Living Among The Tombs
READ
Imagine walking into the most broken place you can picture—a landscape of total despair. That's exactly where Jesus shows up in this incredible story. Picture a man completely overwhelmed by inner darkness, living among tombs, isolated from everyone. He's not just struggling; he's trapped in a nightmare that seems impossible to escape.
Let’s take a moment to read Mark 5:1-20:
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
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.
Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
REFLECT
This isn't just another healing story—it's a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for God's rescue. The man is controlled by "legion" demons, meaning multiple spiritual forces have completely taken over his life. When Jesus arrives, something amazing happens and darkness doesn't stand a chance.
The demons instantly recognize Jesus and start trembling. Think about that for a moment—the very forces destroying this man's life know they're powerless against Christ's authority. With just a word, Jesus breaks through years of bondage. The demons are forced out, dramatically rushing into a herd of pigs that then stampede off a cliff—a visual picture of total destruction of darkness.
But here's the most powerful part of the story: Jesus doesn't just heal the man; He gives him a new purpose. Instead of letting the man follow Him, Jesus tells him to go home and share his story. Imagine being that guy, the local lunatic who's now completely transformed. His greatest place of shame becomes his most powerful testimony.
This story speaks directly to anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or beyond hope. Maybe you're dealing with something that feels like it's completely taken over your life—addiction, depression, past trauma, or deep personal struggles. This passage whispers a powerful truth: Jesus can reach you exactly where you are.
The man's transformation wasn't just about being healed—it was about being restored and given a mission. Your current struggle might be the very platform God is preparing for your most significant journey of hope and healing.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
Where are the "tombs" in your life—areas that feel hopeless or impossible to overcome? What would it look like to trust God in your most challenging situation?
How might your greatest area of brokenness become a platform for unexpected healing?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Loving God, we bring our broken places to You. Where we feel most stuck, most isolated, would You meet us with Your transformative love? Turn our pain into purpose, our darkness into light. Give us the courage to believe in Your ability to restore. Amen.