Monday 25 February 2013

Background

Just before this passage, Mark has described how Jesus calmedthe storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41), showing his power over even thewildest forces of nature. We are told that Jesus "rebuked" (v. 39)- exorcised - the wind and waves and so brought peace and calm. Inthis way Luke prepares us for another dramatic encounter - thistime with an army of demonic forces.

The encounter with Legion takes place in the country of theGerasenes, but there has always been uncertainty about where thisis or what it is called - Gadarene? Gergesenes? The specific placemay not matter too much, but its general location does. This isGentile (non-Jewish) territory, beyond the bounds Jesus has set forhis mission (Matthew 15:24). Will this limit his authorityand power?

The man named Legion is in a desperate state - shackled, tormented,broken. His confession that Jesus is the Son of the Most High God(verse 7) is one of fear rather than hope. He doesn't have to askfor Jesus to do anything - perhaps he can't. But Jesus takes theinitiative and his power over the massed forces of abomination isunmistakeable as unclean pigs rush down the steep bank into the sea(verse 13).

The Gospel-writer Mark simply accepts the condition of demonpossession. He is not interested in how or why this happens. He is,however, very interested in the result, both for the man and forthose who witnessed this miracle.

The man is found clothed and in his right mind. The storm is calmedand he is himself again. But healing requires more. He must also berestored to others. The man - no longer Legion - wants to followJesus, but instead he is told to go home and is commissioned as thefirst missionary to the Gentiles.

What about the onlookers? They are terrified (or angry about theirpigs) and cannot wait for Jesus to leave them alone. Their peace,if they will receive it, will come not from Jesus himself, but fromthe man he sends to them.

To Ponder

• Do you have to believe in demon possession to understand thismiracle of healing? Why?

• The man wants to follow Jesus but he is sent home. Can youreflect on times when following Jesus means leaving and others whenit means staying?