Bible Study Lessons from Matthew 8:28-34
Remember the calming of the storm? Is there a link between this passage for study from Matthew and the one that follows?
What about when Jesus drives out demons from the men into a herd of pigs?
Maybe .. Let’s look at the lesson and compare.
Jesus Doesn’t Hesitate to Help – Casting Out Demons
When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs.
They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way.
And they cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Son of God?
Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them.
The demons began to entreat Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.”
And He said to them, “Go!”
And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. – Matthew 8:28-34 NASB
Casting Out Demons
Wikipedia describes a demon as …
“a supernatural being that is generally described as a malevolent spirit. In Christian terms demons are generally understood as fallen angels, formerly of God.
A demon is frequently depicted as a force that may be conjured and insecurely controlled.”
Why Do Demons Exist?
These demons or “fallen angels” joined forces with Satan when he rebelled against God. Their main function is to tempt unsuspecting people into sin and destruction.
Christ knew exactly who they were and the evil spirits certainly knew Jesus and even called him by the name, “Son of God“.
They had no power in His presence and met their match when He approached them.
Faith in Christ
In verse 29 the demons did recognize Jesus but had no intention of obeying him.
This is a difference between believing and having faith. We may believe in Christ but we also have to accept.
We must believe what He did for us and then act on that faith by attempting to follow the commands He gave us. No matter how much we rationalize, Christ is the only one who can save us from sin.
He lived among the people, taught, and then went to the cross to die so that we might live.
There is a simple guide to follow here if you have not yet made a decision and want to learn more about accepting Christ.
What About The Two Demon Possessed Men?
These men were from Gadarenes, a gentile city so were considered unclean by the Jews. They were possessed and living in a graveyard going strictly against Jewish law.
But, Jesus had no problem with helping them to overcome their “illness”.
Jesus never let circumstances keep him from doing his work. He still doesn’t. Christ is wherever we are, watching and waiting for us whenever we call on him.
Were There Demons in the Storm?
Is it possible that the demons met Jesus by showing up in the storm to try and prevent him from landing on shore? An interesting theory considered by some scholars.
If so, Christ had no problem battling the demons on land or on sea. His power is total and the spirits knew they had no chance of winning.
The final battles between good and evil are already won. We just have to take steps to be on the right side.
A Friend Indeed ..
There is a saying I read recently (not sure of the author) which stated;
“A friend cares about you — a true friend is concerned about you.”
Jesus is concerned about you and me, so much so that He was willing to die for us. Let’s not ever forget this fact.
Do We Help or Walk Away?
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0781414199″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/51LIBYBeXEL.SL160-1.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″]What about us? Do we sometimes walk away from people who need our help because of who they are or what they look like?
It’s easy to judge someone at first glance. We decide they are not worth the trouble or too far gone to even bother (I’m guilty).
Christ proved in this passage that no one is beyond help. All people are created by God and worth saving. Shouldn’t we be willing to help one of God’s creations?
Please pray for the lost.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like more information about beginning a relationship with Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16.