[MYM] 22.0 Yeshua Heals a Man with Demons

This miracle takes place immediately after Yeshua calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25). Having demonstrated His authority over nature, Yeshua now shows His power over the spiritual realm. The location—the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes)—was a Gentile area east of the Sea of Galilee, part of the Decapolis. This context is important: Yeshua’s mission here extends beyond Jewish territory, revealing that His authority and compassion reach all people.

The encounter also unfolds in a setting marked by death and impurity. The possessed man lived among tombs, an unclean place according to Jewish law, and a herd of pigs—unclean animals—was nearby. This vivid imagery emphasizes the depth of human bondage and the contrast between the forces of darkness and the liberating power of Messiah.

When Yeshua arrived on shore, He was immediately confronted by a man possessed by many demons. Matthew mentions two men (8:28), while Mark and Luke focus on one—likely the dominant or more vocal of the two. The man was in a pitiful and terrifying state: naked, living among tombs, crying out day and night, and cutting himself with stones (Mark 5:3–5; Luke 8:27). No one could restrain him; chains and shackles had been broken by his supernatural strength.

Seeing Yeshua from afar, the man ran and fell before Him, shouting loudly: “What do you want with me, Yeshua, Son of the Most High God?” (Mark 5:7). The demons recognized Yeshua’s divine authority and begged Him not to torment them or send them into the abyss. When Yeshua asked the spirit’s name, it replied, “Legion,” for many demons had entered the man (Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30).

The demons begged Yeshua to let them enter a nearby herd of pigs rather than be cast out completely. Yeshua permitted it, and about two thousand pigs rushed down a steep bank into the sea and drowned (Mark 5:13). This shocking scene demonstrated both the destructive nature of demonic power and Yeshua’s absolute authority over it.

When the townspeople heard what happened, they came and found the formerly possessed man sitting clothed and in his right mind at Yeshua’s feet (Mark 5:15). Instead of rejoicing, they were overcome with fear and pleaded with Yeshua to leave their region. The man who had been delivered begged to go with Him, but Yeshua sent him home, saying, “Go and tell how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19; Luke 8:39). He became the first missionary to the Gentile cities of the Decapolis.

This powerful miracle reveals several profound truths:

1. Yeshua’s Sovereign Authority – The demons recognized Yeshua’s divine power and had to obey His command. He is Lord over the spiritual world.
2. Human Bondage and Divine Mercy – The man’s torment shows the destructive grip of evil, but Yeshua’s intervention brings restoration, peace, and dignity.
3. Transformation through Encounter – The man’s complete change—from violent outcast to peaceful disciple—testifies to the transforming power of Messiah.
4. Fear and Rejection – The townspeople valued material loss (the pigs) over spiritual deliverance. Their fear shows how human hearts can resist divine grace.
5. Mission and Witness – Yeshua commissioned the healed man to share his testimony, turning a story of horror into a proclamation of God’s mercy among the Gentiles.

In summary, Matthew 8:28–34, Mark 5:1–20, and Luke 8:26–39 present a vivid display of Yeshua’s compassion and authority over demonic forces. The passage shows that no life is beyond His reach and that those delivered by His power are called to testify of His greatness, spreading the light of salvation to others.