Mark 5:12-13 (ESV) -- and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.

Many Christians imagine Satan and demons are roaming around on the earth as lords of their own existence. They aren’t. Yes, Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour people, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t on a leash. In fact, the opening pages of the book of Job show us there are boundaries that Satan and his demons cannot cross without the permission of God. 

Our passage today shows us the reality of this truth. Jesus comes upon a demon-possessed man that others feared and avoided. Jesus goes right to him. The man begins to scream out what Jesus has come to do. The demons in him fear that He has come to bring judgment upon them, which tells us that they know how their story ends. But it isn’t the time. So we see our passage today, “and they begged him, saying, ‘Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.’ So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.”

They begged Him. Notice these demons have no authority or ability to exert their rights or authority. They beg Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs. So He gave them permission. In the Gospel of Matthew He says “Go.” With that word, and permission, the demons go into a herd of pigs and rush down a bank into the sea and drown.

It’s a wild encounter. These demons are terrified of Jesus. His presence rocked them. Jesus was not scared of demons the way we are today. He is Creator of Heaven and Earth. These beings are simply rebellious creatures. They are no match for the power of God. This is a good lesson for us to remember as we consider spiritual warfare around us. Demons can do nothing if the Lord doesn’t allow it. He is the supreme authority. Look to Him today as your source of hope and peace. Let His presence with you bring comfort in your fears. Don’t forget: they begged Him. 

Reflection & Journal:
- What does it say about Jesus that He isn’t scared of demons?
- Why did the demons have to ask permission to go into the pigs?
- How does this passage help encourage us in our lives today, and as we consider spiritual warfare?

Sign up to receive our daily devotions in your inbox here!