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The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What a nightmare. Demons are more frightening than any scary movie. The Gospels tell us about several people who were possessed by demons. We don’t know exactly why this happened so much when Jesus was on earth. Some people think the devil was showing off his power and trying to get attention because Jesus was performing so many miracles. Others think the devil uses different ways today to hurt people and keep them away from God.

One of the saddest stories is the man in Luke 8. He didn’t have any clothes. He didn’t live in a house. He used to be chained up, but he had broken free and now lived among the tombs—all alone. But what was worse than all of this? His soul was lost. He was controlled by demons.

Then Jesus came. The man said his name was Legion, because he had so many demons in him. But Jesus is always stronger than Satan. Just like he beat the devil in the wilderness, Jesus beat the devil here too. Jesus cast out the demons and saved the man. His life was changed forever.

He wanted to go with Jesus—wouldn’t you? But Jesus told him to go back home. Why? Because there were people at home who needed to hear about God’s love. “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” That’s a mission plan! It was simple. It was powerful. The man had a story to tell—what Jesus had done for him.

That’s your mission too. Every day, go home and remind your family how good God has been to you. Tell others about what Jesus has done—how he forgives you, loves you, and gives you eternal life. You don’t need to go far. The mission starts right where you are.

Dear God, thank you for a family that helps us grow in our faith and spends time with us in your Word. Help us remember every day—especially the tough ones—that you have done good things for us. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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