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:
- Are there demons? What are they? Is there a devil? What is he? Where did Jesus first face the devil during His earthly ministry?
- What is demon possession? Is there demon possession today? Would we recognize it?
- What might make a person be more vulnerable to possession of demons? Consider what might weaken our spiritual nature – drugs, alcohol, magic, fortune-telling, seances??? What else might open a person up to demon possession?
- How must the possessed men felt? How were they treated by society?
- Any significance to their living in the tombs?
- Unlike most miracles, where the person or people are asking Jesus for His help, who speaks to Jesus here? To whom does Jesus address His commands?
- What is the final goal of the demons? Of Jesus?
- Is the devil strong? Why is it important to know this? Do we need to fear the devil? Who defeated the devil? How?
- Is there neutral ground in this battle? Where do we stand? Do we even take a stand?
- How do the demons know Jesus? Who do they recognize Jesus to be?
- Why did Jesus allow the demons to go into the swine? Why swine?
- Why might the people of the town have wanted Jesus to leave?
- Why does the Church feel this miracle is so important that this gospel is read at least twice every year?