The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs

Today's Reflections

The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs 

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Mt 8:28-34

²⁸When [Jesus] came to the other side, to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. ²⁹They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” ³⁰Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. ³¹The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” ³²And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. ³³The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. ³⁴Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

Reflection:

Two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. Living in the tombs, among the dead, signifies that the two men possessed by demons have no life, no hope, no bright future. The two are powerless, useless, and helpless. Meeting Jesus is the beginning of hope, of new life—salvation. Jesus liberates them from bondage and gives them new life.

In the process, Jesus allows the unclean spirits to enter the swine. Swine is listed among the unclean animals (Lv 11:7). Jews abhor pork and avoid pigs. The unclean spirits are meant for unclean animals in which they manifest their motive to destroy life. Thus the swine rush down into the sea to drown.

But there is a twist to the liberating act of Jesus. Instead of being grateful to him, the people of the district do not rejoice but beg him to leave. Instead of appreciating the healing and saving power of Jesus, they make Jesus unwelcome. Why? Perhaps they think of the loss of pigs and profits. They value more their material possessions than their own salvation.

What are your concerns?  What do you value more?

Recall personal experiences

when Jesus saved and healed you.