In this week's lectionary text, we have what could be a horror movie scene: Jesus finds a demon-possessed man, naked and living in tombs. The townspeople can't protect themselves. They bind him with chains, but the demon easily breaks free and drives the man into the wild. 

The demons recognize Jesus' divinity and beg him not to send them to the abyss, and Jesus grants their plea and allows them to possess a herd of nearby pigs. 

As you can imagine, the townspeople can't believe what they're hearing and are terrified for their lives. Something more powerful than those demons is now in their presence. And just like the demons, they beg Jesus to leave them alone. 

You'll want to hear what Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson have to say about the power of Jesus' word over sin, death and demons.

Questions Adam, Kiri and Mason ask:

• Why did Jesus give permission to the demons to kill the pigs?
• Why were the townspeople so afraid of Jesus?
• What power do demons actually have?

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah: [email protected]

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate