Two truths are powerfully illustrated by these verses. First, Jesus commands and demons must obey. He is superior to them. They cannot stand against him. Second, the goal of the demonic world is to destroy. The plight of the men possessed—unclothed, out of their mind, self-destructive, living in the place of the dead, isolated from people—and the ultimate end of the herd of pigs both remind us that the demonic world, no matter how alluring or seductive or powerful, has as its goal our destruction. The crucifixion of Jesus, which lies ahead, will be the place that Jesus' superiority will ultimately conflict with the demonic world's desire to destroy. For three days it appears as if the demonic world will win. Jesus' triumphant resurrection is the great reminder that he is Lord. He has the power to defeat every enemy. Our ultimate victory in Jesus is assured just as surely as their ultimate defeat is certain.