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Answer
The account of Jesus casting the legion of demons into a herd of pigs can be 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 individuals whose minds came under the control of evil spirits. The prevalence of such occurrences during Christ’s earthly ministry aligns with Satan’s efforts to oppose God’s plan and allows us to observe the spiritual battle in which our Savior was constantly involved. The demons recognized Jesus as the “Son of God” and knew their inevitable fate (Matthew 8:28-29).
While Jesus was journeying in the hilly region east of the Jordan River, the path of a man possessed by demons and dwelling among the tombs intersected with His. Empowered by the demons, the man possessed great physical strength, enabling him to break free from the chains used to restrain him. Upon the demons’ plea to enter a herd of pigs, Jesus granted permission. Subsequently, they entered the pigs, rushed into the lake, and perished. This event showcased Jesus’ authority and foiled the malevolent intentions of the demons.
The reason behind the demons’ request to enter the swine remains unclear in the narrative. It is possible they wished to remain in the area where they had been successful in causing havoc among the people. Alternatively, their attraction to the unclean animals could be linked to their own impurity. The demons might have made this peculiar request as a final attempt to avoid being confined to the Abyss, the designated place for imprisoned evil spirits (Revelation 9:1-6). Regardless of their motive, the account illustrates the desperate actions of the demons.
Demons had little power of their own and were unable to act without Jesus’ permission. As believers, we can find solace in knowing that the adversaries of our souls are subject to God’s complete control and can only operate within His boundaries.
The Bible does not clarify Jesus’ motives, but one possible explanation for sending the demons into the pigs could be to demonstrate His supreme authority over them. If the pig owners were Jewish, Jesus might have been reproving them for violating Mosaic law, which prohibits Jews from consuming or raising unclean animals like swine «And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. », (Leviticus 11:7). If the swineherds were Gentiles, perhaps Jesus intended this miraculous incident to reveal the malevolence of evil spirits that influenced their lives, while also showcasing His dominion over creation. Regardless, the owners were so frightened by the display of spiritual power that they did not seek compensation for their loss and implored Jesus to depart from their region. The crowd was amazed but unrepentant, showing their hardened hearts and preference to remain in sin. Conversely, the healed demoniac exhibited genuine faith and repentance, desiring to accompany Jesus. This stark contrast between the saved and the unsaved likely served as a lesson for the disciples and all witnesses. Jesus instructed the healed man to go back to his family and share the mercy and blessings he received, a task he fulfilled with joy: “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:17-20).
