28When 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?”
30Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
32He 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. 33Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:28-34)
Thoughts: Jesus went into what is considered enemy territory- the territory of the Gentiles. Demon possession in the pagan world of that time was a common occurrence. To be filled with a spirit could help with fortune telling or power. The two men were violent- wild men. You would think that the people of that area would want them healed so they could pass that way.
The demons gave testimony to Jesus. They called him "Son of God." They also spoke of his authority to control them. They also pointed out an appointed time when they knew they would be defeated under His control.
When Jesus sent the demons into the pigs (Jews saw pigs as despicable animals that they could not eat), the pigs destroyed themselves. This points out that these demons were destroying the two men. But the healing of the two men was not as important as the commerce they could get from the pigs. So it is in our day. We are not nearly concerned for the well being of people as we are that our profit continues to grow. Much less would we care for the spiritual well being of others. The defeat of the idea of a Sabbath as something that a society ought to keep is an example of this. We do not value rest, family, and time to collectively catch our breath as much as we value being competitive and possibly making more. Christians are called to value people and faith more than money.
The demons gave testimony to Jesus. They called him "Son of God." They also spoke of his authority to control them. They also pointed out an appointed time when they knew they would be defeated under His control.
When Jesus sent the demons into the pigs (Jews saw pigs as despicable animals that they could not eat), the pigs destroyed themselves. This points out that these demons were destroying the two men. But the healing of the two men was not as important as the commerce they could get from the pigs. So it is in our day. We are not nearly concerned for the well being of people as we are that our profit continues to grow. Much less would we care for the spiritual well being of others. The defeat of the idea of a Sabbath as something that a society ought to keep is an example of this. We do not value rest, family, and time to collectively catch our breath as much as we value being competitive and possibly making more. Christians are called to value people and faith more than money.
Prayer: Lord, help me to value you and your peace more than money. Help me to value money less and you more.
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