1
So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes.
2
When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him.
3
This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain.
4
Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.
5
Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.
6
When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him.
7
With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!”
8
For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”