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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Time to Get out of the Boat!
Article by Phil Ware
Why are you just sitting there? Phil Ware finishes his series on Out of the Box with a final call to get out of the boat and follow Jesus.
A Tale of Two Powers
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Child of God, Two powers — God and Satan — are at war over your eternal destiny. The story below illustrates the different...."
Falling at His Feet
Article by Phil Ware
What do all these events in Jesus' life have in common? Phil Ware continues his series on Luke 8 and 9 and this week he focuses on what each of these events has in common -- in each one, someone falls at the feet of Jesus.
At the Feet of Jesus
Article by Phil Ware
Where should followers of Jesus find themselves? Phil Ware reminds us about the battle for our lives and that Jesus is the only one with control over the demons, the deep, the diseases, and death.
See All 5 Related Resources about Luke 8:26-29

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!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, May 20, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Even Those Who Sail Distant Seas' (Ps. 65:5)
"You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Charles H. Brent:
"Only he who flings himself upward when the pull comes to drag him down, can hope to break the force of temptation. Temptation may be an invitation to hell, but...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 18:15
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Trust God — He Guides, Rescues, and Hides You'
"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies,...."

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.

More What Jesus Did!