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Even the Demons Know It

Matthew 8:29 (ESV) -- 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?”

Most people today are terrified of thoughts of demons. If someone told you there were demons in a particular home, you likely wouldn’t go in the house. People from earlier eras of time are no different. These rebels against God follow their father, the Devil. They are wicked, evil, and ruin many people’s lives. 

Our passage today gives us great hope and perspective about the future awaiting Satan and his demons. In an incredible story, we see Jesus go to a place where two demon possessed men stayed. They hung around tombs. People were terrified of them. Imagine learning that there were two terrifying men who hung out in the cemetery all day. Most people wouldn’t venture that direction. That was exactly the case in Matthew 8. The people in that region knew of the men and stayed away. But not Jesus.

Jesus walks right up to them, demonstrating no fear of them. When the men see Jesus, they cry out to Him, “What have you do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” This is a fascinating revelation. The demons know who Jesus is. They declare He is the Son of God. They know His identity. Then we see them inquiring about the reason He was there. They ask if He was coming to torment them before the time. What time? The time at the end of all things where they will be judged and damned. 

They know what future awaits them. They know Jesus is the rightful judge who will sentence them to eternal chains and damnation. Their fate isn’t up in the air. It is set. They know it. This should encourage us as believers to recognize the sovereign rule and reign of our Lord. A Day is coming where Satan and his demons will be judged and sent to Hell. Believers can rest confident that our Lord is in control. Even the demons know it.


Reflection & Journal:
- Why does nobody pass by where the two men stay?
- What does Jesus’ willingness to go to them demonstrate about His nature and character?
- How should this passage encourage us in our lives today?


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