After the amazing events of yesterday, it seems that nothing is outside of Jesus’ authority. In the words of the old children’s song, “there is nothing my God cannot do!” Yet again this is re-enforced in today’s passage. Today we see Jesus once again, showing his complete authority over impure spirits. They get across to the other side of the lake and suddenly this man approaches him. This man is possessed and is suffering greatly. He was caused to live among the dead in the tombs, and although people tried to control him using chains and other means, they could not as he was too strong for them. You could almost imagine the town hearing his cries throughout the night if they listened closely.

But seeing Jesus, he runs to him and the spirit pleads with him not to torture him and not to send them out of the area. Why Jesus grants this request and sends them into the pigs, we aren’t too sure but we can be sure that the man was restored to full health. The people of the town were filled with fear about Jesus. Who is Jesus who could even restore this possessed man? Meanwhile, the man asked to go along with Jesus but Jesus tells him to go and tell people. Tell people about the Lord’s power and the Lord’s mercy. And the result? All the people were amazed.

Now today, we don’t really see the demonic at work so obviously, but it would be a mistake to think that impure spirits don’t exist. However, it would also be a mistake to pay way too much attention to them and living in fear of them. We have no reason to fear for we are secure in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit, but we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be even open to impure spirits through various modern ways. Focus on Jesus who has all authority and complete mercy. MC

Questions

Prayer

Compassionate Lord, thank you that you are all-powerful and abounding in love and compassion. Thank you for your absolute authority over all the realms, physical and spiritual. Strengthen our faith, and guard our lives in Jesus. Amen.