Rescue Mission

We all know the story of Christ’s calming the sea. But did you ever wonder why Jesus and His disciples were out there in the first place? Jesus didn’t fully explain to His disciples. He simply said, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out (Luke 8:22, NIV).

And you know that they encountered a ferocious storm that would have sunk their boat and drowned them all had not Christ stepped in and calmed the storm (Luke 8:22-25). So why was Jesus so determined that they would cross the lake?

Well, His miracle on the water undoubtedly stretched the disciples’ faith. And it also created a record of His greatness for all of us to read and rejoice in.

But I think the primary reason for their voyage was to rescue the demonized man on the other shore. Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from city who had demons (Luke 8:26-27a, ESV).

What kind of a life did this poor man have before Christ came for him? The demons caused him to live like an animal, without human dignity or reason. The local people tried to imprison him, but his supernatural strength burst his bonds and terrified his captors. His demonic tormentors forced him to cut himself and often drove him into the desert.

He was feared, hated, and considered a dangerous lunatic by everyone. He had no friends or family, and must have been as miserable a person as anyone can be.

Christ came for that man, that miserable sinner, that helpless, tormented soul. The Lord Jesus rescued him--cast the demons out, forgave his sins, restored his mind, and returned him to a blessedly normal life. Jesus came across the Sea of Galilee for him. Do you think there was any doubt on that man's part, for the rest of his life, that Jesus had come specifically to save him?

Did you ever think that the Savior made a special trip across a treacherous ocean, braved a demonic storm, for you?