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Our text presents us with a striking contrast. Only a few miles of sea separated these people physically, but morally what a gulf was between them

I. On both sides of the lake Christ's words had been heard, and his works of power had been seen, but how different were the results! If he had been like us, variable in temper and disposition - at one time moody, at another genial - we might more easily account for this. For the dispositions of sinful men are like the lake of Galilee - now raging in a storm, and now calm and still under the smiling heavens. But there was no such variableness in the Perfect Man. He was not cheery when the palm branches were waved on Olivet, and angry when his disciples forsook him and fled. He was not one thing in Gadara, and another in Capernaum. "He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." We must look elsewhere to account for this phenomenon, and we shall find its causes to be those which sever so widely in character and destiny, two hearers who sit in the same church, or two children who kneel beside the same mother's knee.

I. THE VARIOUS ASPECTS IN WHICH CHRIST PRESENTED HIMSELF. His relations to those around him were not simple, but complex. We may be great in one aspect of our character, but he was great in every aspect.

1. He appeared as a Teacher. In the synagogue, on the beach, amidst the crowd, he uttered Divine truth, and expected on the part of his hearers humble and obedient minds. He assumed that he knew what they did not know, respecting the nature of God, the meaning of the old dispensation, the phenomena of life, the coming future, etc. He adduced no arguments, but demanded (as he still demands), on the ground of what he was and is, the acceptation, or the rejection of his words. "He spake as one having authority." "This is my beloved Son; hear him." The acceptance of Christ as a Teacher implied much, because he taught no abstract theories, but enunciated principles which would revolutionize the views held about the Jewish economy, and would banish popular sins. Show what Christ demands of disciples now, and the spirit in which we should receive his revelation.

2. He appeared as a Saviour. Thought and action were blended harmoniously in Christ, and should be blended in every Christian. The Teacher of the people was the Healer of their bodies and the Purifier of their souls. This complex work is entrusted to the Church. Christ cured the demoniac, and restored sight to the blind, and health to the leper, as signs of what he had come to effect for men.

3. He appeared as a Friend. He entered the homes of the people at Capernaum and elsewhere, to cure illness in Peter's house, to bless children in another home, to share festivity in Cana, to weep with mourners in Bethany. This friendship the disciples rejoiced in. The presence of that Friend had delivered them in the storm. As such he presents himself at each heart, saying, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock," etc.

III. THE DIFFERENT EFFECTS OF SUCH PRESENTATION ON THE PEOPLE. This may be illustrated not only by the conduct of the disciples and of the cured demoniac, but by contrasting the condition of the people of Gadara with that of the people in Capernaum. This exemplifies:

1. The rejection of Christ. The most astounding miracle will not produce faith in those who care more for their possessions than for purity and love, such as Christ had imparted to the man who had the unclean spirit. The loss of the swine first awakened terror, but shortly afterwards indignation, amongst the people, who with mingled fawning and obstinacy "began to pray him to depart out of their coasts." He yielded to their wish, and, so far as we know, never returned again. Similarly he was rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:29) and in Jerusalem (Matthew 23:87). In the instance before us the people feared the Holy One more than they had feared the demoniac. Their greed was up in arms against the destroyer of their swine; they cared more for them than for the rescue of a brother-man. Even now sometimes property is more jealously defended than personal rights. Christ laid down the principle that a man is better than a sheep, and he expressed that principle in his action at Gadara. Show how possessions and position are preferred to simple obedience to our Lord's will, so that from love to the World he is still rejected.

2. The reception of Christ. A right royal welcome was awaiting him on the other side of the lake. There the people had seen changes wrought in their homes by his power, and they had listened eagerly to his words of wisdom and love. They could not go back to their work as if there were no Christ who had come to save and comfort them. When he was gone, they prayed that the little boat might again come over the sea; and when the first glimpse of its sail was seen, the news spread swiftly far and wide. Fishers left their nets, and ran to call their mates, saying, "Jesus is coming!" old people tottered down to the sea because Jesus was coming; women who were mourning over their dear ones thought with thankfulness and love of his sympathy; and little children left their games in the market-place in order to be made glad by his smile. And still he comes amongst us in earnest words, in sacred song, in holy thought, in solemn memories. Then fling open the door of your heart, pour out the treasures of your love, wake up the songs of praise, as you say, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" - A.R.

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KJV: And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

WEB: They began to beg him to depart from their region.