Jesus Casts Legions of Demons into the Pigs

The story of Jesus casting the legion of demons into a herd of pigs is found

in Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1-20; and Luke 8:26–39. Only Matthew mentions the

more prominent of the two demoniacs involved. Demoniacs were persons whose

minds came under the control of an evil spirit or spirits. That such phenomena were

especially prominent during the days of Christ’s earthly ministry is consistent with

Satan’s efforts to counteract God’s program. It also allows us to witness the spiritual

warfare in which our Savior was constantly engaged. Demons knew exactly who

Jesus was—"Son of God"—and were aware of their ultimate doom (Matthew

8:28-29).

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-

possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one

could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have

you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged

Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd

rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the

pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to

the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when

they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. – Matthew 8:28-34

it is clear from the account that demons had little power of their own and were unable

to do anything without Jesus’ permission. As Christians, we can take comfort in the

knowledge that the forces of the enemy of our souls are under the complete control of

God and can only act in ways He allows.