Why Did Jesus Send the Demons Into a Herd of Pigs?

Dear Mike,
Why did Jesus send the demons into a herd of pigs?

⁷and shouting with a loud voice, he said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” ⁸For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” ⁹And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. ¹¹Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. ¹²The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” ¹³Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea.

- Mark 5:7-13

In Mark 5:7-13, the story of Jesus casting out demons from a man possessed by "Legion" (indicating many demons) includes an unusual detail where the demons request to enter a herd of pigs instead of being sent away. Here's a brief analysis of both why the demons asked for this and why Jesus permitted it:

1. Why did the demons ask to go into the pigs?

Fear of destruction or torment

The demons pleaded with Jesus not to "send them out of the country" or into the "abyss" (as mentioned in Luke 8:31, a parallel account). Demons often fear final judgment, which is associated with being cast into a place of torment. By asking to enter the pigs, they may have been seeking to avoid this fate for a time, hoping to remain in the physical realm.

Desire for embodiment

Demons appear to prefer residing in physical beings, whether humans or animals. Being disembodied may render them powerless or banish them to the spiritual realm. The pigs offered them a temporary physical host.

Disruption of the community

It's possible that the demons wanted to cause further harm and chaos. By entering the pigs, they ultimately led the entire herd to rush into the sea and drown, causing economic and emotional distress to the local people.

2. Why did Jesus permit this?

Demonstration of authority

By allowing the demons to enter the pigs, Jesus demonstrated His authority over them. They could only act with His permission, emphasizing His supremacy over evil spiritual forces.

Revealing the true destructiveness of demons

The immediate destruction of the pigs after the demons entered them illustrates the destructive nature of these spiritual beings. It reveals to the witnesses how much harm the demons were capable of, and what they had been doing to the possessed man. This provides a stark contrast between the peace Jesus brings and the devastation caused by evil.

A sign to the Gentiles

The presence of pigs suggests that this took place in a Gentile region, as Jews considered pigs unclean. The event may have served as a sign to the non-Jewish community, showcasing Jesus' power and mercy even toward those outside of Israel. It also may have prompted the Gentiles to reflect on the presence of evil and their need for deliverance.

The demons' request to enter the pigs and Jesus' permission likely reflect both spiritual realities about the nature of demons (their fear of judgment and their preference for embodiment) and Jesus' intention to visibly demonstrate His authority over evil. The event highlights the destructive intent of demonic forces and the peace and restoration Jesus brings in contrast.