Pt 2 – The Gergesa Demoniac
And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”
And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Mark 5:6-10
Notice that the man seems to know who Jesus is even though his disciples struggle with his identity. He is “Jesus, Son of the Most High God.” His mere presence and speech torment the unclean spirit inhabiting this man.
Then Jesus asks for the spirit’s name. The answer coming from the man is “Legion” (Λεγιὼν), and the speech quickly takes on a plural nature; “We are many.”
A Legion is a division of the Roman army, numbering over 6,000 infantry with additional cavalry; hence: a considerable number. This man is in bad shape as he contains a significant infestation from the “Lord of the Flies!”
Notice that once Jesus outs them, the battle was already lost. Legion begs Jesus for conditional surrender that allows them to stay in the place. This request could mean either inside the poor man or in that place. Either way, the demons are hoping not to be not destroyed.
It should comfort us that even though we sometimes struggle to see what is right in front of us, the Holy One of God? And yet we are those who claim to know him to travel with him in Christian ministry.
Lord Jesus,
Help us to see you like angels and fallen angels do. You are the miracle worker, demon confronter, and so much more. You are the Author of Life, the Universe, and Everything! Give us the vision to see.
I pray in the name of Jesus, Son of the Most High God. Amen!
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