Swine Flew (Matthew 8:28-34)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 30: Swine Flew)

Earlier in Matthew we saw a few references to Jesus’ exorcism ministry (4:24 & 8:16), but this is the first detailed account. There are 5 key exorcism stories in the Gospels:

Exorcism Accounts Matthew Mark Luke
#1 Spirit in Synagogue 1:21-28 4:31-36
#2 The Blind/Mute Man 12:22-29 11:14-26
#3 The Plunging Pigs 8:28-34 5:1-17 8:26-39
#4 Demonized Daughter 15:21-28 7:24-30
#5 Shaking Son 17:14-21 9:14-29

What this passage teaches about the demon-possessed
1. Demon-possession led these men into isolation. At least one of them hadn’t live in a house for a long time, instead having to live among the tombs (Luke 8:27, 29).
2. Demon-possession led these men into violence. In fact, they seem to have given one or both of the men unique strength (Mark 5:4).
3. Demon-possession led these men into depression. One or both of these men spent most of their time crying and/or in self-mutilation (Mark 5:5).

What this passage teaches about the demons
1. The demons were capable of controlling the bodily functions of the possessed person/creature (for example: able to speak).
2. The demons seem to have understood Jesus identity.
3. The demons seem to have known their destiny (destruction).
4. The demons seem to have needed a host creature in order to remain on earth (Matt 8:31, Mark 5:10, Luke 8:31).

What this passage teaches about Jesus
1. Jesus had authority over the demons, even two-thousand demons at once had to submit to His authority (Mark 5:13). He did not utilize the typical tools of the trade.
2. Jesus is able to restore the demon-possessed (Mark 5:15).
3. Jesus’ work is the very work of God (Luke 8:39)