Two Groups, and Yet Both Believe

Let’s discuss two categories with the same recognition, but two very different outcomes. Did you know that Jesus was recognized by not only His disciples as God but also by demons?

Matthew 8:28-34“When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed [men,] coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” 32 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. 33 Then those who kept [them] fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what [had happened] to the demon-possessed [men.] 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged [Him] to depart from their region.”

Let’s take this apart real quick. First, the demon-possessed men came up to Jesus and recognized Him as the Son of God. They were doing what even the Pharisees, the Herodians, Sadducees, or the Scribes didn’t do. They knew who He was. How did they know this? We do not know; however, we can tell from this brief interaction that they fear Him, obey Him, and will listen to Him. They even understand Bible prophecy and know that they are doomed. During this interaction, Jesus permits them to leave and go into the swine. They do, and eventually the people ask Jesus to leave. Why? Because when confronted with God Almighty, you have only two options: come to Him, which can only be done because of His work, or you can depart, which means you will eventually end up in the Lake of Fire. The demons being the offspring of the Fallen Angels, have no capability to be redeemed and are doomed to the Lake of Fire. Nevertheless, they recognized Jesus for who He truly is.

Now let’s compare this to the next group.

Matthew 14:25-33“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind [was] boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out [His] hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Now let’s examine this group. Unlike the people who lived in Gergesenes, this group sees Jesus and want to be where He is. Yes, Peter learns a lesson on little faith and what that can do, but the surrounding fact is that Peter wanted to be with Jesus. The citizens of Gergesenes did not. When Jesus and Peter get into the boat, the disciples, including Peter, worship Jesus. They recognized Him as the Son of God. You see the difference? Everyone is recognizing Him as God, but only one group wants to be with Him. The disciples wanted to be with Jesus, the demons and the citizens of Gergesenes did not. James even brings this to light with demons believing in Jesus: James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!”

‍ ‍So what does this mean for you and I now? It means that when people say they are Christians, we should examine their actions before we actually assume they really are. This is why Paul tells Titus, Timothy, and others that leadership should be based on men who have a track record clearly set. This is why we as believers need to be careful when we are told by politicians and others that they are “Christians” when their walk is truly an abomination to the Lord’s Word. Remember, there are two camps: both believe, but only one is truly with Jesus.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL