OCTOBER 30, 2026 – AND THEY WERE AFRAID

READ: Luke 8:26-39: … he went throughout the whole city and proclaimed what great things Jesus had done for him.

The boat trip ends on the other side, in the country of the Gadarenes or Gergesenes (Matt. 8:28), probably near the place of Kursi. The high plateau behind it belongs to what is known as the Golan Heights. A demon-possessed man who lives among the tombs comes to meet Jesus. The man has long been tormented by demons and, because of the trouble he causes, has been driven out of the city into an inhospitable area. Attempts to restrain him have failed because of the disturbance he causes. He is too strong for them. Jesus immediately commands the demons to leave the man (v.29; Mk. 5:8).

But the demon who speaks on behalf of the many others (a legion!) suspects that a severe punishment awaits them. He begs not to be tormented. In doing so, he addresses Jesus as ‘Jesus, Son of God, the Most High.’ Thus the disciples receive an answer to their question in verse 25: ‘Who can this be?’

According to Matt. 8:29, the demons also cry out: ‘Have You come here to torment us before the time?’ By this they mean: before the final judgment (cf. Rev.20:10). Remarkably, the demons are well aware of God’s plan and know their position in relation to Jesus! Why do they not want to go into ‘the abyss’? Most likely, by the abyss they mean the lake of fire as the place of final judgment; see Rev.19:20; 20:10,14; 21:8.

Jesus allows them to enter the pigs that are present. The pigs then become frantic, rush down the steep slope into the lake, and drown. Whether this is what the demons intended is not stated.

Nor can we answer the questions that arise about why Jesus allows this. The swineherds do not consult Jesus or ask Him for help, but flee and spread the report throughout the surrounding area.

Now everyone wants Jesus to leave them. They have no eye for the glorious miracle of deliverance that He has performed for the man.

The man himself does want to remain with Jesus, but Jesus sends him out to proclaim the glorious news everywhere.

Do you understand the reaction of the crowd?

Sing: Ps. 71:8,11