What Jesus Did! 'When Satan Enters a Life' — Luke 8:26-29

Saturday, May 20, 2023

[After Jesus calmed the storm, he and the disciples] arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town.

As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon's power.

— Luke 8:26-29 NLT

Key Thought

Never lose sight of the underlying truth in this passage: When Satan enters a life, his ultimate goal is similar to the unnamed man controlled by a legion of demons — isolation, self-inflicted pain, anguish, the loss of human identity, and any ability to lead a useful life. Unchecked and unchallenged, Satan's influence will ultimately lead to total destruction and death. While temptations are often presented as alluring things we want, the evil one uses those temptations to trap and ensnare us as he deceives us into yielding the control of our lives to him. His influence may first come with a host of pleasures or as a shortcut to them. In the end, however, they can lead to all that we see in the man in today's passage. Remember this man the next time temptation knocks. Understand this man's condition is Satan's final destination for you. In any event, surrendering to Satan's power through sin is the open door for him to come in, take control, and destroy us.

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes so that I am not blind to the deceptive tricks and the alluring temptations of Satan. Banish him, I ask in the mighty name of Jesus, from any influence in my life. Remove, through your Holy Spirit, any broken and mangled thinking that sin has left in my life. Keep me in my right mind and give me a pure heart to distinguish your truth from Satan's lies. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 8:42-47
  • 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
  • Ephesians 6:10-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:26-29 NLT — "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don't torture me!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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