”When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,[c] 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.” Matthew 8.28-33
I don’t know whether to be more surprised about Jesus driving demons into pigs or that the whole town asked Jesus to leave after the miracle.
Jesus has just calmed the wind and the waves. He demonstrated his power over nature. Now, he’s confronted with two demon-possessed men who “were so violent that no one could pass that way.” These men had been a hindrance to normal society. They were untamable and untouchable. That is, until Jesus shows up.
As Jesus approached these men shouted out to him, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come to torture us before the appointed time?” Before the rest of the world acknowledges that Jesus is God, the demons do so in plain sight. They also refer to a time when all demons and sin will be destroyed forever (See Revelation 20.7-9).
Jesus casts out the demons into a herd of pigs which then run down a hill into the lake and drown themselves. And as a result, the whole town, primarily gentiles, comes out to meet Jesus and ”they pleaded with him to leave their region.”
What would the pleading entail? Were they afraid he was going to ruin all their livestock? Would they rather have men enslaved by demons then have Jesus in their midst? This was the Decapolis, Greek cities on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. They were more pagan than religious but I’m sure they were very superstitious.
How ironic that the demons knew Jesus’ true identity while people rejected him outright. And haven’t we done the same? Chosen our sin over the Savior’s grace and love? Jesus brings what is dark into the light. He exposes us for who we are. Sometimes, we don’t want to be exposed but would rather live in our sin, filled with selfish desires and pleasing ourselves. But Jesus is better. His way leads to live, freedom and release from the bondage of sin and suffering.
Will you cling to Jesus today? Will you call upon his name? Will you ask the Lord, “What do you want with me Son of God?” And wait for him to answer.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your presence in the midst of such chaos. Come who, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Return to save your children. Take us in your presence. Help us know the truth of your love and the power of your Kingdom. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen