Devotional 2.13 | Space for Grace | THE DEMONIAC – Delivered

[Jim]

February 13th
PEOPLE JESUS MET

THE DEMONIAC – Delivered​

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After Jesus had crossed the lake, he came to shore near the town of Gadara and started down the road. Two men with demons in them came to him from the tombs.

They were so fierce that no one could travel that way.

Matthew 8:28, Contemporary English Version​

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Profile: Why had Jesus ventured out across the sea despite an impending storm? To help two (Mark and Luke’s accounts focus on just one of them) shunned demon- possessed men living amongst tombs, unrestrainable, lacerating themselves, crying out day and night and a menace to others. Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to leave the man. The demons were fearful of Jesus’ power over them and requested to enter a herd of pigs. Jesus sent them from the man into the pigs which rushed over the cliff into the sea below.

Lessons:​

• Why would Jews avoid these men? They were: a) Gentiles b) demon possessed c) in a graveyard. Why did Jesus cross a sea to visit them?

• Why did the townsfolk ask Jesus to leave? Not only did they fear Jesus’ supernatural power, but they were more upset at losing a herd of pigs than they were glad about the deliverance of the demon-possessed men. Can we become more concerned about property and programs than people and even our King?

• Jesus instructed one of the healed men to stay and preach in the Decapolis area. About 35 years later, in 66 A.D Christians fled specifically to the safety of Pella in Decapolis. Our present storms may be part of a larger picture in the outworking of the Lord’s purpose. If we have been released from the chains of slavery to sin and fear of the demons, let us tell others “how much the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)

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No terror is beyond the ability of Jesus to destroy.​

 

[Shelley]

It was pointed out in something I read that pigs were un clean to the Jews. So fitting place to send them. So much rich language going on here. Economics certainly take center stage in our governments today. While humanity is an after thought.