Why Did the Lord Jesus Allow the Demons to Enter the Pigs?

 Why didn’t Jesus simply cast the demons out and command them to go into the wilderness or some uninhabited place? Why allow them to enter a herd of pigs, ultimately destroying someone’s property? Wasn’t that a loss of livelihood for the pig owners?

ANSWER:

There are two main reasons Jesus allowed this to happen, and both reveal profound truths about His divine authority and God’s redemptive purpose in human history.

1. The Demons Requested It—and Jesus Granted It for a Divine Purpose

In Mark 5:12, the demons pleaded with Jesus:

Send us to the swine, that we may enter them. (NKJV)

Jesus did not initiate the idea of entering the pigs; the demons themselves asked for it. But why would Jesus allow it? Because He had a greater purpose—to visibly demonstrate the reality, power, and destructiveness of demonic forces. This request gave Jesus the opportunity to teach the crowd (and us today) a spiritual lesson that couldn’t be ignored or dismissed.

2. To Provide a Visible and Undeniable Testimony of Deliverance

When Jesus asked the demon’s name, it replied:

My name is Legion; for we are many.

(Mark 5:9, NKJV)

In Roman terms, a legion consisted of up to 6,000 soldiers. Whether the number was literal or symbolic, the point is clear: this man was overwhelmed by a multitude of demonic forces. Such a claim might seem unbelievable—unless it was followed by visible evidence.

Jesus permitted the demons to enter the pigs (about 2,000 swine), and immediately the entire herd rushed into the sea and drowned (Mark 5:13). This dramatic event was no accident—it was a powerful sign from God.

The drowning of the pigs made several things undeniably clear:

Demons exist and are active in the spiritual realm.

They can possess and oppress individuals.

Their purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Without divine intervention, they will drive a person to destruction—even suicide, as the man himself had often tried to harm himself (Mark 5:5).

This event made an invisible spiritual reality tangibly visible, removing doubt from the minds of those who witnessed it.

3. The Testimony Sparked Evangelism and Revival

After witnessing the event, the herdsmen ran into the towns and countryside to report what had happened (Mark 5:14). Soon, crowds arrived to see for themselves. They saw two things:

The pigs were dead, floating in the sea.

The formerly demon-possessed man was sitting calmly, fully clothed, and in his right mind (Mark 5:15).

The contrast was staggering—and the miracle was undeniable. Who could now deny the authority of Christ over the powers of darkness?

Even more powerful, Jesus later told the delivered man:

Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.

(Mark 5:19, NKJV)

The man obeyed. The Bible says:

And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

(Mark 5:20, NKJV)

The miracle not only delivered one man—it became the seed of widespread evangelism in Decapolis, a Gentile region of ten cities. Many likely believed because of the powerful testimony. Just as the sign of Jonah (surviving three days inside a fish) led to the repentance of Nineveh (Matthew 12:40; Jonah 3:5), this sign led many Gentiles to marvel and respond to the gospel.

4. Sometimes, God Allows Loss for a Greater Redemption

Some may ask: But wasn’t it unfair to destroy someone’s pigs?

This is a valid concern. However, we must understand that in God’s economy, the value of a human soul far outweighs any material possession.

Jesus Himself said:

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

(Mark 8:36, NKJV)

While the pigs were lost, a man’s soul was redeemed, restored, and commissioned as a witness to ten cities. That’s eternal value.

This principle is echoed in the story of Job, where Satan sought permission from God to afflict Job and destroy his possessions (Job 1:12). Though Job lost much, God later restored him and used his story to inspire generations. Similarly, Jesus allowed the destruction of these pigs not to harm, but to heal, and to establish a lasting testimony.

5. Not All Suffering Is a Sign of Judgment—Sometimes, It’s a Tool for God’s Glory

When we go through loss or suffering we don’t understand, it doesn’t always mean God is punishing us. Sometimes, as Jesus told His disciples:

Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

(John 9:3, NKJV)

God sometimes uses temporary pain for eternal impact.

Final Encouragement

If you’ve suffered a loss, faced trials, or experienced spiritual attacks, don’t be quick to assume God has abandoned you. As long as you belong to Him, He may allow certain things to happen not to destroy you, but to deliver others through your testimony.

Keep walking in faith. Your story might be someone else’s breakthrough.

May the Lord bless you and make your life a testimony of His power and compassion.

Amen.

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