Where Did the Pigs Rush Down? A Theological Reflection on Mark 5:13 (NIV

Mark 5:12–13 (NIV)

12 “The demons begged Jesus, ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’
13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”

This striking passage occurs just after Jesus confronts a man possessed by many demons in the region of the Gerasenes. The demons, identifying themselves as “Legion” (Mark 5:9), begged Jesus not to send them out of the area but into a herd of pigs. Jesus, demonstrating His absolute authority over demonic powers, granted their request. What follows is a dramatic and symbolic event: the entire herd of pigs about two thousandimmediately rushed down a steep bank and drowned in the Sea of Galilee.

In Swahili, the word used for “steep bank” is genge, which doesn’t refer to a marketplace as some might assume, but to a rocky slope. Specifically, it’s a steep, stone-covered decline often slippery and dangerous. Unlike soft, earthen slopes, a genge made of rock allows for almost no traction. Once anything begins to descend, it picks up speed rapidly and is difficult to stop.

Theological Implication:
This image is more than dramatic it’s deeply symbolic. The pigs, once possessed by the demons, rushed headlong to destruction. This portrays the inevitable trajectory of demonic influence: it leads swiftly and decisively to ruin. The slippery slope symbolizes how sin and spiritual bondage can lead people rapidly toward spiritual death.

Romans 6:23 (NIV) confirms this:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Just like the possessed pigs, people under demonic or sinful bondage are on a path toward destruction unless they are delivered. But thanks be to God deliverance is possible through Jesus Christ! No demon is too powerful for Him, and no bondage too deep. Jesus not only has authority over demons, but He also offers complete restoration and freedom.

1 John 4:4 (NIV):

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Our bodies are not meant to be vessels for demonic oppression. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV):

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

Therefore, we are called to seek the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies, empowers, and leads us into life. But how do we receive Him?

The Path to Receiving the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:37–39 (NIV):

37 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”

This is the biblical formula for receiving the Holy Spirit:Repentance: Turning away from sin and surrendering to God.Baptism: A public declaration of faith and cleansing from sin.Faith in Jesus Christ: The only name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12).

When these steps are taken with sincerity, the promise of the Holy Spirit becomes a reality transforming the believer from the inside out.

Maranatha.

Let me know if you’d like this prepared as a sermon outline, Bible study guide, or shareable blog post.

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