Thoughts for the Day

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What on earth is this little section of Chapter 8 in Matthew's Gospel about? It appears in all three Synoptic Gospels, but with some differences. The longest accounts are in Mark's Gospel (5.1-17), and Luke's Gospel (8.26-35). These mention only one man, and the area mentioned has different names. Over the centuries many have tried to find this place on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, but since half were identified as being inland they cannot be correct. It seems to be the same story in all three Gospels, but memories may have confused the place-name.

In this incident we encounter a vastly different mindset concerning demons or evil spirits. In the ancient world almost everyone believed in demon possession. For them, evil spirits existed everywhere, with particular places like cemeteries attracting them. Women in childbirth and children were also thought to be especially at risk, along with those who travelled at night. Male and female demons were believed to exist and their intention was always to cause harm to humans, so sickness was ascribed to such spirits.

The healing of the two men shows us how Jesus is filled with compassion for them, and so commands the demons to leave them. If we can refrain from being upset at the fate of the pigs (who were probably spooked by the noise that the men were making) then this story should remind us of the spiritual battles that many people still face today, and that Jesus has authority over all forms of darkness. Because of this most Christian denominations appoint 'Deliverance Ministers', often called 'Exorcists' in the past. For ourselves when faced by evil we should have faith that through prayer, through study of God's word, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can be strengthened to confront and overcome such danger.

Lord Jesus Christ,
when we sense the power of evil around us,
may we turn immediately to You for help,
clinging to the promise made to Your disciples
that You would be with us always.
Strengthen our prayer life,
increase our faith,
and protect us from all evil.
Amen.