It's Not You, Jesus, It's Me

It’s Not You, Jesus, It’s Me

Matt. 8:28-9:1

Nov. 6, 2005

FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor

Introduction:

A Seinfeld episode where George breaks up with his girlfriend

1 "It’s not you, it’s me." ~George

a Before George can say his line, his girlfriend beats him to the line.

b "If it’s anybody, it’s me."

2 I get this in our text

a They don’t threaten Jesus with His life

b They break up!

B When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. 29 And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" 30 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. 31 The demons began to entreat Him, saying, "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." 32 And He said to them, "Go!" And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. 33 The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. 1 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city. Matt 8:28-9:1 (NASB)

1 Setting was right after the calming of the storm

a Came ashore by a cemetery-Satan’s trophy room!

aa "The thief comes not but to steal, kill, & destroy..."

bb Sin brought death to every person in that cemetary

cc The devil/demons were in their element (drunk/tavern; gambler/casino; carouser/juke joint; me/buffet).

b Read text

2 (ETS) The townspeople would rather have their swine than the Savior

a (ESS) Many people value property more than God’s deliverance

b (OBJ) I want my listener to know how easy it is to send Jesus out of your everyday life

c (PQ) What do the warnings mean to you?

C (TS) Let’s look at two warnings we can heed by which Jesus’ presence is assured in our lives.

I The first warning we can heed by which Jesus’ presence is assured in our lives is...the devil is real. When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. 29 And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" 30 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. 31 The demons began to entreat Him, saying, "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." 32 And He said to them, "Go!" And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters.

A The demons/devils were actual demons/devils (no Hollywood special effects).

1 They had ruined/robbed so much from these people at Gadarene.

a Men (family, home, self-control, sanity, peace)

b Town (content with the demons/devils...they just didn’t go to this part of town).

2 The demons recognized Jesus. And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" (From Heaven?)

a They acknowledged Jesus as Savior, Lord, Judge...but they were still enemies of God.

b When Jesus cast the demons out they went into a herd of hogs. Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. Mark 5:13 (NASB)

aa Why? Hated God’s creation?

bb Probably to get the townspeople upset with Jesus (enemies).

cc "Jesus just killed 2,000 hogs. Lock up your cattle, sheep, crops...there’s no telling what He will do next." That was their plan

B The devil that really hated humankind 2,000 years ago still really hates our guts.

1 The ol’ serpent is still doing anything/everything he can to stop people from seeing Jesus for who He really is.

a The devil’s mission in to get every soul he can to tell Jesus what the Gardenes told him in v. 29, "depart."

aa "If you give your heart to Jesus, you’re in for a rough life, persecution, boring, no fun, no friends. Jesus would do you more harm than good. Send Him away." LIE