Performance In Christianity series
Two Possessed Men- Performance of Jesus
There is a distinction between possessed and oppressed and clinical disorders. In brief, when a person is possessed, they are totally under the control of the demons. A person who is oppressed is under the influence but has some control and can act normal at times. Persons with clinical disorders can be handled with medications. Awareness is one thing; actionable treatment requires experience and spiritual maturity.
Mark 5:1-20 is a prime example of 'redaction criticism' or otherwise known as 'plausible speculation.' Mark and Luke restrict the demoniacs in this narrative to one person, which doesn't affect our examination of the performance of Jesus. Jesus is recognized for His ability and capacity to handle ersatz situations. An interesting note was that Jews were raising the pigs that the demons asked to possess. Second is the request by the same said Jews to leave their region where they were conducting business. The work of Jesus in this objective was to secure metanoia or transformational change toward the Kingdom of God.
Luke 8:27-39, recounts the account with a slightly different lens or perspective that reflects his medical option of the psychology of the possessed person. Jesus again demonstrated a sovereign position of mental disorders and demonic influence. Luke points out that everybody that is healed by the presence of God is not prepared to handle Kingdom business even though they have been blessed by it.
Matthew 8:28-34
And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart out of their coasts.
The LORD Your Savior, Jehovah Moshiekh (Isaiah 49:26), we thank You for the performance of Christ affecting mental health. We praise You for our more in-depth understanding of the spiritual workings of Jesus and His emphasis on demonic dimensions affecting our lives. We decree and declare blessings upon those who walk by Faith and not by Sight so that; by Your Sovereign Authority, the Kingdom of God will distinguish itself from any kingdom on earth. Now, for the Kingdom and the Glory of God, we petition, with anointing in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, Amen.