Christian Family Services Ministry

1-20-2022 – A Word to the Wise – Pig dinner:

Matthew, and Luke 8, along with Mark 5 tells us about an episode in the life of Christ that is so important all three Gospel writers address it, I wonder why? Seems simple. Jesus meets a man with a few demons and takes care of the situation as usual.

I believe it is a little deeper than that perhaps if I added some things to the passage which may or may not be accurate it might help. First the storm.

This was no ordinary rainstorm. No at all. The Greek text uses words that include violent earthquake. This is a violent storm. Ever been in one? Years ago, let see that would be forty-seven years ago Mary and I lived in Moore, Oklahoma. Early one evening the rain clouds started gathering and then it got violent. A huge tornado was coming near. Dumb me stood outside and watched it. Right before it hit a green sheen covered the sky. One hundred yards off the tornado came rushing through. That is a violent storm.

So here in this passage we have a terrible violent storm and believe me the Lord did not send it. Satan did because he did not want Jesus heading to his country, Gerasa, a Roman protectorate.

Jesus lands on the shore and Satan has a reception party already for him. So, what we have so far is a violent storm warning Jesus to keep away, a violent human possessed by 20,000 demons. Imagine what one demon can do, this guy has 20,000 of them! Get out Jesus this is my land, my cemetery, my tombs, leave.

So, Jesus has a short conversation with the head demon who immediately begs for mercy. “Do not send us to hell, why not those poor pigs over there? Why did Jesus agree? Two thousand that would feed a lot of people. Here is the point.

Pigs do not eat grass! But they are eating. What do think they are eating? Remember this is a graveyard these pigs are digging up old bodies and bones!

But that is just the second aspect of what is going on. Why do you suppose the demons wanted in the pigs? Really it is very simple. The demons thought they would stampede them and run over Jesus and the disciples! Now, how does that influence the whole situation? The storm, the greeting by the evil one, the pigs, their breakfast, and murderous intent. I will never look at this passage he same, what about you?