Hugging Pigs or Hugging Jesus?

 

Scripture

Matthew 8:28–34 (CEV) Two Men with Demons in Them
28 After Jesus had crossed the lake, he came to shore near the town of Gadara and started down the road. Two men with demons in them came to him from the tombs. They were so fierce that no one could travel that way. 29 Suddenly they shouted, “Jesus, Son of God, what do you want with us? Have you come to punish us before our time?” 30 Not far from there a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 So the demons begged Jesus, “If you force us out, please send us into those pigs!” 32 Jesus told them to go, and they went out of the men and into the pigs. All at once the pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 33 The people taking care of the pigs ran to the town and told everything, especially what had happened to the two men. 34 Everyone in town came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their part of the country.

Reflection

Are You Choosing the Pigs?

The region of Gadara was known for its strongholds — not just physical ones, but spiritual. The name itself means “fortified place.” It was a center of Greek culture, pagan worship, and idol practices. And right there, two demon-possessed men had become the terror of the whole area. People avoided the road they lived on. It was too dangerous, too dark, too hopeless.

Yet that’s exactly where Jesus went.

When He arrived, the demons immediately recognized Jesus’ authority. They didn’t argue. They didn’t posture. They trembled and begged. “Have you come to punish us before our time?” they cried. Even hell knows who Jesus is — and it fears Him.

And in one word — “Go.” — the men were free. Just like that. No ceremony, no struggle, no competition. The same Jesus who commands storms and walks on water commands demons, and they obey.

But here’s where the story takes a sobering turn.

The people of the town saw what happened. They saw the two men — once violent, tormented, uncontrollable — now sitting clothed, calm, and free. They saw the power of God displayed before their eyes. But instead of running toward Jesus, instead of saying, “Free us too!” … they begged Him to leave.

Why? Because the demons went into the pigs. And the pigs drowned.

And in that moment, the people revealed what they really valued. Their comfort. Their income. Their normal. Their pigs.

They preferred pigs over freedom.
They clung to the familiar over the miraculous. They chose what was unclean over the One who could make them clean.

Here’s the hard question this story confronts us with:

Are we doing the same thing?

Are there “pigs” in your life you’d rather hold onto than let Jesus set you free? Maybe it’s a habit you excuse. A relationship you know is toxic. A belief system that feels easier than surrender. Maybe it’s pride, or money, or control.

We cry out for freedom — but when freedom costs us our pigs, we hesitate.
We say we want deliverance — but when deliverance threatens our comfort, we push Jesus away.

What if the very thing you’re clinging to is what’s keeping you bound?
What if hugging the pigs means missing the Savior standing right in front of you?

The people of Gadara saw freedom walk into their region and chose swine instead of salvation. But you don’t have to make that choice.

Today, Jesus stands before you with the same authority, the same power, the same mercy. He’s not intimidated by your strongholds. He’s not afraid of your demons. He’s ready to speak one word and bring freedom.

The question is: Will you let go of the pigs?
Or will you send Him away because you’d rather stay comfortable in your uncleanness?

Core Principle

True freedom in Christ often requires surrendering what we’ve been holding onto most tightly. You cannot cling to the unclean and embrace the Savior at the same time.

Application

1. Take a moment to examine your heart honestly before God.
2. What “pigs” have you been protecting — even though they’re keeping you bound?
3. Where have you asked Jesus to “leave” because His freedom feels too costly?
4. Are you willing to trust Him enough to surrender that habit, that fear, that idol, or that comfort?
5. Write it down. Name it. And today, make the choice the Gadarenes didn’t: invite Jesus in — even if it costs you everything.

Short Prayer of Surrender

Lord Jesus, I confess that there are areas in my life I’ve been clinging to — strongholds I’ve protected, sins I’ve excused, comforts I’ve chosen over You. I see now that they’re keeping me from the freedom You offer.

Today, I choose to let go. I surrender this area of my life to You: [name it quietly before God e.g. anger, unforgiveness, anxiety, negative thought patterns, rebellion, idolatry, mammon, sexual immorality, addiction, gambling, etc].

Break every chain. Drive out everything unclean. Be Lord over every part of me.

I don’t want the pigs anymore — I want You. In Your mighty name, Amen.