During Jesus’ ministry on Earth there were many occasions in which He crossed paths with unclean spirits that tormented the people. The demons would recognize who He was, calling him names like the “Holy One of God”. Jesus had total authority over the malignant spirits and granted mercy to those afflicted, commanding the demons to depart from them. IN THIS CARD, the story of Jesus driving out a multitude of demons calling themselves Legion is portrayed. It is found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and is one of the most well-known exorcisms performed by Christ. Jesus traveled to the region of the Gerasenes (Gadarenes), where He encountered a man possessed by many demons. The man lived among tombs, was extremely violent, and could not be restrained. When Jesus approached, the demons recognized Him and begged not to be sent into the abyss. They identified themselves as “Legion,” meaning there were many of them. Jesus allowed them to enter a herd of pigs nearby, which then rushed into the lake and drowned. The man was restored to his right mind, and Jesus told him to go home and share what God had done for him.
Matthew 8:28–34 Jesus casts demons into a herd of pigs (Gerasene demoniacs).
Matthew 9:32–34 He heals a mute man possessed by a demon.
Matthew 12:22 He heals a blind and mute man possessed by a demon.
Matthew 15:21–28 The Canaanite woman’s daughter is freed from a demon.
Mark 1:23–26 Jesus casts out an unclean spirit in the synagogue.
Mark 1:32–34 Many demons are cast out in Capernaum.
Mark 3:11 Unclean spirits fall before Him and acknowledge Him.
Mark 5:1–20 The Gerasene demoniac (Legion).
Mark 7:24–30 The Syrophoenician woman’s daughter is delivered.
Mark 9:14–29 A boy with a mute spirit is healed.
Luke 4:33–36 Unclean spirit cast out in the synagogue.
Luke 4:41 Many demons come out, proclaiming Him as the Son of God.
Luke 8:26–39 – The Gerasene demoniac.
Luke 9:37–43 A boy with an unclean spirit healed.
Luke 11:14 A mute demon cast out.
Acts 16:16–18 Paul casts out a spirit of divination in Jesus’ name.
Acts 19:11–16 Evil spirits driven out through Paul’s ministry in Christ.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala