You Are Healed (Matthew 8:1-9:34) Part 5

TWO VIOLENT DEMON-POSSESSED MEN

Matthew 8:28-34: When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
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. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

Infirmity: Demon-possession
Patients: Two men living in the tombs (social outcasts)
Initiation: They violently came to Jesus, Matthew 8:29, “What do you want from us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Matthew 8:31: “The demons begged Jesus, ‘if you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
Response: 1) “Go!” Jesus drove them out. They went into the pigs and killed them. 2) The people looking after the pigs ran away and the whole town gathered and begged Jesus to leave.
Directive: Go!

This healing is neat too. Notice that no one initiates this who wants these men healed. The demon-possessed men violently come to Jesus and then the demons themselves provoke the encounter. Matthew 8:29, “What do you want from us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Matthew 8:31: “The demons begged Jesus, ‘if you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” Then once everyone finds out what Jesus has done –driving out the demons who kill the pigs - they beg him to go away. Whereas we have some coming to Jesus – like the Centurion and the leper - showing the proper respect and asking for mercy and some that it most appears as if Jesus just happened upon them – like Peter’s mother-in-law – here he we have demons hostile to and afraid of Jesus who are provoking Him to an action that no one seems to want and yet Jesus still heals these men - even though it doesn’t appear to wanted or even appreciated.

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