WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.520 Jesus is who Luke has been saying, the very Son of God. 00:00:05.520 --> 00:00:13.679 It happened that Jesus and his disciples got into a boat and traveled to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 00:00:14.679 --> 00:00:25.699 ! It was a region called the Gerasenes, and what the disciples and the locals witnessed there with Jesus makes some thrillers seem tame. 00:00:25.699 --> 00:00:31.839 You can bet that eyes were wide and that adrenaline was flowing. 00:00:32.679 --> 00:00:39.259 Let me read for us from Luke chapter 8, beginning in verse 26. 00:00:40.619 --> 00:00:45.460 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 00:00:46.679 --> 00:00:52.719 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. 00:00:52.719 --> 00:01:02.340 For a long time this man had not worn clothes, or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 00:01:03.700 --> 00:01:10.120 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, 00:01:10.420 --> 00:01:15.079 What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? 00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:18.519 I beg you, don't torture me. 00:01:18.519 --> 00:01:24.319 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. 00:01:25.739 --> 00:01:32.619 Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, 00:01:32.920 --> 00:01:38.699 he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. 00:01:38.700 --> 00:01:42.180 Wow. 00:01:43.700 --> 00:01:48.500 One of the first things that we notice here is the condition of this man. 00:01:49.700 --> 00:01:53.859 Luke tells us that he was a demon-possessed man. 00:01:54.079 --> 00:01:56.460 Quite literally, a man having demons. 00:01:57.820 --> 00:01:59.040 And that's demons plural. 00:02:00.680 --> 00:02:03.719 Luke tells us that this man was from the town. 00:02:03.719 --> 00:02:11.120 But he hadn't lived in the town among the people for a long time. 00:02:12.780 --> 00:02:19.639 For a long time, this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 00:02:21.620 --> 00:02:23.240 So he's completely naked. 00:02:24.099 --> 00:02:26.460 He hasn't been wearing clothes for a long time. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:30.199 He hasn't been living in a house of any kind for a long time. 00:02:30.199 --> 00:02:34.419 His shelter is the tombs outside of town. 00:02:36.019 --> 00:02:37.699 Place where the dead are buried. 00:02:39.719 --> 00:02:45.079 If this were here and this were today, it'd be like somebody living out at the Davidson Cemetery. 00:02:47.019 --> 00:02:53.500 But back then in the land of Israel, their cemeteries usually consisted of tombs that were cut into the hillsides. 00:02:53.500 --> 00:02:59.900 So it says this man for a long time had lived in the tombs. 00:03:00.139 --> 00:03:01.479 Can you imagine this? 00:03:02.780 --> 00:03:07.259 Sleeping among the remains of dead people. 00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:11.659 Bodies, containers used to hold remains. 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:17.340 And Luke tells us a little more about this man in verse 29. 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:23.580 He says, Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of him. 00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:30.759 And so in this case, having demons meant that yes, these spirits were actually inside him. 00:03:31.680 --> 00:03:34.280 They were in his body, living in him. 00:03:36.020 --> 00:03:43.300 And Luke tells us about how this possession affected the man here in verse 29. 00:03:43.300 --> 00:03:51.760 Many times, the spirit had seized him and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, 00:03:52.520 --> 00:03:58.040 he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. 00:03:59.340 --> 00:04:02.600 So things have been really bleak for this man. 00:04:03.520 --> 00:04:07.439 He's not just under the influence of this evil spirit. 00:04:08.240 --> 00:04:10.100 We're following its suggestions. 00:04:10.099 --> 00:04:13.799 He's being controlled by this demon. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:18.500 Many times, it seized him. 00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:23.259 It forcibly took hold of him and made him do things. 00:04:24.519 --> 00:04:30.060 Many times, it had driven him into solitary places. 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:32.000 He was driven by the demon. 00:04:32.659 --> 00:04:36.839 We see the control and the power that it had over him. 00:04:37.459 --> 00:04:39.819 Forcing him to do things against his will. 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:42.180 This man is a slave. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:46.480 He's a prisoner of this evil spirit inside him. 00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:53.160 I can't help but see the desperateness and the hopelessness of this man. 00:04:54.660 --> 00:04:56.140 This is someone's son. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:04:59.640 Perhaps someone's brother. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:02.600 And look at what's happened to him. 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:08.560 Imagine this happened to a person that you know and love. 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:11.180 A person in your family. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:11.220 A person in your family. 00:05:12.899 --> 00:05:14.879 They're running around naked. 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:19.019 Shouting and screaming loudly outside the town in the night. 00:05:19.519 --> 00:05:21.079 We read in Mark's gospel. 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:25.759 They're cutting themselves with stones. 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:30.180 We read that in Mark's gospel as well. 00:05:32.039 --> 00:05:34.379 It's like they've become an animal. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:36.800 And gone mad. 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:43.160 Now think of this from the perspective of the townspeople. 00:05:44.060 --> 00:05:46.520 We get the sense that this has been a huge problem. 00:05:47.960 --> 00:05:50.220 Many times, they have chained him. 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:55.780 And not just a little pair of handcuffs, but chained him. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:59.040 Hand and foot, it says. 00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:02.400 And kept him under guard on top of that as well. 00:06:03.879 --> 00:06:07.780 Yet every time, this evil spirit would seize the man. 00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:10.140 And the result was the same. 00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:11.580 He would break his chains. 00:06:12.560 --> 00:06:13.460 And escape. 00:06:15.660 --> 00:06:18.160 Listen to the same story from Mark's perspective. 00:06:19.520 --> 00:06:20.860 Mark 5 verse 3. 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:22.920 This man lived in the tombs. 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:25.800 And no one could bind him anymore. 00:06:25.939 --> 00:06:26.939 Not even with a chain. 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:29.019 For he had often been chained. 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:29.899 Hand and foot. 00:06:30.459 --> 00:06:32.279 But he tore the chains apart. 00:06:32.540 --> 00:06:34.240 And broke the irons on his feet. 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:37.399 No one was strong enough to subdue him. 00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:40.459 And there's two things here. 00:06:41.060 --> 00:06:42.779 First, as we've been seeing. 00:06:42.920 --> 00:06:45.500 There's the desperateness and hopelessness of this man. 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:50.279 This man is powerless to do anything about this. 00:06:51.779 --> 00:06:56.279 Neither he nor anyone else can stop this evil spirit. 00:06:56.279 --> 00:06:57.619 From having its way with him. 00:06:59.039 --> 00:07:00.799 If even the strongest men. 00:07:01.599 --> 00:07:02.919 And iron chains. 00:07:03.019 --> 00:07:03.899 Can't do anything. 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:05.359 Then what hope is there for him? 00:07:07.459 --> 00:07:08.399 He's a slave. 00:07:09.859 --> 00:07:11.699 And the damage that this spirit. 00:07:12.179 --> 00:07:13.500 Is causing him to do. 00:07:13.599 --> 00:07:14.500 To his own body. 00:07:15.919 --> 00:07:17.639 We can only imagine the pain. 00:07:17.739 --> 00:07:18.899 That this spirit is causing. 00:07:19.139 --> 00:07:20.359 Physically in his body. 00:07:20.759 --> 00:07:22.439 With the things that it's making him do. 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:24.040 Emotionally. 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:25.660 Relationally. 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:29.819 We can only guess at how many in the town. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:31.540 Have lost hope for him. 00:07:33.620 --> 00:07:34.839 He's beyond help. 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:36.160 It seems. 00:07:37.300 --> 00:07:39.300 Is there even anything left. 00:07:39.379 --> 00:07:40.839 Of the man that he once was. 00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:42.779 Some probably wondered. 00:07:42.779 --> 00:07:46.759 He was likely seen more as a problem. 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:48.339 And a nuisance. 00:07:49.039 --> 00:07:50.039 Than as a man. 00:07:51.659 --> 00:07:53.259 The feelings towards him. 00:07:53.539 --> 00:07:54.839 Were probably more anger. 00:07:56.279 --> 00:07:57.339 And frustration. 00:07:58.419 --> 00:07:59.379 And fear. 00:08:00.119 --> 00:08:01.179 Than compassion. 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:02.439 And pity. 00:08:04.599 --> 00:08:06.159 So that's the first thing we see. 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:08.019 Is the desperateness and hopelessness. 00:08:08.199 --> 00:08:09.379 Of this poor man. 00:08:09.479 --> 00:08:10.859 Caused by this evil spirit. 00:08:10.860 --> 00:08:13.439 The second thing we see here. 00:08:13.439 --> 00:08:14.180 Is the power. 00:08:14.439 --> 00:08:15.740 Of this evil spirit. 00:08:17.860 --> 00:08:19.160 I think Luke and Mark. 00:08:19.280 --> 00:08:20.460 Both emphasize this. 00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:21.000 They want. 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:22.520 Us to see this. 00:08:22.860 --> 00:08:23.540 There's a power. 00:08:23.540 --> 00:08:24.759 At work in this man. 00:08:24.840 --> 00:08:25.720 That has been challenged. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:26.639 Many times. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:28.560 And in many ways. 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:30.139 But so far. 00:08:30.280 --> 00:08:31.460 Nothing has been able. 00:08:31.460 --> 00:08:32.399 To overcome it. 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:35.539 No one has been able. 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:36.539 To overpower. 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:38.320 This spirit. 00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:39.379 Or cure him. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:40.000 Of this. 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:41.720 Thing inside him. 00:08:43.299 --> 00:08:44.159 How is it. 00:08:44.200 --> 00:08:44.899 That this man. 00:08:45.320 --> 00:08:45.919 Can tear. 00:08:46.139 --> 00:08:47.039 Iron chains. 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:47.879 Apart. 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:51.299 How can he break. 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:52.019 Irons. 00:08:54.399 --> 00:08:54.919 Shackles. 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:57.879 How can he overpower. 00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:58.559 The strongest. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:08:59.779 Of men. 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:00.759 Groups of them. 00:09:02.340 --> 00:09:03.419 There is supernatural. 00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:04.820 Power at work here. 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:08.120 Flesh and bone. 00:09:08.120 --> 00:09:09.220 Can do very little. 00:09:09.660 --> 00:09:10.320 To iron. 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:11.160 Chains. 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:12.080 And shackles. 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:13.200 This is scary. 00:09:14.379 --> 00:09:15.040 This man. 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:16.240 Is doing things. 00:09:16.320 --> 00:09:17.100 That are naturally. 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:17.700 Impossible. 00:09:17.700 --> 00:09:18.340 For him. 00:09:18.940 --> 00:09:20.040 Because of the power. 00:09:20.160 --> 00:09:20.700 Of this demon. 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:21.460 Inside of him. 00:09:23.360 --> 00:09:24.040 And yet. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:24.860 What does Luke. 00:09:25.060 --> 00:09:26.160 Want us to see here. 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:27.720 Luke. 00:09:27.800 --> 00:09:28.700 Wants us to see. 00:09:28.900 --> 00:09:30.320 How this evil spirit. 00:09:30.520 --> 00:09:31.000 Reacts. 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:32.200 To the presence. 00:09:32.200 --> 00:09:33.280 Of Jesus. 00:09:35.060 --> 00:09:36.060 Verse 28. 00:09:37.140 --> 00:09:37.940 When the man. 00:09:38.040 --> 00:09:38.700 Saw Jesus. 00:09:38.840 --> 00:09:39.540 He cried out. 00:09:39.600 --> 00:09:40.580 And fell at his feet. 00:09:40.940 --> 00:09:42.080 Shouting at the top. 00:09:42.120 --> 00:09:42.680 Of his voice. 00:09:42.780 --> 00:09:43.680 What do you want. 00:09:43.680 --> 00:09:44.460 With me Jesus. 00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:46.080 Son of the most. 00:09:46.140 --> 00:09:46.800 High God. 00:09:47.040 --> 00:09:48.180 I beg you. 00:09:48.840 --> 00:09:49.340 Don't. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.180 Torture me. 00:09:52.820 --> 00:09:53.259 Wow. 00:09:55.160 --> 00:09:55.820 That's utterly. 00:09:55.980 --> 00:09:56.340 Shocking. 00:09:56.420 --> 00:09:56.780 Isn't it? 00:09:58.360 --> 00:09:59.500 How does this man. 00:09:59.560 --> 00:09:59.840 Know. 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:00.600 That the one. 00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:01.780 Standing in front of him. 00:10:02.200 --> 00:10:03.700 Whom he's never met before. 00:10:04.560 --> 00:10:05.680 Is the son. 00:10:06.040 --> 00:10:06.740 Of the most. 00:10:06.820 --> 00:10:07.420 High God. 00:10:11.420 --> 00:10:12.340 This isn't just. 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:13.160 The man speaking. 00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:15.660 This is the demon. 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:16.860 Inside of him. 00:10:16.940 --> 00:10:17.259 Talking. 00:10:18.940 --> 00:10:19.920 And how is it. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:20.340 That this. 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:21.460 Fearsome spirit. 00:10:21.640 --> 00:10:22.120 Who has been. 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:23.080 Unrivaled. 00:10:23.100 --> 00:10:23.720 Up till now. 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:23.960 Is. 00:10:24.080 --> 00:10:25.340 Is cowering. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:26.520 Before Jesus. 00:10:26.800 --> 00:10:27.560 And begging. 00:10:27.800 --> 00:10:28.160 Jesus. 00:10:28.800 --> 00:10:30.100 Not to torture him. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:34.480 Isn't that surprising. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.659 This demon. 00:10:37.659 --> 00:10:38.620 Knows exactly. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:39.940 Who Jesus is. 00:10:40.820 --> 00:10:41.720 He knows. 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:42.519 Who God is. 00:10:43.040 --> 00:10:43.840 He knows. 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:44.860 That there is a God. 00:10:44.940 --> 00:10:45.840 And that he is. 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:47.080 All powerful. 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:48.320 That he is the almighty. 00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:51.340 And he knows. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:51.980 That Jesus. 00:10:51.980 --> 00:10:53.000 Is the son. 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:54.779 Of almighty God. 00:10:54.779 --> 00:10:58.879 And this. 00:10:58.879 --> 00:10:59.500 Fearsome. 00:10:59.659 --> 00:11:00.339 And powerful. 00:11:00.339 --> 00:11:01.319 Fallen angel. 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:02.439 Is terrified. 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:06.259 And all Jesus. 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:06.579 Did. 00:11:06.659 --> 00:11:07.559 To get this response. 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:08.199 From the demon. 00:11:08.319 --> 00:11:09.179 Was to command. 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:10.379 The impure spirit. 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:11.899 To come out. 00:11:11.919 --> 00:11:12.339 Of the man. 00:11:14.179 --> 00:11:14.980 The power. 00:11:15.059 --> 00:11:15.879 Of this evil spirit. 00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:16.480 Was great. 00:11:17.019 --> 00:11:18.000 But the power. 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:18.480 Of Jesus. 00:11:18.659 --> 00:11:19.100 Words. 00:11:19.899 --> 00:11:20.379 Alone. 00:11:21.159 --> 00:11:21.899 Was far. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:22.240 Greater. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:24.720 Let's keep going. 00:11:25.200 --> 00:11:25.740 Verse 30. 00:11:26.080 --> 00:11:26.899 Jesus asked him. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:27.919 What's your name? 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:30.259 Legion. 00:11:30.580 --> 00:11:31.220 He replied. 00:11:31.919 --> 00:11:33.220 Because many demons. 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:34.120 Had gone into him. 00:11:36.379 --> 00:11:37.600 And they begged. 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:38.220 Jesus. 00:11:38.539 --> 00:11:39.100 Repeatedly. 00:11:39.399 --> 00:11:40.560 Not to order them. 00:11:40.680 --> 00:11:41.299 To go into. 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:42.120 The abyss. 00:11:43.680 --> 00:11:45.120 A large herd of pigs. 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:45.840 Was feeding there. 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:46.560 On the hillside. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.139 The demons. 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:49.399 Begged Jesus. 00:11:49.560 --> 00:11:50.279 To let them go. 00:11:50.419 --> 00:11:51.159 Into the pigs. 00:11:51.159 --> 00:11:53.360 And he gave them. 00:11:53.439 --> 00:11:53.839 Permission. 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:56.559 When the demons. 00:11:56.559 --> 00:11:57.500 Came out of the man. 00:11:57.699 --> 00:11:58.179 They went. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.079 Into the pigs. 00:11:59.079 --> 00:12:00.000 And the herd. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:00.679 Rushed down. 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:01.439 The steep bank. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:02.259 Into the lake. 00:12:02.559 --> 00:12:03.360 And was drowned. 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:06.279 When those. 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:07.079 Tending the pigs. 00:12:07.179 --> 00:12:07.980 Saw what had happened. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:08.799 They ran off. 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:09.699 And reported this. 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:10.779 In the town. 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:11.819 And countryside. 00:12:12.199 --> 00:12:12.980 And the people. 00:12:13.139 --> 00:12:13.339 Went out. 00:12:13.419 --> 00:12:13.759 To see. 00:12:13.839 --> 00:12:14.439 What had happened. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:16.860 When they came. 00:12:16.939 --> 00:12:17.399 To Jesus. 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.199 They found the man. 00:12:19.299 --> 00:12:20.199 From whom the demons. 00:12:20.339 --> 00:12:20.899 Had gone out. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:22.539 Sitting at Jesus feet. 00:12:23.679 --> 00:12:24.240 Dressed. 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:26.299 And in his right mind. 00:12:27.860 --> 00:12:29.059 And they were afraid. 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:32.360 Those who had seen it. 00:12:32.439 --> 00:12:33.220 Told the people. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:35.500 How the demon possessed man. 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:36.959 Had been cured. 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:41.320 So Jesus asks. 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:42.480 The name of the demon. 00:12:42.920 --> 00:12:43.860 The name given. 00:12:43.860 --> 00:12:44.639 Is legion. 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:46.879 It's the same word. 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:48.139 Used to describe. 00:12:48.280 --> 00:12:49.000 A great multitude. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:49.800 Of soldiers. 00:12:50.340 --> 00:12:51.320 Usually numbering. 00:12:51.420 --> 00:12:52.040 In the thousands. 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:53.820 Luke says. 00:12:53.940 --> 00:12:54.960 That this was his name. 00:12:55.200 --> 00:12:55.639 Because. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:56.940 Many demons. 00:12:57.500 --> 00:12:58.500 Had gone into him. 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:00.560 And then we notice. 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:01.360 From here on. 00:13:01.660 --> 00:13:01.900 Down. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:02.639 In this account. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.960 All the references. 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:05.159 To the demons. 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:06.259 In this man. 00:13:06.259 --> 00:13:06.899 Are now plural. 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:10.139 One thought. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:11.019 Is that there were. 00:13:11.019 --> 00:13:11.840 Many demons. 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:12.500 In the man. 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:13.259 And yet. 00:13:13.340 --> 00:13:13.779 All of them. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.019 Were sort of subject. 00:13:15.559 --> 00:13:16.419 Or following. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:17.779 One powerful demon. 00:13:18.199 --> 00:13:19.159 Named legion. 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:20.860 Who ruled over them all. 00:13:20.919 --> 00:13:21.580 And who spoke. 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:22.740 For them all. 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:26.019 Well this detail. 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:26.460 Brings. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:27.340 Greater depth. 00:13:27.440 --> 00:13:28.060 To all that we've. 00:13:28.060 --> 00:13:29.080 Talked about so far. 00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:31.120 No wonder this man. 00:13:31.299 --> 00:13:32.680 Has been so deeply afflicted. 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:34.399 His body. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.460 Has been controlled. 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:37.240 And inhabited. 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:38.720 Not just by one. 00:13:38.919 --> 00:13:39.620 But many. 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:40.580 Evil spirits. 00:13:42.460 --> 00:13:43.740 This also explains. 00:13:43.740 --> 00:13:44.379 The power. 00:13:45.200 --> 00:13:45.980 And the strength. 00:13:46.060 --> 00:13:46.639 Of this man. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.600 To break his chains. 00:13:48.680 --> 00:13:49.320 And overpower. 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:50.560 Groups of strong men. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.279 It also explains. 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:52.919 The madness. 00:13:53.259 --> 00:13:53.980 Of this man. 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:57.439 There's more than one. 00:13:57.519 --> 00:13:58.379 Wicked creature. 00:13:58.579 --> 00:13:59.379 In his body. 00:14:00.220 --> 00:14:01.139 Each expressing. 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:02.620 Its own individuality. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:03.659 At times. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:06.519 And yet again. 00:14:06.939 --> 00:14:08.019 Notice the reaction. 00:14:08.199 --> 00:14:09.159 Of these many demons. 00:14:09.939 --> 00:14:10.819 To Jesus. 00:14:11.439 --> 00:14:12.259 In verse 31. 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:14.480 They begged. 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:15.259 Jesus. 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:16.339 Repeatedly. 00:14:16.879 --> 00:14:18.179 Not to order them. 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:20.199 To go into the abyss. 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:22.240 So Jesus. 00:14:22.279 --> 00:14:23.379 Has already commanded them. 00:14:23.459 --> 00:14:24.299 To come out of the man. 00:14:25.319 --> 00:14:26.079 And they know. 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:26.899 They must do that. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.419 There's no defiance here. 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:29.959 There's no arguing. 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:30.839 About whether or not. 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:31.679 They're going to come out. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:34.620 They have to come out. 00:14:35.699 --> 00:14:36.500 Because Jesus. 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:37.439 Has commanded it. 00:14:38.939 --> 00:14:39.759 But it seems. 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:40.879 That on the way out. 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:42.399 They make this attempt. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:43.079 To negotiate. 00:14:43.079 --> 00:14:43.720 With Jesus. 00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:44.579 About where to. 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.720 Where they can go to. 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:47.039 And. 00:14:47.039 --> 00:14:48.459 We hear this word. 00:14:48.459 --> 00:14:49.059 Begged. 00:14:49.719 --> 00:14:51.059 They begged. 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:51.919 Jesus. 00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:53.360 Repeatedly. 00:14:54.319 --> 00:14:55.719 Not to order them. 00:14:55.839 --> 00:14:56.240 To go. 00:14:56.599 --> 00:14:57.799 Into the abyss. 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:01.759 These powerful spirits. 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:04.480 Are at the mercy. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:05.139 Of Jesus. 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:07.059 They plead. 00:15:07.719 --> 00:15:08.679 With Jesus. 00:15:08.679 --> 00:15:10.719 They seem powerless. 00:15:10.719 --> 00:15:11.859 And hopeless. 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:13.500 Helpless. 00:15:13.699 --> 00:15:14.399 Before Jesus. 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:17.699 They seem to know. 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:18.779 Some things about Jesus. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:19.819 That many do not. 00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:22.179 And what do they beg for? 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.179 Notice. 00:15:24.859 --> 00:15:26.339 They beg for Jesus. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:28.459 Not to order them. 00:15:29.459 --> 00:15:30.639 To go into. 00:15:31.019 --> 00:15:31.879 The abyss. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:35.840 Not to order them. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:36.860 I love the way. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:38.019 That Luke phrases this. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.779 It's not just. 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:41.279 The abyss. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.000 That they fear. 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:43.399 It's Jesus. 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.480 Giving the order. 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:46.519 That they fear. 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:48.399 Because they know. 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:49.419 That if he commands. 00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:50.259 Them to go there. 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:51.139 They must. 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:51.700 Obey. 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:55.100 These demons. 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.419 Powerful as they are. 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:58.220 They cannot. 00:15:58.620 --> 00:15:59.100 Defy. 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:00.919 The command of Jesus. 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:01.639 And they know it. 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:04.720 They just can't. 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:07.399 If he gives that authoritative order. 00:16:07.960 --> 00:16:09.100 They must come out. 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:13.179 They must go where he says. 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:14.100 And they will. 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:16.720 Now what's the abyss? 00:16:19.439 --> 00:16:21.100 This place they don't want to go. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:23.720 The abyss is mentioned only nine times. 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.519 In the New Testament. 00:16:25.299 --> 00:16:26.539 Seven of those mentions. 00:16:26.720 --> 00:16:27.820 Are in the book of Revelation. 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:30.860 And the word means literally. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.080 Without. 00:16:32.080 --> 00:16:32.159 Without. 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:33.560 Bottom. 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:35.060 Or bottomless. 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:39.419 It refers to an immensely deep space. 00:16:39.680 --> 00:16:40.240 Or hole. 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:44.340 The word could be used to describe a cavern. 00:16:44.419 --> 00:16:45.000 Or shaft. 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:47.060 That appears to go down forever. 00:16:47.960 --> 00:16:49.560 Where no bottom can be seen. 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:50.340 Just darkness. 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.620 In some ancient writings. 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:54.300 The abyss is contrasted with. 00:16:54.700 --> 00:16:55.539 The sky. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:56.659 Or the heavens. 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:59.559 The sky is sort of an expanse. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.539 Without a ceiling. 00:17:01.339 --> 00:17:02.000 The abyss is. 00:17:02.219 --> 00:17:04.000 An expanse in the opposite direction. 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:04.599 Without. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.379 A bottom. 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:06.019 Or a floor. 00:17:07.399 --> 00:17:09.059 According to one Greek lexicon. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.180 The word abyss was. 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:12.799 Used to describe a transcendent place. 00:17:14.119 --> 00:17:16.319 A place associated with the dead. 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:18.259 And with hostile powers. 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:19.920 The underworld. 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:21.859 Or the netherworld. 00:17:21.859 --> 00:17:24.479 The place. 00:17:24.479 --> 00:17:25.459 Or the prison. 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:26.959 Of the devil. 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:28.839 And of the demons. 00:17:31.599 --> 00:17:33.459 In the vision that John received. 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:35.399 Which he recorded in the book of Revelation. 00:17:35.879 --> 00:17:37.899 The abyss is the place where the beast. 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:39.879 Comes up from at the end. 00:17:40.659 --> 00:17:42.159 It's the place where Abaddon. 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.479 The destroying angel. 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:44.279 Comes up from. 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:47.319 It's the place where the devil is cast into. 00:17:48.180 --> 00:17:50.220 And locked up for a thousand years. 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:51.799 While Christ reigns on earth. 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:53.859 In Revelation chapter 20. 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:58.519 And it may well be the place that Jude is referring to in his letter. 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:00.859 When he describes fallen angels. 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:02.700 Who are being kept in darkness. 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:06.079 Bound with everlasting chains. 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:08.220 While they await judgment on the great day. 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:12.299 Bringing these things together. 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:15.359 It would seem that the abyss is a sort of spiritual prison. 00:18:15.919 --> 00:18:17.079 For fallen angels. 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:19.599 And if. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:21.480 What Jude describes here. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:23.539 Is what's happening in the abyss. 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.379 It may be. 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:26.659 That fallen angels who are sent there. 00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:27.299 By God. 00:18:27.419 --> 00:18:28.740 Are imprisoned there forever. 00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:31.599 And forever lose their ability to prowl. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.519 And roam. 00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:33.680 On earth. 00:18:34.399 --> 00:18:36.099 With a few notable exceptions. 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:36.700 Of course. 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:39.599 Some we see coming out in Revelation. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:42.480 A place of permanent confinement. 00:18:42.719 --> 00:18:43.219 Perhaps. 00:18:43.899 --> 00:18:45.159 For wicked angels. 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:46.559 Who cross certain lines. 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:48.480 Or perhaps. 00:18:48.699 --> 00:18:51.240 For angels that commit certain abominations. 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.500 Before the final day. 00:18:52.959 --> 00:18:53.579 Of judgment. 00:18:53.959 --> 00:18:55.139 There's a lot of mystery here. 00:18:55.179 --> 00:18:56.159 And a lot we don't know. 00:18:57.159 --> 00:18:58.279 But if this is right. 00:18:58.379 --> 00:19:00.039 Then it would explain why these demons. 00:19:00.219 --> 00:19:01.259 Are begging Jesus. 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.819 So desperately. 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:05.179 Not to order them to go into that place. 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:09.360 It's like they sense that. 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:10.600 There's a moment here. 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:11.660 And if we miss this. 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:13.299 We're done for. 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:16.060 Can we go into the pigs? 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:19.039 Don't send us into the abyss. 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:24.400 And surprisingly. 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:25.700 Jesus gives them permission. 00:19:27.060 --> 00:19:28.400 To go into the pigs. 00:19:32.840 --> 00:19:33.680 Notice here too. 00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:34.360 The language. 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:36.799 They beg Jesus to. 00:19:37.340 --> 00:19:37.900 Let them. 00:19:38.360 --> 00:19:39.299 Go into the pigs. 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:40.360 To allow them. 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:41.940 And he gave them. 00:19:42.320 --> 00:19:42.840 Permission. 00:19:45.100 --> 00:19:46.279 This multitude. 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:48.100 Of powerful evil spirits. 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.519 They must be allowed. 00:19:49.820 --> 00:19:50.360 By Jesus. 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.500 To do this. 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:53.220 They must have his permission. 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:55.539 Again. 00:19:55.680 --> 00:19:56.840 It shows that they know. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:58.240 Who Jesus really is. 00:19:59.080 --> 00:20:01.000 They know that he is the son. 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.700 Of the almighty God. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:06.019 His authority. 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.480 His power over them. 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:07.920 Is real. 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.200 Surprisingly. 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:13.259 Jesus grants them permission. 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.799 To possess these pigs. 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:17.160 On the herd nearby. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:19.779 And the demons run the pigs. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.519 Off the cliff. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:21.860 Into the lake. 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:23.319 Where they drown. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:26.420 This is probably the strangest thing. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.279 In this whole story. 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:29.519 We wonder. 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:31.519 Why did Jesus grant this request. 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:32.619 To the demons. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.920 Why did he allow them. 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:35.859 To go into the pigs. 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:36.920 And kill the whole herd. 00:20:38.859 --> 00:20:39.859 Why didn't Jesus. 00:20:39.859 --> 00:20:41.299 Just give these wicked demons. 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:42.019 What they deserve. 00:20:42.139 --> 00:20:43.460 And send them into the abyss. 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:46.980 And then after getting permission. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:48.140 To go into the pigs. 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:49.660 Why did these demons. 00:20:49.660 --> 00:20:50.759 Run them off the cliff. 00:20:50.860 --> 00:20:51.460 To their death. 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:52.860 What's the point. 00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:53.660 Of going into them. 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:54.799 If you're just going to kill them. 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:55.680 Seconds later. 00:20:58.120 --> 00:20:59.480 There's things going on here. 00:20:59.600 --> 00:21:01.140 That perhaps we just don't understand. 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:04.059 And none of these questions. 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:05.539 Are answered by Matthew. 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.220 Mark. 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:06.880 Or Luke. 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:09.100 This is just what happened. 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:11.400 Strange as it is. 00:21:11.400 --> 00:21:14.920 Luke tells us. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:16.200 That the death of these pigs. 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:17.120 Caused. 00:21:17.120 --> 00:21:18.720 A sort of chain reaction. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:19.740 Of things. 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:20.660 Those. 00:21:21.060 --> 00:21:21.880 Tending the pigs. 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:22.980 Run off. 00:21:23.060 --> 00:21:23.400 To tell. 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:24.240 What just happened. 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:25.519 In town. 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:28.200 And then upon hearing. 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:29.300 What happened. 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.160 People come out. 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:30.740 From the town. 00:21:30.820 --> 00:21:31.420 And the countryside. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.300 To where Jesus. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.940 And the formerly possessed man. 00:21:34.040 --> 00:21:34.300 Are. 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.820 And then the moment. 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.700 That really shocks. 00:21:37.800 --> 00:21:38.380 And surprises. 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:39.600 These people. 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.220 From the town. 00:21:40.320 --> 00:21:40.600 Arrive. 00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:41.759 And find the man. 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:43.659 Who had been possessed. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.539 Sitting there. 00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:46.379 At Jesus feet. 00:21:46.959 --> 00:21:47.299 Dressed. 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:49.339 And in his right mind. 00:21:50.959 --> 00:21:52.179 Can you imagine this? 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.339 They all knew this man. 00:21:56.419 --> 00:21:58.379 They knew what had been going on with him. 00:21:58.459 --> 00:21:59.480 For a long time. 00:22:00.339 --> 00:22:01.559 They'd heard the stories. 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:02.699 Of him overpowering. 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:04.299 The strong men in the village. 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:06.079 Breaking his chains. 00:22:06.199 --> 00:22:07.779 They'd heard his mad shouts. 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:08.539 And shrieks. 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:09.879 Out at the tombs. 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:10.619 Day and night. 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.879 And now here he is. 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:13.019 Sitting at Jesus feet. 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:14.539 Dressed. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:17.079 Acting completely normal. 00:22:19.139 --> 00:22:20.099 He was cured. 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.139 Then all the people. 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:25.680 Of the region. 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:26.299 Of the garrisons. 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.440 Asked Jesus. 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.319 To leave them. 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:30.480 Because they were overcome. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:32.079 With fear. 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:34.019 A whole herd. 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:35.179 Of 2,000 pigs. 00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:36.119 Mark tells us. 00:22:36.119 --> 00:22:36.859 Are now dead. 00:22:37.899 --> 00:22:38.919 Drowned in the lake. 00:22:39.679 --> 00:22:41.099 And this demon possessed man. 00:22:41.159 --> 00:22:43.279 With superhuman power. 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.659 Is completely cured. 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.519 Of what plagued him. 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:47.679 Acting like a normal man again. 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:50.179 Only someone more powerful. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.859 Than all these spirits. 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:54.039 Could do this for the man. 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:57.179 And they were overcome with fear. 00:22:57.180 --> 00:23:00.299 And they asked Jesus to leave. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:04.259 And so Jesus got into the boat. 00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:05.700 And left. 00:23:10.840 --> 00:23:13.160 The man from whom the demons had gone out. 00:23:13.420 --> 00:23:14.920 Begged to go with Jesus. 00:23:15.060 --> 00:23:16.200 But Jesus sent him away. 00:23:16.340 --> 00:23:16.640 Saying. 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.960 Return home. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:20.840 And tell how much God has done for you. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:24.059 So the man went away. 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:25.759 And told all over town. 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:27.259 How much Jesus. 00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:28.500 Had done for him. 00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:30.759 From our perspective. 00:23:30.919 --> 00:23:31.559 It seems sad. 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.000 Doesn't it? 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:33.179 That Jesus turns down. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:34.139 The man's request. 00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:35.939 To join him. 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:36.839 In the boat. 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.619 We might think about. 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:40.059 How few friends he has. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.359 And how wonderful it would be. 00:23:41.419 --> 00:23:42.599 To go with Jesus now. 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:46.279 But God has a great purpose. 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:46.980 For this man. 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.359 God is going to bring. 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.500 Great glory. 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:52.159 To his son Jesus. 00:23:52.679 --> 00:23:54.179 Through this man's testimony. 00:23:54.419 --> 00:23:55.339 Think of the impact. 00:23:55.459 --> 00:23:56.759 This man is going to have. 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:59.039 From here on. 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.299 If he stays. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:01.279 Amongst the people. 00:24:01.459 --> 00:24:03.299 Who know how he was. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:04.939 He is a living. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.000 Breathing. 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.599 Undeniable testimony. 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:09.839 To the power of Jesus. 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.740 And the authority of Jesus. 00:24:12.539 --> 00:24:13.720 To the mercy. 00:24:14.439 --> 00:24:15.379 And grace. 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:16.399 Of Jesus. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.799 I love this story. 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:21.680 It touches us. 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.740 In a few different ways. 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:24.619 At first. 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:26.079 This story might feel strange. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:27.019 And foreign to us. 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:29.740 We wonder about demons. 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:30.759 And possession. 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:33.480 And all the supernatural stuff. 00:24:33.579 --> 00:24:34.339 That goes on here. 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.700 We might wonder. 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:38.159 Why don't we see more people. 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.159 Afflicted. 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:40.000 Like this today. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:42.960 It seems from the gospels. 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:44.680 Like Jesus was casting out demons. 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:45.960 Everywhere. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.180 All over the place. 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:48.920 Wherever he went. 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.759 And if demon possession. 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:53.160 Was so common back then. 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:53.640 We wonder. 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:54.920 Why don't we see it. 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:55.599 Very often. 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.779 Or even at all. 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:57.359 Today. 00:24:59.339 --> 00:25:00.339 Well here's a few. 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:01.880 Possible reasons. 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:04.160 For one. 00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:05.760 It may be that even back then. 00:25:05.860 --> 00:25:07.200 Many people didn't know. 00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:07.900 Or understand. 00:25:08.120 --> 00:25:08.860 What was going on. 00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:09.760 With possessed people. 00:25:11.600 --> 00:25:12.700 Probably many thought. 00:25:12.780 --> 00:25:14.380 They were just deeply confused. 00:25:14.560 --> 00:25:15.340 Or sick. 00:25:15.800 --> 00:25:17.060 Or had gone insane. 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.320 Something was wrong. 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:21.000 With their minds. 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:24.180 It could be that. 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.560 Like today. 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.160 Demons often. 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.720 Tried to keep a low profile. 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:29.940 And to take their victims. 00:25:30.060 --> 00:25:30.520 In secret. 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:32.559 To cause. 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.599 Confusion. 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.079 And chaos. 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:36.319 Through deception. 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:38.059 Beneath the surface. 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:40.359 It could be that. 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.220 Many more people. 00:25:41.379 --> 00:25:41.839 Were possessed. 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.960 Than we'd expect. 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.799 But that the light. 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:45.879 Of Jesus presence. 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:47.660 So agitated. 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.920 The demons. 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:50.000 And exposed them. 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.759 That we became. 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.680 Even more aware. 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:52.440 Of their presence. 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.519 While Jesus was here. 00:25:53.619 --> 00:25:54.240 Than we otherwise. 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:54.779 Would have been. 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:58.019 Another thing. 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:58.700 To factor in. 00:25:58.799 --> 00:25:59.799 Is the cultural beliefs. 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:00.779 Of the people. 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:02.740 Many cultures. 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.319 Back then. 00:26:03.659 --> 00:26:04.799 Some even still today. 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:06.240 Believe in the presence. 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.879 Of spirits. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.659 And make. 00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:09.200 Attempts to interact. 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:09.599 With them. 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.680 Quite likely. 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.899 Many of the false gods. 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:13.980 Worshipped in history. 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:15.440 Were simply. 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.139 Demons. 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.440 Masquerading as gods. 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:19.879 And among people. 00:26:19.879 --> 00:26:20.480 Who embrace. 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:21.720 The idea of spirits. 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:22.919 Why hide? 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.960 Why not keep. 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:26.019 The deception going. 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.539 With the occasional. 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.299 Demonstration. 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:29.619 Of supernatural power. 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.720 One of the problems. 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:34.599 That I believe. 00:26:34.599 --> 00:26:35.519 Satan and the demons. 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:36.000 Have. 00:26:36.460 --> 00:26:37.399 Is that if they're too. 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.019 Obvious. 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:38.779 And visible. 00:26:39.399 --> 00:26:40.319 It may serve. 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:41.500 As a powerful evidence. 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.440 That God's word. 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:43.500 Is true. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:45.279 It may serve. 00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:46.299 Even to drive people. 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.079 Away from them. 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:48.039 And back to God. 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:49.920 And so. 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:50.359 I believe. 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:50.960 That the devil. 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.859 And demons. 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:52.720 Strategically. 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.240 Employ. 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:54.399 Deception. 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.680 And cunning. 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.860 As the tactic. 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:57.759 Of first choice. 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.800 Just as Jesus said. 00:27:01.460 --> 00:27:01.980 The devil. 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.880 Is the father. 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:04.040 Of lies. 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:07.040 And when he lies. 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:07.600 Said Jesus. 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:09.240 He speaks his native language. 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.900 And so. 00:27:12.040 --> 00:27:12.860 One of the big lies. 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:13.780 That he has crafted. 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.580 And offers. 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:15.700 To us. 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.740 In various places. 00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:17.320 In the world. 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:18.660 Is that there is no God. 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.220 That there's. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.259 No spiritual. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.140 Anything at all. 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:26.440 There's only what we can see. 00:27:26.540 --> 00:27:26.960 And touch. 00:27:27.020 --> 00:27:27.400 And measure. 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.320 There's only matter. 00:27:28.780 --> 00:27:29.960 God didn't make the universe. 00:27:30.860 --> 00:27:31.720 The universe. 00:27:32.320 --> 00:27:33.040 Made itself. 00:27:33.520 --> 00:27:33.860 Or. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.280 It's all that there ever was. 00:27:37.920 --> 00:27:39.240 If he can convince us. 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:39.860 That matter. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.680 Is all there is. 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.700 That there's no soul. 00:27:41.820 --> 00:27:42.460 No spirit. 00:27:42.600 --> 00:27:43.240 No angels. 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.620 Well then we might. 00:27:47.080 --> 00:27:47.500 Doubt. 00:27:47.580 --> 00:27:48.680 Whether there can be a God. 00:27:49.380 --> 00:27:50.620 Because he is spirit. 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:53.819 And so in cultures. 00:27:53.979 --> 00:27:54.439 And places. 00:27:54.439 --> 00:27:54.739 Where. 00:27:54.939 --> 00:27:55.859 Where the lie. 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:57.019 Of naturalism. 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:57.939 And materialism. 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.979 Are embraced deeply. 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:01.139 There's little reason. 00:28:01.219 --> 00:28:01.719 For demons. 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.199 To show themselves. 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:05.659 They can accomplish. 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:06.419 Almost everything. 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:06.919 They want. 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:09.119 In the shadows. 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:10.979 By hiding. 00:28:11.979 --> 00:28:12.419 Working. 00:28:12.539 --> 00:28:13.659 Out of the public view. 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.559 They can maintain. 00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:15.139 The lie. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:17.099 That there is no God. 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:19.679 Like a stealth mission. 00:28:21.219 --> 00:28:22.619 If we don't even know. 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.759 Or see any sign. 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.480 Of their activity. 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:25.179 Or presence. 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.879 They can get away. 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:28.959 With all sorts of things. 00:28:30.159 --> 00:28:30.779 Why possess. 00:28:30.879 --> 00:28:31.559 A prime minister. 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.279 Or a president. 00:28:32.439 --> 00:28:33.899 Or some very public figure. 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:34.980 When you can possess. 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:35.899 Some seemingly. 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:36.799 Insignificant. 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:37.859 Man or woman. 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.379 Who has the president's ear. 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.759 Their aim. 00:28:42.939 --> 00:28:43.679 We have to remember. 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.819 Is not popularity. 00:28:45.139 --> 00:28:45.759 Or fame. 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:47.619 It's destruction. 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:49.000 And division. 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.720 And chaos. 00:28:51.319 --> 00:28:52.119 And distraction. 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:54.319 And most of all. 00:28:54.379 --> 00:28:55.640 To do everything they can. 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.299 To get us. 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:57.640 Away from God. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.400 And his word. 00:28:59.400 --> 00:28:59.920 And so that's. 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:00.779 I think some reasons. 00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:01.940 Why I think we don't see. 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:03.859 These kinds of things. 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:04.920 Happen today. 00:29:04.920 --> 00:29:05.819 In our culture. 00:29:06.079 --> 00:29:07.240 In our corner of the world. 00:29:07.920 --> 00:29:09.240 At least not as often. 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:11.740 But the demons are out there. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:13.539 And the devil is too. 00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:16.000 And many followers of Jesus. 00:29:16.200 --> 00:29:16.920 Have had run-ins. 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:19.099 Over the centuries. 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.779 Since Jesus first came. 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:24.819 And because we have Jesus in us. 00:29:24.879 --> 00:29:26.460 The one they fear most. 00:29:28.139 --> 00:29:29.279 They may even. 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:30.819 For fear of being exposed. 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.480 Stay away from us a little. 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:34.279 And keep a low profile. 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:37.759 I've heard some powerful testimonies. 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.619 Of people who have. 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.339 Experienced firsthand. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:42.379 Demonic possession. 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:44.000 And by the grace of God. 00:29:44.059 --> 00:29:44.879 Have been freed of it. 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:47.359 I witnessed a drastic change. 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.399 In one of my own peers. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.859 When I was in college. 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:52.220 I wasn't present in the room. 00:29:52.619 --> 00:29:53.039 The night. 00:29:53.379 --> 00:29:54.519 When he was set free. 00:29:55.399 --> 00:29:56.619 But the change in him. 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:57.500 Was hard to miss. 00:29:58.980 --> 00:30:00.000 I've had another run-in. 00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:00.980 With another individual. 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:03.480 And I'm not 100% sure. 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.099 About that one. 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:04.680 But there's some. 00:30:04.900 --> 00:30:05.860 Very strange. 00:30:05.940 --> 00:30:06.920 And disturbing things. 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:08.259 That I witnessed. 00:30:08.380 --> 00:30:09.799 With that man as well. 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:11.440 The devil is out there. 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:12.700 And demons. 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:13.860 Are out there. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:15.160 But. 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:16.640 The good news is. 00:30:17.240 --> 00:30:18.140 That as Christians. 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:19.240 We don't need to fear them. 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:21.779 Look at what our king. 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.740 Caused in them. 00:30:24.299 --> 00:30:25.700 Just by his presence. 00:30:26.900 --> 00:30:28.259 Just by his words. 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:31.660 And Jesus lives. 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.299 In us. 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:35.000 We can rest assured. 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:38.140 They cannot do anything. 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:38.799 To us. 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.420 Without his permission. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:43.099 And Christ will never. 00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:44.599 Allow his people. 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:45.359 To be overcome. 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:46.700 By the devil. 00:30:47.900 --> 00:30:49.460 I take so much comfort. 00:30:49.819 --> 00:30:50.460 In those words. 00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:51.579 That the apostle John. 00:30:52.220 --> 00:30:53.319 Shared with the churches. 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.140 In his letter. 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:55.619 First John. 00:30:55.720 --> 00:30:55.940 Four. 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.480 Verse four. 00:30:56.640 --> 00:30:57.079 He said. 00:30:57.079 --> 00:31:00.319 The one who is in you. 00:31:00.419 --> 00:31:01.220 Is greater. 00:31:01.659 --> 00:31:03.079 Than the one who is in the world. 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:04.480 You. 00:31:04.679 --> 00:31:05.279 Dear children. 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.460 Are from God. 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:08.559 And have overcome them. 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:13.339 Once we get past. 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:14.899 These elements. 00:31:14.899 --> 00:31:15.619 Of the account. 00:31:15.619 --> 00:31:16.539 There's so much. 00:31:16.859 --> 00:31:17.759 Wonderful truth. 00:31:17.839 --> 00:31:18.399 And encouragement. 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:19.679 That we can find here. 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.779 Isn't it wonderful. 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:22.299 To see. 00:31:22.559 --> 00:31:23.079 The full. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:23.980 Authority. 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:24.740 And power. 00:31:24.859 --> 00:31:25.240 Of Jesus. 00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:26.220 On display here. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:27.799 With this man. 00:31:29.839 --> 00:31:30.319 Powerful. 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:31.440 Fallen angels. 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.900 Cry out in fear. 00:31:34.660 --> 00:31:35.400 Before him. 00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:37.100 Afraid of what he will do. 00:31:37.180 --> 00:31:37.779 To them someday. 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.759 They tremble. 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.059 They shudder. 00:31:42.180 --> 00:31:43.039 In his presence. 00:31:44.400 --> 00:31:45.420 Because one day. 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.640 Jesus will give them. 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:47.480 What they deserve. 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.000 With a word. 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:51.420 He can send them. 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.319 Into the abyss. 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.640 And they are powerless. 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.960 To defy his command. 00:31:57.620 --> 00:31:58.360 And one day. 00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:59.180 The Bible tells us. 00:31:59.180 --> 00:31:59.980 He will deal with them. 00:32:00.060 --> 00:32:00.360 Finally. 00:32:00.580 --> 00:32:01.140 And forever. 00:32:01.780 --> 00:32:02.920 But what encouragement. 00:32:04.020 --> 00:32:05.500 And what a delightful thing. 00:32:06.820 --> 00:32:07.680 The power. 00:32:07.800 --> 00:32:08.280 And authority. 00:32:08.280 --> 00:32:08.800 Of Jesus. 00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:11.740 He is. 00:32:11.900 --> 00:32:12.540 The son. 00:32:12.900 --> 00:32:13.560 Of God. 00:32:13.740 --> 00:32:14.500 Most high. 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.240 But perhaps. 00:32:17.380 --> 00:32:17.960 The sweetest. 00:32:18.020 --> 00:32:19.000 And the most precious thing. 00:32:19.080 --> 00:32:19.860 In this whole account. 00:32:19.859 --> 00:32:22.000 Is how Jesus saved. 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.679 This dear brother of ours. 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:28.939 Where others saw a monster. 00:32:29.959 --> 00:32:31.119 An animal. 00:32:31.679 --> 00:32:32.179 A hopeless. 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.599 And a lost cause. 00:32:34.219 --> 00:32:35.139 God saw. 00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:36.359 A desperate man. 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.599 In great need. 00:32:38.639 --> 00:32:40.039 A man powerless. 00:32:40.199 --> 00:32:41.359 To do anything about it. 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:43.119 Utterly ravaged. 00:32:43.219 --> 00:32:43.919 By the enemy. 00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:46.159 And God loved him. 00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:49.480 In his compassion. 00:32:49.480 --> 00:32:50.380 And his mercy. 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:52.080 He sent his son. 00:32:52.140 --> 00:32:53.019 Across the sea. 00:32:53.700 --> 00:32:55.200 To bring him salvation. 00:32:56.320 --> 00:32:57.640 To set him free. 00:32:57.820 --> 00:32:58.779 From the slavery. 00:32:59.140 --> 00:33:00.040 And the bondage. 00:33:01.040 --> 00:33:02.660 What an awesome display. 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:03.960 Of the mercy. 00:33:04.380 --> 00:33:05.080 And of the kindness. 00:33:05.600 --> 00:33:06.440 And of the power. 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:08.540 Of our God to save. 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:12.000 If God in his mercy. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:13.019 Saw this man. 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:13.980 And loved him. 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:15.220 In his terrible condition. 00:33:15.420 --> 00:33:16.579 Then we can be sure. 00:33:16.859 --> 00:33:18.579 That he hasn't overlooked us. 00:33:19.899 --> 00:33:21.339 Whatever we're going through. 00:33:22.579 --> 00:33:24.259 He sees each one of us. 00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:25.019 With whatever brokenness. 00:33:26.039 --> 00:33:26.019 Struggle. 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:27.740 Or need we have. 00:33:28.319 --> 00:33:30.279 And he is mighty to save. 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:33.359 And his heart of compassion. 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.599 Is for us. 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:41.719 The full measure. 00:33:41.719 --> 00:33:42.579 Of Jesus' love. 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:44.299 We see later. 00:33:44.399 --> 00:33:44.939 In the story. 00:33:46.939 --> 00:33:48.039 Jesus will go on. 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:48.639 To demonstrate. 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:49.359 His authority. 00:33:49.359 --> 00:33:49.899 And power. 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:51.179 In many ways. 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:52.379 To perform great. 00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:53.619 And awesome signs. 00:33:54.259 --> 00:33:54.919 But then. 00:33:55.099 --> 00:33:55.699 Instead of using. 00:33:55.699 --> 00:33:56.799 That power and authority. 00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:57.599 To set up. 00:33:57.679 --> 00:33:58.519 An earthly throne. 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:59.219 For himself. 00:33:59.579 --> 00:34:00.559 He will instead. 00:34:00.659 --> 00:34:01.619 Lay down his life. 00:34:02.159 --> 00:34:02.879 And bring us. 00:34:03.000 --> 00:34:04.199 The greatest salvation. 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:04.980 That there is. 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.599 Like this man. 00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:11.300 All of us are slaves. 00:34:11.300 --> 00:34:11.940 Of a sort. 00:34:12.260 --> 00:34:13.000 Or have been. 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:15.079 We are bound. 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:16.920 We are prisoners. 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:17.900 And slaves. 00:34:18.119 --> 00:34:18.539 To sin. 00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:20.619 Jesus said it. 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:21.539 Himself. 00:34:21.679 --> 00:34:22.240 Like this. 00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:25.039 John 8. 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:25.920 34. 00:34:26.340 --> 00:34:27.099 Very truly. 00:34:27.260 --> 00:34:27.840 I tell you. 00:34:28.220 --> 00:34:29.539 Everyone who sins. 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:30.920 Is a slave. 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:32.820 To sin. 00:34:32.820 --> 00:34:36.019 But. 00:34:36.200 --> 00:34:36.780 Said Jesus. 00:34:38.300 --> 00:34:39.200 If the son. 00:34:39.340 --> 00:34:40.039 Sets you free. 00:34:41.360 --> 00:34:42.400 You will be free. 00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:42.820 Indeed. 00:34:44.559 --> 00:34:45.580 Sin is not just. 00:34:45.720 --> 00:34:46.660 The bad things we do. 00:34:47.140 --> 00:34:48.200 It's a condition. 00:34:48.200 --> 00:34:49.100 That we have. 00:34:49.800 --> 00:34:50.980 Where like this man. 00:34:51.539 --> 00:34:52.940 We've lost control. 00:34:52.940 --> 00:34:54.080 Of our own lives. 00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:56.519 We have a heart. 00:34:56.680 --> 00:34:57.160 To do. 00:34:57.240 --> 00:34:58.360 What we ought not to do. 00:34:58.440 --> 00:34:59.380 It compels us. 00:34:59.380 --> 00:35:00.059 To the wrong. 00:35:00.059 --> 00:35:02.059 It makes us more and more. 00:35:02.219 --> 00:35:02.659 Corrupt. 00:35:02.980 --> 00:35:03.619 And guilty. 00:35:04.500 --> 00:35:05.380 But Jesus came. 00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:06.299 To set us free. 00:35:06.539 --> 00:35:07.199 From slavery. 00:35:07.799 --> 00:35:08.239 To sin. 00:35:09.059 --> 00:35:10.119 And from the guilt. 00:35:10.840 --> 00:35:11.599 That our sins. 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:12.900 Have brought us. 00:35:14.199 --> 00:35:15.099 Jesus explained. 00:35:15.199 --> 00:35:15.920 To his disciples. 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:18.039 That his death. 00:35:18.840 --> 00:35:19.599 His blood. 00:35:19.799 --> 00:35:20.779 Would make atonement. 00:35:21.039 --> 00:35:21.880 For our sins. 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:24.639 It would wash away. 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:25.400 The guilt. 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:26.099 That we have. 00:35:26.099 --> 00:35:29.440 Jesus would go on. 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.420 To take the punishment. 00:35:30.420 --> 00:35:31.400 That we deserve. 00:35:31.400 --> 00:35:32.000 From God. 00:35:32.960 --> 00:35:33.839 On himself. 00:35:35.559 --> 00:35:37.139 So that we could be forgiven. 00:35:38.079 --> 00:35:39.099 And set free. 00:35:41.099 --> 00:35:42.239 That's what Jesus death. 00:35:42.239 --> 00:35:42.819 On the cross. 00:35:42.880 --> 00:35:43.539 Was all about. 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:46.179 What happened to Jesus. 00:35:46.179 --> 00:35:46.940 On the cross. 00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:49.940 Is what we deserve. 00:35:50.699 --> 00:35:51.880 Because of our sins. 00:35:51.880 --> 00:35:52.880 We deserve. 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:54.440 But Jesus. 00:35:54.680 --> 00:35:55.880 Though he had never sinned. 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.940 Chose to take our place. 00:36:00.700 --> 00:36:01.760 He is. 00:36:02.079 --> 00:36:02.720 Great in mercy. 00:36:03.119 --> 00:36:03.720 And compassion. 00:36:03.960 --> 00:36:04.460 He saw. 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:05.880 Our desperateness. 00:36:06.260 --> 00:36:07.380 Our helplessness. 00:36:08.660 --> 00:36:10.500 He saw our powerlessness. 00:36:10.500 --> 00:36:11.960 To do anything about it. 00:36:12.820 --> 00:36:13.800 Our great need. 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:16.420 And he loved us. 00:36:17.640 --> 00:36:19.039 And that's what we cherish. 00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:19.700 And remember. 00:36:19.860 --> 00:36:20.480 Again and again. 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:22.300 We remember the blood of Jesus. 00:36:23.519 --> 00:36:25.019 And the body of Jesus. 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:25.960 Which he offered. 00:36:26.179 --> 00:36:27.460 On the cross for us. 00:36:29.420 --> 00:36:30.420 In just a minute. 00:36:30.760 --> 00:36:32.280 We'll have the elders come. 00:36:32.380 --> 00:36:33.780 And pass around the bread. 00:36:33.840 --> 00:36:34.280 And the cup. 00:36:35.900 --> 00:36:37.639 This is a remembrance of Jesus. 00:36:37.960 --> 00:36:38.760 And his love. 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:39.460 For us. 00:36:40.679 --> 00:36:41.880 And if you've repented. 00:36:41.880 --> 00:36:43.199 Of your sins to God. 00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:45.340 And have put your faith. 00:36:45.340 --> 00:36:46.760 In Jesus as your savior. 00:36:47.199 --> 00:36:48.380 If he has set you free. 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:49.659 And I want to invite you. 00:36:49.659 --> 00:36:50.559 To join with us. 00:36:51.159 --> 00:36:52.159 And remember again. 00:36:52.279 --> 00:36:53.179 To partake with us. 00:36:53.179 --> 00:36:54.139 Of the bread and the cup. 00:36:55.679 --> 00:36:56.420 If not. 00:36:56.819 --> 00:36:58.079 Please just let the bread. 00:36:58.119 --> 00:36:59.199 And the cup pass you by. 00:36:59.599 --> 00:37:00.980 We're going to take a few minutes now. 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:01.659 Just to pray. 00:37:02.139 --> 00:37:03.000 And to reflect. 00:37:03.399 --> 00:37:03.879 Quietly. 00:37:04.539 --> 00:37:05.639 And then we'll have. 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:07.799 Rod and Charles come. 00:37:07.879 --> 00:37:08.659 And serve the elements. 00:37:09.119 --> 00:37:10.319 And once you've received them. 00:37:10.639 --> 00:37:11.659 Just hang on to them. 00:37:11.659 --> 00:37:12.920 Until everybody's been served. 00:37:13.539 --> 00:37:14.599 And then we'll eat and drink. 00:37:15.319 --> 00:37:16.039 All together. 00:37:16.039 --> 00:37:18.759 Let's do that now. 00:37:18.759 --> 00:37:18.759 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:41.980 Let's do that now.