus's shoulder. Tears streamed down
his cheeks. The disciples hearts broke as they watched. Jesus
(15:13):
held his shoulders and looked him in the eye. No,
my child, Gabriel looked up at Jesus with bloodshot eyes.
Jesus's words had nearly strickened him to death with grief.
Speaker 3 (15:28):
Something grand has happened to you. Tell people the story.
Tell them how you were lost and now you're found.
Tell them of the great things you witnessed. Tell them
how much the Lord has done for you, and how
he has had mercy on you.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
He understood now Jesus wasn't denying him. He was welcoming
him to be a part of his mission in his
own unique way. He wiped his nose and nodded. Jesus
smiled and gave him one final embrace. He boarded the boat.
(16:06):
James and John launched the boat into the sea, and
Simon held the rudder once again. Andrew let the sails
down and the Disciples departed. Gabriel stood at the shoreline,
watching as the boat faded into the horizon. For years,
his body had not been his own. He was enslaved.
(16:30):
Yet God had liberated him and delivered him from his oppressors.
Legion was consumed and his oppressors drown in the bottom
of the sea. He saw the great power that the
Lord used against the demons, so he feared the Lord
and believed in the Lord of his salvation.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Let's set the scene. This man is described as having
an unclean spirit. He's not just having a bad day.
He's completely overtaken by evil forces. He lives among the dead,
perhaps because society has written him off as a lost cause.
His strength is supernatural. Chains and shackles can't hold him.
(17:18):
He's self destructive, cutting himself with stones. In modern terms,
he's a one man haunted house. But here's the kicker.
When he sees Jesus from afar, he runs and worships him.
Even the demons recognize divine authority. The man cries out,
what have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of
the Most High God. Imagine how scared the disciples must
(17:40):
have been. They almost perished in a storm. Then the
moment they stepped on to shore, a naked bleeding demoniac
came charging at them. Poor guys. Jesus isn't rattled, though.
He commands the unclean spirit to come out. He asks
what is your name? And the reply is chilling. My
name is Legion, for we are a Roman legion consisted
(18:02):
of about six thousand soldiers. Whether literal or symbolic, it's
clear this man is heavily oppressed. The demons beg Jesus
not to send them out of the country, but instead
into a herd of pigs. With his permission, they enter
the pigs, and the whole herd, about two thousand, rushes
into the sea and drowns. Now, that's something you don't
(18:23):
see every day. Now, that's something you don't see every day.
The pig herders are understandably freaked out. They run to
tell everyone in the city and countryside. When the people arrive,
they see the formerly possessed man sitting and clothed and
in his right mind. Their reaction fear. They plead with
Jesus to leave their region. Wait what, you'd think they'd
(18:46):
be grateful, or at least curious, But sometimes people are
more comfortable with familiar dysfunction than transformative power. Jesus disrupted
their status quo, and that scared them more than a
demod ever did. As Jesus prepares to leave, the man
begs to go with him, but Jesus says, go home
(19:06):
to your friends and tell them what great things the
Lord has done for you. And so the man becomes
the first missionary to the decapolist a gentile region. He
doesn't need a seminary degree or a long preparation period.
His testimony was enough. But what are some lessons we
can glean from this story? First, no one is beyond reach.
(19:27):
If Jesus can transform a man overtaken by a legion
of demons, he can handle whatever you're facing. Addiction, fear, doubt,
none of these are a match for his power. Second,
the recognition of authority. Even the demons acknowledge Jesus's lordship,
how much more should we who are recipients of his grace? Third,
(19:51):
the mission begins at home. The man wanted to travel
with Jesus, but his mission field was his own community.
Your story can impact them around you more than you realize.
This story challenges us to confront the demons in our
own lives and communities. This story challenges us to confront
the demons in our own lives and communities. It urges
(20:14):
us to move from complacency to action, from fear to faith.
Lets not be like the townspeople who ask Jesus to leave,
but instead invite him to transform us, no matter the cost. Remember,
when Jesus steps on to the shore of our lives,
even the darkest forces must flee, and in their place
(20:35):
we find freedom, purpose, and a story worth telling.
Host
Zak Shellabarger
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.