Scripture to Read: Luke 8:29-33
Jesus and the disciples had just met the demon-possessed man, and the demons knew they were in God the Son’s presence. God had Luke record this next in Luke 8:29–33, “For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. 30 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. 31 They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. 33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.” Jesus had commanded the demons to leave the man, but they had not done so yet. So, Jesus asked them for their names, and they said, “Legion.” To better understand, the word “Legion” comes from the Latin term for a unit of the Roman army, usually consisting of about 6,000 soldiers. This man possibly had 6,000 demons in him, which is why the man continually broke his bonds. The fear of the demons being cast into the abyss reflects their awareness of the authority Jesus has over them and the reality of their impending punishment. Jesus is Lord!
Challenge & Application
What did the demons fear and why?
Realize that judgment will not only come to every demon but to every lost person, so, how are you sharing your faith with others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!