The disciples should have seen it coming. Hours before, on their way across the Sea of Galilee, a sudden storm rose up, and the swells threatened to capsize their boat. It must have been a wild storm to scare Peter and Andrew, James and John, the experienced fishermen. The panicked disciples woke up Jesus, who calmed the storm. Coming ashore in Gentile territory, the land of the Gerasenes, the disciples continued to talk about their teacher. Who was this Jesus, anyway, with authority to calm the wind and waves?
Their discussion was interrupted the moment they reached the shore, by a wild, naked man who rushed their boat and fell at the feet of Jesus. Jesus already had commanded demons from people. But right away, they could tell this man was different. He was overwhelmed with so many demons, he had lost his identity. Legion … the name he spoke, or more likely the demons spoke through him, suggested not just one or two, but an army of demons had overtaken him.
Jesus commanded the demons to leave the man. And just like in Luke chapter 4, the demons recognized the divine authority of Jesus, addressing him as Jesus, Son of the Most High God, the equal of God, sharing the same essence. These demons did not question Jesus’ power to cast them out or send them to the abyss. They even asked permission from Jesus to enter the herd of swine, most unclean animals to the Jews.
In Luke’s gospel, the most unlikely recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Most High God. A baby still within Elizabeth’s womb. Shepherds and wise ones from far-off eastern lands. A centurion. The Devil and demons. And there on the Sea of Galilee, in the storm, Creation itself. All recognizing Jesus as the anointed one, the Messiah, well before those who had left everything to follow him. Not only recognizing him, but proclaiming and witnessing to the truth of his authority.
Meanwhile, humans who should have caught on to Jesus’ true nature are prevented from seeing the truth by their disbelief and fear. It would be another chapter before the first of Jesus’ disciples first connects Jesus as Messiah. The Gerasene townspeople who saw the demoniac restored to wholeness were so afraid they chased Jesus from their midst.
The unlikely recognizing Jesus’ authority: that theme repeats. The man formerly known as Legion continued telling what Jesus had done for him. A woman who had been possessed by a demon become the first witness of the resurrection. A Christian persecutor named Saul became Paul, apostle, church planter, and theologian.
And the story of the unlikely recognizing Jesus’ authority and becoming God’s witnesses to proclaim the good news continues now. Right here in this place. Find yourself in this story of God’s unlikely people, who by God’s grace have become witnesses and proclaimers:
- Those who ever ended a marriage or relationship, or didn’t raise perfect kids, but care for our shut-ins, Sunday school kids, or any other folks.
- Those who closed a business or lost a job, but keep serving in outreach, multi-media, music or property ministries.
- Those who struggle with addictions, but mentor others who need a sponsor.
- Those who aren’t sure they believe everything they confess, but keep attending worship and bible studies with their questions.
- Those who kill plants, can’t drive a stick shift, hate computers, sing off-key, occasionally drop an F-bomb – I think that covers most of us.
· Except I would be remiss not to include you nerdy, gawky, scared, or too-cool middle-schoolers who not too long ago shared your faith stories on your confirmation day.
Every one of you, an unlikely one, showing up, speaking your truth of Jesus’ authority by your presence here and your love and service in this world, called to be witnesses and proclaimers of the good news. Unlikely? Yes. But somehow, it fits. Because we have a God who moves and loves in the most unlikely ways.
Amen.
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