Fully Clothed and Perfectly Sane

October 1, 2021

A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid… The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:35, 38-39 NLT

Luke 8 records a fascinating story in the life of Jesus. He is out and about doing ministry and He runs into a crazy man, full of so many demons they call themselves “Legion.” They terrorize his mind, and he acts out with all the antics such a situation would cause. He lives in the graveyard because nowhere else is fit for him. He makes intolerable noises, runs around naked, and generally frightens adults, let alone children. He’s well known in the area, and everyone wants to stay away from him. On occasion the authorities have captured and shackled him, but he is so fierce that he always escapes and returns to dominating the people around him with fear.

He sees Jesus coming and goes out to meet him. Jesus does what Jesus always does whenever He is honestly and completely welcomed. He gets rid of the demons, helps the man get dressed, and begins to teach him new ways. Crowds are always following Jesus, and this is no exception. They gather around Him and to their great amazement, there sits the former hometown monster man, fully clothed and perfectly sane. The people who had seen him be delivered explain what happened and the new arrivals are terrified. They want Jesus to leave the place! They will not welcome new information and a new way of thinking, even a miracle.

Jesus is always a gentleman. He never stays where He is not welcome and wanted. He leaves and goes back to the boat to go to a more receptive people. Former Monster Man now has a changed mind and new way of life. He wants to go with Jesus. Jesus says, “No… everyone you know is also trapped in the wrong way of thinking even if they can disguise it. They need to know what you know. Your job now is to return to your own family and neighborhood and let them see and learn what God has done.” So he did.

Of all the thousands of incidents in the life of Jesus, this one was chosen by God to be recorded and saved over all these years. Why? Well, perhaps because all of us are monster men to one degree or another. Jesus is the only One able to interrupt our chaotic minds and resultant disruptive behavior, but He will only do it when He is welcomed. An encounter with Jesus will bring new identity and sanity into our lives. Our responsibility then is to share our newness and the Jesus who healed us with our family and friends. They are monster men and women too.

• Jesus, I want to welcome every change You know my mind and life needs, and then lead others to newness in You. I surrender and welcome You. Amen.