Knowing The Word in Luke 8:26-33, Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon

The location of the following story is in Gentile territory on the east side of the lake. That the man has more than one demon suggests significant mental issues. During the exorcism, the demon, who is tormenting the man, ironically asks Jesus not to torment him. A Roman legion had 6,000 soldiers, which could suggest how many demons possessed this man. It could also suggest the demon came via Roman soldiers. We may ask who owned the pigs that ended up running off the cliff after being possessed by the demons? One difficulty with this passage is that Jesus cured the man at the expense of the pigs. Yet can anyone seriously hold that pigs should be saved and humans not? Was not the cure of this man of greater benefit to the community? Jesus, however, did not send the demons into the pigs. He only gave them permission.

26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) 30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, have mercy on all your children who live in mental distress. Restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit, and give them health and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Anglican Church of Canada. Alternative Service Book