Matthew 8:28-34
“Notice what you notice.” For the next few days we will be across the Sea of Galilee in the country of the Garasenes, where Jesus meets one or two demon-possessed individuals (Matthew has two; Mark and Luke have one). Matthew’s account is quite short compared to the other two. Mark’s account is the longest and the most detailed – we’ll spend two days with him. All three accounts are in large agreement, except for Jesus’ words and the one-or-two demon-possessed man/men issue.
Possibly because Matthew’s is the shortest of all three accounts, it is interesting that there is no conversation between Jesus and the demon(s). They recognize Him right away, speak their few words to Him, and ask to be sent into the pigs. Jesus speaks only one word: “Go.” Intriguing!! If Jesus spoke only one word to us, what might that one word be?
One other item of interest – an item that is in Matthew and not in the other two… In verse 29(b) the demons say, “Have you come here to torment us before the time?” I wonder what they mean by “before the time”? Were they at Cana when Jesus told His mother, “My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4) I wonder what Satan and his demons knew about Jesus’ time frame?
Blessings on this Easter Monday!
I noted the “before the time” statement too. I am thinking that the demons and Satan have been told about their fate at the end of days, though they may be in denial or desperately working to change it by their own efforts. We too have been told, and maybe in denial or trying to change the plot line by ourselves. I also thought about Jesus talking about the end times – his judgment comes then, not before. Before the end times we have mercy offered.