Why Did the Demons Ask Jesus for the Pigs?

The story of Jesus casting out demons and sending them into a herd of pigs, as recorded in the Gospels, is a passage that many Christians, myself included, have struggled to fully understand. For years, I didn’t grasp the depths of this story until now. Let’s explore the deeper spiritual meaning behind this remarkable event.

Jesus Calms the Storm and Enters Gentile Territory

After Jesus miraculously calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, He and His disciples arrive in the region of the Gerasenes, a Gentile area known as the Decapolis. Here, we encounter a man possessed by a legion of demons. It’s important to note that the presence of pigs, considered unclean by Jewish law, signifies they were in predominantly Gentile territory.

“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.” – Mark 5:1

The Man Possessed by Demons

The man possessed by demons had been living in torment. Scripture tells us that no one could restrain him, not even with chains. He roamed the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

"Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones." – Mark 5:5

When the man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell at His feet, crying out, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” The demons recognized Jesus’ divine authority immediately, referring to Him by the title that acknowledges His sovereignty.

"When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, 'What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!'" – Mark 5:6-7

The Demons' Request: Why Pigs?

Jesus commanded the impure spirits to leave the man, but the demons pleaded with Him not to send them out of the area. Instead, they begged to be sent into a nearby herd of pigs. Why did they request to enter the pigs specifically? This request highlights a few important points:

1. Unclean Animals for Unclean Spirits: Pigs were considered unclean animals according to Jewish law, making them a fitting place for unclean spirits to dwell. The demons, knowing they had to leave the man, sought to inhabit creatures that were already deemed unclean.

2. Avoiding Judgment: The demons were aware of their eventual eternal punishment, as mentioned in Jude 6. By asking Jesus to enter the pigs, they were attempting to delay their final judgment.

“A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’ He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs.” – Mark 5:11-13

The Pigs' Demise: A Symbol of Destruction

As soon as the demons entered the pigs, the animals rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the Sea of Galilee. This scene is a powerful illustration of how sin and demonic influence ultimately lead to destruction.

“The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.” – Mark 5:13

The Reaction of the Townspeople

When the townspeople heard what happened, their reaction was unexpected. Instead of rejoicing over the man’s deliverance, they were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their region. Their concern over the economic loss of the pigs outweighed their recognition of the miraculous healing that had just taken place.

“Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.” – Mark 5:17

This reaction serves as a reminder of how we can sometimes prioritize material wealth or comfort over spiritual truth. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Jesus' Response to the Healed Man

As Jesus prepared to leave, the healed man begged to go with Him, but Jesus instructed him to stay and share his testimony. The man obeyed and began to tell others in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him.

"Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'" – Mark 5:19

A Deeper Lesson: Choosing Jesus Over Pigs

The story of the Gerasene demoniac carries a deeper message about the choices we face. The townspeople chose the pigs—representing their material livelihood—over Jesus. It’s a reflection of the broader struggle we face between earthly desires and spiritual truth.

In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This story challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we holding onto our “pigs”—the sins, comforts, or material pursuits that keep us from fully embracing Jesus?

Conclusion: The Universal Message of Salvation

Ultimately, this encounter with the demoniac and the townspeople reveals the broader mission of Jesus. His ministry wasn’t confined to the Jewish people; it extended to the Gentiles as well. As Ephesians 2:14-16 reminds us, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

The story of the Gerasene demoniac shows us that salvation and the truth of God’s Kingdom are available to all—Jews and Gentiles alike. What remains is our response. Will we choose Jesus or cling to our pigs?