The Office for Students (OfS) recently reminded undergraduates that they should “expect to face views [they] might find shocking or offensive, and… should be aware that's part of the process of education”.

It was a useful reminder to me, too, as I prepared to preach on the passage in Luke’s Gospel (chapter 8) where Jesus drives “demons” out of a man and into a herd of swine, who throw themselves into a lake.

On the surface, there is much in that passage to shock and offend.

The man is described as naked, living in the tombs, and having many demons. His behaviour is erratic and violent. By any stretch of the imagination, he is a deeply troubled man, both physically and mentally unwell, behaving in a way which would doubtless put most people off.

Here in beautiful, charming Surrey, might we not be horrified if we encountered this man in our midst? Except, of course, that we do. He is each and every one of us. Which of us has not – to use the old-fashioned imagery of the reading – been troubled by demons of our own?

Which of us has not experienced periods of physical or mental breakdown? Which of us, on occasion, has not behaved erratically or inappropriately?

Jesus’ response is, very simply, to show love. He asks the man his name, and immediately acts to help him.

Finally, Jesus tells the man not to stay with him – as he wants to – but to go and spread the word of God’s goodness.

In this, there is a real challenge to each of us, not just to treat our fellow humans – even those who shock, offend, challenge or horrify us – with the respect Jesus does, but to bring others into the fold, making space for all at the table.

Too often, in today’s world, it is the opposite which happens – including within the Church of England, so bitterly divided on so many topics.

Like the students gently reprimanded by the OfS, Christians – students at the knee of the greatest teacher Earth has ever been offered – need sometimes to find ourselves confronted with controversial themes.

Luke 8 reminds me, at least, that Jesus’s love is there for all, and challenges me to show it even – especially – to those with whom I might be uncomfortable, disagree, or even dislike.