Jesus and His disciples stepped from their boat onto an otherwise deserted beach to be confronted by two violent, demonised men (Matthew 8:28).  The demons recognised who Jesus was and were in awe of His power over them (Matthew 8:29).  They were reluctant to leave the men they had been manipulating and did not want to be sent to hell.  If they were to be exorcised, they preferred to make their home in a large herd of pigs (Luke 8:32).

Jesus chose to allow them to go into the pigs, but not because the demons had any authority to demand their own solution.  Instead, Jesus wanted everybody to see the devastating power of evil - and His ability to deliver people from its grip (2 Timothy 2:26).  Satan's power, which had dominated the men, was clearly seen as the demons propelled the pigs to run to their destruction.  On the other hand, the men were transformed from being naked and terrifyingly violent, to being clothed and peaceful with a full rational mind (Luke 8:35).

The local townsfolk were frightened to see this expression of power, as they realised that their livestock (and livelihood) had disappeared into the sea.  Jesus was not welcome anymore.  They had tolerated the disturbed men who largely kept to themselves, but had no idea of the potency of evil so close to them.  Neither did they realise the evil within themselves which generated the same reaction as the demons, ‘Go away, Jesus’ (Matthew 8:29).  That same reaction was the hallmark of Satan who later manipulated Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3) and the crowd, who demanded Jesus be taken away and killed (John 19:15).

The presence of Jesus is either welcomed or resented.  Most people are content to tolerate Jesus until He demonstrates His power close to them.  It may be the transformation of a close family member, colleague or friend who has repented and received Jesus.  Suddenly, the presence of God in that new believer makes some others very uncomfortable.  Jesus is still a threat to the kingdom of darkness that manipulates the world.  But when that happens, be encouraged.  It is a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work - convicting your friend of the anti-Jesus rebellion which lurks within them, although they do not know it.  It is also a warning to the prince of this world (the devil) that he is condemned (John 16:8-11).