Matthew 8:28-34 – What are Your Demons?

Read Matthew 8:28-34

We are not perfect. We all have a “dark” side whether we admit it or not. Maybe we like to talk about other people (gossip), maybe we like to spend money we don’t have (greed), maybe we want things we can’t have (covet), maybe we stretch the truth a little to embellish a story (lie). We can even say, “the devil made me do it.” But this is serious. We do let evil in and sometimes it stays for good.

Like in our story today. Jesus and his disciples encountered two men who were overcome by demons making them “violent.” This same story, with a few differences, also appears in Mark and Luke’s gospels. There must be an important lesson here. Let’s not take time to compare these differences in perspective. Let’s focus on what Matthew is telling us.

Before moving on, there are some interesting things to note about this passage. Keep these in mind when you read the passage again. Jesus and his disciples have now entered Gentile (non-Jewish) territory. At this time, Jews would have thought themselves defiled to be around Gentiles. Jews would have also considered pigs to be unclean and vile. Apparently, there was a great herd of them nearby. Yet, this is where Jesus asked to come, and they have just lived through a tumultuous storm on the lake.

We see how these strong demons have full control of these men. They did not have the strength to combat them on their own. The demons recognize Jesus as God’s Son and assumed he was there to cast them out. I’m not sure that was Jesus’ plan at first, but certainly, his compassion for the men would have moved him in that direction.

The demons wanted to stay in control, so they asked to be cast into the herd of pigs. Rather than just two men, they would be in hundreds of pigs. There is no reason to believe that Jesus did so knowing the pigs would die. The demons had to go somewhere. It seems kind of fitting. If pigs were unclean, they could be unclean and demon-possessed to save the men. Pigs can usually swim, so it’s more probable that the demons caused them to go mad as they acted so out of character.

We don’t know exactly what the herdsmen told the townspeople. I’m sure there was a lot of fear and anger mixed into their message. Keeping in mind these were Gentiles, they weren’t going to be the most welcoming to a group of Jews anyway. Now, they beg Jesus to leave. But what about the men whose demons have left them? What did they have to say? We don’t hear from them.

What demons are flirting with you? They are keeping you from being the best you that you can be. They are filling your head with lies you have started believing. Demons are smart. They know our weak spots. They also know Jesus and fear him. That tells me my demons are only temporary residents. Jesus will call them out and cast them away if I ask him. Don’t ever be so lonely that you let your demons take up residence. Instead, trust in Jesus as your one true friend.

Let’s pray. Lord, this story is weird in how it plays out. I’m sure I’ve missed some of the meaning here. I do know you are able to cast out all demons trying to control me. I can call on your name and cast many aside. They fear you. Cleanse me of the lies I have told myself and believed to be true. I am your child, and you are holding me close. May I rest in you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.