Never Do Anything For A "Thank You"

There's is a lot in the four gospels to commented on and broken down and going through it in 30 days, I almost feel as if I just have to read it like a book and not study again like I would like to do, but one thing that really sticks out to me is Matthew 8:28-34 where Jesus allowed the demons to go into the herd of pigs.

One thing that stands out is first that the two demon possessed men were said to be so violent that no one would pass by there and in their violence they came to these men who dared to come by.

Second, it doesn't say that Jesus said anything to them, but they automatically get defensive as most people do when they are in the wrong. Automatic defensiveness I can't say is ever a good thing, if you are gaurding something defensiveness is understandable because you know the importance and value of the thing but to go from any random emotion to switch unexpectedly and immediately to defensiveness is usually fleeting emotions. When do fleeting emotions ever really help us?

Third, the people tending the pigs were there which is odd because if the two violent demon posessed men where there and they came up ready to attack Jesus and them, how far off where the pig herders that they were not in harms way?

Fourth, the pig herders of course ran away because they were understandably scared, they aren't trying to be possessed or maybe they were possessed themselves just not violently and they didn't wanna get cast out.

Fifth, the entire town came out to urge Jesus to leave because your good works; your God works; your calling is not always gonna be welcomed. Initially losses may have to be suffered and people don't want to suffer losses. The two pig herders lost all the wages they would've received from those pigs. So they were probably a little upset to say the least. As it is Jesus wasn't rich person, living in comfort, with many friends, living comfortable on all fronts. No, Jesus lived pretty much in discomfort and unacceptance, and yet again he was being kicked out even though all he would like to do is help.

Your good works will not always be embraced and accepted. Never do anything for a "thank you" or appreciation, I never do.

Created over 2 years ago