“….sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind…” – Luke 8:35 (NKJV)
The Oxford Dictionary defines transformation as “A marked change in form, nature, or appearance.” In the Bible, transformation means ‘change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God’ (Romans 12:2). This is accomplished by the renewing of our minds, and an inward spiritual transformation will manifest itself in outward actions.
In Luke 8:26-39, we see the transformative power of Jesus Christ at work in a man deeply tormented. Luke described the man as living among tombs, wearing no clothes, and being incredibly strong, breaking chains and living apart from society. Have you ever seen or encountered such individuals in your community or city? Were you able to help that person?
The man in his condition saw Jesus and cried out (a cry for help), acknowledging Jesus as the Son of the Most High God and begging not to be tormented. There, Jesus demonstrates divine power by casting a “Legion” of demons out of the man into a herd of pigs, which then drowned in the lake, resulting in the man’s complete healing and transformation. Jesus’s authority demonstrates supreme power over demonic forces and even the forces of chaos and death.
Those who witnessed the event fled (out of fear) and reported it in the city, causing the citizens to visit the area where the miracle was performed. Three important occurrences in this passage of Scripture must be highlighted:
- The people found the formerly possessed man “…sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.” (Verse 35).
- The people asked Jesus to leave, for they were very afraid. One would have believed that the people, having recognised a change in the man, would have gladly welcomed Jesus and His Disciples, instead of asking them to leave. Their neighbour had been transformed for the better.
- Before Jesus and His disciples could leave, however, the formerly possessed man asked to go with Him. Instead, he received a commission from Jesus to go home “…and tell what great things God has done for you.” And that’s what he did (V 390).
The phrase “When divinity meets humanity, transformation takes place” emphasises the Christian belief that interaction with God’s divine nature transforms the human condition. This power of transformation comes from one source – Jesus Christ. Scripture says, “For the message of the cross [the Gospel] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 – NKJV).
Just as the Lord Jesus Christ brought transformation to the demon-possessed, He can also bring transformation to your life once you surrender to Him, through the power of His Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid.
Prayer
Almighty God and loving Father, today, we thank You for the opportunity and privilege to sit at the feet of Jesus, where our lives can be renewed and transformed through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord, for we know the best place to be in 2026 is to be seated at the feet of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 10:1-11; Matthew 12:46-50; Matthew 13:1-17; Genesis 34; Genesis 35