The Strangest Verse in the Bible

Matt. 8:34

Introduction: There are many verses that seem strange to human minds that are found in the Bible.

Some other strange verses:

1. Matt. 5:44 “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

2. Matt. 8:22 “But Jesus said unto him, follow me; and let the dead bury the dead.”

But the verse we are going to study is strange, an entire town turned out to see Jesus and told him to go away.

What was wrong? They were troubles by their loss.  They’d lost their swine herd, and thus their money. Most people want Jesus if he doesn’t touch their kitchen or their pocketbooks, yet he offers us so much.

Salvation --- John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

1. The blindness of man

   1. They were blind then and they are blind now.

   2. They think they must give up something. How blind! To hang on to a temporary world rather than an everlasting life

2. They are selfish. Man has always been selfish. Philippians 2:20-21 “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ.”

   1. The people did not want to lose their money.

   2. God condemns selfishness

   3. God condemns spiritual foolishness

   4. Salvation is a blessing

Direction

1. Following God’s direction eliminates many problems. Money, health, etc.

   1. Directs us by his examples

   2. Directs us by His love. If we love him we keep his word.

2. Directs us by His word – the bible

   1. The Bible directs our personal life

   2. The Bible directs our public life

   3. The Bible directs our church

   4. The Bible directs our nation

Satisfaction --- John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

1. God may want you to give something up. Ex. Bad habits and attitudes

2. God wants to add to your life. II Peter 1:5-8 tells us to add virtue to our faith, and virtue to knowledge, to add kindness and love

3. God wants us to live eternally 

Conclusion: God is waiting to give you a wonderful life, don’t tell him to go away. Accept him today.