28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.REFLECTIONSWritten by James DavidsonWe make a serious error if we underestimate the power and danger of Satan and evil spirits, which is seen in this event. The two demon-possessed men are so violent that no one can pass by the cemetery where they live.But Jesus’ power is much greater. And even the demons recognize it. They know Jesus is the Son of God and they know he has authority over them. And Jesus exercises his power. He sends the demons out of the men, into the pigs. Jesus’ power combines with his compassion. He encounters two people in terrible, inescapable bondage. No one else can set them free. But he sets them free.Though we may not have been demon-possessed, we must remember that we were in Satan’s camp, because we were rebels against God. Only Jesus could set us free. He had compassion on us and went to the cross to do just that.We recently came through the season of Halloween. While it can be a bit of harmless fun, we must be careful that we don’t unwittingly introduce occultish concepts to our children. There are many possible Christian responses, but I decided this year to put a beautifully coloured hand drawn sign on my front door, ‘JESUS RISEN from the DEAD’, in case anyone came knocking. No one did. But at least it reminded us and anyone who’s visited recently that the risen Jesus is more powerful than Satan and his allies. We need not fear. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)QUESTIONAre there things you can’t see that you’re scared of? What does this passage show about Jesus?ABOUT THE AUTHORJames is an assistant minister with our Bossley Park and Early Church congregations.