The first thing that should be noted is that this is a spiritual encounter as much as physical. We in the Western world have resigned ourselves to the here and now physical part of our universe, and even as Christians we fail to recognize the spiritual forces that continue to wage war in and around us.
We have a man here imbued with supernatural strength, who cries out at night among tombs, and is probably naked (Luke 8:27). From the disciples' perspective, the whole scene sums up for them the terrible idea of going over to an evil part of the country. It's what happens when you enter inner-city LA or New Orleans during Mardi Gras; you go to a place that you perceive as evil and low-and-behold evil presents itself in its worst forms.
Notice that this demon knows who Jesus is. Notice that Jesus told the spirit(s) to come of the guy (which the spirits consider torture). Notice that Jesus told them to come out, and they didn't. Then they ask for permission to go elsewhere (pigs), Jesus gives them permission, and they leave. Notice how the pronouns switch from singular to plural (me, them). This guy is a walking bomb; nobody knows when he'll blow up!
And they go into the herd of PIGS - the sacrificial animal in that society which also happens to be the mascot for the Roman Legion! And I love the fact that the pigs end up in the lake/abyss.
But why does Jesus do this? What motivates Him to go to the OTHER (dark) side of the lake? Why does He challenge the evil forces present in Sin City, when He has plenty of demon possessed people in His synagogue and hometown?
Thoughts?
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