Scripture Reading: Mark 5:1-20
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Reflection
Satan does not, as a rule, advertise himself. He prefers to hide in the shadows, and if he can fool us into believing that he doesn't exist, it is to his advantage. He is then free to work his evil without any hindrance. As a rule, Satan also does not possess people and cause the crude and grotesque behavior we see presented in movies like The Exorcist. He is more likely, as Paul says, to work through people who serve God in the church. They masquerade as apostles of Christ, and little wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
So, why then, does Mark see fit to include this event in his gospel? It was to warn his readers of Satan's very real existence and the terrible danger we can place ourselves in if we permit his influence in our lives. If unchecked, these influences can result in full-scale possession like that described in this episode. This man in the Gerasenes displayed all the classic symptoms of possession. One, a complete change of personality. Two, extreme anti-social behavior. Three, abnormal strength. Four, personal torture. And, five, suicidal tendencies.
However, Mark's other, more important reason for including this story was to let his readers also know that even though Satan was capable of a lot of mischief, he was no match for the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. And, by his death and resurrection, he triumphed over the forces of evil for all time. Paul would later say that "having disarmed the powers and authorities, [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15). Why didn't God destroy him completely? We don't have the answer to that question, but we know that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan," destroying him forever (see Romans 16:20).
In the meantime, he has not left us defenseless. He has given us the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy (see Luke 10:19). He has given us armor to wear that will give us victory in battle (see Ephesians 6:10-17). And, best of all, he has given us his Holy Spirit. As Scripture tells us, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). And, as Scripture further tells us, the one in us — that's the Holy Spirit — is greater than the one in the world — that's the other guy! (see 1 John 4:4).
So, let us acknowledge his existence, be aware of his influence, but know that as long as we walk hand in hand with Christ, he is the one who should be afraid.
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Today's devotional — Victory Over Darkness — is based on Mark 5:1-20, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha
