Matthew 8:34  Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. (NLT) (NLT)

—

Jesus cast demons out of two dangerous and terrifying men who lived in the tombs. They “were so violent that no one could go through that area,” (verse 28). 

He tossed the demons into pigs. The pigs inhabited by the demons did what people inhabited by demons do — they rushed toward death and destruction. 

The pig herders took off running also (verse 33). They told everyone in town what happened to the violent men and the breakfast meat on legs. It appears the townspeople were willing to put up with a whole lotta crazy and dangerous behavior as long as it didn’t hurt their bottom line and breakfast of champions. 

In this highly dramatic event where two lives were set right, “the entire town came out to meet Jesus.” This was no Welcome Committee, however. They were more comfortable with Crazy than Sane. And “they begged him to go away and leave them alone.” 

Jesus responded to beggars all the time. He made their lives better. Except here. They didn’t want to be better. They wanted to be left alone. 

When we tell Jesus, “Go away and leave me alone,” there comes a time when he will do just that. He is patient and provides opportunities again and again for a person to turn his or her heart toward him. He is kind and draws people to himself through loving activities that lead to transformation. He also knows when a heart’s final disposition is set against him, and he will leave that person alone. 

I’ve had a few people tell me to go away and leave them alone. This is most often a cry for help. It is a longing for something deeper and more meaningful than simple answers and happy talk. This is often a cry for a kind of understanding that only those who love large and listen patiently can begin to mine. 

Here is a bit of wisdom we can offer to ourselves and others: Sending Jesus away does not make problems better. Telling Jesus to Get Lost does not help in any manner we may hope. Only Jesus can heal certain hurts. Only Jesus can provide ultimate hope. 

Two men had their lives changed forever. A whole town experienced the benefit of those positive changes, and yet they rejected the Savior who could have revolutionized family and community life forever. 

Welcome Jesus. Welcome transformation. Welcome peace.

—

I will welcome Jesus.

—

Our Father, please deliver me from loving pigs and chaos more than Jesus. Please transform my heart and mind. Empower me to love who you love, and to seek their highest and best even when it is not received as good news. Amen.