When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. Luke 8:34-37 (NLT)
Jesus cast the demons into the herd of pigs. The herd of pigs immediately ran off the cliff and dove into the water, drowning. The man, however, was at peace and for the first time in a very long time sat calmly and participated in a conversation.
The folks tending the sheep ran off and told the entire town what happened. Keep in mind that a town in that part of the world at that time was not like the towns we think about now. They were little villages where word spread quickly. All the curious came to see if it was true and there, to their amazement, sat this man listening to Jesus and talking to the others around. He was even dressed!
Their reaction was one of joy and happiness. They ran to Jesus and asked him to help their friends and loved ones by healing them too. They recognized who he was and they too wanted to talk to him and be near him.
NOT.
That is not what they did. They were afraid because they didn't understand this power. They only knew that this was different and too much out of their control so they asked Jesus to leave. They sent away the one who could bring them joy, happiness and healing because he wasn't what they were used to.
How often do we do the same?