"Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they say him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region."
-----Matthew 8:34
Here we read as Jesus releases demons out of two men that were prohibiting others from passing through the tombs. The demons go into a herd of pigs which immediately take a flying leap off a cliff. The pig herders (if that is actually a title) run into town to give a report. Then the whole town comes out to meet Jesus.
I would think they are on their way to praise or thank Him. Maybe give Him the key to the city and schedule a town holiday (Jesus day). But they don't. What we see is them pleading with Him.
Not that they would be made right in His eyes.
Not that they are repenting for the Kingdom is near.
They are pleading that He would leave town.
And do it quickly.
The study notes in my Bible offer some interesting insight:
"Unlike their own pagan gods, Jesus could not be contained, controlled or appeased. They feared Jesus' supernatural power, a power they have never witnessed before."
Because they could not manipulate the circumstances or the outcome with Jesus they don't want Him to have a say in their lives. We to are in danger of doing this. We choose sin and try to hide from Him. We quench the Spirit because we fear the response of man.
ARE YOU TRYING TO CONTROL JESUS IN YOUR LIFE?
We claim on Sunday mornings that He is Lord of our lives. History tells us that Lordship is a seven day, twenty-four hour kind of gig. I long to allow Him to be Lord in every situation of my life. His power is great, and at times is to be feared. His love for me, however, is the greatest power of all.
"Jesus, help me live in Your kingdom and submit to Your authority this week."
Heart and Soul
BAG
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