Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 8:37-40
J.C. Ryle explains how the rejection of Christ by the Gadarenes illustrates the tragic consequences of loving the world over the gospel and the merciful judgment of Jesus in granting their request to depart.
In this expository sermon on Luke 8:37-40, J.C. Ryle explores the contrasting responses to Jesus by the Gadarenes, highlighting their fearful rejection despite witnessing a miracle. Ryle emphasizes the spiritual danger of loving the world more than Christ and explains how Jesus' departure was both a judgment and a mercy. This message calls listeners to examine their own hearts and respond faithfully to the gospel.
Text
We see in this passage two requests made to our Lord Jesus Christ. They were widely different one from the other, and were offered by people of widely different character. We see, moreover, how these requests were received by our Lord Jesus Christ. In either case the request received a most remarkable answer. The whole passage is singularly instructive.
Let us observe, in the first place, that the Gadarenes besought our Lord to depart from them, and their request was granted. We read these painfully solemn words--"Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left." Now why did these unhappy men desire the Son of God to leave them? Why, after the amazing miracle of mercy which had just been wrought among them, did they feel no wish to know more of Him who wrought it? Why, in a word, did they become their own enemies, forsake their own mercies, and shut the door against the Gospel? There is but one answer to these questions. The Gadarenes loved the world, and the things of the world, and were determined not to give them up. They felt convinced, in their own consciences, that they could not receive Christ among them and keep their sins, and their sins they were resolved to keep. They saw, at a glance, that there was something about Jesus with which their habits of life would never agree, and having to choose between the new ways and their own old ones, they refused the new and chose the old.
And why did our Lord Jesus Christ grant the request of the Gadarenes, and leave them? He did it in judgment, to testify His sense of the greatness of their sin. He did it in mercy to His Church in every age, to show how great is the wickedness of those who wilfully reject the truth. It seems an eternal law of His government, that those who obstinately refuse to walk in the light shall have the light taken from them. Great is Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Two contrasting requests made to Jesus
- Different characters of those who asked
- Remarkable answers given by Christ
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II
- The Gadarenes ask Jesus to leave
- Their fear and rejection despite the miracle
- Reasons for their refusal to accept Christ
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III
- Christ grants their request as a form of judgment
- The eternal law of God’s government on rejecting light
- Mercy shown to the Church by this example
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IV
- The danger of loving the world over Christ
- The consequences of choosing sin over salvation
- Call to examine one’s own heart and response to the gospel
Key Quotes
“The Gadarenes loved the world, and the things of the world, and were determined not to give them up.” — J.C. Ryle
“It seems an eternal law of His government, that those who obstinately refuse to walk in the light shall have the light taken from them.” — J.C. Ryle
“He did it in judgment, to testify His sense of the greatness of their sin.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your heart to ensure you are not rejecting Christ due to attachment to worldly things.
- Recognize that persistent rejection of the gospel results in spiritual judgment and loss of light.
- Commit to embracing Christ fully, forsaking sin, and walking in the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Gadarenes ask Jesus to leave after the miracle?
Because they loved the world and their sinful ways more than the truth Christ brought, and they were unwilling to give up their sins.
What does Jesus granting their request signify?
It signifies both judgment on their obstinate rejection and mercy to the Church by demonstrating the seriousness of refusing the gospel.
What lesson does this passage teach about faith?
It teaches that true faith requires forsaking sin and embracing Christ, and that rejecting Him leads to spiritual darkness.
How does this passage apply to believers today?
It warns believers to guard against loving worldly things more than Christ and encourages wholehearted commitment to the gospel.