Simple: to get to the other side. But the mission itself would be anything but simple. In Luke chapter 8, Jesus announces, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” However, the people who lived on the other side were not Jews, but Gentiles. Not long after Jesus and His disciples set out to cross the lake, the first signs of trouble appear. A fierce storm begins to overcome the boat filling it with water, threatening to drown them all in the middle of the lake.
Though Jesus calmed the ragging storm and they did reach the shore, before Jesus had even climbed out of the boat, a wild, naked man possessed by demons jumped out from the nearby graveyard, running towards Jesus shrieking in a loud voice. The man lived among the tombs, repeatedly fleeing there after breaking the chains the people used to restrain him. Violently, the man thrust himself at Jesus’ feet. The demons screamed at Jesus, begging Him not to torture them. Instead, Jesus commanded them to leave the man, banishing them into a herd of pigs feeding nearby.
After witnessing what had happened, the herdsmen raced back to the town, telling everyone what they saw. At once, the whole town ran back with the men to the lake. When they arrived, they found the demon-possessed man fully clothed, sane and completely calm. Incredibly, none of the people expressed any concern for the healed man. Rather, they were afraid and offended at Jesus for interfering with their lives and instead, they begged him to leave their area.
Why then did He go? Surely Jesus knew how the people would respond—so why bother going to so much trouble? The answer is as simple as it is profound: He came to rescue the one man who would welcome Him.
Shadia Hrichi
If you enjoyed this week’s “Moments with God,” please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Shadia, I believe your openess to share this story will help may women who have had an abortion.
Great job.
Bill