How should believers respond to witnessing Jesus' power like in Matthew 8:33? Setting the scene “Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town, and reported all this, including the account of the demon-possessed men.” – Matthew 8:33 In one breathtaking moment, Jesus liberated two men from a legion of demons and sent the spirits into a herd of pigs. The herdsmen saw it all, and their first impulse was to run and tell everyone. Their reaction offers a pattern for every believer who witnesses the power of Christ. Observations from Matthew 8:33 • Immediate action followed the miracle. • The report centered on Jesus’ work, not personal opinions. • The news spread beyond the original witnesses, reaching the entire town. • The event highlighted both deliverance (the men) and judgment (the pigs), underscoring Jesus’ absolute authority. Responding with immediate testimony • Speak promptly: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:20 • Keep the focus on Jesus’ deeds: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you.” – Mark 5:19 • Share personally and publicly: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” – Psalm 66:16 Responding with holy awe • Let wonder drive worship, not mere curiosity. • Recognize divine authority over every realm: demons, creation, human lives. • Embrace reverence: “Let us be filled with gratitude and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28 • Imitate Peter’s posture of humility after a miracle: “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees.” – Luke 5:8 Responding with compassionate evangelism • Announce freedom to the oppressed, mirroring Christ’s heart. • Blend boldness with gentleness: “Always be prepared to give a defense… but respond with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15 • Show mercy to the hesitant: “Indeed have mercy on those who doubt.” – Jude 1:22 • Move beyond reporting facts to inviting others into the same deliverance. Responding with personal surrender • Offer daily obedience as living proof of His power: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” – Romans 12:1 • Allow the memory of His works to fuel ongoing repentance and faith. • Submit every fearful or resistant area to His lordship, knowing no chain is too strong for Him to break. Living it out today • Rehearse testimonies of Christ’s power in conversation, journaling, and corporate worship. • Cultivate an alertness to new works of God, expecting Him to act in power again. • Foster an atmosphere of awe in the home and church through Scripture reading and song. • Engage the community with stories of deliverance, pairing words with tangible acts of mercy. Believers who witness Jesus’ power, like the herdsmen of Matthew 8:33, are called to immediate, awe-filled, compassionate, and surrendered proclamation that magnifies the One who commands demons and redeems souls. |
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