One Word

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,[a] 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.

Matthew 8:28-34

Have you ever had that awkward moment where you recognize someone and wave excitedly at them, only to realize when you get closer that it wasn’t the person who you thought it was? But you’re too late. You’ve got your hand up in the air. Your smile quickly fades, and you try to save yourself more embarrassment by scratching your head or fixing your hair. With people we love or people who are famous, it’s easier to recognize them. You’ve seen their faces so many times. You know their walk. You are familiar with their stature. In this passage, Jesus is the figure who was recognized, and it’s not by someone you’d probably expect.

Jesus arrived on the other side of the Sea of Galilee after having just calmed a storm. His disciples probably thought they had seen it all. He spoke to the waves and they were stilled! But wait, there is more!

At the shoreline, two men who are possessed by demons approach Jesus. Now, to be possessed by demons, is the worst thing that a human could experience on earth. Demons are real, and their goal is to destroy and torture people, who are made in God’s image. Demons cause uncontrollable violence to self and to others, so much so that these men had to live outside of the city among tombs.

“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. The demons recognized Jesus! They spoke first. They call Him a name none of His followers have called Him yet, like an old friend who has a nickname for you that no one else knows. “Son of God,” they exclaim. Interestingly, the only other being who has spoken this name in the book of Matthew so far is Satan, when he tempts Jesus (Matthew 4:3-6). Additionally, “Son of God” is a title that Gentiles used most commonly, indicating that these men were not Jews and this was a Gentile region. Jews did not raise pigs on farms, as they were considered unclean animals. 

So, Jesus takes his Jewish disciples on a near-death journey through a storm on the sea to a land where their Gentile adversaries lived, specifically two men who were complete outcasts from society. This doesn’t feel like a good plan. 

And yet, God’s plans are perfect, and everything is subject to God’s authority. The demons know their time is limited. They know they will be defeated “at the appointed time.” They asked to be sent into the herd of pigs grazing nearby and in one word, “Go!”Jesus casts out this legion of angels from these men. Just one word and everything changed. Just like he spoke to the storm and it stopped. Just like He spoke and created everything in the beginning. 

The same God who powerfully spoke at the Creation of the world, and at this moment then, is the same God who speaks now. Jesus IS the Word (John 1:1). He was willing to compromise the economy of an entire region to set these demon-possessed men free because of His great love for them. Eventually, on the cross Jesus suffered and died, and then rose again to set even more people free, including you and me. That’s a great word! 

PAUSE: What word do you need Jesus to speak? Do you believe God is powerful enough to speak a word that would change your life?

PRACTICE: Just like Jesus’ words are powerful, so are yours. Today, how can you use your words to build someone else up? How can you use your words to encourage yourself?

PRAY: Jesus, thank You for demonstrating your power over creation, and even over the supernatural. I know You can do anything and everything is subject to Your authority. Today, let me listen to Your voice, the voice of love. Guard my mouth to speak only words that are true and kind. Thank You God. In Jesus’ Name Amen