ArtFine ArtFine Art Subjects Religious (Fine Art) Christ Heals the Man Possessed by Devil, Saint Apollinare Nuovo Ravenna, 6th century AD
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 8:28-9:1
In the psalms we are told that the Lord spoke and the world came to be. How powerful is the word of God? He brought the whole of creation into existence from non-existence by His very word. I do not believe that there is another gospel reading quite like this one anywhere else in our Sunday readings. In this passage, the Lord Jesus Christ says only one word. Such is the power and the authority that the Lord’s words carry.
What is this one word that the Lord spoke? What is this one word that changed the lives of two troubled men? What was this word that troubled a whole city? What was this word that caused the Lord to have to leave again for His own city? The word that came from the mouth of the Lord was a simple one… “Go”.
The Lord was traveling and came to the country of the Gergesenes. As the Lord walked along near some tombs, two men rushed out from among the tombs to meet the Lord. This would have frightened any of the nearby locals. They knew these men to be so fierce and so terrifying that no one would ever pass that way. They would always go around the long way so as not to be frightened or even attacked.
St. Matthew the evangelist tells us that these were not two ordinary men. There was something about them that is very important to the story. They were called demoniacs. This means that both of these men were possessed by demons. As Orthodox Christians we believe that everyone can be tempted by demons. This happens when we receive many bad thoughts or evil visions. But we can take things a step further. Just as it is possible to grow in the grace of God and to increase in our relationship with Him, we see that the opposite can happen as we slide away from God in the other direction.
We can go from merely being tempted by demons to accepting their temptations and we may even find ourselves engaging in a relationship that becomes a sort of marriage. The demons no longer tempt us from time to time but they see us and they say “here is a nice, warm, inviting place where we are welcome!” They decide that it is no longer enough to tempt from the outside, but they take over the individual. They invade his heart and mind. They infect his soul. At this point a man is spiritually dead. Only an act of God can release him, heal him and save him.
As Christians we believe in the existence of God. We believe also in the existence of spirits, both good and bad. These spirits are always around us. Some support us, and others attempt to draw us into sin and rebellion against God. Each of us has a guardian angel, and each of us is also tempted by the demons. Ultimately there are many stories of people becoming possessed just as these two men did. It is perhaps true that some of the worst cases of “mental illnesses” are in fact illnesses related to the demonic. This should not surprise us since the spiritual realm touches every human being and yet every human being is not actively engaged in the battle. Many people in the world do not know God. Many do not pray. Many do not read the word of God. Many do not receive Holy communion. Many do not fast or keep vigils. Many do not keep the commandments.
How do we know the difference between mental illnesses and demonic possession? Here are the words of a modern saint: St. Paisios says “Even a simple doctor, a devout one, can recognize this. People that are afflicted by a demon jump up or jolt when they approach anything sacred. And so, it is obvious that they have a demon. If you offer them a little bit of holy water or if you cross them with a sacred Relic, they react, because the demons inside are annoyed and pressed, whereas if they suffer from a mental disorder, they do not react at all. Even if you are wearing a cross and approach them they get worried and shaken. Once, during a vigil on Mount Athos, the fathers told me they thought that a lay person there was possessed by a demon.”
He continues… “When they bring children to my hut and tell me that they have a demon, to determine whether they are possessed, I sometimes take a piece of the holy relic of Saint Arsenios and hide it in my hand. And you should see them. Despite the fact I have both my hands closed, if the child has a demon, he stares in fear at the hand with which I am holding the holy relic. However, if he doesn’t have a demon, but, for example, a mental illness, he doesn’t react at all.”
What is the point of all of this? The point is that you should not be deceived. Christians are called to accept reality. Not the reality of the television or the Internet or the local news. Not even reality as we understand it only through our 5 physical senses. We learn reality according to Jesus Christ. His one word affirms this reality of which we are speaking. Demons do exist and they are powerful. But we can be of good cheer. One word from the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrates the existence of the demons and yet this same word also demonstrates that the Lord our God is infinitely more powerful. One word changes the lives of these men. They had lived in the tombs, like corpses, but now they were freed and granted new life by Life Himself.
St. Matthew shares this with us in order to show us a new reality but the focus of that reality is not the existence of evil. The focus of this new reality is that the Son of God is the conqueror of all manner of darkness and even death. He is the one who conquers in the same way that He creates….through the power of His word. If He has power to do all of these amazing things by His words, can we even begin to imagine what the Lord can do with those who gratefully and eagerly receive these words? Glory be to God forever, AMEN.
There are a lot of things we cannot change, whatever you do in your life, there are some things we cannot change by ourselves. But suddenly, when Jesus stood up, one Word, that is all Jesus did; He commanded the storm to stop, and the Bible says a miracle happened. Immediately the wind stopped. The waves went down. A miracle happened. Suddenly these men, these disciples, discovered who Jesus was.
With all of us, there has to come a time of revelation when we understand the reality of Jesus Christ. The interesting thing about this storm on the sea is, in the middle of the storm, when everything was going wrong, Jesus was in the boat. He wasn’t on the land. He wasn’t in heaven. We get the wrong idea; people say, «God is in heaven, that’s if there is a God» — and I’ve heard this all over the world — «If there is a God… well I don’t believe in God, but if there is a God, where is He? Oh, He’s in heaven; He’s a long way away. He doesn’t know, He doesn’t care, He doesn’t see the problems in my life. He doesn’t know the difficulties I have with my husband/wife. He doesn’t understand that I have no work, that I am hungry. He does not understand because He is only a God in heaven.» But I want to tell you: whatever the storm in your life, whatever the circumstances, the Jesus of the Bible, is right there in the midst of it with you. He is there with you; He is not just in heaven. The Bible says, God so loved you, He sent His Son into the world, to live in the world, to die in the world, so that He could understand.
God is in the boat with you — He understands our storms. He knows our problems. He knows our suffering. God works miracles. My God, your God, is a God of miracles and deliverance.
‘Then Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and suddenly all was calm’ (Matthew 8:26)
When You’ve Tried Everything You Know
It occurs to me we try so hard sometimes when just one word from Jesus could change our whole situation.
Consider this:
The disciples had fished all night and caught nothing.
They spent their time and energy doing things their own way.
They were despondent thinking Jesus wasn’t with them.
Yet, when morning came, He was right there waiting for them on the shore–and they didn’t even recognize Him at first.
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:5-6)
Jesus is there waiting for you this morning too!
What is the last thing He told you to do? Are you still doing that? Have you done all He has asked you to do?
He is waiting for you to come nearer to Him and ask Him some questions. He has the answers to all your questions. Sometimes we don’t recognize Him when He comes!
Our God is an abundant God who created all things. He has a great net of blessings for you to haul in as well! We simply have to position ourselves in the right place, ask, and obey His word!
My Prayer For You
Dear Lord, I pray for these special ones today, that they will seek You with all their heart! I pray you will confirm Your word and Your will to them. I pray You will give them the one Word that will change their life–Your one word for direction and provision abundantly and miraculously! And I pray they will be willing to fully obey your word!
In Jesus Name, I thank you most Holy Friend! Amen.
. . .
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Before I learned this method, I struggled to hear from God, and then only heard a word or two at a time.
Now I can hear whole conversations with Him. I want you to grow in this ability as well. Every child of God should understand how their Father speaks, and be able to hear Him easily and instantly.
Hello there, thanks for popping in
Today’s message is a really good one and it could literally change your life forever. It’s from one of the most loving and kind spiritual leaders of all time — Jesus.
But have you ever stopped to wonder how Jesus became so loving and kind? How he could befriend the outcasts and down-trodden?
The answer is really obvious when you know it, but not a lot of us really think about it:
Forgiveness
The word forgive appears in the bible about 60 times — depending on what version you read. And it’s the one word that could change your life!
Jesus’ real super power was his ability to forgive people. He could forgive each and every person that crossed his path. I mean he even forgave Peter, the person that went on to betray him… Here’s what Jesus wants to teach you about forgiveness today, so you too can find peace and grace.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness is the whole reason Jesus came to earth in the first place. He wanted to die for our sins so we would be forgiven. He forgave people their pasts so they could feel his love in the present moment. He did not hold things against people. He never held a grudge. He allowed people to be the flawed messes that each of us are. He understood that people aren’t perfect.
But what’s more, forgiveness mends relationships. It heals the down-trodden. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of love and understanding.
Imagine you just had a fight with your sibling, parent or partner — in that moment you might be so angry that you say or do things you don’t mean to. It’s only human to get really upset sometimes. Now imagine that feeling you have after the fight. When you realize that you did something wrong. When you start to think about what you really said, and how you could have hurt the other person. That feeling is called guilt.
On the other hand, the person you had the fight with is also upset. They’re probably hurt, maybe even angry. And that doesn’t feel nice either.
But have you ever noticed how that feeling disappears when you go back, apologize and make up? It’s as if all the tension melts and leaves your body. THAT is the power of forgiveness. It makes both people feel better almost instantly. It makes you release the trauma of the fight, or even just a disagreement. It allows you to move on, learn from your mistakes, and become a better person.
But if you keep clinging onto the horrible things that happened it starts to sink into your brain. And every time you go through a similar situation, you’ll react in the same way. You won’t learn anything. And everyone will just get more and more upset as time goes by.
So, the question you have to ask yourself today is, what unresolved traumas are you still clinging onto? What’s making you feel sad, angry, scared, or anxious? And once you know what it is, start to forgive.
Add More Forgiveness to your Day
Being forgiving can be hard. It can make you feel like you’re just letting people walk right over you. And some people might. But if you stay strong in your boundaries forgiveness can literally change the way you go through your day and your entire life.
Jesus kept standing up for what he believed in. Yes, it led to his crucifixion, but even while he was being nailed to the cross he looked up and said:
“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
And do you know what the soldiers did? They threw dice and gambled for his clothes. Yup, they did not care one little bit. But still, Jesus asked them to be forgiven.
Maybe your mission is to stand up to people who keep doing wrong in this world — who don’t love others and keep taking advantage. Maybe you have a family member or friend that just doesn’t understand how they’re hurting you. It’s tough when that happens, but you can still forgive them. You can still let that pain and anger go.
You can still cleanse yourself of the negativity they bring into your life by asking that they be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a Superpower
In really bad cases you might have to remove the people that keep hurting you over and over from your life — but that doesn’t mean you have to keep clinging onto that pain and grief.
Ask for forgiveness. Forgive them. Forgive yourself. Feel the pain and discomfort leave your body. And keep going. Keep being the person that you’re meant to be. Keep standing in your own truth and pretty soon you’ll see exactly how powerful forgiveness can be.
By releasing that discomfort with forgiveness you’ll be saving yourself a lot of regrets and even illness later on in life. Not to mention that you’ll be helping other people let go of the things they’ve done wrong too.
It might not always be easy, but forgiveness is the key to a happy life with zero regrets. And the more you practice forgiveness the less pain you’ll be carrying around — and the easier it will be to keep on forgiving.
So go ahead, take a look at why you’re hurting, and start to forgive whatever needs forgiving.
Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff
on 12/03/2022
Jesus Quotes — Top Biblical Quotes from Christ
The words of Jesus Christ are life changing and timeless. When Jesus spoke, lives were transformed and the trajectory of life forever altered. He tells us that He is «the way, the truth and the life» (John 14:6), and His words have remarkable power. Whether you are just beginning to seek Jesus or have been a believer for years, the Word of God can always speak new truths into your life!
5 Famous Quotes of Jesus
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~ John 14:6
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~ Matthew 6:33
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~ Matthew 22:37-40
Discover more powerful Jesus Quotes in this collection of Bible Verses!
Save this free PDF A Biblical Guide to Revelations and Faith in the End Times to endure with faith through our modern trials and challenges!
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Matthew 12:50
50
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 10:44-45
44
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 23:12
12
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 4:19
19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Mark 11:24-25
24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Matthew 6:31-34
31
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 5:10
10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:12-14
12
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?
13
And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
14
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 5:11-12
11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 4:13-14
13
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
14
but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 10:10-11
10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 14:6
6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Matthew 19:14
14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Mark 8:34-37
34
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
35
For whoever wants to save their lifewill lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
36
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
37
Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Luke 5:31-32
31
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Matthew 5:16
16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:43-44
43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 7:12
12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 22:37-40
37
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
38
This is the first and greatest commandment.
39
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
40
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
John 16:33
33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 9:37
37
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
2 Corinthians 12:9
9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Matthew 19:26
26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
John 19:30
30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.