First let’s look at what Jesus encountered

Demon possessed men

These men did not want to be filled with demons, but they, in fact, were

Mark 5:9 says when asked the name of the demon, the response was, Legion for we are many

A legion of troops was 5,000. So it could reasonably be estimated that there were 5,000 demons living in these men

Nothing is so bad that God can’t help you.

People today sometimes believe they are in such a bad way, that there can be no help for them

but ALL things are possible with God!

These demons were completely destroying the men and they could not stop it, nor could anyone in the town

They were so violent no one could pass by their way

Even the demons immediately responded to Jesus knowing exactly who He was

God has placed it in us to know who He is, just like the demons, but He gave us also the ability to reject

The demons knew Jesus was about to cleanse these men and they asked to be able to go into a new host

Even the swine didn’t want to be possessed by the demons and they all ran off into the lake and drowned

Why is this even relevant?

During that time swine were considered unclean and Jewish law prohibited them from even being around them

These men that Jesus cleansed were not only victims but they were in fact living against the law as well

“Only good people can be loved by God”

If that were true no one would be loved by God, because we know there is not one who is good.

This incredible miracle happened and the herdsmen immediately went to tell everyone.

Sometimes it is the things that happen around you and not necessarily to you, that can make a huge difference in your life.

Imagine the herdsmen excitedly relaying everything that happened to the townspeople

Jesus displayed an extraordinary love, by cleansing these men of thousands of demons

You would expect the town to be overjoyed!!

The whole city came out to Jesus but instead of being overjoyed

They said take your love and miracles and get on out of here. We don’t want that here!!

They saw the love that Jesus displayed and they flat out rejected that love!

You see Jesus came in love and healed the men in love but the people rejected that love.

That is the great and awful thing about God’s love it can be rejected

The townspeople were more concerned about keeping their way of life and their money

So many people today reject the Love of God because they don’t want to change their lives

Mark’s version of this story tells us the man, that was freed from the demons, wanted to leave the city and go with Jesus

Jesus said instead no, go back into the city and tell people what I have done for you.

Even after rejecting Jesus until eternity people can still accept that Extraordinary Love.

Will you accept it today?