Matthew 8:28–34 (ESV)
Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons
28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 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?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to
them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened
to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Demons are especially active in opposing Jesus’ ministry.
But they cannot stymie God’s Son, who repeatedly shows His authority over them. We cannot reject the possibility that demon possession causes some afflictions today. However, baptized children of God do not need to fear demonic possession. For our Lord
Jesus Christ has redeemed us “from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil” (SC, Second Article, p xxxvii). Baptism into Christ ensures that His victory is our victory. (LSB)
I pray: O Lord, help my seeing eyes to believe and not be blinded with doubt. You are all powerful, you are the Messiah! Amen.