What Jesus Did! 'The Demons Know' — Matthew 8:28-29

Sunday, April 11, 2021

When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.

They began screaming at him, "Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God's appointed time?"

— Matthew 8:28-29 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is in foreign territory. This is a region of the Gentiles — the other side of the lake, Gadarenes, tombs, dangerous people, demons, and herds of pigs (Matthew 8:30) are all reminders that Jesus is going to encounter a different world than in the land of the Israelites. We are reminded in this story that Jesus is Lord of all people, all circumstances, and all entities. There is no rival to him: not in authority, not in power, and not in character. As Jesus encounters the demons, they know immediately that they are in the presence of a greater power and are going to be defeated. They know their time is short. Their only surprise is that their demise has come sooner than expected. Even though their presence has made the men they possess terrifying to others, they are no obstacles for Jesus. He is Son of God, Immanuel, and Lord. He is the great power. He is the King of kings. He is Jesus!

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I believe that no power has the ability to dominate or to steal me from your grasp because you are so far superior to all powers. In the name of Jesus, I ask you to demand that they leave me alone as I fix my eyes on Jesus, your Son and my Savior. In the name of Christ Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 2:13-15
  • Philippians 2:10-11
  • Mark 1:23-24

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 8:28-29 NLT — "Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God's appointed time?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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