Multiple Possession

# 367 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:9 “Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many."

Jesus knew the name of the demon, but in asking the question He wants His disciples to know who and what He is dealing with here. This man from Gadarene was possessed by a horde of demons! He was called Legion because as he said, “we are many.” That's an understatement!

A legion of soldiers is around 6,000 men. This “multiple” possession is not some kind of rare occurrence in Scripture. We read of Mary Magdalene being delivered from seven devils, (Mr 16:9) and Jesus spoke of a devil's returning with seven others in order to re-possess a man who has not put on Christ. (Mt 12:45)

This is the kind of thing His disciples and future missionaries would be up against as they took the message of the Gospel into a world of people who had not yet had the opportunity to put on Christ through baptism.

They needed to know that the devil and his demons are well organized and powerful. Remember? Even shackles couldn't bind this man possessed by Legion! But again, His disciples also needed to see that Jesus was even more powerful than a legion of demons. They needed to see that the devil and all his demons are no match for Jesus, the Son of the Most High God!

I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.