Matthew 8:28-34

New Testament for Everyone

The healing of the demoniacs

²⁸ So he went across to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes. Two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs. They were very violent and made it impossible for anyone to go along that road.

²⁹ “What is it with us and you, son of God?” they yelled. “Have you come here to torture us ahead of the time?”

³⁰ Some way off from where they were there was a large herd of pigs feeding.

³¹ “If you cast us out,” the demons begged Jesus, “send us into the herd of pigs!”

³² “Off you go, then!” said Jesus.

So the demons went out of the men and into the pigs. Then and there the entire herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake, and were drowned in the water.

³³ The herdsmen took to their heels. They went off to the town and told the whole tale, including the bit about the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ So the whole town came out to see Jesus for themselves. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their district.