Matthew 8:14-17 - Jesus Heals and Delivers Many
After healing the centurion's servant, Jesus arrives at Peter's house, where Peter's mother-in-Law who was sick was healed instantaneous. She immediately began serving the guests in her house.
Many were brought to Jesus in the evening so that He could heal them and free them from evil spirits. Illness is a result of our fallen world while demon possession is a result of sin. Matthew points out that the healing and delivering ministry of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of (Isa 53:5).
Matthew 8:18-22 - The Cost of Following Jesus
A believing religious leader investigating the ministry of Jesus offered to follow Jesus. Jesus instructs him in the difficulty he would encounter. Not to reject him but to inform him of difficulties. It is possible the man may have been one of the 70 sent out as detailed in (Luk 10:1).
Another man came to Jesus desiring to take care of earthly business. Jesus's hyperbolic statement “the dead should bury the dead” is understood as "let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead", indicating that kingdom matters should take priority over earthly matters.
Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm
The revelation to the people that Jesus is indeed the King of the Messianic Kingdom proceeds slowly. The disciples receive a revelation now and are amazed that Jesus calmed the storm. "What kind of man is this"? they asked. They too were beginning to realize that this Jesus could be the Messiah.
Jesus questioned the disciples faith, saying they had "little faith" because of their fear of the storm. How is our faith? Are we moved by the storms of life? Remember this storm from a few weeks ago (Mat 7:24-27)? The Psalmist speaks of storms (Psa 55:5-9).
Matthew 8:28-34 - Jesus Heals Two Men With Demons
The man (men) saw Jesus, ran to Him, and shouted at the top of his voice. What do we find according to this passage (Mar 5:6-7, Luk 8:28)?
Demons believe that Jesus is unquestionably the Son of God. "Son of God" is the Messianic title for Jesus. The title reflected the divinity and Kingship of Jesus, and while the people were just beginning to figure this out, the demons were well aware of who Jesus was.
The demons in the man questioned Jesus about the time for their torture. They are expecting this time to arrive, but arrive in the future. The demon in the man implored Jesus not to torture them before their time. That time is the final judgment at the end of the Messianic Kingdom. Satan and his demons, along with the Antichrist and the False Prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire. This is followed by the Great White Throne Judgment where all unbelievers are judged and see the same fate (Rev 20:10).
So the "day of their torment" had not yet arrived, and instead, the demons are cast into a herd of pigs. These demons who brutally tormented those they possessed where cowards in front of Jesus and their coming torment. Jesus dealt with the demons with brevity. "Go".
The area this event occurred in was predominantly Gentile. Their reaction to this event was to ask Jesus to go somewhere else. They were not concerned with the men, nor did they rejoice that they were freed, rather, they were concerned about their livelihood and the loss of their pigs. They may have also been fearful that this man Jesus might just be a more powerful demon than those Jesus cast out.
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