Healing the Gadarene Demoniacs

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.

9  After getting into a boat he crossed to the other side and came to his own town. 2  Just then some people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Have courage, son! Your sins are forgiven.” 3  Then some of the experts in the law said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” 4  When Jesus saw their reaction he said, “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts? 5  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – then he said to the paralytic – “Stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 7  And he stood up and went home. 8  When the crowd saw this, they were afraid and honored God who had given such authority to men.