Episode Seven: The Man Born Blind
Safina Stewart in conversation with Dr Byron Smith, discussing Jesus' encounter with the man born blind in John 9.
In the sixth episode of our Lent podcast series, James Harris, Common Grace’s Justice for People Seeking Asylum Coordinator, joins with Dr Byron Smith, ecological ethicist on Common Grace’s Creation and Climate Justice advisory team, to discuss Jesus’ encounter with the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5.
In this episode, Byron and James dive into one of the more strange and confronting stories in the Gospels - and discover just how rich and relevant it really is. What might seem confusing at first unfolds into a powerful picture of liberation, as they explore the deeper political, social, and spiritual layers behind Jesus’ encounter with the man called “Legion”. Together, they reflect on how Jesus doesn’t just bring inner healing, but challenges the systems and powers that oppress. They wrestle with what it means to follow a “crucifiable” Jesus today, to hold together faith and justice, and to live with courageous honesty in a divided world.
Listen to this podcast episode below
You can also download the episode via this Google Drive link.
A transcript of this conversation can be downloaded here.
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Mark 5:1-20
Reflect:
Did you learn anything new about this passage from James and Byron's discussion?
How does the setting of land occupied by the Roman Empire affect how we read this story? What are some other ways this context helps us understand the Gospels?
Why do you think churches sometimes focus more on personal liberation than on challenging the systems that oppress?
Who are the people in our present context who are seeking some form of liberation? What are some ways the Australian Church might support them and work for their good?
Pray:
Powerful God, thank you that you are stronger than even the cruellest forms of evil in this world. We praise you for your commitment to free people from oppression and bring down the systems that oppress them. Give us courage to be a part of this work today, and may we always remember the ways in which you have brought freedom to our own lives. Amen.
Go Deeper:
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the announcement of God’s coming kingdom - one marked by hope, peace, and justice for the poor and oppressed. In Australia, it has also become a moment for people to stand together in prayer and action, calling for compassion, dignity, and welcome for refugees and those seeking asylum. We invite you to join in prayer this Palm Sunday for people seeking asylum, as well as explore Palm Sunday events happening around the country on April 29.
Confronting Legion - a short article by Ched Myers reflecting on Luke’s retelling of the Gerasene demoniac.
Australia’s Untold Stories: 80 Years of Refugee Resettlement is a video series sharing the oral histories of former refugees who have rebuilt their lives in Australia. Produced by the Refugee Council of Australia, these stories represent just a small glimpse of the more than one million people who have found safety here since the end of World War II through Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program. They highlight the profound contributions refugees have made in shaping the nation over the past eight decades - and the vital role everyday Australians have played in offering welcome, support, and the chance to begin again, free from persecution.
Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics - Mark R. Glanville and Luke Glanville argue that as the global refugee crisis grows, Christians are called to respond not with fear but with a biblical ethic of kinship - extending solidarity, welcome, and shared responsibility to those who are displaced. Drawing on Scripture and international relations, Refuge Reimagined shows how this vision can shape the church, national life, and global responses to refugees in practical and hopeful ways.
About this Series
This podcast episode has been shared as part of Common Grace's 2026 Lent series, 'Changed Heart/Changed World'. This series journeys through seven Gospel stories where Jesus meets people in moments of struggle, pain, exclusion, or sin - and transforms their lives with healing, forgiveness, and restoration. But these encounters aren’t only personal. Jesus also challenges the social, economic, and religious systems that oppress - breaking through boundaries that keep people from flourishing. Discover with us how a changed heart leads to a changed world, and how encountering Jesus calls us into embodied love for our neighbours, our communities and all creation.
Through Common Grace’s annual Lent series we encourage Christians around Australia to engage with Jesus - hearing his words in the scriptures, invitations to pray, reflections by Christian leaders - all in the hope that we draw closer to Jesus and are sent into his world in beauty, generosity and justice. Explore previous Common Grace Lent series here.
Support Common Grace:
This podcast series is only possible because of the generosity of many faithful supporters of Common Grace. To contribute to the ongoing work of Common Grace and help many more people be inspired to pursue justice, we'd love you to consider giving a once-off gift or join as a regular donor today.
