28 When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes , two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs . They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way . 29 And they cried out, saying , " What business do we have with each other, Son of God ? Have You come here to torment us before the time ?" 30 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. 31 The demons began to entreat Him, saying , "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine ." 32 And He said to them, "Go !" And they came out and went into the swine , and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters . 33 The herdsmen ran away , and went to the city and reported everything , including what had happened to the demoniacs . 34 And behold , the whole city came out to meet Jesus ; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 8:28-34
Commentary on Matthew 8:28-34
(Read Matthew 8:28-34)
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! Hebrews 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devils desire not to have any thing to do with Christ as a Ruler. See whose language those speak, who will have nothing to do with the gospel of Christ. But it is not true that the devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Judge; for they have, and they know it, and thus it is with all the children of men. Satan and his instruments can go no further than he permits; they must quit possession when he commands. They cannot break his hedge of protection about his people; they cannot enter even a swine without his leave. They had leave. God often, for wise and holy ends, permits the efforts of Satan's rage. Thus the devil hurries people to sin; hurries them to what they have resolved against, which they know will be shame and grief to them: miserable is the condition of those who are led captive by him at his will. There are a great many who prefer their swine before the Saviour, and so come short of Christ and salvation by him. They desire Christ to depart out of their hearts, and will not suffer his word to have place in them, because he and his word would destroy their brutish lusts, those swine which they give themselves up to feed. And justly will Christ forsake all that are weary of him; and say hereafter, Depart, ye cursed, to those who now say to the Almighty, Depart from us.