One Word

By Denise Trio

“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ‘What do you want with us, Son of God?’ they shouted. ‘Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?’ Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, ‘If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.’ He said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.”—Matthew 8:28–34 (NIV)

Have you ever had this awkward moment where you recognize someone and wave excitedly at them, only to realize when you get closer, it isn’t the person you thought it was? But you’re too late. Your hand is already up in the air. Your smile quickly fades, and you try to save yourself more embarrassment by scratching your head or fixing your hair.

With people we love or famous people, it’s easier to recognize them. Why? Because we’ve seen their faces so many times. We know their walk’ we’re familiar with their stature.

In today’s passage, Jesus is the figure who’s recognized, and it’s not by someone you’d probably expect. Jesus arrives on the other side of the Sea of Galilee after having just calmed a storm. His disciples probably thought they had seen it all after He spoke to the waves, and they were stilled! But wait, there’s more!

At the shoreline, two men who are possessed by demons approach Jesus. Now, being possessed by demons is the worst thing a human could experience on the earth. Demons are real, and their goal is to destroy and torture people who are made in God’s image. Demons cause uncontrollable violence to self and others, so much so that these men had to live outside of the city among the tombs.

“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. The demons recognized Jesus! They spoke first. They call Him a name none of His followers have called Him yet, like an old friend with a nickname for you that no one else knows. “Son of God,” they exclaim.

Interestingly, the only other being who has spoken this name in the Book of Matthew so far is Satan, when he tempts Jesus (Matthew 4:3–6). Additionally, “Son of God” is a title the Gentiles used most commonly, which indicates these men aren’t Jews, and this is a Gentile region. Jews didn’t raise pigs on farms, as they were considered unclean animals.

So, Jesus takes his Jewish disciples on a near-death journey through a storm on the sea to a land where their Gentile adversaries lived, specifically, two men who were complete outcasts from society. This doesn’t feel like a good plan. And yet, God’s plans are perfect, and everything is subject to God’s authority. The demons know their time is limited. They know they’ll be defeated at the appointed time. They ask to be sent into the herd of pigs grazing nearby, and in one word (“Go!”), Jesus casts out this legion of demons from these men. Just one word and everything changed. Just like when He spoke to the storm, and it stopped, just like when He spoke and created everything in the beginning.

The same God who powerfully spoke at the creation of the world and at this moment in today’s passage is the same God who speaks now. Jesus IS the Word (John 1:1). He was willing to compromise the economy of an entire region to set two demon-possessed men free because of His great love for them. Eventually, on the cross, Jesus suffered, died, and then rose again to set even more people free—including you and me. That’s a great word!

Pause: What word do you need Jesus to speak? Do you believe God is powerful enough to speak a word that would change your life?

Practice: Just like Jesus’ words are powerful, so are yours. Today, use your words to build someone else up! And use your words to encourage yourself!

Pray: Jesus, thank You for demonstrating Your power over creation and even over the supernatural. I know You can do anything; everything is subject to Your authority. Today, let me listen to Your voice, the voice of love. Guard my mouth to speak only words that are true and kind. Thank You God. Amen.