Read Matthew Chapter 8:28-34
Don’t Be Thankless “Pigs.”
As Jesus and his disciples crossed to the other side of the sea in their boat, they entered Gadarenes. This was a place inhabited by Jews and Gentiles. Jesus was met by two demon possessed men. They were coming out of the tomb, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass by that way. The description of these two men was nothing less than evil and powerful. NO ONE dared pass by them. But suddenly they did something that had to capture the attention of others because they came before Jesus crying out in fear. Who was this man Jesus who caused demons to be in fear? Demons lived among the tombs. Death and destruction is their goal. They were greatly feared yet they are nothing compared to the power and authority of Jesus for life, healing, and restoration.
But because death and destruction is what they live for they asked permission to enter into the pigs nearby. Jesus gave them permission which caused the pigs to run into the sea and perish.
1. Why did Jesus allow demons to go into these pigs? Perhaps Jesus wanted the people to see just how destructive the demons really were and just how powerful he really was in casting them out and setting the two men free.
2. Was this unfair to the pig owners?
– the pigs were unclean animals so perhaps they shouldn’t have been raising the pigs to begin with. Or
– perhaps we should understand how small the value is of temporal riches on Earth as compared to the eternal riches gained through Christ.
After those who owned the pigs reported to their city what all happened, the people came out to see things for themselves. Seeing Jesus, they begged him to leave their region.
– Rather than rejoice over the work of Jesus and the lives of these two men, they were more concerned about their temporary riches on Earth.
3. What have we given up for the sake of the cross? Or what has God taken from us for the sake of holiness? Are we like these people and respond by complaining to God for taking from us that which was hurting our spiritual life? Do you find ourselves wanting to keep going back the way things were rather than daily thanking God for setting us free? God, help us realize what’s really important in life so we are quick to leave or let go of things in this world and focus more on engaging in eternal things instead. Help us not to be thankless people!
