What’s your favorite story in the Bible? One particular miracle of Jesus captivates my attention. Every time I read it I get goose bumps. Literally. While action and edge-of-your-seat suspense pack the story, it’s what it teaches me about Jesus that enthralls me.
The event occurs right on the heels of Jesus calming the storm in the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). I’m sure there’s nothing like a near-death experience in a furious squall to rest up from a full day of teaching the vast multitudes. But it was Jesus’ demonstrated authority over nature that left the disciples shaking in their sandals.
Still reeling from that experience, Jesus and the twelve were greeted on the opposite shore by a character straight out of a horror flick. Possessed by demons, no one was strong enough to subdue or control him. People had tried, but he tore chains and broke apart the iron bonds.
Now he lived among the tombs in the hills, crying out day and night and cutting himself with stones. He was helpless and hopeless. Tortured and tragic. Then he encountered Jesus and everything changed.
The demons within the man immediately acknowledged the power and authority of Jesus. Based on the fact they called themselves “Legion,” there could have been 6,000 plus demons in residence, but they knew they were no match for the Son of God. (See Mark 5:1-20 for the full story.)
Jesus freed the man with a word. In an instant everything changed. This prisoner of evil had been released by the Holy One. This man who had been feared and shunned by his community could now return to his family. Everyone had given this man up for lost. Everyone but Jesus.
This story demonstrates not only the power and authority of Jesus but also His grace and compassion. Jesus doesn’t merely have the ability to work in our lives, He also desires to work in our lives because He cares for us.
This event gives us a glimpse of what Jesus can do in our own lives. Our Savior is loving and kind, but He is not wimpy. He is able to accomplish what He desires to do in your life.
Is there a stronghold or problem in your life you’ve given up on? How can reflecting on Jesus’ compassion and power renew your hope?
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