May 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 8:22-39

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 39:32-40:16; Luke 8:22-39

“And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked [Jesus] to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.” (Luke 8:36-37)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Jesus arrives in the country of the Gerasenes, across from Galilee, and is immediately greeted by a man who is possessed by demons. This man has been so captive to this demonic oppression that he is naked, living in the tombs of the city, and has frequently burst through the chains used to bind him. This must have been a terrifying sight and a situation that was well-known in the city. Most towns these days have the oddball who may come across as slightly creepy, given his mannerisms and clothing, but magnify that by ten thousand, add in clear demonic elements, and you have a better sense of how the city must have viewed this man. It’s safe to assume that most of the people in the city wanted nothing to do with him, and beyond being a nuisance, he was probably a source of a lot of fear. But despite this, after Jesus heals the demoniac and restores him, Jesus is only met with gratitude and wonder by the demoniac himself, who asks to follow Jesus. The people of the city, however, respond with fear. This seems a curious response, as it is logical that Jesus solved a problem for them, so they would all be grateful for it. But they have witnessed the power of Jesus, and though that power is wielded in mercy to heal, restore, and forgive, they also seem to intuit that it could be used for judgment. Indeed, a man who can judge and condemn multiple demons, driving them back to the abyss where they belong, could certainly render judgment against any of our sins. People often have this reaction to Jesus. Many of us hear his words of forgiveness, life, and salvation, and like the demoniac, see healing, restoration, and redemption from our sins that we so desperately want. Others hear and see the word and works of Jesus and receive it only as condemnation and terror, responding by asking him to go away. Just as the parable of the sower earlier in chapter eight illustrates, not everyone will receive the Word of God with joy and thanksgiving; some will not receive it at all and reject it immediately. How people respond to God’s Word is not in our control; we should simply be ready to speak it and speak it as one delivered out of bondage by grace.  

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, Your Word is cast Like seed into the ground; Now let the dew of heav’n descend And righteous fruits abound. (LSB 577:1)

- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.