a ministry for hungry saints · a ministry for hungry saints, series on the book of luke, lesson...

An overview of the Gospel of Luke, by Given O. Blakely

COMMENTARY ON: 8:19-39

Since May, 1993, a ministry instituted for the encouragement of believers in Christ

LESSON NUMBER 28

Thinking He was too busy, Jesus’ mother and brothers seekunsuccessfully to interrupt His teaching, while Jesus does not evenrecognize them. On a certain day, Jesus went into a ship with Hisdisciples, and told them to go to the other side. A fierce storm arose,threatening their lives, and Jesus is asleep. They awaken Him andsay they are perishing. He quiets the storm and asks them, “Whereis your faith?” They arrive at the country of the Gadarenes whereJesus confronts a wild man dominated by a legion of demons. Thedemons recognize Jesus and plead with Him not to send them fromthat country, but to allow them to enter a herd of swine there. Jesusheals the man, allowing the demons to enter the swine, who ran intothe sea, and were drowned. Those feeding the swine reported theevent to the owners, who joined the other citizens requesting Jesusto leave their country. Jesus forthwith entered the ship, preparing toleave. The healed man asked Jesus if he could go with Him, butJesus declined, saying he should return home and report what greatthings had been done to him.

A MINISTRY FOR HUNGRY SAINTS

A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #28, Meeting #559 – in its 23RD year

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Thinking He was too busy, Jesus’

mothe r and b ro the r s seekunsuccessfully to interrupt His teaching,

while Jesus does not even recognizethem. On a certain day, Jesus went intoa ship with His disciples, and told themto go to the other side. A fierce storm

arose, threatening their lives, and Jesusis asleep. They awaken Him and saythey are perishing. He quiets the stormand asks them, “Where is your faith?”

54 VERSIONS OF THE ENGLISH SCRIPTURES ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED =Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=ApostolicBible Polygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949),BRENT=Brenton’s English Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version (1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), EMTV =English Majority Text (2002); ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ETH = Etheridge Translation (1849); ETRV= Easy to Read (1999), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible (1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT=Goodspeed (1923), GWN =God’s Word (1995), IE= International English (1973), ISV=International Standard Version (1967),JPS=Jewish Publication Society (1917), JUB=Jubilee Bible (2003); KJV=King James Version (1611), LITV= Literal Translation of theBible (1976), LEW = Lewis Translation (1896); LIVING=Living Bible (1971), MESSAGE=The Message (1993), MGI = Peshitta Translation(2006); MIT =Idiomatic Version; MKJV= Modern KJV (1962), MONTGOMERY=Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD=Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB=New American Bible (2002), NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New AmericanStandard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=New International Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible (1985), NKJV=NewKing James Version (1979), NLT=New Living Translation (1996), NOY = George Noyes Bible (1869); NRSV=New Revised Standard Version(1989), PHILLIPS=J B Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT=Bishop’s New Testament (1595), ROT = Rotheram Bible (1999); RPTE =Revised Patriarchal Greek Orthodox New Testament; RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj (1985), WEB=WebsterBible (1833),WEYMOUTH=Weymouth’s New Testament (1903), WILLIAMS=William’s New Testament (1937), TYNDALE=Tyndale’s Bible(1526), WYCLIFFE=Wycliffe New Testament (1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862)

GREEK LEXICON LEGEND FRIBERG; LOUW-NIDA; LIDDELL SCOTT; THAYER; VGNT GREEK DICTIONARY; GINGRICH

Lesson Number 28

The Book of Luke, 11/27/2015

A MINISTRY INITIATED INMAY 1993, AND DEDICATEDTO STRENGTHENING THOSEWHO ARE IN CHRIST, BYBUILDING THEIR FAITH,ENHANCING THEIR JOY, ANDSTABILIZING THEIR HOPE, ENABLING THEM TO WORKOUT THEIR SALVATION WITHFEAR AND TREMBLING.

P E R S U A D E D O F T H ENECESSITY OF KNOWING THECERTAINTY OF THE THINGSWE BELIEVE, LUKE MAKES USMORE FIRM BY BUTTRESSINGO U R F A I T H , A N DCONFIRMING WE HAVE NOTEMBRACED FABLES.

DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outrightcontradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the LordHimself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.

LUKE 8:19 "Then came to Him His mother and His brethren, and could not come at Him for the press. 20 And it was told Him by certain which said, Thy motherand Thy brethren stand without, desiring to see Thee. 21 And He answered and said unto them, My mother and My brethren are these which hear the wordof God, and do it. 22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that He went into a ship with His disciples: and He said unto them, Let us go over unto the otherside of the lake. And they launched forth. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled withwater, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and theraging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying oneto another, What manner of man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him. 26 And they arrived at the country of theGadarenes, which is over against Galilee. 27 And when He went forth to land, there met Him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, andware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said,What have I to do with thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. 29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come outof the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil intothe wilderness.) 30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. 31 And they besoughtHim that He would not command them to go out into the deep. 32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besoughtHim that He would suffer them to enter into them. And He suffered them. 33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herdran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. 34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the cityand in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting atthe feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. 36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devilswas healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought Him to depart from them; for they were taken with greatfear: and He went up into the ship, and returned back again. 38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought Him that he might be withHim: but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, andpublished throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 8:19-39

Jesus’ mother and brothers seek to interrupt Him, A fierce storm, and the Gadarene Demoniac – Given O. BlakelyA Storm and The Gadarene Demoniac -- 1 of 14


They arrive at the country of theGadarenes where Jesus confronts awild man dominated by a legion ofdemons. The demons recognize Jesusand plead with Him not to send themfrom that country, but to allow them toenter a herd of swine there. Jesus healsthe man, allowing the demons to enterthe swine, who ran into the sea, andwere drowned. Those feeding the swinereported the event to the owners, whojoined the other citizens requestingJesus to leave their country. Jesusforthwith entered the ship, preparing toleave. The healed man asked Jesus ifhe could go with Him, but Jesusdeclined, saying he should return homeand report what great things had been

done to him.

In this passage we are exposed tothe reactions of Jesus’ relatives, thosewho hear the word of God and do it,the interruption of nature, thesensitivity of demons, the reaction ofunbelievers to Jesus, and the reactionof believers to Jesus.

WHAT WE WILL SEE In this text we will see the

following:

- Flesh and blood cannot inherit theKingdom of God.

- Jesus’ view of His relatives in theflesh.

- Jesus refusal to leave those who areattentive to Him.

- How men can react when they arewith Jesus.

- How Jesus responds to a lack offaith.

- That Jesus is recognized by thepowers of darkness.

- That there are regions where Satancan work more freely.

- That demons do not care torelinquish their territory.

- How unbelievers view the work ofJesus.

- What those who are delivered byJesus should do.

- How Jesus responds to those whowant Him to leave.

All of these are part of “the recordGod has given of His Son” (1 John5:10-11). They are a kind of index tothe Divine character, man’s character,

and the character of Satan’s hosts.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT HELP FROMJESUS

Those who are interested in whatJesus can do for them, must beacquainted with the things Jesus isknown for doing, and what He simplywill not do. If the motives of a personare not in synch with the kind of peopleJesus has been revealed as helping,then the individual must developacceptable reasons for Jesus to cometo his aid.

Jesus will not depart from the willof God to help anyone. That is, He willnot abandon the mission He has beengiven by God to meet the perceivedneeds of men.

As the “pillar and ground of thetruth” (1 Tim 3:15), the church is toacquaint men with both the manner andwill of the Lord. Although all things arepossible with God (Matt 19:26), and,from the standpoint of His ability, thereis nothing that He cannot do, there aresome other things that must be knownabout Him. It is His purpose thatdetermines what He will or will not do.He will not do anything that is contraryto His nature, His purpose, or His will.He will not, for example, settle familydisputes (Lk 12:13-14). He will notoverlook the desecration of His Father’shouse (John 2:12). He will not staywhere He is not wanted (Lk 8:37).

Divine manners are made knownin the ministry of Jesus Christ. This iswhy He always remained within theperimeter of the will and commission ofHis Father. It is to our advantage to begood students of the record God hasgiven of His Son. That verycommitment will liberate us from self-centeredness and er roneousexpectations. When we are dealing withthe Word of God, we are on holyground, demanding that we be sober.

JESUS’ MOTHER AND BROTHERS COME TO HIM

LUKE 8:19 "Then came to Him His mother and His brethren, and could not come at Him for the press. 20 And it

`̀ CONTENTS CONTENTS || INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION || JESUS’ MOTHER AND BROTHERSJESUS’ MOTHER AND BROTHERS

COME TO HIM (8:19-21)COME TO HIM (8:19-21)|| IT CAME TO PASS ON A CERTAIN DAY IT CAME TO PASS ON A CERTAIN DAY

(8:22)(8:22)|| THERE CAME DOWN A STORM (8:23-THERE CAME DOWN A STORM (8:23-

25)25)|| THEY ARRIVED AT THE COUNTRY OFTHEY ARRIVED AT THE COUNTRY OF

THE GADARENES (8:26-28)THE GADARENES (8:26-28)|| A MAN DRIVEN BY A DEMON INTOA MAN DRIVEN BY A DEMON INTO

THE WILDERNESS (8:29-30)THE WILDERNESS (8:29-30)|| THE DEMONS BESOUGHT JESUS THE DEMONS BESOUGHT JESUS

(8:31)(8:31)|| THERE WAS THERE A HERD OF SWINE THERE WAS THERE A HERD OF SWINE

(8:32-33)(8:32-33)|| THEY TOLD IT IN THE CITY AND INTHEY TOLD IT IN THE CITY AND IN

THE COUNTRY (8:34-35)THE COUNTRY (8:34-35)|| THEY TOLD THE MEANS BY WHICH HETHEY TOLD THE MEANS BY WHICH HE

WAS HEALED (8:36)WAS HEALED (8:36)|| THEY BESOUGHT HIM TO DEPARTTHEY BESOUGHT HIM TO DEPART

FROM THEM (8:37A)FROM THEM (8:37A)|| HE RETURNED AGAIN (8:37B)HE RETURNED AGAIN (8:37B)|| JESUS DIRECTS THE MAN TO RETURNJESUS DIRECTS THE MAN TO RETURN

TO HIS OWN HOUSE (8:38-39)TO HIS OWN HOUSE (8:38-39)



was told Him by certain which said,Thy mother and Thy brethren standwithout, desiring to see Thee. 21 And Heanswered and said unto them, Mymother and My brethren are thesewhich hear the word of God, and do it.”

Although Jesus maintained anaggressive and prodigious ministry, theSpirit gives us selected snapshots ofcertain events associated with thatministry. As a whole, this is part of “therecord God has given of His Son.” (1John 5:10-11). The purpose of therecord is not to provide a thoroughbiography, but to acquaint us withChrist the Savior, and God His Father.Incidents are recorded to shine the lightupon certain Divine traits that areexpressed and amplified in salvation.

THEN CAME HIS MOTHER ANDBRETHREN

"Then came to Him His motherand His brethren, and could not come atHim for the press. . .”

Other versions read, “could notapproach Him because of the crowd.” NKJV

Matthew’s account reads, "WhileHe yet talked to the people, behold, Hismother and his brethren stood without,desiring to speak with Him" (Matt12:46). Mark reads, "There came thenHis brethren and his mother, and,standing without, sent unto Him, callingHim" (Mark 3:31).

We do not know the specificreason why they came, but they mayhave ben thinking like some of His otherfriends and relatives thought after Hehad ordained the twelve: "And themultitude cometh together again, sothat they could not so much as eatbread. And when His friends heard of it,they went out to lay hold on Him: forthey said, He is beside himself" (Mark

3:20-21). In the place of “friends,”other versions read “His own people,”NKJV and “His family.” NIV/NRSV Thesepeople, at that time, could notunderstand a work so aggressive that itdid not allow time for the person to eat.Surely, they reasoned, “He is out of Hismind,” NKJV “has lost His senses,” NASB

"off his head," BBE "become mad," DOUAY

"has become unhinged," MIT “He'scrazy!,” IE “He has gone crazy,” WILLIAMS

and “He is out of His mind (besideHimself, deranged)!” AMPLIFIED

There you have the reasoning ofsome of the best “flesh.” Although theywere reared in a Divinely revealedreligious culture that required “all thyheart, and with all thy soul, and with allthy mind, and with all thy strength"(Mark 12:30), they simply could notunderstand someone who actually didthis – the Messiah Himself who grewup in their presence.

By His own admission, Jesuscame to do the will of His Father: "ForI came down from heaven, not to doMine own will, but the will of Him thatsent Me" (John 6:38). In our text,Jesus is doing the will of His Father,and His own mother and brothers arestanding outside of the house, askingHim to come to them, which requiredHim to cease from doing that will. Hisreaction will instruct us on the matterof proper conduct.

IT WAS TOLD HIM “ . . . And it was told Him by

certain which said, Thy mother and Thybrethren stand without, desiring to seeThee. . . “

Other versions read, "And it wasreported to Him, "Your mother and Yourbrothers are standing outside, wishingto see You,” NASB and “Your mother andYour brothers are standing outside,

desiring to have an interview withYou.” AMPLIFIED

How will the Lord respond to therequest of His mother and brothers.Perhaps there is a crisis that demandsHis attention? He had just finishedexplaining the parable of the Sower toHis disciples (Lk 8:9-18). It is probablethat the women who were travelingwith Him were also present with “thetwelve” (L:k 8:1-3). Will He leave themto confer with His mother and brothers?

HE ANSWERED AND SAID “ . . . And He answered and said

unto them, My mother and My brethrenare these which hear the word of God,and do it.”

Other versions read, "those whohave knowledge of the word of God anddo it," BBE "those who listen to God'sword and do it," CEB "those who payattention to the word of God and put itinto practice." MIT "those who hear theword of God and act on it," NAB "thosewho hear God's word and obey it," NLT

"those who the word of God are hearing,and doing,” YLT “all those who hear themessage of God and obey it.” LIVING

There you have it from the mouthof the Lord Himself. Those whom Heconsiders to be His closest relatives arethose who hear the Word of God anddo it! For those who are in Christ, suchare also our closest relatives. Some mayimagine that this is having respect ofpersons, but that conclusion is far fromhaving any association with the truth.

Actually, those who are closer toflesh and blood relatives than thosewho hear the word of God and keep it,are really the ones who have respect ofpersons, and a corresponding lack ofrespect for the Lord Jesus Christ.

IT CAME TO PASS ON A CERTAIN DAY

“ 22 Now it came to pass on acertain day, that He went into a shipwith His disciples: and He said unto

them, Let us go over unto the otherside of the lake. And they launchedforth.”

IT CAME TO PASS ON A CERTAIN DAY“Now it came to pass on a certain

day . . .”



Other versions read, “happened ona certain day,” NKJV “came about on oneof those days,” NASB “one day,” NIV "Oneday this incident occurred," MIT “"And itchanced on a certain day." TNT

A literal rendering of the Greektext is, “it became [egeneto] yet in oneof the days.” INTERLINEAR The wordtranslated “came to pass” [egeneto], means “To become, I. e. to come intoexistence, begin to be, receive being:absolutely; to be born; to arise, appear inhistory, come upon the stage.” THAYER “aswhat comes into existence become, come tobe, originate,” FRIBERG “to come into existence- 'to be formed, to come to exist,” LOUW-NIDA

and “be born or produced.” GINGRICH

This is the language of Divinepurpose, and reflects the precision withwhich the will of the Lord is executed.It is never carried out in theenvironment of happenstance, chance,

or fortuity. What follows is an eventthat God had willed, and it was carriedout by His providence and guidance. Allof Christ’s ministry was according tothis direction.

LET US GO OVER UNTO THE OTHERSIDE OF THE LAKE

“ . . . that He went into a shipwith His disciples: and He said untothem, Let us go over unto the otherside of the lake. . .”

Other versions read, “Let us goacross to the other side of the lake.” NRSV

The Lake was “the lake ofGennesaret” (Lk 5:1), another name forthe sea of Galilee (Matt 15:29), alsocalled “the sea of Tiberias” (John 6:1).This body of water is thirteen miles long, and eight miles across at thewidest section.

AND THEY LAUNCHED FORTH “ . . . And they launched forth.”

Assuming they set out fromCapernaum, they would have sailedsoutheast, a distance of several miles,estimated to have been 6-8 miles, a tripof considerable length for a smallvessel, yet it did not appear to concernthem. Unbeknown to them, there was awork to be done in “the country of theGadarenes” (Lk 8:26).

THERE CAME DOWN A STORM

“ 23 But as they sailed He fellasleep: and there came down a stormof wind on the lake; and they werefilled with water, and were in jeopardy.24 And they came to Him, and awokeHim, saying, Master, master, we perish.Then He arose, and rebuked the windand the raging of the water: and theyceased, and there was a calm. 25 AndHe said unto them, Where is your faith?And they being afraid wondered, sayingone to another, What manner of man isthis! for He commandeth even thewinds and water, and they obey Him.”

HE FELL ASLEEP“But as they sailed He fell asleep. . .”

The Lord had been ministering forsome time with no break – not evenhaving time to eat (Mk 3:21). He hadno doubt became weary, as He wasearlier, when He sat on the well ofJacob (John 4:6). We are taught thatHe subjected Himself to the humanexperience in order that He might be amerciful and faithful High Priest to us(Heb 2:17). His weariness, of course,

was associated with His aggressiveministry, as He went about doing good,and healing all who were oppressed bythe devil (Acts 10:38). When it says“He fell asleep,” it means He droppedoff into a sleep, physically exhaustedwith the labors of the day.

THERE CAME DOWN A STORM“ . . . and there came down a

storm of wind on the lake . . .”

Other versions read, “a windstormcame down on the lake,” NKJV “a fiercegale of wind descended upon the lake,”NASB “a squall came down,” NIV "Gale-force winds swept down," CEB "a squallhit the lake with high winds,” MIT "atempest of wind," MRD “a violentwindstorm73 came down," NET “A fiercestorm developed that threatened toswamp them,” LIVING “a furious squall ofwind rushed down,” WILLIAMS and a whirlwind revolving from below upwardsswept down on the lake.” AMPLIFIED

The Greek text suggests atornado-type wind, swirling and

revolving in a destructive manner. Thiswas no ordinary wind. I do not doubtthat “the prince of the power of the air”(Eph 2:2) caused this because of thedevastating blow that Jesus wasdelivering to his kingdom.

THEY WERE IN JEOPARDY“ . . . and they were filled with

water, and were in jeopardy. . .”

Other versions read, “the boatwas being swamped, and they were ingreat danger,” NIV “the boat was fillingwith water,” NRSV "the boat became fullof water," BBE "and nigh was the vesselto be swallowed up," ETH "the boat wasabout to sink." MGI

In his record of this event, Markadds “and there were also with Himother little ships” (Mk 4:36). He alsowrites, "And there arose a great stormof wind, and the waves beat into theship, so that it was now full. And Hewas in the hinder part of the ship,asleep on a pillow” (Mark 4:37-38).Matthew records, "And, behold, there



arose a great tempest in the sea,insomuch that the ship was coveredwith the waves: but He was asleep" (Matt 8:24).

There you have it – a peacefulresting Jesus in the midst of a raginglife-threatening storm. Unknown to thedisciples at that time, He was theMaster of that storm, that would obeyHis command instantly.

It should not be necessary toremind ourselves that in the midst ofany danger or turbulence, whetheroutward or inward, the Lord Jesus doesnot share our agitation or fear, for Hestill rules over all.

THEY AWOKE JESUS “ . . . And they came to Him, and

awoke Him, saying, Master, master, weperish. . .”

The disciples had done all thatthey could to master the situation, butthe boat was filling up with water andwas sinking. They had tried to handlethe situation on their own, but nowthey resort to Jesus. They do not knowa lot about Him at this point, and hadnot witnessed His power over nature ina damaging posture. But they had seenenough of His works to know that Hehad real power and authority.

They awaken Jesus with theirassessment of the situation: “Master,Master, we perish!” Other versionsread, “we’re going to drown!” NIV

"destruction is near," BBE and "We'regoing to die!" GWN

Mark records, "and they awakeHim, and say unto him, Master, carestthou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38).Other versions read, "Teacher, don'tyou care if we drown?" NIV "Master, is itnothing to you that we are in danger ofdestruction?" BBE and “Rabbi, doesn't itmatter to you that we're about to bekilled?" CJB Matthew records that theysaid, "Lord, save us: we perish" (Matt8:25).

HE REBUKED THE WIND AND THERAGING OF THE WATER

“ . . . Then He arose, and rebuked

the wind and the raging of the water: andthey ceased, and there was a calm . . . ”

Matthew records, "Then He arose,and rebuked the winds and the sea; andthere was a great calm" (Matt 8:26),Mark records, "And He arose, andrebuked the wind, and said unto thesea, Peace, be still. And the windceased, and there was a great calm" (Mark 4:39).

See with what great authorityJesus speaks. He even rebukes nature.When God delivered Israel from Egyptianbondage, it is written that He "Herebuked the Red sea also, and it wasdried up: so He led them through thedepths, as through the wilderness." (Psa 106:9). Nahum says of the Lord,"The LORD is slow to anger, and greatin power, and will not at all acquit thewicked: the LORD hath His way in thewhirlwind and in the storm, and theclouds are the dust of His feet. Herebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, anddrieth up all the rivers: Bashanlanguisheth, and Carmel, and the flowerof Lebanon languisheth " (Nahum 1:3-4).

The Lord’s authority over nature isto be duly noted by men. This is theGod to whom men are answerable, andthey do well to conduct their lives soHis rebuke is not required.

WHERE IS YOUR FAITH? “ . . . And He said unto them,

Where is your faith? . . .”

Matthew’s account of thisresponse records, “Why are ye fearful,O ye of little faith” (Matt 8:26). Markreads, "Why are ye so fearful? how is itthat ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Allof these are in the text, whether byquotation or elaboration: “Why are youfearful? . . . ye of little faith . . . How isit that ye have no faith? . . . Where isyour faith?” Although the Lord wasgentle, this was a rather stern rebuke.These disciples had been with Him longenough to respond better.

Other versions read, "Where isyour trust?" CJB “Why can't you trustme?” MESSAGE and “Where is your faith(your trust, your confidence in Me—in

My veracity and My integrity)?” AMPLIFIED

All other versions read “Where is yourfaith?” The gravity of the question isfound in the reports of both Matthewand Mark: “O ye of little faith” (Matt ),and “how is it that ye have no faith?”(Mk 4:40). This is anything but a casualobservation!

All three of the Gospels connectthis deficiency of faith with fear: “Andthey being afraid wondered” (Luke8:25). “Why are ye fearful” (Matt 8:26;Mk 4:40). It may take some spiritualcourage to do so, but when we areunduly afraid, at the very best, our faithis “little” – and “little” faith is nevernoted for its ability (Matt 6:30; 8:26;14:31; 16:8; Lk 12:28). That deals adevastating blow to the distorted viewof “faith as a mustard seed” that isentertained by many (Matt 17:20; Lk17:6). That is not speaking of the sizeof faith, but of its capacity – as inMatthew 13:31, Mark 4:31, and Luke13:19.

How does a person answer aquery like this? “Where is your faith?” Itis no wonder that believers areadmonished, "Examine yourselves,whether ye be in the faith; prove yourown selves. Know ye not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor 13:5).

WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS? “ . . . And they being afraid

wondered, saying one to another, Whatmanner of man is this! for Hecommandeth even the winds and water,and they obey Him.”

These are disciples that, to thispoint, have been said to have believedon Christ: “His disciples believed onHim” (John 2:11). However, believingon Christ is not a one-time event.Believing is something that begins, thengrows until the time we pass from lifein this world. There is life to be matured“after that ye [initially] believed” (Eph1:13), or “first trusted in Christ” (Eph1:12). It is possible for a person to"cast off their first faith" (1 Tim 5:12).That, of course is not what happenedhere. The faith of the disciples wassmall and undeveloped. Still, the



GADARENES: the inhabitants of Gadara, inRevised Version “Gerasenes” (Mark 5:1; Luke8:26,37). In Matthew 8:28 they are calledGergesenes, Revised Version “Gadarenes.” EASTON

In Matthew 8:28, it is called the country of theGergesenes, as it is here, in the Arabic andEthiopic versions; and “of the Gerasenes”, in theVulgate Latin; but the Syriac and Persic versionsread, “of the Gadarenes”, as in (Mark 5:1). JOHN GILL

response of Jesus confirms that thiscould not be easily excused. A

weakness or deficiency in faith isalways serious. Such a condition should

not be treated as though it was reallyinsignificant.

THEY ARRIVED AT THE COUNTRY OF THE GADARENES

“ 26 And they arrived at thecountry of the Gadarenes, which is overagainst Galilee. 27 And when He wentforth to land, there met Him out of thecity a certain man, which had devilslong time, and ware no clothes, neitherabode in any house, but in the tombs. 28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, andfell down before Him, and with a loudvoice said, What have I to do with thee,Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? Ibeseech thee, torment me not.”

THEY ARRIVED AT THE COUNTRY OFTHE GADARENES

“And they arrived at the countryof the Gadarenes, which is over againstGalilee . . .”

Matthew refers to this place as“the country of the Gergesenes” – thepeople of Gergesa SMITH’S DICT (Matt8:28). Mark refers to it as “the countryof the Gadarenes” – the people ofGadara SMITH’S DICT (Mk 5:1), while Lukealso refers to it as “the country of theGadarenes” (Lk 8:26,37).

This area was in Canaan, the landpromised to Abraham, and nowoccupied by Israel. Yet, although withinthe borders of the promised land, Jesusnow confronts a man who wasdominated by demons.

THERE MET HIM OUT OF THE CITY“ . . . And when He went forth to

land, there met Him out of the city acertain man, which had devils long time,

and ware no clothes, neither abode inany house, but in the tombs . . .”

As Jesus stepped out of the boatand on to the land, “a certain man” methim “out of the city.” I am assuming hewas originally from the city of Gadara.At the time of our text, however, hewas no longer living in the city.

Matthew writes that it was “twomen” who met Jesus. Mark and Lukefasten on only one of them, probablythe dominant one. He is described thus:

- LENGTHY HISTORY. He had demons for“a long time” (Lk 8:27).

- NO SENSE OF MODESTY. He waswearing “no clothes” (Lk 8:27).Public nakedness, then, can betraced to Satanic influence.

- DID NOT LIKE CONTAINMENT. He did notabide in a house (Lk 8:27). He waslike a wild man, ranging through thecountryside.

- IDENTIFIED MORE WITH THE DEAD. Helived “in the tombs” (Lk 8:27). Theregion of the dead was an areawhere these demons felt at home.

- AGGRESSIVELY MET INTRUDERS. He“came out of the tombs” (Matt8:28).

- FEROCIOUS AND HOSTILE. He was“exceeding fierce, so that no manmight pass by that way” (Matt8:28).

- CONTAMINATED BY LAW. The man had“an unclean spirit” (Mk 5:2).

- COULD NOT BE RESTRAINED. “No mancould bind him, no, not with chains”(Mk 5:3).

- EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH. He hadfrequently been “bound with fettersand chains, and the chains had beenplucked asunder by him, and thefetters broken in pieces” (Mk 5:4).

- COULD NOT BE TAMED OR CONTROLLED.“No man could tame him” (Mk 5:4).

- IN CONSTANT MISERY AND SELF-ABUSE.“And always, night and day, he wasin the mountains, and in the tombs,crying, and cutting himself withstones" (Mark 5:5).

This is what Satanic influencescan do to a man. We are not told whatcaused this possession to take place,but the very possibility of such a thingtaking place should cause unbelieversto shudder. On the other hand, thosewho are “born of God” have thispromise: "We know that whosoever isborn of God sinneth not; but he that isbegotten of God keepeth himself, andthat wicked one toucheth him not” (1John 5:18).



WHEN HE SAW JESUS “ . . . When he saw Jesus . . .”

What happens when members ofthe world of demons confront “theWord” having become “flesh” (John1:14)? Will that demon be confused bythe robe of flesh The Word now wears?Men were – but what of demons? Wedo not have to resort to conjecture onthis matter, for the inspired record of anactual confrontation is before us.

He Cried Out and Fell Down“ . . . he cried out, and fell down

before Him, and with a loud voice said,What have I to do with thee, Jesus,Thou Son of God most high? . . .”

Matthew records them saying:"What have we to do with thee, Jesus,thou Son of God? art thou come hitherto torment us before the time?" (Matt8:29). Mark records them saying,"Saying, Let us alone; what have we todo with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?art thou come to destroy us? I knowthee who Thou art, the Holy One ofGod" (Mark 1:24).

It is clear that the demons knewthe real identity of “Jesus of Nazareth”– which, to this point had not beenrevealed to the multitudes – and eventhe disciples. Jesus had assaulted theempire of these spirits, and apparentlythe news had traveled among them.The demons made no effort to attack, subdue, or resist Jesus. No personalitywho knows who He is will attemptsuch folly. This provides an explanationfor why men do not submit to Jesus –why they disobey Him, ignoring whatHe says. It is because they do not knowwho He is! When the true identity ofJesus Christ is fully revealed – whenGod sets Him forth as He is, "theblessed and only Potentate, the King ofkings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim 6:15) –"every knee [will] bow, of things inheaven, and things in earth, and thingsunder the earth"(Phil 2:10; Rom 14:11). Until that time, those who perceiveJesus as He really is submit to Him,willingly and consistently.

Torment Me Not“ . . . I beseech thee, torment me

not.”

The demons are speaking to Jesusthrough the voice of the wild man whohas fallen down before Jesus. Theyknow they are destined to betormented. That is why Matthewreports them saying, “art thou comehither to torment us before the time?" Of their coming torment Jesus said,"Then shall he say also unto them onthe left hand, Depart from me, yecursed, into everlasting fire, preparedfor the devil and his angels" (Matt25:41). Although that text does notmention devils, or “demons,” inparticular, they are associated witheach other, as indicated by the wordsof Jesus regarding the casting out ofdemons: "If Satan also is dividedagainst himself, how will his kingdomstand? Because you say I cast outdemons by Beelzebub" NKJV (Luke11:18). When Satan is cast into thelake of fire, he judgment will be againsthis entire kingdom, even including menwho were his vassals (Rev 19:20;20:10,15).

The vehemence of thispunishment is seen in the plea of thedemons. Of that sinners had such fear!

A MAN DRIVEN BY A DEMON INTO THE WILDERNESS

“ 29 (For he had commanded theunclean spirit to come out of the man.For oftentimes it had caught him: andhe was kept bound with chains and infetters; and he brake the bands, andwas driven of the devil into thewilderness.) 30 And Jesus asked him,saying, What is thy name? And he said,Legion: because many devils wereentered into him.”

HE HAD COMMANDED THEM TOCOME OUT

“For He had commanded the uncleanspirit to come out of the man. . .”

Luke does not tell us when Jesusgave this commandment to the “uncleanspirit.” Matthew makes no reference toJesus commanding the unclean spirit tocome out of the man. Mark also refersto this command: “And cried with a

loud voice, and said, What have I to dowith thee, Jesus, thou Son of the mosthigh God? I adjure thee by God, thatthou torment me not. For He said untohim, Come out of the man, thouunclean spirit” (Mk 5:7-8). I gather thatas soon as Jesus had confronted thisman, He commanded “the uncleanspirit” to come out of him. This spiritwill now make an effort to avoid being tormented immediately.

IT HAD CAUGHT HIM “ . . . For oftentimes it had

caught him . . . ”

Other versions read, “often seizedhim,” NKJV “many times had seized him,”NIV " would take a grip of him,” BBE "hadtaken possession of him," CEB "had beenenthralled of him" ETH "had takencontrol of him," MIT “had been held

captive by him," MRD "snatched himaway," ROT and “it had seized and heldhim.” WEYMOUTH

The power of demons overmankind is staggering to consider. Ifmen duly considered this matter, theywould flee to Jesus for refuge (Heb6:18). In this case, the demonapparently brought the man under hiscontrol whenever he wanted. This wasno doubt a violation of his “free will” –but that is quite another matter. It isever true, "O LORD, I know that theway of man is not in himself: it is not inman that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer 10:23).

HE WAS DRIVEN BY THE DEMON“ . . . and he was kept bound with

chains and in fetters; and he brake thebands, and was driven of the devil into



A LEGION “A Roman legion did consist of many, though itsnumber was not always alike: in the time ofRomulus, a legion consisted of three thousandfoot, and three hundred horse; afterwards, whenthe city was, increased, of six thousand foot, andsix hundred horse; sometimes it was six thousandand two hundred foot, and three hundred horse;sometimes four thousand foot, and three hundredhorse; sometimes five thousand foot, and threehundred horse. Some make a legion to consist ofsix thousand six hundred sixty six; and othersmake it much larger, even twelve thousand fivehundred: however, the number in a legion wasmany; hence the word is retained among theJews, and is used for a large number.” JOHN GILL

the wilderness . . .”

What a miserable condition wasfound in this man. Men bound him, and aspirit drove him. Other versions read,“driven by the demon into the desert,”NASB “into the wilds,” NRSV "he would besent by the driving of the evil spirit intowaste places," BBE "the demon wouldforce him into the wilderness," CEB "carriedof the devil into wildernesses," GENEVA "ledby the [demon] into the wilderness" LEW

"rushed out into the wilderness,completely under the demon's power" NLT

"carried of the fiend into wilderness," PNT

“impelled by the demon, to escape intothe Desert.” WEYMOUTH

The word translated “driven” {el-ow'-no} means “of an impelling forcedrive, urge forward” – like a hurricane-type wind driving a boat at sea.” FRIBERG

Now, what do the advocates ofthe +free moral agency of man” haveto say about this? Does this notcontradict their postulate of this beingan inherent part of the human nature?And if, in this case, the man’s will wasnot free, how did that condition comeabout? I do not wish to be contentiousabout this matter, but it seems to methat some answers are in order.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? “ . . . And Jesus asked him,

saying, What is thy name? . . .”

Other versions read, “What namehast thou?" ROT

One might ask, “Why did Jesusask the demon for his name? Did He notknow it?” There is no question that thename of this demon was not hiddenfrom Jesus. However, he was not theonly person there. Others werelistening, and needed to know whatwas happening. The answer will comefrom the man’s mouth, but it will not behim speaking. This would confirm theman was possessed by an alien spirit.This was not a mere mental illness. Nor,indeed, was this simply an undisciplinedman.

AND HE SAID“ . . . And he said, Legion:

because many devils were entered intohim.”

Other versions read, “Lots,” CEV

“Mob,” MESSAGE “Legion [Six Thousand].” GW

“Legion” is a transliteration of theGreek word “leg-i-ohn.” The lexicalmeaning of this word is, “legion, army;literally, a Roman military unit of about6,000 foot soldiers and 120 on horse,plus auxiliaries.” FRIBERG “a unit of about6,000 Roman soldiers.” GINGRICH

There are only three occurrencesof this word in Scripture, and they areall associated with this incident (Mark5:9,16; Lk 8:30).

We are not sure of the precisenumber of demons represented by theword “legion,” but it is generally agreedthat is a very large number – a numberthat could appropriately be called an“army.

There are numerous textsrevealing that Jesus cast demons out ofpeople (Matt 4:24; 8:16; Mk 1:22,39;Mk 16:9; Lk 4:41; 8:2). Also, when Hefirst sent out the twelve, He told themto “cast out demons” (Matt 10:8). Hedid the same when He sent out “theseventy”(Lk 10:9,17).

The number of demons that wereamong the people in Canaan must have

been staggering. Jesus assaulted their kingdom, driving them out ofmultitudes. Then the twelve were sentout and did the same, with the seventylater casting out even more. There werealso a phenomenal number of peoplehealed by Jesus, the twelve, and theseventy (Matt 4:24; 8:16; 12:15;14:14; 15:30; 19:2; 21:14; Mk 1:34;3:10; 6:13; Lk 4:40; 5:15; 6:17,19;9:11).

I want to again emphasize that theconditions of illnesses and demonpossession were the direct result ofIsrael forsaking the Lord. This is exactlywhat God said He would do if theyforsook Him (Deut 28:58-59; 29:20-22).

We have some idea of what asingle demon can to do a person.

- Cause dumbness – Matt 9:32; Lk11:14

- Cause blindness ad dumbness –Matt 12:22

- Cause one to be lunatic, or epileptic– Matt 4:24; Mk 9:18; Lk 9:39

- A crippling spirit, causing a womanto b bowed together for eighteenyears – Luke 13:11-12,16

THE CAPACITY OF A MANHere was a man, in whom dwelt

an army of wicked spirits. They wereapparently marshaled and directed by asingle demon, who is now speakingwith Jesus. It is staggering to consider.These wicked spirits can control theentire person – what he does, how hespeaks, where he goes. It seems to methat there is no cost too great to pay tomove us into an area where such spiritshave no power over us.

Also, the fact of such an armyinhabiting the body of a man assists usto expand our thinking about being filledwith the Holy Spirit – a circumstancethat we are urged to fulfill: “be filledwith the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). Who is ableto fathom what a person filled with theHoly Spirit is able to do?



THE DEMONS BESOUGHT JESUS

“ 31 And they besought Him thatHe would not command them to goout into the deep.”

THEY BESOUGHT HIM“And they besought Him . . .”

Other versions read, “beggedHim,” NKJV “were entreating Him,” NASB

“begged Him repeatedly,” NIV "made arequest to," BBE "pleaded with," CEB

"imploring Him," NAU "kept begging," NLT

"was calling on him" YLT "werebeseeching" ROT and “appealed to.” ABP

It is obvious from the verylanguage used, and how men translatedit from Greek to English, that thisdepicted a very strong and relentlessrequest. The word translated“besought,” {par-ak-al-eh'-o}, means“to beg, entreat, beseech,” THAYER “as speakingwith persistence earnestly ask for, implore,beg,” FRIBERG “to ask for something earnestlyand with propriety - 'to ask for (earnestly),to request, to plead for, to appeal to,earnest request,” LOUW-NIDA “request, implore,appeal to, entreat.” GINGRICH

This is a fervent request from theinferior to the Superior, from the subjectto the Ruler, from the lesser to Greater.The petitioner has no question aboutwho is higher-ranking, and who willmake the final determination. This is arevelation of what James said in wordsabout demons: "You believe that thereis one God. You do well. Even thedemons believe; and tremble!" (James2:19). In this text we find the demonstrembling.

If demons know there is only oneGod, and tremble before Him, what canbe said of men, made in the image ofGod, who do not tremble before “theLord of all the earth” (Zech 6:5). Thesedemons knew they would have to dowhat Jesus said. They did not questionthat nor resist it. What will be said ofmen who questioned the authority ofJesus, not obeying Him?

NOT TO COMMAND THEM TO GOINTO THE DEEP

“ . . . that He would not commandthem to go out into the deep.”

Other versions read, “the abyss,”NKJV/NRSV/NIV/NRSV/RSV/ASV/CSB/DOUAY/ERV/ETH/MGI/MIT/

MRD/NAB/NET/NAU/NIB/NJB/YLT/NOY/ROT/RPTE and "theBottomless Pit." CJB/DARBY/NLT/ GOODSPEED/GW/

ISV/MESSAGE/LIVING/IE/ WEYMOUTH/ISV/WILLIAMS/AMPLIFIED

The word translated “the deep”{ab'-us-sos} is a transliteration, and hasthe following lexical meaning:“bottomless; unbounded; the immeasurabledepth, the abyss; Hence, of ‘the deep’ sea:Gen. 1:2; 7:11; Deut. 8:7; Sir. 1:3; 16:18,etc.; of Orcus (a very deep gulf or chasm inthe lowest parts of the earth,” THAYER literallybottomless pit, transliterated into English asabyss,” FRIBERG “generally, unfathomable,enormous, The great deep, the abyss,bottomless pit,” LIDDELL-SCOTT “unfathomabledepth, abyss, underworld.” GINGRICH

As you can see, this word is noteasily defined. Even the educatedlinguists and etymologists have resortto general, rather than specific,definitions. To me, that simply meansthat there is no special advantage tohaving a specific definition of “thedeep,” or “the abyss,” or “thebottomless pit.”

The Greek word, here translated“the deep,” is found nine times:

- LUKE 8:31– Translated “the deep,”KJV “abyss.” NIV

- ROMANS 10:7 – Translated “thedeep,” KJV “Abyss.” NASB

- REVELATION 9:1 – Translated“bottomless pit,” KJV “Abyss.” NIV




- REVELATION 17:8 – Translated

“bottomless pit,” KJV “Abyss.” NIV

The “bottomless pit,” assuming itis synonymous with “the deep,” or “theAbyss,” is mentioned in the Revelation.Here is what we know of it.

- An angel from heaven had the key tothis place (Rev 9:1).

- When the angel opened thebottomless pit, "there arose a smokeout of the pit, as the smoke of agreat furnace; and the sun and theair were darkened by reason of thesmoke of the pit. And there cameout of the smoke locusts upon theearth: and unto them was givenpower, as the scorpions of the earthhave power" (Rev 9:2-3).

- These destructive forces werecommanded, “that they should nothurt the grass of the earth, neitherany green thing, neither any tree; butonly those men which have not theseal of God in their foreheads" (Rev9:4).

- This destructive force had a kingover them named “Abaddon” inHebrews, and “Apollyon” in Greek(Rev 9:11). The meaning of thewords is “destroyer.” It is assumedthat this is Satan.

- A vicious “beast” ascends out of“the bottomless pit” to make waragainst two powerful witnesses (Rev11:2), that would prophesy during aperiod of oppression (Rev 11:3-6).

- When these two witnesses have“finished their testimony,” a “beast”rises out of “the bottomless pit” and“shall make war against them, andshall overcome them, and kill them" (Rev 11:7; 17:8).

- An angel comes down from heavenwith the key to the “bottomless pit,”and “And he laid hold on the dragon,that old serpent, which is the Devil,and Satan, and bound him athousand years, and cast him into



Regarded as the most unclean and the mostabhorred of all animals (Leviticus 11:7; Isaiah 65:4;66:3, 17; Luke 15:15, 16). EASTON BIBLE DICTIONARY

A well-known animal forbidden as food to theHebrews, who held its flesh in such detestation thatthey would not pronounce its name (Leviticus 11:7;Deuteronomy 14:8; Isaiah 65:4; 66:3,17; Matthew8:32; Luke 5:14,16; 2 Peter 2:22; Matthew 17:6.)SMITH BIBLE DICTIONARY

In the Old Testament the swine is mentioned in Lev11:7 and Dt 14:8 as an unclean animal: “And theswine, because he parteth the hoof, and isclovenfooted, but cheweth not the cud, he isunclean unto you.” In Isa 65:4 and 66:3,17 theeating of swine’s flesh and the offering of oblationsof swine’s blood are referred to as abominations.INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA

The flesh of swine was forbidden as food by theLevitical law (Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8).The abhorrence which the Jews as a nation had ofit may be inferred from Isaiah 65:4, where some ofthe idolatrous people are represented as “eatingswine’s flesh,” and as having the “broth ofabominable things in their vessels;” see also 66:3,17. McCLINTOK & STRONG’S BIBLE CYCLOPEDIA

SWINE

the bottomless pit, and shut him up,and set a seal upon him, that heshould deceive the nations no more,till the thousand years should befulfilled: and after that he must beloosed a little season" (Rev 20:2-3).

We can draw some preliminaryand general conclusions from what hasbeen revealed about this “bottomless pit,” which, I am affirming, is the sameas “the deep,” or “the Abyss.” First,this is not “the lake of fire,” to whichSatan and all associated with him willbe cast (Rev 10:20; 20:20.14.15). Noone will be loosed from that area.

- Second, this is a place of restraint,where evil powers are held backfrom doing what they want.

- Third, it is apparent that Satan andthe powers of darkness fear restraintand confinement. To them, that istorment.

The demons that had bound theman they had oppressed, themselvesdreaded the thought of being bound,restrained, or forcible restrained fromdoing what they wanted.

I will go so far as to say that anypersonality cannot grow accustomed tocaptivity, restraint, or bondage. Thevery existence of a will postulates thedesire to be free, or able, to express it.

In my opinion, no mortal iscapable of grasping the effect thatresisting the devil has upon him. Theremust, to some degree, be tormentassociated with such frustration – forthe devil to have power that transcendsthat of mere mortals, and yet to beunable to void or neutralize theresistance and rejection of those whoare living by faith and walking in theSpirit. As he prowls about, “seekingwhom, he may devour (1 Pet 5:8), hedoes so in a wild rage that can only becontrolled by the King of kings and Lord

of lords!Thus, as I see it, these demons

pled with the Lord – their Lord – not toend them into the place of ultimateconfinement. They seem to have asense that they must spend some timein that place. Matthew records themsaying to Jesus, “What have we to dowith thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? artthou come hither to torment us beforethe time?" (Matt 8:29).

SOMETHING TO CONSIDERI do not believe Satan can be

discouraged because of failure. Rather,when He is not successful, he becomesmore ferocious, more subtle, moreintense, and more determined.

Once men realize this, they will bethe more determined to live in a state ofconstantly resisting the devil, avoidingareas where he works, and shunningthe desires that he provokes. San hasforces that can absolutely dominate anindividual.

THERE WAS THERE A HERD OF SWINE

“ 32 And there was there an herdof many swine feeding on themountain: and they besought Him thatHe would suffer them to enter intothem. And He suffered them. 33 Thenwent the devils out of the man, andentered into the swine: and the herd ranviolently down a steep place into thelake, and were choked.”

THERE WAS A HERD OF SWINE“And there was there an herd of

many swine feeding on the mountain...”

Because swine, or pigs, wereofficially “unclean,” They could notbe eaten by the Jews. An “unclean”animal was defined as one that did nothave a parted hoof, and did not chewthe cud. "Whatsoever parteth the hoof,and is clovenfooted, and cheweth thecud, among the beasts, that shall yeeat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eatof them that chew the cud, or of themthat divide the hoof: as the camel,because he cheweth the cud, but

divideth not the hoof; he is uncleanunto you. And the coney, because he

cheweth the cud, but divideth not thehoof; he is unclean unto you. And thehare, because he cheweth the cud, butdivideth not the hoof; he is uncleanunto you. And the swine, though hedivide the hoof, and be clovenfooted,yet he cheweth not the cud; he isunclean to you. Of their flesh shall yenot eat, and their carcase shall ye nottouch; they are unclean to you." (Lev11:3-8).

The swine fell into that category:“"And the swine, though he divide thehoof, and be clovenfooted, yet hecheweth not the cud; he is unclean toyou. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, andtheir carcase shall ye not touch; theyare unclean to you" (Lev 11:7-8; Deut14:7-8).

This is the only text of Scripturereferring to a “herd” of swine. In theparable of the prodigal son whodegenerated, in his fallen state he wasdepicted as feeding swine that were “in



the fields” (Lk 15:15) – and that wasdepicted as being in a “far country” (Lk15:13).

In this text, Gadara was in theland of Canaan. Yet, no reference ismade to who owned this herd of swine. There was no Divine law against raisingswine, only against eating them. I donot know what kind of reasoning wouldsupport raising swine. They were not aproductive animal, or useful in carryingloads, etc.

THEY BESOUGHT HIM “ . . . and they besought Him that

He would suffer them to enter intothem . . .”

Other versions read, “beggedHim,” NKJV “entreated Him,” NASB "madea request," BBE "implored him," MIT

"pleaded with him," NAB "calling onhim," YLT and “appealed.” ABP

The word translated “besought” isan especially strong one that speaks ofbegging, imploring, pleading, andentreating. Mark says that the leaddemon "besought him much that hewould not send them away out of thecountry" (Mark 5:10). Demons do notapparently feel at home everyplace. Inthis “country of the Gadarenes” (Lk8:26), a “legion,” or army, of themapparently felt at home. I conclude from

this that there are environs in whichdemonic forces prefer top dwell – likethis poor man who was dominated bythem. These demons had rather live inswine than be driven from that area.

HE SUFFERED THEM “ . . . And He suffered them . . .”

Other versions read, “He permittedthem,” NKJV “He gave them permission,”NASB “He gave them leave,” RSV “He letthem,” BBE "he let them do this," GWN "Heconsented," MIT "he allowed it," NIRV

“Jesus said they could,” LIVING and “Heallowed them [to do so].” AMPLIFIED

Jesus never allowed demons toremain in a person, for man bears theDivine image – and these demons knewHe would not permit such a thing.However, He did allow them to enterinto a herd of unclean animals. This isthe only example we have of demonsinhabiting the impersonal living creation.

THEY ENTERED THE SWINE“ . . . Then went the devils out of

the man, and entered into the swine:and the herd ran violently down a steepplace into the lake, and were choked.”

Even the unclean beastly creationcannot tolerate to be inhabited bydemons. There is something about theirpresence that promotes derangement

and acting contrary to nature. Theseswine ran down a steep decline –something their physical constitution,and disposition did not incline them todo. Like they did to the man they left,they moved the swine to act contraryto their nature. We do not know whateffect this had upon the demons.However, if their disposition compelsthem to occupy some kind of body, thisproved most frustrating to them.

A Herd of 2,000Mark tells us that the herd of

swine number “about two thousand”(Mk 5:13). A sizeable herd, indeed,representing a considerable loss.

Jesus Refers to an Expelled DemonJesus spoke of an “unclean spirit”

(which is what this man had (Mk 5:2),going out of a man, and walking“through dry places, seeking rest, andfinding none” (Lk 12:43). Not contentto simply wander about, that spiritreturned to the person out of which hehad been expelled. Finding itunoccupied, he returned with sevenspirits “more wicked than himself”(Matt 12:43-45). What the demonswho entered into the swine did after theswine drowned, we do not know.However, if they were still active, theywere in the position of that wanderingspirit. Going through dry places andseeking for rest.

THEY TOLD IT IN THE CITY AND IN THE COUNTRY

“ 34 When they that fed them sawwhat was done, they fled, and wentand told it in the city and in thecountry. 35 Then they went out to seewhat was done; and came to Jesus,and found the man, out of whom thedevils were departed, sitting at the feetof Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind:and they were afraid.”

THEY THAT FED THE SWINE“When they that fed them saw

what was done, they fled, and wentand told it in the city and in thecountry. . .”

This was not a secret miracle.Those who were keeping and caring forthe swine saw and heard precisely whathad happened. Immediately "Whenthose tending the pigs saw what hadhappened, they ran off and reportedthis in the town and countryside.” NIV

This would have made the headlines inany modern newspaper. The reportsurely interrupted the monotony thatmust have characterized that region. Italso, at least for the time being, putthese men out of work.

THEY WENT OUT TO SEE WHAT WASDONE

“ . . . Then they went out to seewhat was done . . .”

Other versions read, “the peoplewent out to see what had happened,”NIV "the people came out to see forthemselves," CJB and "they came out tosee what was done." GENEVA

The people had certainly neverreceived a report like this before. Sothey went out to see what had actuallyhappened. Perhaps it was too difficultfor them to believe.

May the Lord hasten the day



when there will be a church in whichsuch significant things have takenplace, that people will come to seewhat has happened.

THEY CAME TO JESUS“ . . . and came to Jesus . . .”

The people came to the One whohad performed the miracle, and, as itshould be, the one on whom the miraclewas performed was himself remainingwith Jesus.

AND FOUND THE MAN“ . . . and found the man, out of

whom the devils were departed, sittingat the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in hisright mind...”

Sitting, clothed, and in his right

mind – quite different from his formedcondition: “exceeding fierce so that noman might pass through that way,”ware no clothes, neither abode in anyhouse, but in the tombs,” “Kept boundin chains and fetters,” driven by thedemon into the wilderness,” “neithercould any man tame him, and always,night and day, he was in the mountains,and in the tombs, crying, and cuttinghimself with stones" (Matt 8:28; Mark5:5; Lk 8:27-29).

That a notable work had beendone, could not be denied. The peoplefrom that area were familiar with whatthe man was – and this was no longerthat man!

That was a visible depiction of thevery real work that is wrought in the

new creation.

AND THEY WERE AFRAID“ . . . and they were afraid.”

Other versions read, “they becamefrightened,” NASB " fear came on them,"BBE "filled with aw,” CEB "they wereseized with fear," NAB “the whole crowdwas badly frightened,” LIVING “they wereterrified,” WEYMOUTH “for a short time theywere more reverent than curious,”MESSAGE and “they were seized with alarmand fear.” AMPLIFIED

This was a fear caused by theunknown. When men are subjected toobviously superior powers, they becomeafraid. In the case of Divine power,faith neutralizes this fear so that theindividual does not draw back.

THEY TOLD THE MEANS BY WHICH HE WAS HEALED

“ 36 They also which saw it toldthem by what means he that waspossessed of the devils was healed.”

Those who witnessed the manknew he had not been healed by anynatural means or process. This wassomething that could not havehappened without some kind ofsupernatural intervention, and thepeople knew it. What they did not knowwas whether or not the power washostile, for it is human nature for people with superior strength to take

advantage of the inferior.

However, Jesus worked in such away as to leave witnesses – which wasalso His manner. Sometimes He wouldleave selective witnesses – like theparents of Jairus’ daughter, whom Heraised from the dead. He also included Peter, James and John(Lk 8:51-56).Then, there were the servants thatdrew the water He turned into wine(John 2:9). But Jesus always leftwitnesses – whether it was Hismiracles, the fact that He was raised

from the dead, or His ascension.

That is something of what wasinvolved in Paul’s words to Agrippa,"For the king knoweth of these things,before whom also I speak freely: for Iam persuaded that none of these thingsare hidden from him; for this thing wasnot done in a corner" (Acts 26:26). Godintends for men to know about “Divinepower” (2 Pet 1:3). Of course,validating the work of God is not evenan issue when there is a powerlesschurch.

THEY BESOUGHT HIM TO DEPART FROM THEM

“ 37a Then the whole multitude ofthe country of the Gadarenes roundabout besought Him to depart fromthem; for they were taken with greatfear . . . ”

THE WHOLE MULTITUDE OF THECOUNTRY

“Then the whole multitude of thecountry of the Gadarenes round about...”

In this case, there was total unityamong the people – they did not wantJesus of Nazareth to remain there, eventhough He had shown great mercy onone of their citizens. The people who donot know God are eventually repelled bywhat He says and does. Part of this isowing to the fact that the Lord does notuse the resources of this world to doHis work.

Jesus obviously did not fit intotheir culture, not socially, personally, oreven economically. That verycircumstance makes it a transgressionfor the church to attempt to fit it itsculture, attempting to make its ministrymore palatable, and seeking to pleasemen. Particularly in the matter of doingthe work of the Lord, Paul wrote, “Forif I yet pleased men, I should not be theservant of Christ" (Gal 1:10). James



said with great conviction, “Do you notknow that friendship with the world isenmity with God? Whoever thereforewants to be a friend of the world makeshimself an enemy of God" (James 4:4).

It ought to be apparent that if theworld shuns the people of God becausetheir light has been shining, that lightmust not be dimmed in order that theworld feel more comfortable beforethem. I do not believe this is generallyperceived by the professing church.

BESOUGHT HIM TO DEPART“ . . . besought Him to depart

from them . . .”

Other versions read, “asked Him,”NKJV "made a request to him to go awayfrom them," BBE "begged him,” MGI

"begged." NLT

The word from which “besought”is translated {er-o-tah'-o} has a muchstronger meaning than some of thetranslations suggest. “to request, entreat,

beg, beseech,” THAYER “making a request askdemand, beg someone to do something,” FRIBERG

and “beseech .” GINGRICH

There is an intensity reflected inthe request, because it was driven byfear – and fear cannot be casual, orgeneral in the petitions it requests.Perhaps they envisioned their entireeconomy being turned upside down bythe presence of Jesus. Even though oneof their own citizens had beenmiraculously healed, they did not rushto bring all of their infirmed people toJesus, like others did. Instead, theyasked Him to leave their country.

In this, they had adopted the sameattitude as the demons that wanted tostay in their country, while they feltquite comfortable with Jesus leaving.

THEY WERE TAKEN WITH GREATFEAR

“ . . . for they were taken withgreat fear . . . ”

Other versions read, “seized withgreat fear,” NKJV “gripped with greatfear,” NASB “overcome with fear,” NIV

"holden with great fear,” ASV "possessedwith great fear,” DARBY "they wereterrified,” GWN "a great wave of fearswept over them," NLT "with a greatfear, were they oppressed,” ROT “theywere so frightened,” CEV “they werescared,” MESSAGE and “they werepossessed and suffering with dread andterror.” AMPLIFIED

These people were confrontedwith a superior power that was not ofthis world. They had been living wherethey were exposed to a possessed manthat had greater power than mortalbeings have. Yet, not they wereconfronted with a man who overthrewthat evil power with His word. Theyreacted with fear, which is what anymortal being would do. If this powerwere turned against them, they knowthey would be utterly helpless. Yet,rather than asking for mercy fromJesus, they begged Him to leave.

HE RETURNED AGAIN

“ 37b. . . and He went up into theship, and returned back again.”

Other versions read, “He got intothe boat and returned,” NKJV “So He gotinto the boat and left,” NIV “he got into aboat and went back," BBE "So he gotinto the boat and returned across thelake," CEB "embarked in a ship, andretired from among them," MRD "SoJesus returned to the boat and left,crossing back to the other side of thelake." NLT

The Lord Jesus made no attemptto change their mind. Thinking as a

man, He might have asked them if theyhad other sick folk among them thatneeded to be healed, and asked them tobring them to Him. But He did not.

Remember, Jesus only did whatHe saw the Father doing. He said,“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Soncan do nothing of himself, but what heseeth the Father do: for what thingssoever he doeth, these also doeth theSon likewise" (John 5:19). That meansthat the Father had done what He wasgoing to in that area for the time, andthere was no valid reason for remainingthere. Jesus had come across the lake,teaching His disciples some

unforgettable things about His powerand faith on the way, and healed thisman.

Secondly, we see here howneither the Father nor the Son remainwhere they are not wanted. It is said ofIsrael, "But My people would nothearken to My voice; and Israel wouldnone of Me. So I gave them up untotheir own hearts' lust: and they walkedin their own counsels" (Psa 81:11-12).I am persuaded this kind of Divinereaction has taken place throughoutuntil this very day, and more than oftenit has not even been detected. Religiousorganization has covered it up.

JESUS DIRECTS THE MAN TO RETURN TO HIS OWN HOUSE

“ 38 Now the man out of whom thedevils were departed besought Him thathe might be with Him: but Jesus sent

him away, saying, 39 Return to thineown house, and show how great thingsGod hath done unto thee. And he went

his way, and published throughout thewhole city how great things Jesus haddone unto him."



Our next Hungry Saints Meeting will be held on Friday, 12/11/15. In our next lesson, we will continue our series inthe Gospel of Luke. The twenty-ninth lesson will cover verses 40 thru 56 of chapter 8: “THE WOMAN WITH THEISSUE OF BLOOD, AND THE RAISING OF JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER.” The great power of the Lord will again be madeknown – that there is no circumstance He could not thoroughly and effectively address. This ability has, if anything,been enhanced with His return to glory,.Our meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M. You are invited to bring your family andfriends for fellowship around the Word of God. Refreshments are served afterward, with a time of extended fellowshipfor everyone.

THE MAN BESOUGHT HIM“Now the man out of whom the

devils were departed besought Him thathe might be with Him . . .”

The once-possessed man knewwhat had happened to him – whatJesus had done to him. His afflictionwas not a perpetual one. Apparentlythere were times when he was lucid.His condition was described in thismanner: “For oftentimes it had caughthim: and he was kept bound withchains and in fetters; and he brake thebands, and was driven of the devil intothe wilderness" (Luke 8:29.) Otherversions read, "Many times it hadseized him, and though he was chainedhand and foot and kept under guard, hehad broken his chains and had beendriven by the demon into solitaryplaces," NIV and “For many times it hadsnatched and held him . . . and bedriven by the demon into the wilderness(desert.” AMPLIFIED

Now, however, he knew he hadbeen freed. He had personallywitnessed the demons that hadpossessed him entering a herd of swine,and driving them off a cliff into the sea.Who is able to measure the impact ofhis newfound liberty? He wanted tostay with Jesus, leaving this area withall of its bitter memories.

BUT JESUS SENT HIM AWAY“ . . . but Jesus sent him away,

saying, Return to thine own house, andshow how great things God hath doneunto thee . . .”

The reality of what Jesus haddone would be confirmed to the man ashe r ema ined among theseunappreciative people testifying andbeing maintained by the God of heaven.He would learn by experience what itmeans to be sustained, and to grow inunderstanding, and to even witness topeople had to heart for the One whohad freed him. He will not have asupport group, but will be like Paulwitnessing among hostile Jews (Acts22:1-23), and as a prisoner in Rome(Phil 4:22).

The man no doubt was not fullyaware of how he was being kept – atleast not at first. But you may be sureof this, that the person who has faith,and faithfully does what he is able to dowill surely be kept by the power of Godthrough faith, and will survive inunlikely places – like some evensurvived in the dead church in Sardis(Rev 3:4).

HE WENT HIS WAY AND PUBLISHED IT“ . . . And he went his way, and

published throughout the whole cityhow great things Jesus had done untohim."

The words “he went his way”show how he obeyed the Lord who saidto him, “Return to thine own house.” It

would have been wrong for him to goanywhere else. That is where histestimony had to begin – “his ownhouse.” Jesus told him to return to his“own house and show how great thingsGod hath done unto thee.”

Let them see a man who hadseasons of insanity and wildness, yethad been freed from them. Let thembehold a man who could not even berestrained with chains, now movingabout harmlessly and in his right mind.Let them see a man who no longer wasdriven into the wilderness, stripped ofhis clothing and cutting himself withstones. Let them behold a man who nolonger dwelt among the tombs, butmoved about freely among the livingwithout anyone fearing what he woulddo. When they inquired what happened,he would “show how great things God”had done unto him!

He had not passed through aspecial program for wild men. He was awalking exhibit of what God can do – amobile testimony.

This is the kind of testimony thatis sorely needed in our day – someonewho is an exhibit of the working of theLord, whose change cannot beaccounted for apart from the Lord JesusChrist– someone whose life showsforth the power of the grace of God,and the extent of real freedom.


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