Reading 25: The Gospel According to Mark 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. Context & Questions: There is not even really a struggle here. The power of God’s coming reign is simply superior to any other force on earth. Jesus is the Son of the Most High, and the spirits are reduced to begging. So Jesus sends the demons into a nearby herd of pigs. Impure to impure. On unclean land, facing unclean powers, Jesus triumphs. Just as he can triumph in our lives and in our world today. Next up: What comes of it
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 20:01:00 +0000