The Demon-Controlled Man

They sailed to the Gerasenes. This was outside of Israel, inhabited by gentiles. (Notice the pigs. Jesus went on a short-term mission trip.)

There was a demon-controlled man living in the area. The people in the area could not control him. He broke out of everything they tried.

The demons in the man saw Jesus get out of the boat, recognized him, and knew they were in trouble. The man ran up to Jesus, and said: “Don’t hurt us, Jesus!” Jesus allowed the demons to enter 2000 pigs nearby.

The men, who watched the pigs, ran into the city; and everybody in the city, came out. The man with the demons – who nobody could control – sat calmly, and normally, with Jesus.

And they began to get frightened, because there was something bigger than demons, and pigs, here. They begged Jesus to go home.

The man, who had the demons, asked Jesus if he could go with him. Jesus told him to go home, and tell his family and friends, all that God did for him. And the man told his story to the entire area.

God is the ideal Father. He invites all people to a stored relationship, and to return to his family. He wants to encourage, and bless, his family.

But he loves all. He wants all to be restored to relationship. And he wants to encourage, and bless, all.

Without allegiance to Jesus, there is no restoration, no relationship. Without relationship, people are not restored to fulfillment of their design. So, God could feed everyone, house everyone, and their lives would still not be complete.

But he will give healing, and provision, in order to facilitate some giving allegiance.

The man sought to follow Jesus. Maybe Jesus did not let him join his merry band, because he was a gentile, and would not be accepted among Jews. But Jesus made him whole, and gave him a mission. One he carried out, exceeding his assignment. Not all who say they follow Jesus, do half of what he assigns them.