Why would Christ cast the demons into the swine knowing it would result in the caretakers losing their source of income?

Question

Dear Gramps,

I recently read about Christ casting the Legion of demons into a herd of swine, whereupon the entire herd runs into the sea and perishes.  Then those feeding the swine flee to the city and those within the city come out to meet Jesus and ultimately ask him to leave.

I would assume that these pigs were an income source for those who were feeding them.  Why would Christ cast the demons into the swine, knowing it would result in the caretakers losing their source of income?

Rexanne

Answer

Rexanne,

You may be a bit too focused on money to receive the true message of this scripture.  The Lord doesn’t really care how much money you make.  He will always provide enough for what He deems to be your needs as long as you’re willing to do your part, whatever that may be.

…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

 

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

 

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  (Matt 6: 28-30)

Remember Timothy’s counsel to us.

…the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim 6:10)

Wealth is a tool like any other.  And if used for good, then it shall be a good tool.  If used for evil, then it is an evil tool.  If these people asked Jesus to leave because they valued their swine more than they did the well being of their fellow man, would they use money for good or for evil?

Perhaps it is better to know that the ultimate goal of the Lord is more important.  Always remember that our ways are not His ways.  His ways are above our ways.

Later on in the story the Lord reveals what good was done at the cost of the swine and the lost income therefrom:

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

 

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

 

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.  (Mark 5:18-20)

What do you think the worth of a man’s soul is?

Gramps