Jesus Comforting Actions for His Disciples, part 1
By Rob Fields
You would think that Jesus would have been overwhelmingly accepted by the people of Israel. Why? The Scriptures and Prophets speak about the coming Messiah to the nation of Israel. Even back to the creation account, we see the promise of the Seed who would come and crush the serpent. Jesus from Nazareth arrives and numerous indicators are given that He is the Son of God and the Messiah for all peoples – the Good News!
Instead, we see a growing opposition and rejection of this new form of the Kingdom being offered by Jesus the Messiah. Israel comes to the place of rejecting Jesus offer of Himself as the King (Mark 5:21-22). Now we see some uncertainty emerging even among His disciples. John the Baptist was anxious about the Messiah and the coming Kingdom as he was imprisoned (Luke 7:18-23).
Was the ministry of Jesus a failure?
This might have caused some doubts in the minds of the disciples. What is going on since the religious leaders have rejected Jesus? The people are not accepting the King. During this time of uncertainty, unrest, and rejection we see Jesus reassuring His followers that their faith is well founded. Christ performs a number of miracles not publically but to the twelve closest to Him in order to comfort them that their trust in Him was secure.
During a crisis wouldn’t you like to hear from Jesus that your trust in Him is well founded and secure? At a low point for the disciples, Jesus affirms, reassures, and comforts those He loves so dearly. Let’s walk with the disciples with Jesus and see Him speaking into our circumstances of today?
Demon Possessed Healed. (Mark 5:1-20; Matt. 8:28–34; Luke 8:26–39)
Jesus arrives across the lake and encounters a man in the area of Gerasenes who is possessed by evil spirits. This man was in a lowly state due to being controlled by the evil spirits. He could not be controlled by chains and spent time around the burial plots. Others like him would not stay in the nearby village but chose the grave yard as their home.
Nobody could pass by this area without running into this possessed man. He sees Jesus approaching and runs out to meet Him. These spirits recognize this Person as being Jesus, Son of the Most High God. Jesus cast out these evil spirits and asked “what is your name?” They said legion for they were many. The spirits began to beg Jesus repeatedly not to be cast out of the area. They sought Jesus permission to be cast into the nearby herd of pigs. He grants their request to enter the pigs which are sent off a cliff towards their death.
These evil spirits understood Jesus Personhood and authority. They were subject to their ultimate end and Who can banish them to the Abyss. Although Satan has been granted rule over the earth, Jesus has absolute authority over the Spiritual Domain. Jesus would establish His Kingdom and authority here on earth both inwardly and outwardly. Satan would be ultimately overthrown and the New Kingdom would be set up by King Jesus.
Our faith in Jesus is well founded because He is Sovereign over the Spiritual Realm.
In our struggles and challenges we face today, let’s be reminded that Jesus is Sovereign over the principalities and powers! Our faith in Him is well founded and secure. What a comfort and assurance for today and tomorrow. He is to be believed and trusted!