January 31, 2015--Swine

Matthew 8:28—9:1

²⁸When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. ²⁹Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. ³¹The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” ³²And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. ³³The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. ³⁴Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.

9And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town.

Jesus is walking and two demoniacs come out of the tombs to meet him.  First thing to note is that they recognize Jesus and what Jesus can do.  It seems strange that they request to be sent into a herd of swine if they are cast out of the people.  When they are cast into the swine, they rush down the bank and perish in the water.  Those who tended the swine, the swineherds run off and tell the whole story.  Their witness causes the whole town to come and meet Jesus, and when they see him they beg him to leave their neighborhood.  

Why would they want Jesus to leave?  Were they worried what Jesus would see in them?  Are we afraid of what Jesus would see?  The reality is Jesus does see us, as we really are, and loves and cares for us anyway.
Lord, you see us as we are.  Cast out those things inside us that separate us from accepting your love.  Amen.