What is the meaning of Matthew 8:31? So the demons - Matthew records real, personal evil spirits, not mere illnesses or symbols. Scripture treats demons as literal beings (Mark 1:32-34; Luke 8:30). - They speak as a unified group, revealing that multiple spirits can inhabit one man (cf. Mark 5:9 “My name is Legion, for we are many”). - Demons know exactly who Jesus is. James 2:19 says, “Even the demons believe—and shudder,” showing their fearful recognition of His deity and power. begged Jesus - Their plea underscores Christ’s absolute authority. Demons do not negotiate as equals; they plead for permission (Mark 1:25-26; Luke 4:41). - Philippians 2:10 affirms that every knee—heavenly, earthly, and “under the earth”—will bow to Jesus. Even rebellious spirits acknowledge this. - The request highlights Jesus’ mercy: He listens, though He owes them nothing. This foreshadows the grace He will extend to people who ask (Matthew 7:7-8). If You drive us out - The conditional phrase shows they know the outcome is certain once Jesus decides. Matthew 12:28: “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” - Jesus’ mission includes destroying the devil’s works (1 John 3:8). Casting them out demonstrates the in-breaking kingdom authority. - Their fear of being “driven out” reminds us that evil is temporary and defeated (Revelation 20:10). send us into the herd of pigs - Pigs were ceremonially unclean for Jews (Leviticus 11:7). The unclean spirits prefer an unclean host, underscoring their defilement. - Mark 5:11-13 and Luke 8:32-33 add that about two thousand pigs rushed down the steep bank and drowned, proving the destructive intent of demons (John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”). - By allowing them into pigs, Jesus: • Demonstrates the reality of the deliverance—visible evidence when the herd perishes. • Shows people the high value He places on a single human life compared to any economic loss (cf. Matthew 12:12 “People are worth far more than sheep”). • Signals judgment on a community comfortable with uncleanness, prompting them to reassess their priorities (Matthew 8:34). summary Matthew 8:31 reveals literal, personal demons acknowledging Jesus’ supreme authority, pleading for any future allowed to them. Their request to enter unclean pigs underscores both the depth of their defilement and Christ’s power to liberate a tormented man. The verse calls us to recognize Jesus as the victorious King who values human souls above all and who alone can free us from the grip of evil. |
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