Bible Verse Meaning: Matthew 8:34

Verse: "And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."

Overview of Matthew 8:34

This verse concludes the account of Jesus' miraculous healing of two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes. The response of the people from the city is striking; instead of welcoming Jesus, they ask Him to leave. This reaction leads to rich analysis in understanding human nature, fear, and rejection of divine authority.

Commentary Insights

When examining Matthew 8:34, several public domain commentaries provide valuable insights.

• Matthew Henry's Commentary

  Henry emphasizes the fright of the Gadarenes at the power of Jesus. The miracle of the swine rushing into the sea serves as a sign of Jesus’ power over evil. Instead of recognizing the goodness of His deeds, the people choose to focus on their loss and ask Jesus to depart, highlighting a common theme of mankind’s fear of what is unfamiliar. Henry notes that the townsfolk valued their material possessions and comfort over the life-giving presence of Christ.

• Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

  Barnes points out the irony of the situation; the townspeople, who had witnessed such a great miracle, responded not with gratitude but with fear and rejection. He draws attention to the fact that their plea for Jesus to leave reveals their inability to cope with the changes His presence brought about in their lives. Barnes encourages readers to reflect on how we may react when confronted with the transformative power of Christ in our own lives.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary

  Clarke provides a linguistic analysis of the original texts, suggesting that the request for Jesus to leave indicates a conscious decision of the people to prioritize their own comfort over spiritual truth. He notes the significance of their choice, linking it to the notion of rejecting divine intervention. Clarke underscores the peril of valuing the temporal over the eternal and reminds us of the importance of welcoming Jesus into our lives, despite the discomfort it may initially bring.

Thematic Connections and Cross-References

Matthew 8:34 provides numerous thematic connections and parallels within the Biblical text. Below are some cross-references that illuminate the concepts of fear, rejection, and the cost of following Christ.

• Luke 8:37 - A parallel account where the people implore Jesus to depart, highlighting a similar response of fear and rejection.
• Mark 5:17 - Another version of the story, reinforcing the theme of refusal to accept Jesus due to fear of loss.
• John 1:10-11 - Discusses how Jesus came to His own but was not received, mirroring the response of the Gadarenes.
• Matthew 13:57 - Jesus experiences rejection in His own hometown, exhibiting a pattern of unbelief among those familiar with Him.
• Romans 1:21 - Reflects on the idea that when people do not acknowledge God, they are led to futile outcomes, similar to the Gadarenes' reaction.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:8 - Highlights that those who do not obey the Gospel will face judgment, connecting to the refusal to embrace Christ's authority.
• Acts 7:51 - Stephen accuses the religious leaders of always resisting the Holy Spirit, tying back to the story of resistance in Matthew 8:34.
• Philippians 3:18-19 - Paul warns of those who prioritize earthly things over spiritual truths, mirroring the Gadarenes' concerns with their swine.
• Hebrews 3:12 - Encourages believers to be wary of an evil heart of unbelief, echoing the immediate reaction of the townsfolk in Matthew 8.
• Matthew 16:24-26 - Discusses the cost of discipleship and the idea of losing what is valued for the sake of gaining Christ.

Reflections on Human Nature

The reaction of the Gadarenes in Matthew 8:34 is a profound reflection of human nature, often preferring a known discomfort over the unknown possibility of transformation. The fear of losing what is familiar can lead to rejecting what is good and true. In the modern context, this narrative compels readers to evaluate how they respond to Christ's invitation into their lives.

Conclusion

In summary, Matthew 8:34 serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face when encountering Jesus. While the Gadarenes chose to ask Him to leave, we are invited to reflect on our own responses to His presence. By embracing Jesus, we open ourselves to life-changing possibilities, contrasting the actions of the people in this passage.