These Gergesites Had Rather Lose Christ, Than Lose Their Porkers
Men bewitched by the world will prioritize worldly things over Christ, demonstrating contempt for Him and leading to spiritual demise.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the tragic choice of the Gergesites, who preferred their swine over the presence of Jesus Christ. He illustrates how worldly attachments can blind individuals to the greater value of salvation, as they chose to plead for Christ to leave rather than lose their pigs. This reflects a deep spiritual blindness where material possessions are prioritized over eternal life. Brooks warns that such preferences lead to spiritual damnation, as the Gergesites demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice their souls for earthly gain. Ultimately, he calls for a reevaluation of what truly matters in life, urging believers to prioritize Christ above all else.
Text
"When they saw Him, they pleaded with Him to leave
their region." Matthew 8:34
A man bewitched with the world will prefer the most base
and contemptible things, before the Lord Jesus Christ. He will,
with the Gergesenes, prefer his swine before a Savior,
Matthew 8:28-34. When they saw what a sad market their
hogs were brought to, they desired Christ to depart out of
their country. These Gergesites had rather lose Christ,
than lose their porkers. They had rather that the devil
should possess their souls--than that Jesus should drown
their pigs. They prefer their swine, before their salvation!
They present a wretched petition for their own damnation;
they pleaded with Him to leave their region. Though there is
no misery, no plague, no curse, no wrath, no hell--compared
to Christ's departure from a people; yet men bewitched with
the world will desire this. "When they saw Him, they pleaded
with Him to leave their region." Matthew 8:34
Sermon Outline
- The World's Influence on Men
- The Gergesites' Priorities
- The Consequences of Worldly Priorities
- Desire for Christ's departure is a sign of damnation
- Men will desire Christ's departure over any misery
Key Quotes
“They had rather that the devil should possess their souls--than that Jesus should drown their pigs.” — Thomas Brooks
“They prefer their swine, before their salvation!” — Thomas Brooks
“Though there is no misery, no plague, no curse, no wrath, no hell--compared to Christ's departure from a people; yet men bewitched with the world will desire this.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Be aware of the influence of the world on your priorities and desires.
- Prioritize Christ above all worldly things, including comfort and security.
- Recognize the consequences of rejecting Christ's salvation and the significance of His departure from a people.