Possessed

27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” (Luke 8:27-28)

When visiting the Gentile territory of Gerasenes, Jesus met a man who lived among the tombs because he was possessed by demons. The demons would seize the man with such ferocity that he would break the chains that were holding him. From the midst of this torturous life, the man (or the demons inside the man) asked Jesus, "What do you want with me?" Overtaken by destructive power beyond his control, ostracized from productive life, barely living among the dead, what could Jesus want with him?

When Jesus asked the man his name, the demons within him answered "Legion" because they were many. Those with Jesus would have heard a reference to the massive Roman forces which were called Legio - another occupying force that left death and destruction in it's wake. The tombs this man had to call home were likely filled with victims of Legio. It was into this place of devastation that Jesus spoke peace and soundness of mind.

Destructive forces within us may cause us to think that God could not possibly be bothered with us. Allowing Jesus to take possession of our whole being frees us to receive peace, a sound mind, and a life of wholeness.

23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. (Psalm 22:23-24)