Matthew 8:32-33

And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs.

Question:

As the Christ spirit is the protector/life source of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, it has always bothered me that he caused the herd of pigs to be killed and created hardship for the herdsmen when he cast out the demons.

Comment:

I know, right? It bothers me, too, that Jesus is apparently insensitive to the pigs and their herders, who will be in big trouble with their employers. I'd also add the poor fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22, cursed simply because it did not bear fruit out of season.

I've come to believe that these examples—and there are others—are expressions of Jesus the man (not yet the Christ in full expression) learning about his spiritual power by making mistakes. The point is that he learns and moves on. It would be encouraging for us, I think, to know that we don't have to be absolutely perfect to retain our own Oneness with the Divine.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed