The story of the demon named Legion is found in the Gospels of Mark, chapter 5, and Luke, chapter 8. Jesus had just crossed the Sea of Galilee and came ashore in the region of the Gerasenes, where he was met by a demon-possessed man.
The Man with the Unclean Spirit
Mark and Luke describe the man as being possessed by an unclean spirit or demon. He lived among the tombs, away from other people, and could not be restrained even by chains. Night and day he would cry out and cut himself with stones (Mark 5:2-5, Luke 8:27-29). This description indicates the torment and isolation the man experienced being under the power and control of the demons.
Jesus Confronts the Demons
When the man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran to him and bowed down before him, shouting loudly, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mark 5:6-7, Luke 8:28-29). The demons inside the man recognized Jesus’ authority and that he had come to torment them. Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man, asking for its name. The spirit replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many” (Mark 5:9, Luke 8:30).
A legion was a unit of Roman soldiers numbering from 3,000 to 6,000 men. By naming itself “Legion,” this indicates that a multitude of demons had taken possession of the man.
The Demons Beg Jesus for Mercy
The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them out of that region or torture them. A large herd of pigs was feeding on a nearby hillside, and the demons pleaded with Jesus to allow them to enter the pigs instead. Jesus gave them permission, so the demons left the man and entered the herd, which rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned (Mark 5:10-13, Luke 8:31-33).
The Man Is Delivered and Healed
With the demons gone, the man was completely transformed. He was seen sitting calmly, clothed and in his right mind. The people who had gathered were afraid and told Jesus to leave. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the delivered man begged to go with him. But Jesus told him, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:18-20, Luke 8:35-39). The man then spread the news of his dramatic healing throughout the region.
The Significance of the Name Legion
The name Legion illustrates the supernatural knowledge and power of Jesus. He alone was able to command the multitude of demons possessing the man. It took a vast army of demons to attempt to withstand Jesus, but they were powerless against him.
The name also shows that the powers of evil are real and organized to oppose God’s work. However, they ultimately must submit to Christ’s authority. The story displays Jesus’ compassion and willingness to deliver someone, even in a desperate state, who came to him for help.
Jesus’ Authority Over Evil Spirits
Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated his power over demonic forces:
– In Capernaum, Jesus rebuked an evil spirit that cried out, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Luke 4:31-37).
– Jesus gave his disciples authority to drive out demons (Mark 3:15).
– They reported back that the demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17).
– Jesus said he saw “Satan fall like lightning from heaven” when the disciples were able to cast out demons (Luke 10:18).
– When accused of driving out demons by Satan’s power, Jesus said that would make Satan’s kingdom divided against itself (Luke 11:14-26).
– Jesus continued preaching despite being interrupted by a man with an unclean spirit (Luke 4:31-37).
– In the presence of a large crowd, Jesus commanded an evil spirit to come out of a boy, healing him instantly (Luke 9:37-43).
The Demonic Realm
The encounter with Legion provides insight into the demonic realm. Though powerful, the demons are limited in their knowledge. The demons here had to ask Jesus for his name, despite addressing him as “Jesus, Son of the Most High God.” They knew their time of judgment was coming but did not seem to know exactly when (Matthew 8:29).
The demons are unable to act against God’s will. They had to ask Jesus for permission to enter the herd of pigs. Their power remains subject to Christ’s purposes and permission.
Spiritual Warfare
The story of Legion displays key principles of spiritual warfare:
– Demonic forces are constantly seeking to exert their influence and destruction in the world. Ephesians 6:12 says, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
– The demons immediately recognized and yielded to Jesus’ authority over them. As believers today, we have the power and authority through Christ to resist demonic influence (James 4:7).
– After being set free, the man spread the good news about Jesus, advancing God’s kingdom. As Christians, we are to walk in freedom from demonic oppression and share the light of Christ with others held captive by spiritual darkness.
Fear and Fascination
The deliverance of the man of Legion created conflicting responses. The people were afraid when they saw the man healed and pleaded with Jesus to depart. They seemed more concerned with the material loss of the pigs than the spiritual liberation of the man.
Yet the delivered man begged to become a disciple of Jesus. He had experienced personally Christ’s love, mercy and transforming power. This contrast reveals how preconceptions, fear and self-interest can prevent understanding Jesus’ true nature and mission.
Relevance for Today
The story reminds us that Jesus has absolute supremacy over satanic forces. No demonic influence in our lives is too powerful for Christ to overcome. Jesus longs to free us from whatever “Legion” we may be facing—whether addiction, anger, pain, depression or despair—if we cry out to him for deliverance. He remains willing and able to heal us and restore our lives by his Spirit. As we walk in Christ’s freedom, our testimony can help set others free as well.
Conclusion
The account of Jesus casting out the Legions of demons testifies to his divine authority and the reality of the unseen spiritual conflict. Though the forces of evil continue to wage war, Jesus secured the victory through his death and resurrection. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Until that day, the Church is called to stand firm, walk in the full armor of God, resist the devil and proclaim Christ’s redemption to the world held in the grip of sin and darkness.
