Read: Matthew 8:28-34 NRSV
When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood.
Fear comes in many forms. In this story, the townspeople had lived in the shadow of terror for who knows how long—two demon-possessed men so violent that no one dared pass that way. Then Jesus comes, and with a single word—“Go!”—He sets the men free. The evil is cast out. Peace is restored.
But instead of rejoicing, the people are afraid.
Why?
Jesus had just displayed a power that could not be explained or controlled. In casting out the demons, He disrupted not only the spiritual darkness but also their daily lives. The loss of the swine—perhaps a significant economic blow—tangibly reminded them that Jesus’ presence changes everything. His authority over evil is absolute, but it is not comfortable. It demands a response.
Sometimes, we fear Jesus not because He brings chaos, but because He brings change. We are afraid of what He might ask us to give up, or how He might challenge the broken systems we’ve learned to live with. Like the townspeople, we may find ourselves tempted to ask Him to leave rather than invite Him to stay and continue His healing work.
But here’s the truth: the very power that frightens us is the same power that saves us. Jesus doesn’t come to torment us—He comes to set us free.
What area of your life are you afraid to surrender to Jesus’ authority? What might He be asking you to let go of, so that He can bring healing?
