When Jesus Calls You "Satan"

Picking up a Nickname

If you’ve played team sports, chances are you picked up a nickname. Maybe more than one. No, not a shortened version of the name your parents gave you. Sorry, that doesn’t count.

I’m talking about one of those labels you get from your teammates, coaches, or maybe even the fans. Hopefully it’s something awesome like Magic, Crazy Legs, or Dr. J. Maybe even one with a sweet “the” before it, like the Babe, the Crime Dog, or the Big Hurt.

Then there are those nicknames that are, shall we say, less than flattering. How would like somebody slapping you with something like the Muscle Hamster, No Neck, or Stink? Yeah, me neither.

It’s Just What Dudes Do

Did you know some of Jesus’ disciples have awesome nicknames? When a bunch of guys hang out together for three and a half years, it’s just bound to happen. I mean, it’s just what dudes do.

Jesus calls brothers James and John the “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17). How cool is THAT?!? The Lord also changes Simon’s name to Peter which basically means Rocky (Jn 1:42).

A Terrible Tag

And then there’s the time Christ calls that very same Pete “Satan” (Mk 8:32-33). Yeah, you read that right. The Son of God actually calls the leader of His disciples Lucifer. I’m not sure there’s a more terrible tag than that! If it’s up to me, I’d rather go by Stink.

The crazy thing is that just moments before, Rocky’s the first one of the guys to call Jesus the “Messiah” (Mk 8:29). That results in the Lord giving Peter a nifty “attaboy” (Mt 16:17).

Pushing Our Plans Down God’s Throat

But in a New York minute, Christ suddenly calls the former commercial fisherman Satan.  What in the Wide World of Sports just went down? When we take a closer look at this passage, we’ll see that anytime we try to push our plans down God’s throat, it’s satanic.

Playing a Guessing Game

Let’s rewind a bit for context. The first major chunk of John Mark’s bio of Jesus is basically a guessing game (Mk 1:1-8:26). Folks are trying to figure out the true identity of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth.

Oh, there’s no lack of theories. Jesus’ own family thinks He’s off His religious rocker (3:21). Folks back in His hometown aren’t all that impressed (Mk 6:1-3).

The Buzz on the Street

The Jewish religious leaders blow a gasket when our Savior starts forgiving sin (Mk 2:6) and come to believe He’s on assignment straight from the pit of hell (Mk 3:22).

The buzz on the street seems to point to Him being John the Baptizer, Elijah, or one of the other prophetic hall of famers (Mk 6:14-15; 8:28).

Putting the Pieces Together

The Lord’s personal posse has a front row seat for one miracle after another and freak out at the possibility of who He might be. After He shuts down a late night storm on the lake, they openly ask each other who the heck is this Guy?!? (Mk 4:41).

Ultimately the Son of God reveals His true identity to the Twelve during a little mountain retreat. That’s when Pete puts the pieces of the puzzle together to say He’s the Christ (Mk 8:29). But Jesus blindsides them and says He’ll be betrayed, tortured, and brutally murdered (Mk 8:31).

A Deeper Dive

That’s where we pick up the story in Mark’s Gospel. After initially blowing their expectations of what the Messiah will do and be, Jesus takes a deeper dive into what His mission will look like.

We read how “He talked openly about this with His disciples” (v32). While Matthew’s version of this very same story is nearly identical (Mt 16:21-23), this little factoid is unique to Mark.

An Extended Discussion

A couple of important points from this simple phrase. The tense of the verb here is imperfect. For those of us who aren’t English majors, that just means we can easily translate this as “He was talking.” In other words, this is an extended discussion, not some single, offhand comment.

Jesus not only offers a lengthy messianic explanation, He pulls no punches. See the word “openly?” This is a really cool word in the original language: παρρησια/parresia. It’s the one and only time John Mark uses it in his Gospel.

A Joyful Confidence

The term describes an attitude of joyful transparency that stems from freedom and a lack of fear, often in the face of intimidating circumstances. It’s doing something courageously, confidently, boldly, or frankly.

When Pete preaches His very first sermon at Pentecost, he does it “confidently (Gr. παρρησια/parresia)” (Acts 2:29). Later that same apostle and his buddy John stare down the religious big wigs with “boldness (Gr. παρρησια/parresia)” (Acts 4:13).

The writer of Hebrews encourages the followers of Jesus to “come boldly (Gr. παρρησια/parresia) to the throne of our gracious God” because of all our Savior has done as our great High Priest (Heb 4:16).

Putting the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf

But there’s another important part of this word that helps us here. It also paints a picture of holding nothing back and doing so in a straightforward way. Plain. Clear. Accessible. Uncomplicated.

Jesus puts the cookies on the bottom shelf. This time there are no parables, metaphors, hints, clues, riddles, or veiled allusions. He leaves nothing to chance. The Message puts it this way. “He said this simply and clearly so they couldn’t miss it” (v32 The Message).

Unpacking Big Ideas

What a great reminder to all of His followers to keep our language simple and understandable when telling others about Jesus. I’m NOT saying we should dumb down the Gospel. Not in the least! But we need to be able to unpack these eternally important ideas in a way folks can understand.

Let’s do it openly. We need to be plain, clear, accessible, and uncomplicated. Throwing around five dollar theological terms like Penal Substitutionary Atonement without explanation will only result in your listener looking at you like my dog looks at television.

Meanwhile back in Mark’s story, wouldn’t you love to see the looks on the disciples’ faces when He spells out what’s going to happen? But despite Jesus going into great detail about it all, it’s blatantly obvious that the guys still didn’t get it.

Grabbing the God by the Sleeve

We know that because of what happens next. “Peter took Him aside” (v32). The author uses a Greek word (Gr. προσλαμβανω/proslambano) that paints a picture of physically taking hold of someone or something. In this case, that someone is the Savior.

Apparently, Pete grabs the sleeve of Jesus’ robe and yanks the Son of Man to himself for an emergency sidebar. Maybe Rocky doesn’t want to embarrass the Lord in front of the others. Maybe he’s trying to get Christ to understand the impact of what He’s saying on the rest of the team.

Stern Words for the Word

Whatever the motivation, Peter actually scolds his Savior. He “began to reprimand Him for saying such things” (v32). He has a few stern words for the Word. Drop this all death talk right here, right now.

What exactly does the disciple say when he gets in the grill of the Son of God? Flip over to Matthew’s Gospel again. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said, “This will never happen to you!” (Mt 16:22).

That’s Crazy Talk!!

The point of Peter’s pep talk is simple. He and the boys can’t see any reason why the Messiah needs to die. Betrayal? Get outta here!! Suffering? That’s crazy talk!! Murder? Are You out of Your mind?!?

Think about it. Rocky pulls the Lord aside tells Him what the Anointed One is supposed to do and what He’s not! I’m pretty sure if there’s anybody who doesn’t need messianic mentoring, it’s Jesus.

Turning Discipleship Upside Down

The problem is that Pete has turned discipleship upside down. The student doesn’t teach the teacher…ESPECIALLY when the Teacher is the sinless Son of God!! This makes about as much sense as the clay pot telling the potter that he’s doing all wrong (Is 29:16; 45:9).

We all need to back off before we throw Simon Peter under the bus. We all second guess our sovereign God on a regular basis. Why does He allow this? Why doesn’t He stop that?  When we do, we’d better buckle up. He may blow our doors off like He does Job (Job 38-41).

While I’m not saying “Bruce Almighty” has all of its doctrinal ducks in a row, but that flick certainly shows how ridiculous it would be if we had divine decision-making power. That’s because we can’t see what God sees and know what God knows. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Sneaking a Peek

While the Lord and His lead disciple are having their little one-on-one, Christ sneaks a peek at the rest of His team. “Jesus turned around and looked at His disciples” (v33). It’s yet another nugget you’ll only find in Mark.

How would the author know about the Son of God’s glance? Because of his source. You see, the disciples of the very first disciples all believed John Mark’s Gospel is actually Peter’s personal memoir. Early pastors like Papias, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Clement, Tertullian, and Origen all said as much. We’re talking serious heavy hitters here.

Repping the Rest of the Team

So we find this tidbit only in Mark’s story of Jesus because the person who told him about was standing right there! Pete knows because he remembers it firsthand.

Why does the Lord look over His shoulder in the middle Rocky’s reprimand? Probably because Peter’s not just speaking for himself. Many times in the Gospels, he reps the rest of the team when talking to Christ (Mt 18:21; 19:21; Mk 10:28; 11:21; Lk 8:45; 12:41; Jn 13:6-9).

Pump Your Brakes, Pete

Jesus swivels His head back and looks His disciple square in the eye. This has gone far enough. Mark tells us how Christ “then reprimanded Peter” (v33). Slow your roll, Rock. Pump your brakes, Pete.

The word the NLT translates as “reprimanded (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitimao)” makes its third appearance in past four verses. A little earlier, Jesus “warned (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitimao)” His team to keep the news that He’s the Christ on the down low (Mk 8:30).

A Flag on the Play
 
Pete has just “reprimanded (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitimao)” the Lord for all His ridiculous talk of messianic suffering, betrayal, and murder (v32). And before the disciple can finish, Christ throws the flag.

This Greek word can certainly mean to warn, strongly admonish, or even threaten. But it also describes how you can size a certain situation and assess a penalty. In other words, Jesus blows the whistle on Pete. There’s a flag on the play. This one’s coming back.

That Escalated Quickly!

It’s with laundry on the field that the Lord gives His disciple his new nickname. “Get away from Me, Satan!” (v33). One moment Peter tells Jesus “You are the Messiah” (Mk 8:29). Seconds later, our Savior calls him Satan. Well, THAT escalated quickly!

Some people think the documents in what we now call the Bible are heavily edited to make the disciples look good. If I’m Rocky, this story doesn’t make the final edition. This certainly seems to blow that accusation right out of the water.

Jesus Is the Hero

A couple of points to consider. John Mark’s Gospel may be Peter’s story, but it is Peter’s STORY OF JESUS!!! This isn’t the apostle’s autobiography. Pete’s not the point. Just like the rest of story of Scripture from beginning to end, Christ is THE HERO!!

The other point is that Jesus’ closest followers are consistently seen as knuckleheads who just don’t get it. Don’t make the mistake of elevating them to superstar saint status. They’re broken, sinful, garden variety, average people just like you and me. 

The Duel in the Desert

But why would the Son of God seemingly turn on His right hand guy? So glad you asked. We’ll see a connection when we flip over to Matthew’s version of Jesus’ duel in the desert with the devil (Mt 4:1-11).

The tempter wraps up his big pitch by promising our Savior that he’ll give Him every single kingdom of the world. All Jesus has to do is worship him. None of that messy cross business. Talk about the Easy Button!

Hijacking the Heavenly Rescue Mission

How does the Lord respond? “Get out of here, Satan!” (Mt 4:10). There’s no way Christ is going to allow Lucifer to hijack His heavenly search and rescue mission of you and me. And it’s almost the very same words He says to Peter.

You see, Jesus came to do a job. To live the perfect life that we failed to live. Die the death for our disobedience we should have died. To rise to the glorious new life we don’t deserve.

A guy named Paul puts it like this. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2Cor 5:21).

The Ultimate Reserved Seat

Just like showdown with Satan, Pete’s apparent well-meaning advice for the Lord would sidetrack what He’s come to do. If Jesus listens to Rocky’s rebuke, there’s no cross, no “It is finished!”, no empty tomb.

The connection between the Son of Man’s words for the devil and the disciple is this. Anytime we put our plans ahead of God’s, it’s satanic. Period.

Anything less than choosing God’s will puts us on the throne of heaven. And He’s not sharing it. You see, the Almighty’s got the ultimate reserved seat. Don’t make Him ask you to move.

A Problem of Perspective

Christ tells His disciple that this is all a problem of perspective. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s” (v33). Jesus wants him to know that Pete can’t see what’s going on from where he stands. If he could only see His messianic mission from the eternal angle.

We see the difference in perspective all throughout Scripture. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts…And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Is 55:8-9).

Getting on God’s Wavelength

Pete’s friend Paul says the key to getting on God’s wavelength is sharing our Savior’s perspective. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (Phil 2:5).

If not, our objectives are a total waste of time each and every time they conflict with what God wants. “You can make plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail” (Prov 19:21). As the old saying goes, if you want to make God laugh just tell Him your plans.

Pulling No Punches

Before we get our undies in a bundle about Peter, we can relax. We know how his story turns out. Eventually Pete WILL see it God’s way! Rocky pulls no punches in his very first sermon just a few months later.

“God knew what would happen, and His prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed Him to a cross and killed Him. But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip” (Acts 2:23-24).

Rocky II

A few days later, Pete does it again. Call it Rocky II. He stares down the Jewish leadership known as the Sanhedrin when they try to put a lid on this whole Jesus-Is-the-Messiah deal.

“For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to His Servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release Him. You rejected this holy, righteous One and instead demanded the release of a murderer. You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!” (Acts 3:13-15).

God Flips the Script

Here’s what Pete’s point in both messages. Jewish power brokers team and scheme with the most brutal dynasty on the planet in order to kill the Christ. You know what happened? God flips the script on them and uses it accomplish His plan!

But here in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Peter can’t see any of that. He simply sees the One who’s just announced that He’s the long awaited Hero from heaven say He has a date with death.

Attempting to Call an Audible

He steps and attempts to call an audible on Jesus’ game plan of grace. And as a result, the Son of God calls Simon Satan. Ouch. Talk about a bummer of a nickname. Something tells he prefers Rocky.

But that’s what happens anytime we try to push our plans down the Lord’s throat. If it’s not God’s plan, it’s satanic.

©2018
Jay Jennings

The Guy in the Graveyard

Urban Legends

The word is out. Don’t go anywhere near the graveyard. As if the cemetery isn’t spooky enough, local lore says that’s where It lives.

We know all about urban legends. Those horror stories you hear at sleepovers and campouts. The killer with the hook hand. Bloody Mary. The Boogie Man. (I’m not sure why I brought this up. Looks like I’m sleeping with the light on tonight.)

It Lives in the Graveyard

But there’s a huge difference between those tales of terror and the story Mark tells in his biography of Jesus (Mk 5:1-20). You see, this one is true. This one is real. Very real. And that makes it even more horrifying.

It goes a little something like this. There’s something dangerous in graveyard. It’s only vaguely human. More It than man. It’s naked, bleeding, and fiercely powerful.

How powerful? Witnesses describe the beast wearing broken shackles and chains from futile attempts to tie it up. Even when you don’t see it, you can hear the creature’s bloodcurdling howls.

A Scary Storm Story

That all changes when a radical Rabbi/Carpenter and His crew from the far side of the Sea of Galilee land on the shore near the cemetery. They’ve got their own scary story of surviving a nasty nighttime storm on their trip across the big lake (Mk 4:35-41).

Jesus may have just calmed a squall on the water. Now He’ll have to quiet the spiritual tornado swirling inside the monster living among the tombs.

Christ’s Encounter in the Boneyard

The story of Christ’s encounter in the boneyard is so famous that you’ll find it in not one, but three of His biographies we call the Gospels. Matthew (Mt 8:28-9:1) and Luke (Lk 8:26-40) also include their own versions of it.

Nothing agains Matt and the Good Doctor, but I’m partial to what Mark has to say. Why? The early followers of Jesus believed John Mark’s Gospel is actually Peter’s eyewitness account of all that went down in his three years with Christ.

Gerasenes, Gergesenes, or Gadarenes?

The story begins with our Savior and His personal posse dragging their boat onto the beach “at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes” (v1). They had set sail at sunset from from their home region of Galilee (Mk 4:35-36). As they’ll soon find out, they’re clearly not in Kansas anymore.

Your Bible lets you know there’s some debate about exactly where they’ve landed. Was it the Gerasenes, Gergesenes, or Gadarenes? Matthew says it’s the Gadarenes. Different ancient manuscripts say different things. What’s the dealio?

Bible Inconsistencies?

Is this an example of the inconsistencies and errors that critics of the Bible are always talking about? If that’s you and this is the moment you’ve been waiting for, you might want to slow your roll.

Believe it or not, they might ALL be right. The easiest way to understand this is that those are all locations on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It just depends on which maps you’re reading or who you’re talking to. Let’s chat.

A Lesson in Local Geography

Jesus and His disciples land not far from the lakeside village of Gergesa. Today it’s known as Kursi which sits on the water at the foot of the Golan Heights. That’s where we get the description of Gergasenes.

Gadarenes comes from the name of the next larger town of Gadara, about 35 miles to the south. But the largest and most famous city in that part of the world at the time was Gerasa. Hence the Gerasenes. We know it today as Jerash in the nation of Jordan.

Welcome to G-Vegas

There’s a another G we need to be aware of. This is also a mostly Gentile area. There are a few Jewish people living there, but they are in the minority.

Call it any one of the four Gs and you’re good to go. I prefer G-Vegas. And if you can’t sort them out, don’t sweat it. I’m pretty sure it’s NOT going to be on the final.

A Filthy Spirit

Things escalate quickly as the boys arrive on the beach. “When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet Him” (v2).

It’s interesting that the original Greek language actually calls this an “unclean (Gr. ακαθαρτος/akathartos)” spiritual entity. This being doesn’t just need a shower. Mark wants us to know whatever’s inside this guy is filthy, vile, and disgusting.

A Spiritual War

We need to remember there’s a war in the spiritual realm we can’t see. It makes World War II look like a water balloon fight. Satan and his unholy horde are using every weapon in their demonic arsenal to corrupt our relationship with God.

That’s why we must put on the spiritual armor Jesus has issued to each one of His followers (Eph 6:11-17). He’s given us a truth belt, righteous body armor, Gospel boots, faith shield, salvation helmet, and Spirit sword. Don’t forget to put on your gear every single day.

We need His supernatural protection. Why? The very moment we place our trust in the Lord, we become a target for the enemy. Forget the American Express card. When it comes to the armor of God. Don’t leave home without it.

Cracking the Door for the Demonic

This disgusting demon has corrupted this man whom God created in His own image. We have no idea what he did to open himself up to satanic attack. Just know that it CAN and DOES happen.

We don’t just crack the door for the devil with seances, tarot cards, and Ouija boards. My pastor Mike Lee warns that we invite the enemy inside with anger, pride, greed, and lust. And once he gains entry, he does serious damage.

Easy Targets

Mark tells us the level of destruction the devil can do in someone. “This man lived in the burial caves” (v3). Whether it was by his own choice or because the people of the town have kicked him to the curb, he’s alone.

God says loneliness is NEVER a good thing (Gen 2:18). He created us for community. We need each other. Our enemy loves it when we’re all alone. Solo targets are easy targets.

Breaking Chains and Smashing Shackles

Long before Stan Lee cooked up the Incredible Hulk, the demons torturing this man gave him strength that was out of control. While this man may not be green, he “could no longer be restrained, even with a chain” (v3).

Folks have tried to tie him up several times in the past. Yeah, that didn’t work. “Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles” (v4).

Stepping into the Octagon

I’m telling you, this is a bad man. A very bad man. Think Drago, Andre the Giant, and Brock Lesnar all rolled into one. Mark says this monster is undefeated. “No one was strong enough to subdue him” (v4).

Stepping inside the octagon with the beast is a very bad idea. Well, except for one Man. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Howling and Self-Harm

Just because restraints can’t hold him doesn’t mean he’s not in bondage! Don’t believe me? Listen for yourself just how miserable he is. “Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones” (v5).

Can’t you just hear his horrible screams? Imagine the agony and torture. It’s so bad he resorts to self-harm. Mark uses a Greek verb we translate as “cutting (Gr. κατακοπτω/katakopto),” which means to gash, slice, hack, or slash into pieces with a sharp object.

Something Less than Human?

He’s a disgusting sight. Covered in fresh blood, open wounds, and ugly scars. Dr. Luke adds how the man “had been homeless and naked” (Lk 8:27). You can easily understand why locals see him as something less than human.

Too many times, we do the same thing. Admit it. You know it’s true. You pass a homeless woman on the sidewalk mumbling to herself. The panhandler at the bottom of the exit ramp. The vet in the wheelchair with PTSD. The Alzheimer’s patient at the nursing home.

They make you uncomfortable. They’re broken. They’re messy. They’re needy. But guess what? So are you and I. Despite it all, we’re each masterpieces in the eye of our Maker (Eph 2:10). And we all desperately need Jesus. It’s just a little more obvious for others than it is for some.

A Cry for Help?

Meanwhile back on the beach, Mark tells that the demon-possessed dude made a mad dash for Jesus. He sees Christ from a distance and then “ran to meet Him, and bowed low before Him” (v6).

No, he didn’t try to intimidate or threaten Jesus. Could there be a sliver of something human still in him who desperately knows he needs God’s help. What a great reminder that nobody is too far gone even when they may look and act like a lost cause.

The Demon Speaks

But what appears to be a cry for help suddenly goes south. “With a shriek, he screamed, ‘Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?’” (v7). Suddenly the evil spirit is back in in control and appears speaks for itself.

The demons know EXACTLY who Jesus is. John MacArthur points out “the Most High God” is the title used by all people of the Greco-Roman world to identify the one, true, and living God of Israel from all the other false and minor league deities of the day (Gen 14:18-20; Num 24:16; Dt 32:8; Ps 18:13; 21:7; Is 14:14; Dan 3:26; Lk 1:32; Heb 7:1).

The Poll Position

The filthy spirit answers the question the Dirty Dozen just asked after Christ calmed the storm on the lake the night before. “Who is this man?” (Mk 4:31). That’s the big idea of the Book of Mark…who is Jesus?

SPOILER ALERT! Jesus is the Son of the Most High God!! He holds the top spot. He’s in the poll position. There’s no other god above Him in the supernatural pecking order. It’s not even close.

Why Are You Interfering with Me?

Not only do demons know about God and who Jesus is, “they tremble in terror” (James 2:19). That’s exactly why they freak out every time He comes around or His name is mentioned.

The rude spirit in the nude dude wants to know, “Why are You interfering with me? (v7)” You might remember the evil spirt tormenting the man at the synagogue asks Christ the exact same question (Mk 1:24).

Have you noticed the culture is doing the very same thing? I’m sure you’ve know what I’m talking about. Unbelievers blow a gasket when confronted with Jesus and His Gospel. They can’t believe God would have the unmitigated gall to tell them how to live their lives.

On the Same Side as Satan

The folks at the Life Application Bible drive home a very powerful point. When we reject Jesus and His loving leadership, we put ourselves on the same side as Satan and are headed in the opposite direction from God. Let THAT sink in!

We all need to ask whether we’ll choose what we want that leads to destruction, or if we’ll choose the Lord’s guidance over my life? If so, He gives me an overflowing life (Jn 10:10) of forgiveness, healing from sin, cleansing, and true freedom. My answer has eternal implications.

A Holy Eviction Notice

One reason the disgusting spirit gets its demonic undies in a bundle is that Jesus has given it a holy eviction notice. “For Jesus had already said to the spirit, ‘Come out f the man, you evil spirit’” (v8).

At this point, the Lord asks for spiritual ID (v9). Just so we’re clear. Jesus already knew exactly what was inside the man. He wants everybody with a front row seat to know the complexity of the evil controlling the man.

Thousands of Demons!

The demonic response had to shock everybody there except Jesus and naked guy living in the graveyard. “My name is Legion” (v9). This is a common Latin term that defines a Roman military unit of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers.

There are apparently THOUSANDS of demons attacking the man from the inside! Just in case we’re not paying attention, the spirits spell it out for those of us with a public school education. “Because there are many of us inside this man” (v9).

Outnumbered

I imagine it’s much like the movie “Split,” where the main bad guy had multiple personalities fighting for control over him. In this case, it’s not a couple of dozen. They number in the thousands. As the Message puts it, “Mob, I’m a rioting mob” (v9 The Message).

Despite this demonic horde totaling in thousands, they are still outnumbered. One Jesus wins every time…and it’s not even close. Best of all, they know the jig is up.

Frantic Negotiations

The Legion knows full well they can’t tell the Lord what to do. So they begin frantically negotiating with the King of Kings. “Then the evil spirits begged Him again and again not to send them to some distant place” (v10).

It’s at this point that some unsuspecting livestock become part of the story. “There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. ‘Send us into those pigs,’ the spirits begged. ‘Let us enter them’” (v11-12).

Inviting Non-Jews to the Party

Mark’s reminding us Jesus and the Dirty Dozen are on foreign turf. Jews wouldn’t have anything to do with the other white meat. Pigs aren’t kosher. There’s no bacon on the menu anywhere in Israel.

This is Gentile territory. For the first time in the second Gospel, the Jewish Messiah makes a point of traveling to non-Jewish people. Remember, heading across the lake was His idea in the first place (Mk 4:35).

I don’t know about you, but as a Gentile follower of Jesus, I’m VERY glad He came not just for the Hebrew people. He came to invite every people group on the planet to God’s party!

Getting God’s Permission

The demons plead with the Son of God to let them head for the pigs. That’s because Satan and his toadies have no authority to do anything on their own. They must get God to sign off on what they do. Chapter one of Job is a classic example.

When Pigs Fly…or Not!

Just when Jesus gives them okay (v13), things get even crazier. “The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water” (v13).

A couple of thousand suicidal swine take a flying leap off a cliff into the Sea of Galilee. I wonder if this is where we get the slogan “when pigs fly?” In case you didn’t already know, they can’t.

Now I’m no math major but 2,000 dead hogs probably means there were a minimum of 2,000 demons in the dude. That number just reinforces the massive amount of evil controlling and torturing this man.

Breaking News

It wasn’t long before the pig farmers hightailed into town. Mark says they’re “spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened” (v14). Breaking news! Push alerts about the crazy events in the graveyard of G-Vegas, thousands of demons, a mass swine suicide, and Rabbi from Galilee.

When the crowd arrives, they can’t believe their eyes! “They saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid” (v15).

Jesus Makes All the Difference

What a difference Jesus makes!! One moment he’s a naked, bleeding, howling madman terrorizing anyone who dares enter the cemetery. The next moment he’s sane, sitting quietly, and dressed to the nines. Talk about doing a double take!

Eyewitnesses try to put into words what just happened to those who’ve just arrived (v16). He what? How many demons? Into the pigs? Are you SURE that’s the same guy?!?

Cancel the Parade

This is the part of the story where you expect the heartwarming happy ending. Hugs and kisses for the man freed from the demons. Carrying Jesus on their shoulders. Parades and confetti, right?

Wrong. The people suddenly turn on the miracle-working Rabbi. “And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone” (v17).

A Huge Financial Hit

Most Bible experts believe the locals are hot about loss of the hog herd. They’re more upset about the huge financial hit than the fact that this man’s life and sanity have returned after years of spiritual torment.

The people wanted life back the way it was. Bring back the status quo. And what do they do with this former demon-possessed guy? Life was easier when he was the It that lived alone in the cemetery. You’re telling me THAT GUY is moving back to town?

When Things Get Uncomfortable

We do the very same thing. But Jesus has a way of messing up our neat and clean little lives. He loves to shake things up and put us around people who aren’t like us and make us uncomfortable.

Micah Kiel puts it this way. When what we fear most is transformed and dumped in our lap, our natural inclination is fear and ridding ourselves of the change that we cannot explain.

You Can’t Stay Here

As a result, the people tell Christ He doesn’t have to go home but He can’t stay here. He and boys get back in the boat. But somebody wants to join their merry band. “The man who had been demon possessed begged to go with Him” (v18).

He’s willing to chuck it all and follow Jesus wherever He goes. But Christ has a better idea. “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful He has been” (v19).

Putting Family First

Notice a couple of important points. First of all, the guy has a FAMILY!! How long has it been since he’s seen them, hugged them, and kissed them?!? Our first ministry is always at home. Nothing at church or work takes priority.

Second, did you catch that Jesus refers to Himself as the Lord? So much for those who say He never admitted to being God.

The First Gentile Missionary

Our Savior wants this man to spread the word to his friends and family. So in Mark’s bio of Jesus, the first non-Jew He saves is a former naked, demon-possessed, bloody lunatic who lived in a graveyard who becomes the first Gentile missionary in history. You can’t make this stuff up!

The guy wastes no time. “So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things that Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them” (v20). The Ten Towns become ground zero for Gentile evangelism.

Your Story Is His Story

The man does what we should do. Tell our story. Tell our friends. Tell our family. The ones who’ve known us the best and longest are more able to see the change God is making in our lives.

I need to remember that it’s ultimately not my story. It’s God’s story that He’s writing in my life. Think about it. The Creator of the universe is still writing the most amazing story anyone will ever hear…and He’s using you and me to do it! What a privilege!!

Feeling Disqualified?

Maybe you think there’s no way Jesus can use you. Your rear-view mirror is full of shame and embarrassment…and it’s mostly self-inflicted. If Christ can transform a naked, bleeding, demon-possessed monster in graveyard of into a missionary, I’m pretty sure you’re not disqualified.

Jesus uses him to begin spreading the Gospel that will eventually change the world. Apparently what happens in G-Vegas does NOT stay in G-Vegas.

Holy Home Invasion

Tied up at Gunpoint

There’s a HUGE crash as the front door flies open! Before anyone knows what’s happening, a handful bad guys have you and your family tied up and at gunpoint.

I don’t pretend to be a victim of a home invasion and certainly never hope to be. I hate it for anyone of you who may have been.

But did you know that Jesus actually talks about one of these attacks in Scripture (Mk 3:22-30)? Not only that, He’s actually the One who pulls it off! I’m telling you, there’s some wonderfully wild stuff in the documents we call the Bible. Do yourself a huge favor and read it for yourself.

An Accusation from the Home Office

Interestingly, the Lord shares this story while He’s at a residence in the fishing village of Capernaum in Galilee. A team of religious leaders from the home office have arrived. They think they’ve figured out how the radical Rabbi/Carpenter is kicking some serious demonic tail.

According to them, Jesus has the ability to exorcise evil spirits because He’s actually playing for Satan’s team. They accuse Him of being a mole or a plant. Their theory is that demons do what He says because it’s all part of the devil’s con game.

Our Savior tells these so-called experts to pump their brakes. They’ve got it all wrong. He’s got supernatural connections alright. But it’s with the Holy Spirit of God. They’re on an eternally slippery slope when they accuse Him of collaborating with the very one He came to defeat.

Wild Reports out of Galilee

As we mentioned earlier, this is at a home in Capernaum. It’s either the house Peter and Andrew share or the Son of God has His own place. It’s actually the same location and same moment when Jesus’ family comes to take Him home because they believe He’s lost His mind (Mk 3:20-21).

Not only have Mary and His brothers arrived. Some religious honchos have come to town to get to the bottom of all the wild reports they’re hearing from Galilee. Chances are local scribes and Pharisees made a 9-1-1 call to Jerusalem after Jesus handed them their lunch five times in a row (Mk 2:1-3:-6).

Jumping to Conclusion

A team of Jewish lawyers have already come to their conclusion before they come to town. Christ isn’t crazy. According to them, it’s worse than that. He’s controlled by Satan.

“But the teachers of the religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, ‘He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where He gets the power to cast out demons’” (v22).

Jewish Bible Scholars

In the original language, Mark describes these teachers using the Greek word γραμματευς/grammateus. It literally means one who writes. Back in the day, this is somebody who works as a clerk or specializes in written documents.

In this case, those documents are the Scriptures. And at this time, we’re talking about the Old Testament since it is the ONLY testament around in the early First Century. They’re big-time Bible scholars.

Did You Hear the One about the Lawyer?

These religious teachers are experts in God’s Word and its application. They are seen as lawyers when it comes to God’s Law. So apparently lawyer jokes go back a few years. These attorneys will soon find out the joke’s on them.

John Mark has mentioned scribes on three previous occasions (Mk 1:22; 2:6, 16). But this is a new crew. These are the big dogs who’ve made the 85-mile trip from Jerusalem to put an end to this nonsense in north.

Beelze-what?

They cut to the chase and make their charge. “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons” (v22). The translators of the NLT have tried to do us a favor and do the heavy lifting for us from the original Greek. But there’s some cool stuff going on here.

“Satan” is actually “Beelzebul” (Gr. Βεελζεβουλ/Beelzeboul). It’s the proper name for a Philistine deity, a variation on “Baal-Zebul” which mens “Baal the Prince.” The Israelites liked to twist it into Beelzebub, a putdown that means “lord of flies.”

Savior from Heaven or Trojan Horse from Hell?

Beelzebul is the handle they gave the devil as the demonic boss of all evil spirits. Just about every appearance of this title is in connection with this same story in the first three Gospels (Mt 12:23-32; Lk 11:14-23).

Their point is that Jesus casts out evil spirits because their satanic supervisor has told them to go. “That’s where He gets the power to cast out demons” (v22). According to them, Christ isn’t our Savior from heaven but a Trojan horse straight from hell.

A Teachable Moment

But whattaya know…the Son of God graciously sees their vicious indictment as a teachable moment. “Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration” (v23). He invites them over to explain.

The Lord doesn’t light them up. He doesn’t throw them under the bus. Instead He takes a moment to teach. There’s a lesson for all of us. His response is compassionate and caring.

Jesus begins by asking these scribes a question. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” (v23). Okay, boys. Since you’re the religious experts, tell Me how this works. He asks them to explain how in the devil’s name this would happen.

Gotta tell ya, the first thing that came to my mind is that scene in “Liar, Liar” where Jim Carrey beats the stuffing out of himself.

Civil Wars and Family Feuds

The Jewish teachers have got nothing. It’s almost like they haven’t thought their theory through. Jesus follows with a couple of examples of why their idea doesn’t hold a drop of water.

First He says, “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse” (v24). A nation with that level of turmoil will destroy itself from the inside out. Its own citizens are its worst enemy. That even goes for Satan and his evil empire.

Secondly, the Son of God explains, “Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart” (v25). Okay, do I really need to explain this one? I think we all know families that are more than ready to play the feud…and I DON’T mean with Steve Harvey! Of course, I don’t mean yours. Heaven forbid.

Closing the Loop

With after drawing those examples, the Lord closes the loop and tells them how ludicrous their assumption is. “And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive” (v26).

Again, nothing but crickets from these Jewish hotshots. Don’t you just wonder what this moment must have been like? How long does Jesus wait in awkward silence before He continues?

Holy Home Invasion

At some point, Christ continues. “Let Me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house” (v27).

Here’s where we get to the home invasion. Let’s break it down so we understand who’s involved and what’s going on.

Satan’s Turf

Jesus uses the strong man’s house as a picture of Satan’s turf. Thanks to our sin and rebellion, we’ve opened the front door to the devil so he could walk right and rule our fallen world.

Our Savior tells His team how “Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out” (Jn 12:31). Paul warns the Corinthians how the evil one “is the god of this world” (2Cor 4:4). In other words, the strong man’s house is our fallen world.

Our Hero to the Rescue!

There’s only One who has the muscle and authority to break in and take the devil down. You get three guess as to Who that is and your first two don’t count. Yup. Jesus. I knew you could do it.

But there’s more to this holy home invasion than just overpowering our enemy. Jesus will “plunder his goods” (v27). What in the world does the devil have that the Lord would want? Us.

That’s right, Christ crashes through the front door in order to free us from the power of Satan, sin, and death. We’re the stuff He’s come to steal! Our Hero has come to our rescue!! This scene makes “Taken” look like a fairy tale.

Tweet This

Just in case these religious teachers have missed His point, Jesus sums it all up. And to do so, He makes sure their paying attention by dropping the phrase “I tell you the truth” (v28).

This little expression is Jesus’ way of telling everybody He’s about to say something important. VERY important. No, it doesn’t mean that He’s been playing fast and loose with the facts up till now. This is His way of saying this is the bottom line of what we’re talking about.

“I tell you the truth” (v28). This is the first time of the fourteen times the Lord uses these words here in Mark’s Gospel (Mk 6:11; 8:12; 9:1, 41; 10:15, 29; 11:23; 12:43; 13:30; 14:9, 18, 25, 30). Each time He does, it’s His way of getting everyone’s attention. If there was social media back in the day, He might say, “Tweet this!”

No One Is Beyond God’s Reach

Okay. Everybody listening? Listen up. “All sin and blasphemy can be forgiven” (v28). Whoa. Picture jaws on the floor all around the room. Think about what Jesus has just said. There’s nothing you and I can do that can’t be forgiven.

There’s no sin and no slander that God won’t forgive. Not adultery. Not armed robbery. Not murder. Not suicide. That includes breaking any or all of God’s Top Ten (Ex 20).

How’s that possible? Because of one incredibly important fact. Jesus is a better Savior than we are sinners. No one, and He means NO ONE is beyond the reach of His rescue.

One Very Important Exception

Apart from one very important exception. The Lord spells it out. “But anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences” (v29).

What in the wild world of sports does this have to do with the scribes accusation of Jesus playing for Satan’s team or His point about the holy home invasion? Turns out, everything.

Rejecting His Rescue

To blaspheme (Gr. βλασφημεω/blasphemeo) is to defame, slander, insult, speak evil against somebody. It’s intentionally trashing someone’s reputation. In this case, slandering the Spirit of God.

It goes a little something like this. The Holy Spirit’s job is to open our hearts to God’s goodness. We insult Him when we reject His offer of rescue in the form of the Son of God.

Sawing off the Branch

When we turn our backs on Jesus, we give God’s grace the Heisman. That’s when we blaspheme the Holy Spirit. You can’t shake your fist at your Forgiver while at the same time accepting His forgiveness.

Or as the Message puts it, “You are repudiating the very One who forgives, sawing off the branch on which you’re sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives” (v29 The Message).

Evil Spirit or Holy Spirit?

Mark tells us this is exactly why Christ connects the dots for the scribes. “He told them this because they were saying, ‘He’s possessed by an evil spirit’” (v30).

Possessed by an evil spirit? Are you kidding me?!? Not even close. Jesus isn’t possessed by some evil spirit. He’s baptized by THE Holy Spirit! As a matter of fact, all three Members of the Trinity were there at the Jordan River that day (Mk 1:9-11).

It was an amazing moment when His Heavenly Dad gave His Son the ultimate “attaboy,” while the Spirit gave Him the supernatural ability to carry out His unbelievable search and rescue mission of sinners like you and me.

Evil spirit, no. Holy Spirit. Yes!

Tied up in Knots

So what do we do with all this talk of demonic possession, religious accusations, holy home invasions, and slandering the Spirit of God? I admit that it can get just a little confusing.

What has you tied up in knots? What has a hold on you that won’t let go? A sin? An addiction? A temptation? A self-destructive behavior. No matter how much you try or struggle, you can’t get free.

Let Him ALL the Way in

The great news is there’s Good News. There is Somebody who can cut you loose.  Jesus is able to punch demonic forces in the throat because He has the unlimited power of God’s Spirit at His disposal.

Only when we allow the Son of God to enter our lives do we have any hope of taking out the evil we’ve allowed in. Let Him in. I mean ALL the way in! Let Him do what He does best.

Do you need a holy home invasion? To be honest, we all do at some point.

©2017

Jay Jennings