Grant B. Caldwell
04/19/09
Jesus said, "Go" (Matthew 8:32). This was a statement of permission to demons who had possessed two men. The demons had requested of Jesus, "If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine" (verse 31). Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the pigs?
Not Time Yet — The demons asked Jesus, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" (verse 29). These demons recognized who Jesus is. The demon-possessed girl who followed Paul and Silas were knew that "these men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation" ( Acts 16:17). James said, "Even the devils believe — and tremble" (2:19). However, the devils evidently knew that there was appointed a time for their demise. In speaking of the pouring out of the Spirit of grace and the death of Christ, the prophet said, "It shall be in that day . . . the unclean spirit shall depart from the land" (Zechariah 13:3). Like many today, these devils did not understand that demon possession was to cease with the preaching of the gospel. Jesus showed them it was time.
Jews Not Allowed Pigs — To the Jews, swine (hogs or pigs) were considered unclean. It is uncertain why these men had a herd of pigs. Some suggest that Jesus allowed this as punishment to these law breakers for having this herd. However, there is nothing in the text which would indicate such. It is interesting that even though they were unclean, this herd was of great value to its owners.
People of More Value Than Pigs — That brings us to the real message here and perhaps the greatest lesson of the text. Jesus considered these two men of far more value than any possession. What is the loss of even a herd of pigs compared to saving two human beings? Jesus asked the question, "What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Jesus came to save man not property. It is a fool who thinks only of what he has and make no arrangements for his soul (Luke 12:15-21). It matters little what we put together of this life’s goods. We will take none of it with us (Job 1:21).
The Selfishness of Men — Verse 33 says that the keepers of the herd "told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men." Surely everyone was thrilled that these two men were well and in their right mind (Mark 5:15). No, the owners of the pigs with the whole city were not happy. They asked Jesus to leave their country. He was costing them too much. See Luke 14:28. Society generally places more value on things than on people. We collect things, whoever must be stepped on or replaced. If your real goal in life is the accumulation of things, maybe Jesus is costing you too much.