Colossians 2: 13 – 15 identifies Jesus canceling our debt, by nailing it on the cross. In this act, He disarmed the rulers and authorities of the evil one. He publicly exposed the actions of the sin/evil one and triumphed over them. Jesus triumph over sin, more specifically Satan and his evil forces occurs numerously in his ministry prior to the cross. Two incidents identified in the Gospels are the Gedarane Demonic (Matthew 8: 28 – 34, Mark 5: 1 – 20, Luke 8: 26 – 39) and the Beelzebub Controversy (Matthew 12: 22 – 30).
The Triple Tradition (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) of Gedarane Demonic reflects the continuation of establishing Jesus’ authority over the supernatural. Prior to Jesus encounter with the demon possessed man, he reveals his authority and power over the natural with him calming the storm. His actions parallel to God’s control over the wind and waves in the Old Testament (e.g., Job 38:8-11; Ps 65:5-8; 89:8-9). Therefore, Jesus’ actions not only demonstrate divine prerogative (right or privilege), but also emphasize Jesus as the Son of God. Luke denotes that the disciples respond in fear to Jesus’ actions. In the The New International Greek Testament Commentary: Gospel of Luke, Marshall contends that Luke’s indication of fear reveals the disciples’ “reflection on the incident and its implications for their understanding of Jesus”. Their understanding derives the question, “Who is this?” Eventually, the disciples will answer this question to reveal Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus, however, continually answers this question rightly so in his interaction with the demon possessed man.
The Triple Tradition identifies the demonic proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. Unlike the disciples, the demon knew immediately of Jesus’ authority and divine prerogative. In Mark’s and Luke’s accounts, they identify Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. In the Greek Lexicon, the most high translates to ὕψιστος. The Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the adverb as “of rank: of God, the most high God”. This title attributed to Jesus identifies his sovereign majesty over and against the demons. Therefore, in recognition of Jesus’ majesty and authority, the demons request not to be tormented. The demons will eventually plea to be dispelled to the herd of swine. Their request for Jesus’ permission signifies that Jesus remains in total control of the situation. In the New International Commentary on the New Testament, France contends that drowning with the pigs did not destroy the demons, but rather the pigs themselves. He continues to assert that demons transference to the pigs demonstrate the visible proof that the demons left the men. The outcome of the pigs and the man’s or men’s restoration to sound mind causes fear to the people of the city. In their act of fear, they request Jesus to leave. Their response parallels to Luke’s description of the disciples response, when Jesus calmed the storm. Even though they recognize the authority and divine prerogative of Christ, they do not possess the ability to embrace Christ as the Son of God.
The Gadarene Demoniacs pericope (selection of text) identifies Jesus possessing authority over the supernatural. The demoniacs knew immediately of Jesus’ authority and submitted to it. Jesus remains in total control of the demoniacs and by doing so emphasizes that he is the Son of God.
Continue Reading: Jesus Triumphs over sin/evil Pt. II
