Reading: Mark 5:1-20

Though demon possessed, a man is drawn to Jesus and runs to Him. I wonder what the others thought. “Man, we just escaped a storm, and now a demoniac is coming to get us?” “We’ll let Jesus get out of the boat first this time!”

To their surprise, this unclean, demon-possessed man worshipped Jesus. Don’t assume that even the worst of men aren’t hungry for God, or that the unclean in captivity aren’t looking for freedom and cleansing.

Jesus demonstrated that He not only has authority over the weather, He has authority to cast demons out! Many people before Him had already tried to subdue this man with chains and shackles, which he only tore apart. The pursued (demoniac) became the pursuer (worshipper).

Jesus never feared demons – but they sure feared Him and recognized Him as God. Jesus asked the name of the demon that possessed this man who responds, “It is Legion because we are many”. They feared they would be tormented, and asked permission to be sent into the pigs.

The demons communicated in the singular initially (what have I to do with You?) and when asked what is your name, they identified themselves as Legion. Many demons were united under one name until confronted by the One whose name is above all names.

Then each one individually begged Jesus to send them into the pigs. Jesus gave them permission. Demons unite against man, but take flight individually from the Son of man.

Why pigs? The unclean spirits need an unclean environment. Jesus sent them knowing that even unclean pigs would rather die than have them as company! Unclean things draw unclean demons. Ask God if there’s anything that needs to be cleaned up in your life or home. There is just some company you don’t want to attract!

Being unclean is the passive result of not cleaning up our lives daily with the washing of the water of the Word, and the cleansing river of worship and prayer.