The Story of Jesus

Madman Among The Tombs

After the storm was stilled, Jesus and his disciples went ashore in the country of the Gadarenes. Near by was a cemetery where a wild man lived. No chains were strong enough to hold him. Night and day he wandered in this lonely place, crying and cutting himself with stones.

From a distance the wild man saw Jesus.

 At once he ran, fell at Jesus' feet, and worshiped him. The evil spirits that troubled him as with one voice called out to Jesus, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the most high God? I beg you, do not torment me."

Jesus knew the man could never be well so long as he was filled with evil spirits. Jesus said, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit." Then he asked the man, "What is your name?"

The evil spirit replied, "My name is Legion, for we are many."

On a mountainside near by was a herd of two thousand hogs with the servants who took care of the animals. The evil spirits said to Jesus, "Send us into the hogs."

"Go," Jesus answered.

At once the great herd ran down the mountainside, plunged into the sea, and all the hogs were drowned. How frightened the servants were when they saw this! Away they ran to the city to tell what had happened.

Soon a crowd of curious people gathered. They were much surprised to see the wild man sitting at Jesus' feet, wearing clothes, and acting perfectly well. A peaceful look was on his face, and he had the right use of his mind again.

The people were afraid. What kind of man was Jesus? A whole herd of hogs had been drowned on account of him. What if he did more things like that in their country? They did not even think of bringing their sick for him to heal. Instead they begged him to go away and leave them alone.

Jesus and his disciples returned to their boat, and the man who had been healed followed. He wanted to go with them, but Jesus said, "Go back to your home and tell your friends what great things the Lord has done for you."

Gladly the man obeyed. From city to city he went, telling people about the wonderful power of Jesus.