And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Mark 5 showcases the multifaceted power of Jesus, extending beyond nature to the realms of the demonic, physical suffering, and even death itself. This chapter, building upon the foundation laid in Mark 4:35-5:43, reveals Jesus' authority over the chaos and uncleanness that plague humanity, offering hope and restoration. It's a powerful demonstration of His ability to bring healing to seemingly impossible situations.
Overcoming the Legion: Jesus' Authority over the Demonic (Mark 5:1-20)
Upon arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples are confronted by a man possessed by a "legion" of demons (Mark 5:1-2). This wasn't just a minor affliction; this man lived among the tombs, a social outcast among the dead, bound by no chains, and tormented by self-inflicted wounds (Mark 5:3-5). He was the epitome of being out of control. Tony Evans points out the utter desolation of his existence – his only companions were corpses.
The demons, however, recognize Jesus as the "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 5:6-7), acknowledging His power and authority. This echoes previous encounters where demons identified Jesus (Mark 1:23-24). They beg not to be tormented, revealing their fear of His judgment. Jesus demands to know their name, and they reply, "My name is Legion… for we are many" (Mark 5:9). A Roman legion consisted of thousands of soldiers, suggesting a vast number of demonic entities. They plead to be allowed to enter a herd of pigs, and Jesus grants their request. The pigs, driven mad, rush into the sea and drown (Mark 5:11-13).
The townspeople, witnessing this event and the destruction of their livestock (estimated at two thousand pigs!), are overwhelmed by fear and beg Jesus to leave (Mark 5:14-17). Their livelihood, their material possessions, were valued more than the deliverance of a human being from demonic oppression. This highlights a crucial theme: the conflict between earthly priorities and spiritual realities.
In contrast to the townspeople's rejection, the formerly demon-possessed man begs to accompany Jesus (Mark 5:18). He desires to remain with the One who has set him free. However, Jesus instructs him to return home and share his story: "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19). This is a powerful example of personal testimony. Jesus sends him as a missionary to his own community, to soften the ground for future ministry. The man obeys, proclaiming Jesus's deeds throughout the Decapolis, and the people are amazed (Mark 5:20). His transformation becomes a living testament to the power of God's kingdom.
A Touch of Faith: Healing the Bleeding Woman (Mark 5:21-34)
Returning to the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is met by Jairus, a synagogue leader, who pleads for his dying daughter (Mark 5:21-24). Jairus's desperation is palpable, reflecting the anguish of any parent facing the imminent loss of a child. As Jesus makes His way to Jairus's house, a woman suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years approaches Him (Mark 5:25).
This woman's situation was dire. Not only did she endure physical suffering, but she had also spent all her money on doctors who couldn't help her (Mark 5:26). Furthermore, according to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27), she would have been considered ceremonially unclean, ostracizing her from society. She was defiled, destitute and desperate. Driven by faith and a glimmer of hope, she thinks, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed" (Mark 5:28). She approaches Jesus from behind and touches His cloak. Immediately, her bleeding stops, and she knows she is healed (Mark 5:29).
Jesus, sensing that power has gone out from Him, asks, "Who touched my clothes?" (Mark 5:30). The disciples are bewildered, given the large crowd pressing around Him (Mark 5:31). However, Jesus distinguishes between casual contact and a deliberate touch of faith. He seeks to publicly acknowledge the woman's faith and give glory to God.
The woman, filled with fear and trembling, confesses what she has done (Mark 5:33). Jesus responds with compassion and reassurance: "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34). He affirms her faith as the instrument of her healing and sends her away with a blessing of peace. This episode illustrates the power of faith, even a quiet, unassuming faith, to access God's healing power. It's also the first instance recorded where Jesus heals without overtly acting, highlighting that faith can draw on His power.
From Death to Life: Raising Jairus's Daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
While Jesus is still speaking to the woman, messengers arrive from Jairus's house with devastating news: "Your daughter is dead" (Mark 5:35). The delay caused by the woman's healing seems to have sealed the girl's fate. However, Jesus immediately reassures Jairus: "Don't be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36).
Jesus proceeds to Jairus's house, accompanied by Peter, James, and John (Mark 5:37). He finds a scene of mourning and lamentation. Professional mourners were likely present, wailing loudly (Mark 5:38). Jesus challenges their grief, declaring, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep" (Mark 5:39). The mourners, however, scoff at Him, demonstrating their unbelief (Mark 5:40).
Undeterred, Jesus clears the room, taking only the girl's parents and His three disciples with Him (Mark 5:40). He takes the girl's hand and says to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up!") (Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl, who was twelve years old, gets up and walks around (Mark 5:42). This is particularly poignant, given the woman Jesus had just healed had been bleeding for twelve years. Jesus then instructs them to give her something to eat and strictly orders them not to tell anyone what had happened (Mark 5:43). This miracle demonstrates Jesus' ultimate power over death, bringing life where there was none.
Mark 5 is a powerful chapter that reveals the multifaceted nature of Jesus' power and compassion. He demonstrates authority over demonic forces, heals physical ailments, and even conquers death itself. The chapter also highlights the importance of faith in accessing God's power and the transformative impact of encountering Jesus. Whether facing demonic oppression, physical suffering, or the sting of death, Mark 5 offers a message of hope and restoration through the power and compassion of Jesus Christ.
And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Mark 5 showcases the multifaceted power of Jesus, extending beyond nature to the realms of the demonic, physical suffering, and even death itself. This chapter, building upon the foundation laid in Mark 4:35-5:43, reveals Jesus' authority over the chaos and uncleanness that plague humanity, offering hope and restoration. It's a powerful demonstration of His ability to bring healing to seemingly impossible situations.
Overcoming the Legion: Jesus' Authority over the Demonic (Mark 5:1-20)
Upon arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples are confronted by a man possessed by a "legion" of demons (Mark 5:1-2). This wasn't just a minor affliction; this man lived among the tombs, a social outcast among the dead, bound by no chains, and tormented by self-inflicted wounds (Mark 5:3-5). He was the epitome of being out of control. Tony Evans points out the utter desolation of his existence – his only companions were corpses.
The demons, however, recognize Jesus as the "Son of the Most High God" (Mark 5:6-7), acknowledging His power and authority. This echoes previous encounters where demons identified Jesus (Mark 1:23-24). They beg not to be tormented, revealing their fear of His judgment. Jesus demands to know their name, and they reply, "My name is Legion… for we are many" (Mark 5:9). A Roman legion consisted of thousands of soldiers, suggesting a vast number of demonic entities. They plead to be allowed to enter a herd of pigs, and Jesus grants their request. The pigs, driven mad, rush into the sea and drown (Mark 5:11-13).
The townspeople, witnessing this event and the destruction of their livestock (estimated at two thousand pigs!), are overwhelmed by fear and beg Jesus to leave (Mark 5:14-17). Their livelihood, their material possessions, were valued more than the deliverance of a human being from demonic oppression. This highlights a crucial theme: the conflict between earthly priorities and spiritual realities.
In contrast to the townspeople's rejection, the formerly demon-possessed man begs to accompany Jesus (Mark 5:18). He desires to remain with the One who has set him free. However, Jesus instructs him to return home and share his story: "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19). This is a powerful example of personal testimony. Jesus sends him as a missionary to his own community, to soften the ground for future ministry. The man obeys, proclaiming Jesus's deeds throughout the Decapolis, and the people are amazed (Mark 5:20). His transformation becomes a living testament to the power of God's kingdom.
A Touch of Faith: Healing the Bleeding Woman (Mark 5:21-34)
Returning to the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is met by Jairus, a synagogue leader, who pleads for his dying daughter (Mark 5:21-24). Jairus's desperation is palpable, reflecting the anguish of any parent facing the imminent loss of a child. As Jesus makes His way to Jairus's house, a woman suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years approaches Him (Mark 5:25).
This woman's situation was dire. Not only did she endure physical suffering, but she had also spent all her money on doctors who couldn't help her (Mark 5:26). Furthermore, according to Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-27), she would have been considered ceremonially unclean, ostracizing her from society. She was defiled, destitute and desperate. Driven by faith and a glimmer of hope, she thinks, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed" (Mark 5:28). She approaches Jesus from behind and touches His cloak. Immediately, her bleeding stops, and she knows she is healed (Mark 5:29).
Jesus, sensing that power has gone out from Him, asks, "Who touched my clothes?" (Mark 5:30). The disciples are bewildered, given the large crowd pressing around Him (Mark 5:31). However, Jesus distinguishes between casual contact and a deliberate touch of faith. He seeks to publicly acknowledge the woman's faith and give glory to God.
The woman, filled with fear and trembling, confesses what she has done (Mark 5:33). Jesus responds with compassion and reassurance: "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34). He affirms her faith as the instrument of her healing and sends her away with a blessing of peace. This episode illustrates the power of faith, even a quiet, unassuming faith, to access God's healing power. It's also the first instance recorded where Jesus heals without overtly acting, highlighting that faith can draw on His power.
From Death to Life: Raising Jairus's Daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
While Jesus is still speaking to the woman, messengers arrive from Jairus's house with devastating news: "Your daughter is dead" (Mark 5:35). The delay caused by the woman's healing seems to have sealed the girl's fate. However, Jesus immediately reassures Jairus: "Don't be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36).
Jesus proceeds to Jairus's house, accompanied by Peter, James, and John (Mark 5:37). He finds a scene of mourning and lamentation. Professional mourners were likely present, wailing loudly (Mark 5:38). Jesus challenges their grief, declaring, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep" (Mark 5:39). The mourners, however, scoff at Him, demonstrating their unbelief (Mark 5:40).
Undeterred, Jesus clears the room, taking only the girl's parents and His three disciples with Him (Mark 5:40). He takes the girl's hand and says to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up!") (Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl, who was twelve years old, gets up and walks around (Mark 5:42). This is particularly poignant, given the woman Jesus had just healed had been bleeding for twelve years. Jesus then instructs them to give her something to eat and strictly orders them not to tell anyone what had happened (Mark 5:43). This miracle demonstrates Jesus' ultimate power over death, bringing life where there was none.
Mark 5 is a powerful chapter that reveals the multifaceted nature of Jesus' power and compassion. He demonstrates authority over demonic forces, heals physical ailments, and even conquers death itself. The chapter also highlights the importance of faith in accessing God's power and the transformative impact of encountering Jesus. Whether facing demonic oppression, physical suffering, or the sting of death, Mark 5 offers a message of hope and restoration through the power and compassion of Jesus Christ.