Jesus Transfers Demons to Pigs
June 9, 2019
Commentary
Jesus and His disciples were in a boat in a storm (vv. 23-24). Jesus was asleep and the disciples were frightened so they woke Him up and asked Him to save them (v.25). He asked them why they were afraid and told them that they certainly didn’t have much faith (v. 26). Then, He got up and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down and everything became calm. The men in the boat were amazed and said, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him” (v. 27).
The event recorded here took place near Gadara, a town on the eastern slope of the Sea of Galilee. There Jesus met two demon possessed men. These men under the influence of demons were violent and had been forced out of the city and were living in a graveyard (v. 28). These demons knew who Jesus was and reacted with resentment at His intrusion into their realm. Realizing their doom, they requested permission to enter a large herd of pigs which were nearby (vv. 29-32). Mark stated that this herd numbered about 2,000 (Mark 5:13). Swine were considered unclean by the Mosaic law. As soon as the demons entered this herd of swine, they all rushed down into the Sea and were drowned.
Those taking care of the herd were frightened and went into the nearby town to report what had happened (v. 33). The people of the town went out and because they preferred their own business to the presence of the Savior pleaded with Jesus to leave their region (v. 34). Not everyone is happy to see the wonder-working arm of God. Some would rather stick with their comfortable, familiar routines. A life of faith is not necessarily comfortable, but it is exciting.
Application
Do I own anything that hinders my relationship with God? If so, am I willing to let it go to be free to serve the Lord?
Matthew 8:23– 34 (NET)
23 As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And a great storm developed on the sea so that the waves began to swamp the boat. But he was asleep. 25 So they came and woke him up saying, “Lord, save us! We are about to die!” 26 But he said to them, “Why are you cowardly, you people of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was dead calm. 27 And the men were amazed and said, “What sort of person is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him!”
28 When he came to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were extremely violent, so that no one was able to pass by that way. 29 They cried out, “Son of God, leave us alone! Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 A large herd of pigs was feeding some distance from them. 31 Then the demons begged him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake and drowned in the water. 33 The herdsmen ran off, went into the town, and told everything that had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.