The Demons and the Pigs

(Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39)

28 When [Jesus] arrived on the other side in the region of the Gergesenes,[fn] He was met by two demon-possessed [men] coming from the tombs. [They were] so violent that no one could pass that way.

29 “What do You [want] with us, Jesus,[fn] Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before [the] appointed time?”

30 In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 So the demons begged [Jesus], “If You drive us out, permit us to go off into[fn] the herd of pigs.”

32 “Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the herd of pigs,[fn] and the whole herd of pigs[fn] rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters.

33 Those tending [the pigs] ran off into the town [and] reported all this, including the [account] of the demon-possessed [men]. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged [Him] to leave their region.