Jesus vs. Legion: When Deliverance Meets the Darkness
Jesus vs. Legion: When Deliverance Meets the Darkness
Scripture: Mark 5:1-20 (also found in Matthew 8:28–34 and Luke 8:26–39)
Today, we step into the wild, haunted hills of the Gerasenes—a place avoided, feared, and forgotten.
A man lives among the tombs.
He's not just demon-possessed—he is possessed by many.
He is Legion.
But what happens when darkness meets the Deliverer?
When chains can't bind the broken, but Christ can?
When a man society gave up on is seen, set free, and sent?
This is Jesus vs. Legion—but make no mistake: it's not a fair fight.
Let’s walk through the text.
I. The Place of Torment (Mark 5:1-5)
“They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.” (vv.1-2)
1. Jesus Goes Where Others Won’t
Jesus crosses a storm to reach a single soul.
This place was Gentile territory—unclean, unholy, avoided by Jews.
But no one is too far, too lost, or too filthy for Jesus.
Let this preach: Jesus didn’t wait for you to be clean.
He stepped into your chaos to rescue you from it.
2. The Man’s Condition
Lives among the tombs—surrounded by death
Cuts himself—driven to self-destruction
Naked, out of his mind—lost identity
Possessed by Legion—a Roman term meaning 6,000 soldiers
This man is not just tormented.
He is occupied territory.
A walking warzone.
Some of us have been there.
Cut off. Lost. Tormented.
Waging a war we couldn’t explain, let alone win.
II. The Confrontation (Mark 5:6-13)
“When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before Him…” (v.6)
1. The Demons Know Jesus
Before the man says a word, the demons fall down in fear.
“What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (v.7)
They recognize Him for who He is—not just a prophet, but the Son of God.
Truth:
Hell knows His name.
Demons fear His presence.
Darkness can’t stand the Light.
2. "My name is Legion"
This is not just one demon.
This is a stronghold.
This is entrenchment.
This is hopelessness—multiplied.
Yet even 6,000 demons must ask permission to move.
Even Legion bows before Lordship.
3. Jesus Permits the Demons to Enter the Pigs
“He gave them permission.” (v.13)
They enter about 2,000 pigs—and the herd rushes to destruction.
Because that’s what demons do:
They lead to death, chaos, madness, and suicide.
But what the enemy meant for death, Jesus turns into deliverance.
III. The Man Set Free (Mark 5:14-17)
“They came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man... sitting there, clothed and in his right mind…” (v.15)
From cutting himself to clothed
From crying out in torment to calm and silent
From possessed to at peace
That’s deliverance.
That’s transformation.
That’s what Jesus does.
But... they were afraid.
Instead of rejoicing, the townspeople are terrified.
They beg Jesus to leave.
Why?
Because freedom disrupts familiarity.
Because deliverance will always cost comfort.
Because the presence of God exposes what we’ve learned to live with.
IV. The Mission Begins (Mark 5:18-20)
“He begged to go with Him... but Jesus said, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.’”
1. The Former Demoniac Becomes a Missionary
He’s the first Gentile evangelist.
No theology degree. No formal training.
Just a story and a Savior.
Let that sink in: The man everyone gave up on became the first preacher in his region.
You are not disqualified by your past.
You are commissioned by your deliverance.
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Key Takeaways
1. No one is beyond saving.
Not even the man filled with Legion.
Not even you. Not even them.
2. Jesus has authority over every stronghold.
No addiction. No trauma. No past.
No demon in hell can stand against the name of Jesus.
3. Your story has power.
You may not get to go with Him the way you thought—
but you’ve been sent to your city, your family, your people.
Altar Call
Are you living among the tombs?
Are there voices that torment you?
Have you been chained to shame, guilt, addiction, depression, or fear?
Jesus came for you.
He crossed the sea, walked through the storm, and defeated every enemy—for you.
Today, let Him speak into your life the same words that set Legion free:
“Come out.”
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You that You are not intimidated by our darkness.
You pursue us when others give up.
You speak peace where there was torment.
You clothe us in righteousness and call us to purpose.
Lord, for every soul wrestling with a Legion- break the chains.
Silence the lies.
Bring freedom, deliverance, and power through Your Spirit.
We declare that every stronghold must bow at the name of Jesus.
That our story will become someone else’s breakthrough.
And that You are still the Deliverer—mighty to save, strong to heal, and faithful to restore.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.