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We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we’re talking about a difficult passage in Chapter 8, where Jesus casts out demons.
Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons
28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes,[a] two demon-possessed[b] men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Today, we’re continuing on in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is in the midst of His incarnational ministry. Today, we read about how He had power over the enemy. By taking a look at this part of God’s Word (and other passages), we can learn information about the enemy, so we can be on guard for his tactics, and stay firm in our faith.
About Demons:
1. Demons are fallen angels
Rev. 12:4, 9, Jude 1:6
2. Demons know who Jesusis
Matt. 8:29, James 2:19, Mark 3:11, Rev. 20:10
3. The goal of demons is to reek havocon God’s Kingdom
Matt. 8:28, 1 Pet. 5:8, 2 Cor. 11:14-15, 1 Tim. 4:1
4. Demons have the ability to possess an unbeliever, andharassa believer
Matt. 8:28, 30-34, 12:22, 43-45, 1 John 4:4, 2 Cor. 12:7, 2 Pet. 2:4, Luke 8:2, Mark 9:29, Acts 16:16-18
With this information, we can recognize that:
1. God has the ultimate authority, so we don’t have to fear
Matt. 8:32, James 4:7, 1 John 4:4, Matt. 10:1, Luke 10:17, Acts 19:13-16
2. Everyone has a choiceof whom they will serve
Matt. 8:34, 12:30, 6:24, 1 Kings 18:21, Josh. 24:15, 2 Pet. 3:9
3. As believers, we are to be a witness to others
Matt. 28:19-20, Rom. 10:14-15, 1 Pet. 3:15
Reflecting on God’s Word
Getting Started
- Take some time to read over Matthew 8:28-34 and pray.
- Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
- What surprised you as we talked about it?
- Read James 4:7. Take some time in prayer, specifically asking God to help you to submit yourself to Him.
Diving In
- Read over Matthew 8:28-34 again, specifically looking for how the enemy behaves, and God’s power over him. What stands out to you?
- Read 2 Corinthians 12:7. What do you think the thorn in Paul’s side was? What in this season of your life do you feel like you’re dealing with in a similar way as Paul dealt with the thorn in his side?
- Read Matthew 8:32 again. Jesus makes it very clear that He has the ultimate authority over the enemy. How does remembering that comfort you, and help you not to fear?
- Read Matthew 8:34. The people of this area choose to reject Jesus, even though He clearly shows His power over the enemy? Why do you think they rejected Him? How does remembering their reaction help you to avoid the same mistake in your own life?
- As believers, God gives us the task of being a witness to the rest of the world. Who has God put on your heart to reach out to lately? What’s stopping you from witnessing to that person?
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
- What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
- How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord?
- Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?
Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?