Jesus Restores Two Demon Possessed Men
Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Reflection: Jesus so far in Matthew 8 has shown his power and his ability to heal people from disease and sickness, and shown his power over nature. Since he has shown his power over things on the earth, he now shows his power over things under the earth. Meaning the lower regions, where dark spiritual forces reign. Note the two demon possessed men lurk among the dark tombs, where death rules. There they caused mischief and threatened violence to all who passed by. But one thing is for sure the demons recognized the spiritual power and authority which Jesus brought.
They tried to make a deal with Jesus to be sent into the numerous swine herd rather than into the abyss. Pigs were unclean to the Jews so it is an interesting texture to the story that they would want to be sent into the unclean swine. The most interesting aspect of the whole story was the reaction of the townspeople. Rather than rejoicing in the fact that two men were saved from such a horrible condition, they were most upset about the loss of swine, presumably a staple of their economy. And even though they are impressed by the feat, they plead with Jesus to leave rather than engage the only Son of God. Also to note is the demons recognized Jesus was the Son of God, showing us that mere intellectual knowledge of who Jesus does not lead to salvation only faith.
What does this mean for us? For one, Jesus' work might leave things messy. When we are used to status quo, Jesus kingdom coming on earth can challenge the things we have made idols like money and even our jobs. Ultimately what is more important to us people or money? Secondly, the demons recognized Jesus' power and authority and later Jesus conferred this same power and authority to His disciples and by application to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Bottom line: while demonic powers are real and continue to wreak havoc today, we don't have to be afraid of them. Just like they recognized Jesus power and authority likewise they will recognize ours as well. As the apostle John said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he is that is in the world."
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Reflection: Jesus so far in Matthew 8 has shown his power and his ability to heal people from disease and sickness, and shown his power over nature. Since he has shown his power over things on the earth, he now shows his power over things under the earth. Meaning the lower regions, where dark spiritual forces reign. Note the two demon possessed men lurk among the dark tombs, where death rules. There they caused mischief and threatened violence to all who passed by. But one thing is for sure the demons recognized the spiritual power and authority which Jesus brought.
They tried to make a deal with Jesus to be sent into the numerous swine herd rather than into the abyss. Pigs were unclean to the Jews so it is an interesting texture to the story that they would want to be sent into the unclean swine. The most interesting aspect of the whole story was the reaction of the townspeople. Rather than rejoicing in the fact that two men were saved from such a horrible condition, they were most upset about the loss of swine, presumably a staple of their economy. And even though they are impressed by the feat, they plead with Jesus to leave rather than engage the only Son of God. Also to note is the demons recognized Jesus was the Son of God, showing us that mere intellectual knowledge of who Jesus does not lead to salvation only faith.
What does this mean for us? For one, Jesus' work might leave things messy. When we are used to status quo, Jesus kingdom coming on earth can challenge the things we have made idols like money and even our jobs. Ultimately what is more important to us people or money? Secondly, the demons recognized Jesus' power and authority and later Jesus conferred this same power and authority to His disciples and by application to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Bottom line: while demonic powers are real and continue to wreak havoc today, we don't have to be afraid of them. Just like they recognized Jesus power and authority likewise they will recognize ours as well. As the apostle John said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he is that is in the world."
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