29
Seeing Jesus, the madmen screamed out, "What business do you have giving us a hard time? You're the Son of God! You weren't supposed to show up here yet!"
30
Off in the distance a herd of pigs was browsing and rooting.
31
The evil spirits begged Jesus, "If you kick us out of these men, let us live in the pigs."
32
Jesus said, "Go ahead, but get out of here!" Crazed, the pigs stampeded over a cliff into the sea and drowned.
33
Scared to death, the swineherds bolted. They told everyone back in town what had happened to the madmen and the pigs.
34
Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not come back.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.