Jesus heals a man with demons Luke 8:26-39
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
It had been a wild day. The terrified disciples had seen Jesus bring calm to the wind and the waves, and their terror turned to awe. Jesus had ordered ‘Peace!’ and deep calm had spread across the waters.
Now the boat was nearing the foreign shore, and the disciples secured the boat and stepped onto dry land. As they did so, a mad man rushed up to Jesus, shouting ‘Jesus, son of the most high God! What do you want with me? Don’t punish me!’ Jesus was ordering calm as the man sank to the ground. Terrible panic gripped the man and his violent reactions had broken many a chain and torn many a garment. Now he lay paralysed, fear gripping his throat Jesus seemed to be unconcerned by his behaviour, diverting the man’s terror into a herd of pigs which had been grazing quietly on the hillside. Suddenly they became agitated, squealing and grunting, running around in circles until one pig led the herd towards the cliff edge. They followed, pushing and stampeding until the entire heard had fallen to their death many metres below.
Now it was the townspeople who were afraid. They urged Jesus to leave them alone, and so Jesus returned to the boat. The man whom Jesus had calmed begged him ‘Let me come with you! You have changed my life!’ But Jesus encouraged him to go back to his family in peace and share his story with all who would listen. God’s gift of peace had driven away the terror.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Of what am I most fearful?
· What reasonable actions can I take to ensure that my home and possessions are safe?
· Do I know someone who makes me anxious? How can I improve my relationship with this person? Or do I need to keep a safe distance?
Prayer
Be near me, Lord, when I am in trouble. Be near me, Lord, I pray! Amen