SCRIPTURE: MARK 5
THE HEALING OF A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN (vs. 1-20)
Jesus went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit who lived in the tombs came to meet Him. He had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees and shouted: “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me.” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” (vs. 7-8).. Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion, for we are many” (v. 9). And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area, and instead send them among the pigs which were on the nearby hillside. Jesus gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
Those tending the pigs 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 saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demon, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind and they were afraid. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus told him to go home to his family and tell them how much the Lord has done for him, and how much mercy he had received. And all the people were amazed.
A DEAD GIRL AND A SICK WOMAN (vs. 21-43)
When Jesus had crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him. One of the synagogue rulers named Jairus knelt down and pleaded earnestly with Jesus saying: “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live” (v. 23). So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years came up behind him and touched his cloak thinking that she could be cured by touching his cloak. When Jesus realized that power had gone out from him, he asked: “Ho touched my clothes?” d(v. 30). Then woman, trembling with fear confessed to him. Jesus said to her: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering.” (v. 34)
While Jesus was still speaking, some came from the house of Jairus and reported that his daughter is dead. But Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (v. 36) Jesus took Peter, James and John to the home of the synagogue ruler. Upon entering the house, people were crying and wailing, but Jesus told them that the child is not dead but asleep. Then he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her: “:Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (v. 41) Immediately, the 12 year old girl stood up and walked around. Everyone were astonished but Jesus gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this and told them to give her something to eat.
THOUGHTS:
Demons are dangerous, powerful and destructive, We should stay away from demons by avoiding any curiosity about or involvement with demonic forces or the occult. If we resist the Devil and his influences, he will flee from us. Mark tried to highlight the supernatural struggle between Jesus and Satan. The demon’s goal was to control the human they inhabited. Jesus’ goal was to give people freedom from sin and Satan’s control. The demons knew they had no power over Jesus, so they begged to be sent to the herd of pigs. Jesus permitted their request to demonstrate his own superiority over a very powerful yet destructive force.
After the miracle of healing the demon-possessed man, the people want Jesus to leave because he destroyed the pigs. They did not want him to stay for fear of losing their source of income and security.
After the demon-possessed man was healed, he wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus told him to go home and share his story with his friends. If you have experienced Jesus’ power in your life, you should also share the goods news with those around you.
The woman had an incurable sickness of bleeding. But she had faith that Jesus could cured her even by touching his clothes. If you encounter unsolvable problems, remember this woman’s faith. Do not allow fear to keep you from approaching God because He is always ready to help you. Genuine faith requires action. Faith that is not put into action is not faith at all.
The daughter of Jairus, the synagogue ruler was dying. Jairus came to seek Jesus’ help. Jesus told him not to be afraid but to trust him. His word sent hope and promise. But upon reaching the house, there was loud weeping and wailing. When Jesus said that the child was not dead but only sleeping, the mourners began to laugh. Today, most people laugh at the Gospel, which seem ridiculous to them. Sometimes you are belittled for expressing faith in Jesus and hope for eternal life because the unbelievers don’t see from God’s perspective.
In this chapter Jesus demonstrated His great power. He has power over nature, evil spirits and death. He showed tremendous compassion to the demon-possessed man who live among tombs, for a diseased woman and for the family of a dead girl. Jesus was willing to reach out and help anyone in need.