Pastor Scott Andrews | January 19, 2025
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Luke 8:34-39
This morning, we’re going to finish the story we began last week – the exorcism of legion from the naked, disfigured, incredibly strong, crazy, demon-possessed man. Now, you’re perhaps surprised to hear that – thinking, what more could you possibly say – last week was just a bunch of hogwash anyway. Well, let me review the message from last week to remind you of the context, and Luke’s purpose in this amazing story in the eighth chapter of his gospel.
You’ll remember Jesus and His disciples had just arrived at the southeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee after a rather harrowing night on the sea. As they climbed out of the boat, a naked, disfigured, demon-possessed man came streaking toward them. This man had lived in the cemetery for some time, and there was nothing he nor the townspeople could do about his condition. He was helpless and hopeless. But on that fateful day, as he approached this landing party, the demons possessing the man immediately recognized who Jesus was: the Son of the Most High God.
In His compassion for the man, Jesus drove out the legion of demons, permitting them to enter the pigs on the hillside by the sea. Deviled ham, as someone texted me last week. The pigs then flew headlong into the waters, drowning themselves as the demons continued their pattern of destruction.
I suggested the intent of the passage was to impress us with the magnitude of Jesus’ power which clearly demonstrates His deity – He is, indeed, the Son of the Most High God. He had displayed His power over nature in the previous story when He calmed the storm. Now, in the rest of the chapter, He displays His power over demons, disease, and even death. As we read the gospel of Luke, we, like the disciples, are beginning to realize Jesus is not only different, but He is something other.
Which brings us to this week’s text. You see, there were three distinct responses when Jesus healed this man, which form our outline:
I. The Response of the People (34-37)
II. The Response of the Man (38)
III. The Response of Jesus (38-39)
You’ll remember a stated purpose last week was to ask you the question, “Do you know Jesus, do you know Him as the Son of the Most High God?” Remember, the disciples had asked each other that very question, “Who then is this man – that the waves and winds obey Him?” So, Luke, in that story and the miracles that follow, is seeking to answer the question, who is this man? My purpose this week then, if you know Him, and I know most of you do, is to ask this question, “Do you know what He expects of you?”
Well, let’s begin by reading the rest of the story, Luke 8:34-39.
Three distinct but different responses to the event, so we start with the Response of the People. When the herdsmen, the pig ranchers, witnessed the miraculous exorcism – the deliverance of this demon-possessed man who had for some time terrorized the region – they immediately ran and told everyone what happened. After all, this was not an everyday occurrence, and since they were responsible for the pigs, perhaps just hired workers, they wanted everyone to know who was responsible for their destruction. Once the townspeople heard this unbelievable report, they wanted to see things for themselves, so they ran out to see Jesus, the demon-possessed man, and their dead pigs.
Don’t miss that: when they arrived, while they did see Jesus, while they did see 2,000 drowned pigs, there was no demon-possessed man. It’s interesting, three times in this passage he is referred to as the man who had been demon-possessed. There was no mistaking it – they knew him – they knew he was the crazy, demonic dude.
But no longer. Instead of a roving, raving lunatic, they found the man calmly sitting at the feet of Jesus. Instead of disfigured nudity, they found him clothed. And instead of uncontrolled, insane, inarticulate shrieks, they found him in his right mind, rational and self-controlled. Even humble. They hadn’t seen him like this in years. Jesus’ healing had been complete! He had been touched inside and out, physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually – the same way Jesus touches people today. He transforms them. So, what did the people think? I see a couple of responses here:
First, Luke says they were frightened. Isn’t it interesting Jesus evoked that response from everyone: first from the disciples in the boat, then the legion of demons, and now the townspeople. It’s a natural initial response when that which is created comes face to face with the Creator. It’s natural and even right to have a sense of fear, even a sense of dread, in the presence of God. Perhaps we should have a little less casual familiarity and a little more awestruck reverence. After all, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When God’s people – Isaiah, John, came into the presence of God – Christ – they too fell at His feet.
But why specifically were they afraid? Notice the text says when they found the man from whom the demons had come out, they were frightened. Here was a man who had terrorized them for years, here was a man they had been physically unable to restrain. Not even chains could keep him bound. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Modern medical science had proven ineffective. Even religion had proven useless. Was this real? Could he really be healed? They seemed to be as afraid of the sane man as they were the insane man. This didn’t make sense – and now they found themselves standing in front of a different of man, who had merely spoken a word and brought under control a man they had been unable to control even with chains. And they were afraid – they were afraid of a man who had power they neither knew nor understood. And they asked Him to leave, for they were gripped with fear.
Which is interesting. I’ve been suggesting with all these miracles that perhaps some people wish today – if only I’d been alive when Jesus walked the earth. If only I’d seen some of these amazing miracles – then I’d believe. These people didn’t. Most, in fact, did not. The truth is most people love their sin and rebellion more than the Savior and the demands His gospel places on lives. You see, seeing is not believing – believing is seeing. Believe, and allow God to open your eyes to the truth and the reality of His greatness. If you won’t believe now, you wouldn’t believe then, even if He dealt with pigs, because they might be your pigs.
Which brings us to the people’s second response which I’m going to suggest is anger. You see, Mark’s account says they asked Him to leave when the herdsmen told them about the deliverance, which brought fear, and what had happened to the pigs. Most feel, as I do, that the phrase “and all about the swine” suggests the people were at least a little put out, if not angry by the events of the day. So, when they saw the man, they were afraid. But when they saw the pigs, they were mad.
Now, you may remember last week we asked the question, why would Jesus, as the all-knowing God, allow the demons to go into the pigs? That bothered atheist Bertrand Russell, for example. Why would He allow the demons to destroy the pigs, perhaps destroying the livelihood of the people?
One thing I think we can rule out is that as a Jew, Jesus didn’t like bacon. We can also rule out the possibility He made a mistake, as if He didn’t know what was going to happen. Frankly, I think we can safely say since Jesus was God, everything He did had a purpose. So, what was His purpose here? I think there are three strong possibilities, and maybe all three:
- First, since the possession of the man was undeniable, Jesus wanted the exorcism to be indisputable as well, both to the man and to the people. I mean, would you welcome this man into your home to be with your family if you didn’t know for sure he was cured? Jesus wanted to show them that there had been a radical change in this man.
- Second, He wanted to visibly demonstrate the power of the miracle He had just performed. He wanted them to know, this was no small miracle. One thing we need to be aware of is God wants us to be impressed with Him, to be in awe of Him – and we should be. You say, that sounds a little selfish to me – a little prideful – isn’t that wrong? The answer is no. You see, God is the most powerful, the most glorious, the most awesome person in the universe. And for Him to give His glory to another would be an act of idolatry – His glorious power must be displayed and marveled at – anything less is an act of insurrection, which frankly, we as image-bearers, have perfected.
- And third, it is possible Jesus wanted to teach the townspeople a lesson about their own possession – their sins of idolatry and materialism. You see, these people were more concerned about their pigs than they were the healing of this crazy, demon-possessed man. They were more concerned about their possessions than his possession. I ask you, who was more possessed, the man possessed by demons, or the people possessed by materialism? When Jesus departed, He left one man cured of his problem, and a town full of people clinging to their sin. Rather than recognizing who Jesus was and what He could do to heal them, they pleaded with Him to leave their region. Do you see that? Rather than responding to the miracle in faith, they turned Jesus away. They were perhaps fearful of what He might require of them – He took their pigs, what else did He want? And the answer is, Jesus wants it all.
Of course, much of Christianity in America today is more sophisticated than these people – or so we think. You see, at least these people were honest enough to tell Jesus to get lost. But many who call themselves Christians today have it all figured out. They don’t ask Jesus to leave. No, they want Him to stay – they invite Him to stay. But, they also tell Him to leave their pigs alone. Yes, Jesus, I want you to stick around – take your place right alongside my pigs – my career, education, my possessions, my toys, my relationships, my girlfriend, my boyfriend, my spouse, my kids – whatever it is that we put on the same level with God. I wonder to whom Jesus would say, sell all that you have and then come – then, you can be my disciple.
What is an idol? Usually we think of an idol as a little golden or stone statue of a man with a fat belly to which we burn incense, bow down. And it is true – that would be an idol in the form of a graven image. But that’s not the kind of idol most of us struggle with today – most of us haven’t burned incense since the 60’s. An idol has been defined this way – it is something that establishes one’s self worth, becomes the controlling center of one’s life, and is the last in a series of priorities to go. That hits a little closer to home. You see – if that something is anything but God, it’s an idol. What idols, what pigs, do you struggle with? It’s whatever is most important in your life. What would you not be willing to sacrifice for Christ?
Let’s turn our attention now to the Response of the Man in verse 38. Now, don’t miss the man’s first response back in verse 28 – at least the demons within were asking, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” And now, Luke tells us the man was sitting at the feet of Jesus. When Jesus heals you of that which plagues you, you want to sit as His feet in worship. You see, in contrast to the people, this man wanted to be with Jesus. The people begged Him to leave, the man begged to go with Jesus.
Now, this ties in with the previous story – we’re supposed to notice. There was a storm outside the boat, Jesus brought peace, and there was fear – what kind of man is this? There was a storm inside a man, Jesus brought peace, and there was fear – and the people begged Jesus to leave. But here, the man wanted to be with Jesus. There’s the question – what will you do with Jesus? What will your response be this Man of such power? The healed man had a noble response, it could even be said a right response. The same is true today – true believers want to be with Jesus, to sit at His feet, while unbelievers want nothing to do with Him. Now, why would this man want to be with Jesus? Several obvious reasons:
First is safety. Can you imagine what it was like for him, living in a cemetery with a bunch of demons? For years he had been tormented by this evil, physically and spiritually abused by these would-be destroyers. There had been a bitter battle for his soul which he had lost. He had been unable to rid himself of the demons. He had been unable to control them. Others had tried and been unsuccessful. But now, this Jesus, Son of the Most High God, spoke, and he was cured. Jesus had set him free. Perhaps he was concerned if Jesus left, the demons might return. So, he wanted to be with Him.
Secondly, it’s possible he didn’t feel accepted where he was. Let’s face it, these people had tried to chain him for years. No doubt they vented their fear and anger upon him. Would they accept him now with open arms? Would you? How do you respond to someone who has been a sinner – I mean a real sinner – a violent sinner – who has been changed – who has been renewed, who has been made your brother or sister? Would a former convict, drug offender, alcoholic, sexually promiscuous person feel welcome here as a family member? Would you invite him into your home like you would the local banker or librarian? It’s been said, if the people who should accept you don’t accept you, you’ll go to anyone who will accept you.
Thirdly, and related to this issue, He found acceptance with Jesus. The people of the area had shown their unconcern by their futile attempts at restraining him rather than helping him, healing him. Now, rather than rejoicing over his healing, they were angry about their losses. But here was a Man who loved him – who had healed him and clothed him. Jesus had cared for him when no one else had. And he wanted to be with Jesus. Can you blame him?
Finally, I’m sure he felt a deep sense of gratitude to Jesus. He wanted to go to serve Him. Jesus had given his life back, and now he wanted to give his life to Jesus. And this was a right response. When Jesus rescues you, you want to give everything to Him. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be with Jesus and His people. But if that’s all we want, then perhaps we’re missing it – you see, there’s more Jesus expects. Jesus had another plan for this man, which brings us to our final point,
The Response of Jesus in verses 38-39. As Jesus started to leave, the man began to climb into the boat, begging to go. But Jesus shared some final instructions. I want you to notice first what Jesus did not say. He did not say, “I want you to stay and raise your own herd of pigs. I want you to go and see how big a herd of pigs you can raise, how nice a pig you can drive, how big your piggy bank can get, and how beautiful a pig pen you can live in, complete with a two-pig garage.” No, Jesus doesn’t say that. He left him there with a single purpose in mind – that he might go and tell others what great things God had done for him.
Isn’t it interesting that we have three requests of Jesus in the story. First, the demons plead with Him to enter the pigs, and Jesus granted their request. Second, the people plead with Him to leave, and He granted their request. But third, this man pleads to go with Him, and Jesus said no. I want you to stay and share your story with these people.
These people who had been begging for Jesus to leave. Jesus knew they needed to hear again how merciful He had been to this demoniac. Which suggests an initial rejection of the good news about Jesus is not necessarily a final rejection. Think about that – how many times in His mercy did He bear with you, until you responded, by His grace, to His call? These people did not recognize their need, but Jesus did. And He left the man as a witness to His mercy.
And we see the man was obedient. Who wouldn’t be? Jesus had done much for him; he was eager to share this news, not only with his family, but the text says he shared it throughout the whole city – Mark says throughout the Decapolis. He went to the cities proclaiming this good news about what Jesus had done for him. And don’t miss that: Jesus told the man, go tell what God has done for you. And the man went and told what Jesus had done – same difference. This is yet another way Luke wants us to understand – Jesus is the Son of God – He is God Himself.
Do you think the man recognized the magnitude of the grace of God in his life? He told everyone – Mark says the people were amazed. This was the crazy man who had lived in the tombs, and now, he was a changed man. They could see it for themselves. He was living proof of Christ’s transforming power. He had been radically changed. We never read of him returning to the tombs. Before he lived in the tombs, now he lived in Christ, and once you’re in Christ, you don’t return to the old way of life. The people could see His changed life – which made his testimony that much more effective.
Three different responses to this healing of the demoniac of the Gerasenes. The people? They just wanted Jesus to leave their region. In coming face to face with God, they shook their fists in His face and said, we want nothing to do with you. Then there was the man. He just wanted to be with Jesus. But Jesus had a different response. He wanted others to know His goodness and mercy. While others looked at this man as a raving lunatic worthy only of disdain, Jesus saw one of His own. And so, Jesus gave him a commission to share the good news.
So in closing, allow me to return to the analogy with which I concluded last week. You see, there are many similarities between this man’s condition and our own. Last week we saw if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, if you don’t know Who He is and what He has done to remove the stain and guilt of sin, then you too are under the influence of evil. You, too, are a slave to sin.
We saw that you too, like this man, are self-destructive. Every evil act you perform, like scars are permanent records making you guilty before God. Third, there is nothing you or anyone else can do about your condition. Only Jesus can help. And fourth, we saw you also need to fall at the feet of Jesus, recognizing Who He is, the Son of the Most High God, confessing your sin to Him, seeking His cleansing and forgiveness, and confessing Him as your Lord.
And if you have done that, we see from the story this week there are some other things that happened. Jesus gave you a right mind – the mind of Christ. He changed you – He took out that heart of stone and gave you a heart of flesh. The love of God now flows through you. You think differently. He clothed you when you were naked – when you had no righteousness of your own, all your righteousness as filthy rags, He gave you the imputed righteousness of Christ, which means not only has He wiped away your sin, but He’s given you the righteousness of His Son. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. And without the imputed righteousness of Christ, you were naked and without hope. And so, He clothed you.
And as a result, your conversion has perhaps amazed the people who used to know you. You see, people should be able to look at your life and see a radical transformation – proof of the power of the living God who has changed your life. You are no longer what you used to be. You don’t sound like a raving lunatic anymore. You don’t scream with the howling of one out of touch with reality. You are no longer covered with the emotional scars of your sin, you have been forgiven. And they are amazed. They knew what you were like, and perhaps, maybe they don’t like the changes they see. They don’t like Jesus in you. And they shake their fists in the face of God and say, I want nothing to do with it – I want nothing to do with you.
And as a result, understandably, you want to spend time with Jesus, the One who showed you more love and compassion than anyone. And that’s a good and noble desire. But, we too are expected to tell others what Jesus has done for us. What does Jesus expect of His disciples? We have been commissioned to tell others how good and merciful He has been.
Think about that. How many of us, like this man, would rather be with Jesus than with the people to whom Jesus has sent us? We cannot physically be with Jesus, but we can effectively remove ourselves from the world. We spend all our Christian lives in Christian surroundings, and the outworking of our faith is within and toward those who already know Jesus. And yet Jesus has other plans: to share what God has done for us – to share His mercy with them. It’s why He hasn’t taken you to heaven…yet. He will, but until then, who does Jesus want you tell about Him?