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Gospel Matthew 8:28-34 |
28 When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. 29 They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” 30 Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. 31 The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32 And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. 33 The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. 34 Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
“Go Then”
Among the tombs they wailed and cried,
Chained by shadows none could hide.
Fierce and wild, with haunted eyes,
They howled beneath the Gentile skies.
No chains could hold their agony,
No man could grant them liberty.
But then He came across the wave,
The One with power to heal and save.
The demons stirred—"Son of Most High!
Have You come to judge us nigh?"
They begged, they trembled, sought to flee—
"Send us to the swine," their plea.
“Go then,” He said—and at His word,
The spirits fled into the herd.
The waters churned with anguished cry
As down the slope the creatures died.
The town arose, not with delight,
But trembling fear at holy might.
They asked Him not to stay, but leave—
Afraid of all they could not weave.
Yet two were free, restored, and whole,
Peace now reigning in their soul.
Where demons reigned, now mercy lay—
Light had driven night away.
Lord Jesus,
You crossed the sea for two forgotten souls— and for me, too. Where others saw danger, You saw deliverance. Where chains rattled, You spoke freedom. No force of darkness can silence Your voice. You stepped into a land not Your own, into graves and groans and madness. With one word, You shattered the grip of legions. With one breath, You restored sanity and peace. Lord, speak again over the storms of my mind.
If I dwell in places others flee— isolated, tormented, ashamed— remind me that Your grace walks boldly toward me. Not to condemn, but to reclaim. Not to destroy, but to redeem. Even when the world sends You away, I will kneel at Your feet in gratitude. You are the Lord of tombs and territories, of swine and silence, of souls and storms.
Thank You, Deliverer, for seeing me. For commanding the darkness to go. Let me now go, too— not as one lost, but as one found by the power of Your mercy.
Amen.
Pericope
III: Ministry and Mission in Galilee
THE HEALING OF THE GADARENE DEMONIACS
Matthew 8:28-34
Gospel Acclamation
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Historical Context
Geographical Setting: Jesus arrives in the region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes, depending on the manuscript tradition), located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This area was part of the Decapolis, a group of ten Greco-Roman cities with a predominantly Gentile population.
Cultural Significance: The presence of a herd of pigs—unclean animals in Jewish law (Leviticus 11:7)—confirms the Gentile character of the region. The two demon-possessed men lived among tombs, which were considered ritually unclean. This setting underscores the spiritual and social isolation of the afflicted men.
Political Influence: The Decapolis was under Roman control and heavily influenced by Hellenistic culture. This encounter shows Jesus stepping beyond Jewish boundaries, foreshadowing the universal scope of His mission.
Theological Background
Jesus’ Authority Over the Supernatural: The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the Son of God and plead with Him not to torment them “before the appointed time” (v.29). This reveals their awareness of divine judgment and Jesus’ eschatological authority. With a single word—“Go!”—Jesus casts them out, demonstrating His sovereign power over demonic forces.
Symbolism of the Pigs: The demons’ request to enter the pigs, and the subsequent drowning of the herd, illustrates the destructive nature of evil. It also serves as a visible sign to the community that the men were truly delivered.
Human Response to Divine Power: Ironically, the townspeople, instead of rejoicing, beg Jesus to leave. This may reflect fear, economic loss, or discomfort with the disruptive power of holiness. It raises the question: How do we respond when God’s presence challenges our comfort zones?
Foreshadowing the Gospel to the Gentiles: By healing Gentile demoniacs, Jesus anticipates the later mission to the Gentiles (cf. Matthew 28:19). His compassion crosses cultural and religious boundaries.
Learning Lessons:
Jesus’ Authority Is Supreme - The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the Son of God and submit to His command (v.29–32). This affirms that no spiritual force, no matter how dark or violent, can stand against Christ’s authority. We can trust Jesus to confront and overcome the forces that torment us—whether spiritual, emotional, or societal.
Spiritual Bondage Is Real—and So Is Deliverance - The two men were living among tombs, isolated and violent, a picture of total spiritual and social alienation. Jesus restores them with a word, showing His power to liberate even the most hopeless cases. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Healing and restoration are possible, even in the darkest places.
Evil Is Destructive by Nature - The demons’ entry into the pigs leads to the herd’s destruction (v.32). This illustrates how evil, when unchecked, leads to chaos and death. What Jesus casts out, we should not try to keep. Letting go of destructive influences is part of healing.
People May Fear What They Don’t Understand - The townspeople beg Jesus to leave—not because of the miracle, but perhaps due to fear, economic loss, or spiritual discomfort (v.34). Sometimes, divine intervention disrupts our comfort zones. Are we willing to welcome Jesus even when He challenges our norms?
The Gospel Crosses Boundaries - This event takes place in Gentile territory, foreshadowing the inclusion of all nations in Jesus’ mission (cf. Matthew 28:19). God’s grace is not confined by geography, ethnicity, or background. His love reaches everyone.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
