Week 8 - Matthew 8 v 28-34

Matthew 8
New International Version
Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men
²⁸When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,^[^c^] two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ²⁹“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
³⁰Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. ³¹The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
³²He 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. ³³Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
See also Mark 5 v 1 to 20

1.      Was their violence the reason the demon possessed men lived among the tombs?

2.      What does the mens’ addressing Jesus as “the Son of God? tell us about their knowledge of who he is?

3.      What did the demons mean by the “Appointed time”?

4.      Why did the demons wish to enter pigs?

5.      Why do you think Jesus allowed them to enter the herd of pigs?

6.      Who was upset about the pigs drowning? What was wrong about them keeping pigs?

7.      Why, after Jesus has healed the demon possessed men, did the local population want Jesus to leave the area rather than do more miraculous things?

Please email Brother Phil your answers and further discussion.