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Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke

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Luke 8:22-39

Pastor George Stephens | June 8, 2025

Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” (Luke 8:26–28, ESV)  

What I learn about Demons 

~ They Recognize Jesus’ Authority 

~ They Resist their Condemnation 

~ The Fear their judgement 

What I Learn About Disciples 

“For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.)” (Luke 8:29, ESV)  

~ They can have terrible backstories 

~ They comprehend what it means to be alone 

~ They have peace at the feet of Jesus 

“Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.” (Luke 8:35, ESV)  

What I Learn About Unbelievers 

~ They wrestle with the unknown 

~ The reject what they fear 

“Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.” (Luke 8:37, ESV)

They Rely on Disciples to Understand God’s Grace 

“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:38–39, ESV)  

Questions: 

1.  Imagine you are one of the disciples with Jesus. What are your feelings and thoughts while watching all of this? 

2.  We all have a back story. How would you tell that to someone? What did Jesus do to change your story? Can you tell that to someone? 

3.  What is in your life that is resisting Jesus? Will you let it go?