Jesus Casts Out Demons and Sends Them to the Pigs

QUESTION: Jesus casts out demons and sends them to the pigs - Why did the demon speak to Him?

ANSWER:

The account when Jesus casts out demons and sends them to the pigs is a remarkable story, and is found in three of the gospel accounts. Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe a man who had a host of demons residing in Him.

Matthew 8:28-34 says, "When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 'What do you want with us, Son of God?' they shouted. 'Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?' Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, 'If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.' He said to them, 'Go!' So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region."

Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, and Luke 8:26-33 state that the demons were concerned about the time, as it was not the "appointed time." Luke discusses the demons concern about going into the "Abyss" (Luke 8:31). The Abyss is a place for evil spirits and a place of eternal judgment. James 2:19 declares that even the demons believe that there is only "one God," however the demons "shudder" because they are aware of the judgment of God that they (demons) will suffer eternal punishment. Matthew 25:41 describes eternal punishment (the Abyss) as an "eternal fire." That would be a place of great torment and caused person, angel, or demon to "shudder."

Jesus knew His purpose here on earth - to accomplish the perfect will of His Father. Jesus followed His Fathers plans, and did not torment the demons before the "appointed time." This is why the demons spoke to Jesus. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "there is a time for everything…" Apparently the demons had a concern of their impending doom and thought that their number was up and they would be sent to the Abyss.