Jesus sails to the country of the Gerasenes. As he steps foot on the land he is met by a demon possessed man. This man had taken residency in a graveyard and lived among the tombs. People from the area had tried to subdue this man but the demons would cause him to break the chains he was held by. His situation was horrible with no end in sight until Jesus came.

The unclean spirit immediately recognizes Jesus and begs him not to torment him. It is amazing to consider that the only one who really knew who Jesus was is this Legion of unclean spirits. Jesus asks his name and he says “Legion” because there were many. The asked Jesus to cast them into a herd of pigs that was nearby. Upon entering the pigs they caused them to rush down a steep bank and drowned in a lake. What a sight this must have been.

The man returns to his right mind and is seated and clothed when the herdsmen see him. They were terrified and what had happened and wanted Jesus to leave. Who is this that can do these types of things? They were fearful of Jesus and concerned about their herd that had just disappeared.

This story shows the power of Jesus. This large number of demons shuttered at the sight of Jesus. They respected what he could do and sought for a way out. This belief did not make them righteous in any way just like belief alone does not make us righteous. Our belief must be backed by faithful action and obedience.