Many Christians see Jesus as a role model of a good life. Everything he did was good and pleased God. The Bible teaches Christians to treat animals well and avoid cruelty to animals. However, in one instance, Jesus allowed the killing of animals which leads to the question, did Jesus kill animals?
Jesus did not kill animals. However, the story where He cast demons into pigs which later went into a lake and drowned, seems to contradict this. It is essential to understand the context of the story to come to an understanding. The demons asked to be sent into the pigs instead of being sent free to roam in the world. This was better since they would not possess anybody else in later days. The action of the pigs going into the lake was a result of being possessed by the demons and not Jesus’ direct action.
Why did Jesus send the demons to the pigs? Did Jesus allow the killing of animals? Did He kill the 2000 pigs? What happened to the pigs after Jesus cast demons into them? To answer these and more questions, continue reading to find out.
What did Jesus say about killing animals?
According to the Bible, God gave man the mandate over all animals and said he could use them all as food, plants, and animals. Genesis 9:3 says,” every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you greens plants. I give you everything.” Since humans would have to kill an animal for food, then it is correct to say God allowed humans to kill animals as a source of food, and since the Bible teaches that Jesus is one with God, this implies that Jesus, too, agreed with the killing of animals for food.
However, the Bible strongly discourages animal cruelty, as can be seen in Proverbs 12:10,” whoever is righteous respect for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.” This shows that God wanted man to take good care of all the animals he owned, be it domestic animals such as cattle and sheep or wild animals. Animal cruelty comes in many forms, which might be killing an animal for entertainment or treating the animal in an inhumane way.
Did Jesus kill 2000 pigs?
Jesus did not kill 2000 pigs. According to the gospel, Mark Jesus allowed the demons to enter the pigs instead of roaming freely; this can be seen in Mark 5:12,” send us to the pigs let us enter them.” Jesus allowed this, and he sent the demons into the pigs. What the demons decided to do next was up to them, and since a demon’s purpose is to destroy and kill, the pigs ran straight into the lake and met their death.
The story was that there was a man possessed by so many demons that he exuded immense strength that he even broke the chains that bound him. When the demons saw Jesus, they fell before Jesus and asked Him to send them into the pigs, later downed in the lake.
What happened to the pigs after Jesus cast demons into them?
After Jesus cast the demons into the pigs, all the pigs ran into the lake and droned. And the man who was possessed by them was now free from the demons and could live a free and normal life. The people of the city came to see what had happened and were afraid. This meant that he could go back to the country and be with his family. This can be seen in Mark 5:13-15,” and the herd numbering about 2000 went down the bank into the sea and drowned. The herdsmen fled and told the city, and the country and people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion. Sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.” All the people came to see what Jesus had done because no one had been able to cast out demons before Him, and hence they had a feeling of fear after they saw what He had done.
Is killing animals a sin?
The answer to this question is a yes and a no, depending on the reason for killing the animal. If the animal is killed for the purposes of food, then is it right and hence not a sin. Jesus allowed fishing which involves killing fish for food. Luke 5:4,” now when he had finished speaking, he said unto Simon, launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught.”
However, killing an animal could be considered a sin if the animal is killed for fun. The Bible says that animals should be treated with respect, and killing an animal for fun is seen as disrespectful. Leviticus 24: 21,” whoever kills an animal shall make it good.” Killing an animal and letting it rot does not make it good.
References
What is the story behind the 2000 pigs?
What does the Bible say about animal killings?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
