Demons Entering Legion: Unbeliever or Unprotected Believer

The account of Legion, a man possessed by a multitude of demons, is a striking example of the devastating effects of Satan's influence in the lives of those who do not know Christ. As we read in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39, Legion was a Gentile, living in the region of the Gerasenes, and his life was characterized by chaos and destruction, much like the world described in Ephesians 2:2-3, where Satan is the prince of the power of the air, working in the sons of disobedience. It is likely that Legion was an unbeliever, not knowing the one true God, and therefore, he was vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one, as Jesus warns in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy."

The Bible does not provide a detailed explanation of how the demons entered Legion, but it is clear that they had taken hold of him, body and soul, as described in Mark 5:4, where it is written that no one could bind him, not even with chains. This is a vivid illustration of the bondage of sin and Satan's power, as described in Romans 6:16-17, where it is written that we are slaves to the one we obey, either to sin leading to death or to obedience leading to righteousness. The fact that Legion was living among the tombs, a place of death and uncleanness, further emphasizes the depth of his spiritual darkness, as seen in Ephesians 4:17-19, where it is written that Gentiles live in the futility of their minds, darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God.

Yet, in the midst of this darkness, Jesus shines as the Light of the world, bringing hope and redemption to those who are bound by Satan's chains. As Jesus approached Legion, the demons recognized their enemy and trembled before Him, acknowledging His authority as the Son of God, as seen in Mark 5:7, where the demons cried out, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" This encounter ultimately led to the demons being cast out and Legion being set free, a powerful demonstration of Jesus' power over the forces of darkness, as seen in Colossians 2:15, where it is written that Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame. As we reflect on this account, we are reminded that our only hope for salvation and freedom from the bondage of sin lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who has come to seek and save the lost, as seen in Luke 19:10.