Matthew 8:28-34 NIVUK
28 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. 29 ‘What do you want with us, Son of God?’ they shouted. ‘Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?’
30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, ‘If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.’
32 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. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
The disciples’ question from yesterday ‘Who is this man?’ is still ringing fresh in our ears as we read this passage. This chapter has shown us again and again the authority Jesus has, authority over people, authority over sickness, authority over the weather and even authority over demons. Where does this authority come from? What is it that marks him out as being so unique? It is his identity, he relationship with God. He is God’s Son as the demons rightly declare. It also comes from how he exercises his power, also hinted at here by the demons’ reference to the ‘appointed time’ (which surely must mean his crucifixion and resurrection) – through love and self sacrifice.
How will you respond to his call to follow?
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