A rather Scary Encounter!
Our story begins with Jesus and his disciples walking along the shore of a lake in the region of Gerasenes. Suddenly they are confronted by a man who is being help captive by demons!
He is naked and violent. He’s lost his name, his home and his dignity. He lives among the tombs, cut off from his family and any hope of being saved. The people in the nearby town have tried to subdue him, but nothing has worked.
That is until Jesus shows up!
The evil spirits inside the man immediately recognize Jesus and they are terrified. They beg Jesus – yes, beg! – that He not send them away. Nearby there is a herd of about 2,000 pigs grazing and the demons plead, “Send us to the pigs“.
Jesus agrees and the demons rush into the herd of pigs who run headlong into the water and drown.
In that same moment, the man is free.
Today’s Scripture
“The demons pleaded with him, ‘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. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”
Mark 5:12-13
Breakdown Down The Scripture
“The demons pleaded with him…”
These aren’t just random spirits, instead they are organized, self-aware, and afraid of exile. They beg Jesus for permission. These demons know Jesus is in charge, and they plead for mercy.
“Send us among the pigs…”
I think it’s symbolic that the unclean spirits ask to enter the pigs where were “unclean” in Jewish culture. However, as soon as the demons enter the pigs, they panic and run into the water and drown.
“He gave them permission…”
Jesus allows it. This line tells us that Jesus has ultimate authority: even demons need His blessing before they can act.
“…about two thousand in number…”
This huge herd shows just how much evil was inside the poor man. In fact, earlier in the passage, Jesus asks for the demons name and he says, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”
“…rushed down… and were drowned.”
In their own panic, the pigs, or the evil itself, self-destructs. Yet in the chaos, a man is healed.
Faith in Action
Sometimes, breaking free from something isn’t peaceful. It looks like chaos and disruption, and maybe even as the town saw, a major financial loss. But Jesus didn’t see any of that, He only saw a soul worth saving. Here’s what this story can teach us:
Reflection Questions & Journaling Prompts
Affirmation
I trust that Jesus has authority over all darkness. I choose freedom over fear and trust Him even when it disrupts my world.
Prayer for the Day
Heavenly Father,
Sometimes freedom looks messy but I don’t want to be enslaved by things I can’t even see – fears, habits, hidden pain. Help me remember that Your power is greater than anything holding me captive. When Your deliverance challenges the status quo, help me to choose redemption over comfort, peace over fear, and life over loss. Give me boldness to face the chaos, knowing You’re bringing healing. May my life, and my story, bring hope, even if it looks strange to others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
