GoingThroughOurGadarenes


Matthew 8:28-34

28When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, 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.




one might question, why would God lead Jesus to a place where he would get rejected? didn't God consider Jesus' feelings? Jesus probably had to walk for miles to get to Gadarenes, he probably had to brave insane weather , endure aching feet.. why? why go through all that trouble to get rejected?


those who went to rad conf would confidently say OH I KNOW! cos in the end, Jesus still got accepted and his words still spread like wildfire through the area and many were saved! so it was worth it..


is that my point? technically that ain't answering the question is it? cos God could have easily made the crowds accept Jesus the first time.. same effort, same results.. why let Jesus' delicate heart and feelings get hurt the first time round?


could it be God wanted to prepare Jesus for the worst rejection at the cross? could it be God wanted Jesus to grow, mature perhaps, to accept circumstances the way they throw themselves at you? could it have been God's way to remind Jesus that He is in control?


we neglect the very possible spiritual growth Jesus could have earned from that trip to Gadarenes.. was Jesus upset when he got boo-ed off the stage? oh most certainly! who wouldn't? was he confused? did he felt like it was a waste of time and effort in the beginning? absolutely!


but God still made him go through it.


we all HAVE to go through our Gadarenes.. it is a compulsory.. to go through the hardships, the dry lands.. would we like it? nope.. would we understand it? probably not.. but it is essential for growth..


for God knows what he is doing, and you go through NOTHING without a reason.


perhaps taking that accusatory finger out of the sky for a moment would help you see.