The Demoniac

THE DEMONIACS

 

             When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region. So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city.

Matthew 8:28-9:1

 

Possible Discussion Questions:

  1. What is demon possession?
  2. How must the possessed men felt? How were they treated by society?
  3. Any significance to their living in the tombs?
  4. What is the final goal of the demons? Of Jesus?
  5. Is the devil strong? Why is it important to know this?
  6. How do the demons know Jesus?
  7. Why did Jesus allow the demons to go into the swine? Why swine?
  8. Why might the people have wanted Jesus to leave?