What is the meaning of Luke 8:35? So the people went out to see what had happened “So the people went out to see what had happened.” (Luke 8:35) • News of Jesus’ miraculous deliverance of the demoniac spread quickly, stirring curiosity and drawing a crowd, much like in John 6:2 where multitudes followed Christ because they “saw the signs He was performing.” • Their going out underscores that Christ’s works are never done in a corner (Acts 26:26); His power invites public witness and inspection. • The phrase also reminds us of Psalm 66:5—“Come and see what God has done,” echoing the call to behold the Lord’s mighty acts firsthand. Came to Jesus “They came to Jesus…” (Luke 8:35) • Whatever drew them—astonishment, skepticism, or fear—their steps ultimately led to the Lord Himself, just as Nathanael was told, “Come and see” (John 1:46). • Every genuine encounter with the supernatural must be measured by its relation to Christ (1 John 4:1-3). • By approaching Jesus, the townspeople fulfill the pattern seen in Luke 15:1 where “all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Him,” highlighting Jesus as the focal point of every soul’s need. Found the man whom the demons had left “…and found the man whom the demons had left…” (Luke 8:35) • The deliverance is complete; the demons “had left,” mirroring Matthew 12:28 where Jesus says, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” • Mark 5:15, the parallel account, confirms the same outcome, reinforcing the historic reality of this liberation. • This scene showcases 1 John 3:8: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” Sitting at Jesus’ feet “…sitting at Jesus’ feet…” (Luke 8:35) • Post-deliverance posture shifts from roaming tombs (Luke 8:27) to restful submission, paralleling Mary of Bethany who “sat at the Lord’s feet” to hear His word (Luke 10:39). • Sitting signifies discipleship and peace (Isaiah 32:17—“The work of righteousness will be peace”). • It illustrates Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites the weary to come and find rest in Him. Clothed “…clothed…” (Luke 8:35) • Formerly naked (Luke 8:27), the man is now appropriately dressed, demonstrating outward evidence of inward transformation—akin to the prodigal “clothed with the best robe” (Luke 15:22). • Clothing often pictures righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 7:14); Christ’s salvation covers shame and restores dignity. • The detail confirms tangible, observable change, countering any notion that deliverance was merely psychological. In his right mind “…and in his right mind…” (Luke 8:35) • Mental clarity follows spiritual liberation; demonic chaos yields to divine order (2 Timothy 1:7—“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and sound judgment”). • Mark 5:15 uses the same description, corroborating Luke’s testimony. • Salvation brings wholeness—body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). They were afraid “…and they were afraid.” (Luke 8:35) • Confronted with Christ’s majestic authority, the crowd feels a reverent fear, similar to Luke 5:8-10 where Peter, awed by a miraculous catch, trembles before Jesus. • Fear here is not merely terror but an acute awareness of divine power, echoing Exodus 20:20—“God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you to keep you from sinning.” • Tragically, verses 37-39 show some let fear drive them to ask Jesus to leave, reminding us that encounters with grace demand a response—either worship or rejection (John 3:19-20). summary Luke 8:35 paints a vivid portrait of complete deliverance. The once-tormented man is now calm, clothed, and sitting in submissive fellowship with Jesus, proving the Lord’s total victory over demonic power. The watching crowd, confronted with undeniable transformation, experiences holy fear. The passage calls every reader to behold Christ’s authority, recognize His power to save, and respond with faith rather than retreat. |
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