Daily Devotional | The Pigs of Gadara

Pigs get a bad rap. Some of that stems from the fact that they are known to wallow in filth. In the Old Testament, they were classified as unclean for food or sacrifice. Proverbs 11:22 says it would be inappropriate to put a gold ring on pig’s snout. Even Jesus states not to “throw your pearls to pigs” (Matt. 7:6).

But pigs also teach us an important lesson in the battle between good and evil. In Luke 8:26–35, we read the dramatic account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man. In the region of the Gerasenes on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, this man was living among the tombs. He had been tormented by demons and bound by chains. When Jesus asked for the demon’s name, it responded, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him.

This passage highlights the power and authority of Jesus over evil. Jesus cast the demons out, allowing them to enter a herd of pigs. The pigs rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the lake. Though seemingly insignificant, the pigs did play a crucial role in this narrative. Their destruction shows the gravity of the man’s torment and the completeness of his deliverance. They also underscore the cost of deliverance. The pigs’ demise serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of evil and the lengths to which Jesus has gone to set us free. Our freedom came at great cost.

This scene shows that Jesus prioritizes human life and spiritual well-being over material loss. In our own lives, we may face evil forces that feel overwhelming—addictions, destructive behaviors, or deep-seated fears. They can leave us feeling chained and isolated. But Jesus’ encounter with this man assures us that no situation is too desperate for His intervention.