Daily Devotions
Matthew
Master of Every Situation
Text: Matthew 8 : 28 - 34
The disciples must have been astonished again and again as they watched Jesus at work. The volume of work was staggering. The speed at which He moved was breath-taking. From the city of Capernaum with multitudes thronging Him, to the tempest that arose out of nowhere, Jesus showed Himself more than Master of every situation.
The storm had calmed down. Soon the disciples found themselves in a new scenario.
“When He had come to the other side, to the
country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two
demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs,
exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.”
Matthew 8:28
The disciples had seen Jesus casting out demons before, but they had never encountered demoniacs such as these. Why had Jesus chosen to be here anyway? These were Gentiles! Once again, the disciples found themselves having to learn new lessons of life and ministry!
“The country of the Gergesenes”
This region was essentially a Gentile area. It is sometimes referred to as Decapolis, a group of 10 city-state (Deca = 10; Polis = cities). Gadara and Gerasa were two cities in this region. Ancient manuscripts made reference to both cities.
“Two demon-possessed men… exceedingly fierce”
The two men seemed to have marked out for themselves this territory as their domain. Hence the phrase, “no one could pass that way”. They guarded that region as if they owned it. They themselves lived among the tombs. They were like the living dead, for society could not accept or adjust to their anti-social behaviour.
A DESPERATE CONFRONTATION OF POWERS
In ordinary circumstances, all who stepped on shore would be confronted by these fierce men! They would appear as mad men, for all wants and purposes! Few if any ever escaped unscathed from this confrontation with the two demon-possessed men! You couldn’t reason with them. You couldn’t befriend them. You couldn’t even attempt to have a normal conversation with them. There was only one way to communicate with them! They knew only the language of power!
“And suddenly they cried out, saying, ‘What
have we to do with you, Jesus, You Son of God?
Have you come here to torment us before the time?'”
Matthew 8:29
The two men of Gergesenes must have noticed the group of men as they stepped on shore. With fierce maniacal determination they went out to confront this group of men who had dared to step into their territory. As they drew nearer, suddenly the two demoniacs found themselves shrieking with fear! They were not afraid of the number of men who disembarked. They who lived in the tombs were afraid of nobody, not even if they were heavily outnumbered!
However there was One Person in their midst that caused them to tremble! Though these men had never seen Jesus, they recognized Him instantly anyway! Great was their cry as they came into the Presence of Jesus!
“Jesus, You Son of God”
The disciples had muttered under their breath, just a short while ago, a vital question! Just who was this Man who was their Teacher? Theoretically, they knew that He was no ordinary man. They were discovering things about Him that astounded them! And now this! How did these men know Jesus? How terrified they appeared to be!
“Have you come to torment us before our time?”
What did these men mean? Why did they speak of being tormented by Jesus? How dare they accuse Jesus of such things? These were mad men indeed!
THE AUTHORITATIVE SILENCE OF JESUS
How frightening these demon-possessed men were! Lesser men would have been terrified! But Jesus was just as cool and calm now as He was in the boat! Nothing fazed Him!
He did not speak a word to the men who were obviously terrified of the Presence of Jesus! All they wanted was to flee from Him! But they couldn’t even move from where they were, till they had obtained leave from Jesus! Just who was this Man that the demon-possessed were so frightened of?
ANOTHER VITAL LESSON FOR THE DISCIPLES TO PONDER OVER
The disciples had seen Jesus heal those who were demon-possessed! What then were the lessons intended on this special occasion? Two thoughts may be highlighted.
1. Reinforcement of Faith
The disciples had a jolt to their faith when their boat threatened to capsize in the tempest in the Sea of Galilee. Their faith needed all the reinforcement it could receive! This awesome encounter with the demon-possessed men did much to bolster their confidence and faith in Jesus!
2. Renewal of Appreciation
Were the disciples frightened when the mad men rushed upon them? If there had been fear, that was soon replaced by joy and courage in the knowledge of who Jesus was! Why even these notorious demon-possessed men were tame before their Master!