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The story of Jesus casting demons into pigs is recorded in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew (8:28-34), Mark (5:1-20), and Luke (8:26-39). 

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The narrative of the story

• The possessed man. Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes) on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. There, they are met by a man who is possessed by many demons, identified in Mark and Luke as "Legion". The man is described as extremely violent and uncontrollable, living among the tombs and often crying out or cutting himself.

• The confrontation. The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the Son of God and ask him not to torment them or send them into the abyss. They beg him for permission to enter a nearby herd of pigs.

• The exorcism. Jesus gives the demons permission. The evil spirits leave the man and enter the pigs, which number about 2,000.

• The fate of the pigs. After the demons enter the herd, the pigs rush down a steep bank and drown in the lake.

• The aftermath. The swineherds flee and report what has happened to the townspeople. The people come to see for themselves and find the formerly possessed man sitting peacefully at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind.

• The townspeople's request. Overwhelmed by fear and concerned about the economic loss of the pigs, the townspeople plead with Jesus to leave their region.

• The healed man's commission. Jesus departs, but the healed man asks to follow him. Instead, Jesus instructs him to stay in the area and tell his friends and family what the Lord had done for him. He becomes an early witness of Jesus' power to the Gentiles. 

Key interpretations of the story

• Demonstration of divine power. The miracle clearly demonstrates Jesus' authority over demonic forces. The demons recognize Jesus' power and are forced to obey his command.

• The value of a human soul. Many interpret the story to highlight that a human life is of far greater value than the worldly possession of 2,000 pigs.

• Unclean spirits and unclean animals. The presence of pigs in the region suggests it was Gentile territory, since Jewish law prohibited the keeping of swine. Commentators note the symbolic link between the "unclean spirits" and the "unclean animals" they inhabit.

• Illustrating the nature of evil. The immediate and complete destruction caused by the demons shows their inherently chaotic and destructive nature.

• Judgment on indifference. Some suggest the story reveals the misplaced priorities of the townspeople, who chose their economic well-being over the man's liberation and God's spiritual power.

• Healing the Gentiles. The event in the Gentile territory of the Decapolis, coupled with the formerly possessed man's later testimony to his people, shows Jesus' compassion and ministry extending beyond the Jewish population.

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Let's discuss what you understood about what you read. ​

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