Topical Encyclopedia
Context and Setting:The healing of the demoniac is a significant miracle performed by Jesus, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This event takes place after Jesus and His disciples cross the Sea of Galilee, arriving in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes, depending on the manuscript tradition). This area is predominantly Gentile, as indicated by the presence of a large herd of pigs.
Scriptural Accounts:1.
Mark 5:1-20 (BSB): Mark provides a detailed account of this miracle. Upon arriving on the shore, Jesus is immediately met by a man possessed by an unclean spirit. This man lives among the tombs, exhibiting superhuman strength and self-destructive behavior. The demoniac, recognizing Jesus from afar, runs to Him and falls at His feet, crying out, "What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torment me!" (
Mark 5:7, BSB). Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out, and upon inquiry, learns that the spirit's name is "Legion," for many demons had entered the man. The demons plead with Jesus not to send them into the abyss but instead into a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus permits this, and the demons enter the pigs, which then rush down the steep bank into the sea and drown. The herdsmen flee and report the incident in the town, leading the people to find the formerly possessed man clothed and in his right mind. Despite witnessing this miracle, the townspeople, gripped by fear, plead with Jesus to leave their region. The healed man desires to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to return home and declare the mercy he has received from the Lord.
2.
Matthew 8:28-34 (BSB): Matthew's account is more concise and mentions two demon-possessed men rather than one. The narrative follows a similar pattern, with the demons recognizing Jesus and begging to be sent into the pigs. The subsequent drowning of the pigs and the reaction of the townspeople are consistent with Mark's account.
3.
Luke 8:26-39 (BSB): Luke's version aligns closely with Mark's, emphasizing the man's previous condition and the dramatic transformation following the exorcism. The narrative highlights the power and authority of Jesus over the spiritual realm, as well as the fear and astonishment of the witnesses.
Theological Significance:The healing of the demoniac underscores Jesus' authority over demonic forces, illustrating His divine power and compassion. The recognition of Jesus by the demons as the "Son of the Most High God" affirms His divine identity. This miracle also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom of God, as the healed man becomes a witness to the Gentile community, proclaiming the works of Jesus.
Cultural and Historical Insights:The presence of a pig herd indicates a Gentile setting, as pigs were considered unclean animals in Jewish law. The reaction of the townspeople, prioritizing economic loss over spiritual deliverance, reflects a common human tendency to fear the unknown and resist change, even when it is for the better.
Lessons and Applications:This miracle teaches about the transformative power of Jesus, who brings order and peace to chaos and torment. It challenges believers to recognize the authority of Christ over all aspects of life and to bear witness to His mercy and power, even in the face of societal opposition or misunderstanding.
Nave's Topical Index
Mark 1:23-26And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Nave's Topical IndexLuke 4:33-36
And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Gospel of Luke
... Those features of the Lord s miracles of healing are ... however, that Luke furnishes
us with a chronological record of ... He never gives the words of Jesus in the ...
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Resources
What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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