What Jesus Did! 'Destruction and Victory' — Matthew 8:30-32

Saturday, April 12, 2025

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons [in the two men Jesus encountered after crossing the lake] begged, "If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."

"All right, go!" Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

— Matthew 8:30-32 NLT

Key Thought

Two truths are powerfully illustrated by these verses. First, Jesus commands and demons must obey. He is superior to them. They cannot stand against him. Second, the goal of the demonic world is to destroy. The plight of the men - possessed, unclothed, out of their minds, self-destructive, living in the place of the dead, isolated from people - and the ultimate end of the herd of pigs both remind us that the demonic world, no matter how alluring or seductive or powerful, has as its goal our destruction. The crucifixion of Jesus, which lies ahead of him at this time in his ministry, will be the place that Jesus' superiority will ultimately conflict with the demonic world's desire to destroy. For three days after his crucifixion, it appears as if the demonic world has won. Jesus' triumphant resurrection is the great reminder that he is Lord. He has the power to defeat every enemy. Our ultimate victory in Jesus is assured just as surely as demons ultimate defeat is certain.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please give me wisdom to see through the temptations of Satan and the allure of the demonic world. Don't let me ever forget that Satan's ultimate desire for me is my complete physical, spiritual, and social destruction. Thank you for sending Jesus to absorb the demonic world's blows intended for me and to free me from the power of death forever. In the mighty name of Jesus, your Son and my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 2:14-15
  • Revelation 19:11-20
  • Colossians 2:20

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

This Brutal World
Article by Max Lucado
Life is a dangerous endeavor. We pass our days in the shadows of ominous realities. Max Lucado reminds us to be courageous in our times of trouble for we have put our faith in the one who has conquered.
Through Every Storm
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Jesus wants us to invite him into our storms so he can speak peace to our panic and hope to our dread. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that the storms of life can engulf us, surround us, buffet us, and even terrify us, but Jesus will not abandon us in our storms and will eventually bring us to safety, peace, and calm.
Our Brutal World
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Life is a dangerous endeavor. We pass our days in the shadows of ominous realities. Max Lucado reminds us to be courageous in our times of trouble for we have put our faith in the one who has conquered.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 8:30-32 NLT — "If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs." —— "All right, go!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 12, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
John 17:15
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All You Servants of the Lord'
"Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve him night and day ..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God's Power Over Death for Us!' (1 Co. 6:14)
"By his power God has raised the Lord from the dead and will also raise us from the dead."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Living as a New Creation' (Ga. 6:12-18)
"Dear Father, creator of new creations, Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me..."

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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