When Jesus steps into enemy territory, things start to shake. It’s in these moments that Jesus casts out demons, demonstrating his power and authority.
In Matthew 8, He crosses the sea, calms a storm, and lands in the region of the Gadarenes—a Gentile area marked by spiritual oppression where Jesus casts out demons.
Here, He encounters two men so possessed and violent that no one dared pass by. But Jesus does.
And He doesn’t back down.
Who Is Jesus Interacting With?
- Two demon-possessed men dwelling in tombs, living among the dead.
- A legion of demons speaking through them.
- A town of fearful, economically driven people, more concerned with pigs than people.
What Jesus Said: Matthew 8:28–34 (NASB)
28 And when He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. 29 And they cried out, saying, “What business do You have with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding at a distance from them. 31 And the demons begged Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32 And He said to them, “Go!” And they came out and went into the pigs; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 And the herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave their region.
The Clash Between Light and Darkness
The moment Jesus sets foot on their shore, He is met with resistance. The demons recognized Him immediately—not as a man, but as the Son of God who casts them out.
They didn’t question His authority. They begged for permission.
Action Step: Remember, spiritual darkness trembles at the presence of Jesus. Don’t fear the battle. Bring Jesus into it.
“Send us into the pigs”
The demons feared judgment but still negotiated.
Jesus grants the request—not because He compromises with evil, but to demonstrate His dominion and reveal what was truly oppressing the region as He casts out demons.
Action Step: Sometimes Jesus exposes the cost of hidden sin. Be willing to let go of what’s unclean to walk in freedom.
A Herd Drowns, Two Men Are Set Free
Freedom came at a visible cost. The pigs—the region’s economic asset—were lost.
But two men were restored, clothed, and in their right minds (see also Mark 5:15). Jesus values people more than profits.
Action Step: What are you valuing more than someone’s freedom? Let Jesus reorder your priorities.
“They Begged Him to Leave”
Here’s the shocking part: the townspeople did not rejoice over the miracle. They were afraid. Uncomfortable. Upset at the loss of income. So they begged Jesus to leave.
And He did.
Action Step: Don’t let fear or convenience push Jesus out. Welcome His disruption—it brings lasting deliverance.
The Mood of the Scene
- Intense.
- Confrontational.
- Uncomfortable.
- Miraculous.
This wasn’t a feel-good miracle—it was a radical spiritual cleansing. Sometimes Jesus overturns comfort to restore the captives and casts out demons.
What This Means for Us in 2025
We live in a world still gripped by spiritual oppression—addiction, depression, generational bondage, fear.
Jesus still casts out demons.
He still crosses over into broken places.
But His presence always brings a choice: Do we celebrate freedom, or do we cling to what’s familiar?
Application for Today:
- Don’t avoid hard places—Jesus enters them with you to cast out demons.
- Let Him expose what’s tormenting you or your family.
- Be willing to let go of things that feed bondage.
- Celebrate people over profit, always.
- Never send Jesus away when He challenges your comfort.
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for crossing into my dark places. I invite You to confront everything that has tormented me, my family, and my generation. Cast out fear, sin, and every unclean thing, just as Jesus casts out demons. I won’t beg You to leave—I welcome Your power to stay. Set me free. In Your name, Amen.
