Luke 8:26-39 - Becoming Jesus' Disciple and Family

Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Jesus traveled to the Gentile region of Gerasa. As soon as He stepped off the boat, He was confronted by a man powerfully possessed by demons. The demons immediately recognized Jesus' true identity, which even His disciples had failed to understand (8:25).

"Son of the Most High God," they called Him.

Jesus cast out the demons from the man, allowing them—at their request—to enter a nearby herd of pigs. The demon-possessed pigs then rushed into the lake and drowned. Mark's gospel tells us there were about 2,000 of them (Mark 5:13).

Because of this incident, Jesus had to board the boat He had just disembarked and leave the area.

The herdsmen who had been tending the pigs hurried into town and explained everything to the owners, who came to see for themselves. Their decision was clear: Jesus must leave. They were driving Him away.

The loss of 2,000 pigs represented an enormous financial blow—they couldn't tolerate the presence of this Jesus who had caused such damage. To them, He was a dangerous figure who might cause even greater economic loss in the future.

The townspeople could only see their tremendous financial loss, not the healed man or the One who had performed this miracle. In their effort to prevent further economic damage, they drove away the very One who could bring them salvation.

The man who had been freed from the demons begged Jesus to take him along as He boarded the boat, pleading to follow Him. But Jesus refused. Instead, He instructed the man to return home and testify about what he had experienced.

Being a disciple of Jesus, becoming part of His family, isn't just about physically staying by His side. The true mark of being His disciple and family member is witnessing to the God you have experienced and striving to live according to His word (8:21).

Prayer: Gracious God, guide me so that I don't become blinded by self-interest and miss seeing Your truth. Lead me to live as Jesus' disciple right where I am. Holy Spirit, make me strong and courageous. Amen.