1
They arrived on the other side of the sea in the country of the Gerasenes.
2
As Jesus got out of the boat, a madman from the cemetery came up to him.
3
He lived there among the tombs and graves. No one could restrain him - he couldn't be chained, couldn't be tied down.
4
He had been tied up many times with chains and ropes, but he broke the chains, snapped the ropes. No one was strong enough to tame him.
5
Night and day he roamed through the graves and the hills, screaming out and slashing himself with sharp stones.
6
When he saw Jesus a long way off, he ran and bowed in worship before him -
7
then bellowed in protest, "What business do you have, Jesus, Son of the High God, messing with me? I swear to God, don't give me a hard time!"
8
(Jesus had just commanded the tormenting evil spirit, "Out! Get out of the man!")
9
Jesus asked him, "Tell me your name."
10
Then he desperately begged Jesus not to banish them from the country.
11
A large herd of pigs was browsing and rooting on a nearby hill.