January 26, 2010
Come close, jesus. no wait, go away.
Matthew 8:28-34
Valerie Davis
Central Truth
Jesus has complete knowledge and control over the supernatural. He has power over demons and power to change us inside and out. We can choose to draw near to God. We can choose to oppose God out of fear or idol worship.
Key Verse | Matthew 8:32, 34
He said to them [the demons], "Go!" . . . And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:32, 34)
Matthew 8:28-34
Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons
28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, 1 8:28 Some manuscripts Gergesenes; some Gerasenes two demon-possessed 2 8:28 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); also verse 33; elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 8:28-34
When reading Scripture, I like to ask, “Who are you, Lord? Who am I, and what would You have me do?” In this passage I learn about Jesus’ power to change us and His supernatural power over demons specifically.
It's clear that Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. Here, we see him destroying two men’s sanity and self-control, giving them fear, and robbing them of friends and family. The world has shunned these men and isolated them, but hasn't been able to change them. Jesus, however, has the power to change their entire lives--inside and out. What Jesus did for these two demoniacs He can do for anyone who needs Him (and that’s all of us).
All things belong to Jesus, but why Jesus chooses to send the demons into the pigs isn't clear. Lots of Gentiles lived in the area where this takes place so it makes sense that there were plenty of pigs here. What’s interesting is the town's reaction. This is the first open opposition to Jesus, which builds from here until Jesus’ crucifixion. Why do they send Jesus away? They lost their pigs, and they appear to fear further loss. Perhaps they preferred their possessions over Jesus.
It’s easy for me to think I’m different. I’m not demon possessed and wouldn't pick pigs over Jesus. The problem is that, just like them, I need Jesus to change my heart and help me not to worship idols. I turn good things into ultimate things. It might be performance and people rather than pigs, but it’s largely the same.
It helps me to be reminded every day of God’s mercy, gentleness, and kindness to me. (Romans 2:4) He gives me a relationship with Himself that I haven't earned. The Lord is powerful and kind, and I am His forgiven daughter. He would have me respond to Him with worship and gratefulness. Today, when I read Jesus' words, I choose to say, "Thank you," and "Come close," rather than to kick against Him and say, like the townspeople, "Go away."
Discussion Questions
1. Have you trusted in Christ's forgiveness for you? If not, share with someone what questions or concerns you have.
2. Do you have a group of people with whom you can be candid about your sin struggles and receive support? If not, what can you do this week to begin connecting with trustworthy people on a deeper level?
3. In what ways this week do you need to trust in God's power rather than in your abilities?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In verse 32, Jesus gives a command to the demons and what happens?
2. What does this show us about Jesus?