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Book of Matthew - Chapter 8 - Verse 34

8:34
And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Meaning

When Jesus arrived in the city, the whole population came out to meet Him. This reaction shows the curiosity and interest that people had in Jesus and His teachings. However, their request for Him to depart from their coasts reveals a different sentiment. It is possible that they were uncomfortable with the challenge that Jesus presented to their way of life. His presence may have caused them to confront their own beliefs and practices, which they may not have been ready or willing to change. This verse highlights the tension that can arise when encountering Jesus - His message can be both appealing and unsettling. It serves as a reminder that following Jesus requires a willingness to leave behind old ways and embrace new beginnings, even if that means stepping out of our comfort zones.

Theological Overview

In this passage from the book of Matthew, we see the reaction of the people in the city when they encounter Jesus. The fact that the whole city came out to meet Jesus indicates the curiosity and interest that his presence sparked. However, their reaction is quite surprising as they beseeched him to leave their region. The reasoning behind their request is not explicitly stated in the verse, but some theologians speculate that it may have been due to fear or discomfort at the power and authority that Jesus demonstrated. Others suggest that they may have been more concerned about the disruption or inconvenience that his presence could bring to their daily lives. This passage serves as a reminder that not everyone will welcome Jesus with open arms, even when faced with his miraculous works and teachings. It challenges us to examine our own responses to Jesus and consider whether we truly desire his presence in our lives.

American Standard Version

And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought [him] that he would depart from their borders.
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