One of the most difficult things to go through in life is watching someone you love go down the wrong road. In some ways it’s like you are watching a slow moving train wreck, because you know where that road leads, and you can see the pain that is coming. And if you really love them you will try to intervene and interfere with their life choices even if they don’t want you to. But how would you feel if that happened to you?

I love the story of a man whom Jesus interfered with, much to his initial chagrin. You might remember when Jesus met this man possessed with many demons in Luke 8?

So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town. As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Luke 8:26–28)

The man in this true story was tormented by demons to the point that it was impossible for him to live a healthy normal life. He was isolated from his family and friends, not able to work or do anything other than endure the excruciating torment. And after many years of this, Jesus showed up, and when He did, the man came running naked to Him (which must have been a little unnerving—at least for the disciples who were most likely unprepared for such a welcome), basically shouting, “What are You doing here? Why are You interfering with me? This is my life. I’m fine. Leave me alone!”

Huh... We all know he wasn’t ‘fine’. His life had not been his own for quite some time. In fact, it wasn’t him at all who was shouting at Jesus to go away but the inner tormenting demons compelled by fear. And Jesus, whose love is perfect and complete, refused to leave. Instead He interfered; He intervened. He loved this man too much to leave him like this.

Jesus had crossed the Sea of Galilee, sixty-four square miles, to get to this one man. And He has crossed galaxies and heavenly realms to get to you too. He passed through unimaginable opposition and endured unfathomable suffering to get to you. To mess with you. To interfere with your life. He has come to save us. To heal us. To help us. To love us. To guide and comfort us. And to interfere with our lives—particularly in the places we do not want Him to.

Yes, it can be uncomfortable, but remember who Jesus is. He is the creator and sustainer of all, and He has the right to interfere, especially if you have chosen to be His disciples.