Jesus & the Legion

Luke 8:26-39 (June 22, 2025)

Hello everyone, thanks for joining me today! I want to share an incredible story from the Bible that really gets to the heart of who Jesus is and what He came here to do. The story I’m thinking of is about a man who was being controlled by evil spirits, but Jesus stepped in and changed everything.

Imagine being in a really tough spot, where life feels like it’s spiraling out of control. That’s basically what was happening with the man in this story. He lived in a graveyard-like place called the tombs, had no clothes on, and was completely unpredictable – he could break free from any chains or ropes that tried to hold him back. He’d even hurt himself on purpose, which is a sign of just how desperate and scared he must have been. He was living a life where fear was in charge, cut off from the people who cared about him. It’s heartbreaking to think about.

The demons controlling him were so strong that they gave themselves a name: Legion. In ancient Rome, “Legion” would have meant 6,000 soldiers – that’s a huge force with lots of power. By calling themselves Legion, these demons might be trying to tell us something about their nature: a kind of oppressive force that takes over and controls lives.

I want to acknowledge that our understanding of demons and their influences might not be the same as it was back then. But what I love about this story is how it can help us make connections with our own struggles today.

For the man in the story, being controlled by these inner forces was like living in a nightmare. He was trapped, isolated, and unable to connect with those around him. And that’s where we see an echo of so many modern challenges: depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma – even self-destructive behaviors. These “demons” aren’t just supernatural entities; they’re the inner forces that can hold us back from being who God created us to be.

What really stands out in this story is how disconnected this man felt from his family and community. That feeling of isolation is something many people still struggle with today, whether it’s due to internal battles or external factors like systems that feel oppressive.

But then Jesus shows up, and He brings freedom and liberation from these controlling forces. It’s a powerful reminder that we don’t have to be held captive by our struggles – there’s hope for healing, connection, and true freedom.

When Jesus arrived in an area called Gerasenes, He made a deliberate choice to go where many others wouldn’t: into a part of the country that was considered “outside the norm” by Jewish standards. This wasn’t just a casual visit; it was a thoughtful decision to reach out to those who needed help the most.

What’s amazing about this is that Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him – He went where they were, often in some of the toughest and most marginalized parts of society. By doing so, He shows us just how much compassion and love He has for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.

When Jesus meets the man controlled by demons, He responds immediately with compassion and authority. The man cries out, falls down, and the demons recognize Jesus for who He is – a powerful force that commands respect.

What’s really striking is when Jesus asks the man his name, and the response is “Legion”. It’s not just a simple question; it’s like Jesus is facing the heart of the problem head-on. By asking this one question, Jesus is acknowledging the intensity of the situation and showing He’s not intimidated by the forces controlling the man.

This moment shows us that Jesus takes His role as the Son of God and God-Sent Messiah very seriously. He knows who He is and isn’t afraid to face the darkness head-on. Instead, He’s determined to bring freedom and redemption to those trapped in its grip.

As followers of Jesus, we can learn from His example. We need to know who we are and what roles we’ve been given in the world. Brothers and sisters, are we using our power and authority to serve and heal those who are struggling? Are we going into the darkest places, with compassion and love, to bring light and hope to those in need?

After setting the man free from his demons, you’d think Jesus would have stopped there, right? But no, He does something that might seem unexpected – He lets the demons leave in a big group, and they all jump into a nearby herd of pigs.

This might raise questions about why this happened. One possible reason is that it highlights just how much Jesus values human life. The man’s freedom and restoration are worth so much more than an entire herd of pigs, which could be a vital source of income for some people. It’s like Jesus is saying, “Human lives matter more than any other kind of wealth or possession.”

Furthermore, what’s really striking about this story is the display of Jesus’ power and authority over these dark forces. He didn’t just push them away – He sent them all away completely. The intensity of this encounter highlights the huge spiritual battle that Jesus was in, and how He had cosmic authority to back it up.

What happens next in this story is truly remarkable! The man who was once controlled by demons, wild and lost, shows up at Jesus’ feet – calm, collected, and completely transformed.

It’s as if he’s been given a second chance at life, an opportunity to rediscover himself and find his place in the world. His transformation isn’t just physical or mental – it’s spiritual too. He’s no longer trapped by darkness; instead, he’s free to be human again, to think clearly, and to connect with others.

This healing is so much more than just a fix for a problem. It’s a deeper kind of salvation, a rescue from the slavery that held him captive. The Greek word “σῴζω (sozo)” behind this idea means being fully restored, put back together again, and connected to life in all its fullness.

Jesus’ mission is all about healing like this – not just patching up physical wounds or calming mental storms, but restoring people to their true wholeness. This man’s story shows us the incredible compassion and power of Jesus, who brings us from brokenness to wholeness, from darkness to light.

When Jesus leaves this area after healing the man, something unexpected happens – the local people are filled with fear! They’re not scared of the man’s past suffering, but they’re terrified of the freedom and disruption that Jesus brings.

This is an important reminder that even when we’ve been rescued from darkness, we can still resist change and liberation. It’s a stark contrast to the healed man’s response – he wants to follow Jesus and share his story with others!

But what I love about this moment is how Jesus commissions the man not to follow Him physically everywhere, but to “go home”. This might seem strange after all that Jesus has done for him. But think about it: Jesus’ mission isn’t just about traveling from place to place. It’s actually about sharing what God has done for us with those around us – in our own homes, communities, and relationships. The healed man becomes a powerful ambassador not because he’s on the move all the time, but because his transformed life is a living message to everyone around him.

In that sense, being a disciple of Jesus isn’t always about moving from place to place; it’s often about sharing your story of redemption and transformation right where you are. And this man did just that – he showed up, shared his healing, and became a powerful witness for Jesus’ power and compassion.

When we think about our world today with all its struggles – mental illness, addiction, social isolation, feelings of worthlessness, and oppressive forces to the poor, marginalized, and immigrants driven by extreme ideologies or religious norms – this story of Jesus and the “Legion” is a powerful reminder.

First, it’s essential to remember that Jesus has absolute authority over every kind of struggle. The demons in this story had no choice but to submit to Him, even though they were incredibly powerful. This means that no matter how big the problem feels – whether it’s personal, national, or global – our Lord Jesus is greater than anything in the world.

That gives us hope because we don’t have to face these struggles alone; we can look to Jesus for help and guidance. And just like He showed compassion to the man, we’re called to do the same for those struggling with modern-day “Legions”.

Jesus doesn’t just offer a quick fix or Band-Aid solution – He brings wholeness (sozo). He helps people get their lives back on track, gives them new clothes (a symbol of self-respect and dignity), and restores them to community and connection. Whatever struggles we face, Jesus offers this deep salvation and healing.

We also have our own commission from Jesus: to share our story of how He’s bringing healing, hope, and transformation into our lives. Our transformed life is a powerful message in a world that often feels like it’s possessed by demons. We don’t always need to leave everything behind; sometimes we just need to be where we are and share the good news of what Jesus has done for us.

Finally, this story challenges us not just to deal with individual struggles but also to look at the larger “Legions” in society – injustice, inequality, bullying, exclusion, and dehumanizing pressures. Jesus’ power extends to these things, and as His followers, we can be part of bringing His liberating work into these areas. We’re called to be a community that supports each other, helps people find connection, and points each other to Jesus as the source of true wholeness.

My dear brothers and sisters, therefore, let’s sit at Jesus’ feet, accept the wholeness He offers, and then go and tell our story. Our transformed lives are exactly what this world needs to see – we’re living messages in a “demon-possessed world”, sharing with others how Jesus is bringing healing, hope, and transformation into their lives.

And when we do, it’s like a breath of fresh air, illuminating the darkness and showing people that there is another way. So let’s be courageous and step into this role as witnesses to Jesus’ power and compassion – let’s share our stories, point others to Him, and show them that God can indeed bring wholeness and healing to even the darkest of places. Amen?

Message Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for Your healing and wholeness. Help us accept Your peace and courageously share our transformed lives. May we be Your witnesses, bringing Your light and hope into the world’s darkest places, pointing all to Your powerful love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.