Chapter 5

Read Mark 5:1-20; Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man

This story always feels like Jesus was on a mission to heal this man. In verse 2 it mentions Jesus got out of the boat. It does not mention any of the disciples got out of the boat. In verse 18 it mentions Jesus getting back in the boat. Again, it does not mention anything about His disciples. Because of that, I imagine the twelve watching Jesus interact with this man from the boat.

Verses 3-5 describe what this man was like. No one could control him. As soon as the man saw Jesus, the demons in him recognized Jesus and ran to Him. Verses 7-10 set up the story…

⁷ He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” ⁸ For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

⁹ Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” ¹⁰ And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

Let’s stop for a minute and get back in the boat. What are the disciples thinking? Is this crazy man going to harm Jesus? Why is Jesus even talking to him? Can you imagine Peter’s thoughts as he recounts this story to Mark. It was 30 years ago, but I bet it was still fresh in his mind. As we will see, it was the beginning of an amazing day.

Back on the beach, in verses 11-13, Jesus allows the demons to enter a herd of pigs that immediately run into the lake and drowned. There were about 2000 pigs. A huge value to people of the town. Now what are the disciples thinking? Did the worry the towns people will come and attack Jesus?

In verses 14-17, the people tending the pigs went back to town to tell them what happened. When the people from town got there, they saw Jesus sitting talking to the man, now dressed and in his right mind. I have often wondered where the clothes came from. Did Jesus just have them appear? The people were so afraid they pleaded with Jesus to leave the area. Another example of people not seeing the miracle. The way of the world.

As Jesus was getting back in the boat, the man asked to go with them. Verses 19-20 point out the true meaning for miracles…

¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “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.” ²⁰ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

The man had a greater Kingdom reach telling people that knew his story what Jesus had done for him verses become another disciple following Jesus around the countryside.

Verse 18 so calmly says, “As Jesus was getting into the boat”. What do you think the disciples are doing now? What is Peter thinking as he recounts this story to Mark? Probably none of us will ever go through a healing like that, but can people we know see the change in our lives? As in the parable above, is our lamp under a bowl or is it in plain sight so the light fills the room?

Read Mark 5:21-43; Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

To me these two stories read like a continuation of the same day. Verse 21 says, “When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side”. A day in the life of the disciples following Jesus. I bet it was hard for them to go to sleep some days after all the amazing things they saw.

Again, a large crowd appears. I always wonder where these people come from. However, this crowd has someone very interesting in it, a synagogue leader. I wonder what the Pharisees thought of that? His daughter was sick and dying. Verse 23-24 set up the story…

²³ He pleaded earnestly with Him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put Your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him.

So, Jesus went with him. Very calm statement. The typical large crowd formed around Him, but a not so typical woman enters the picture. Here is a story of pure faith. She was very sick and verses 27-29 tell about her faith…

²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, ²⁸ because she thought, “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

Next Jesus makes an interesting statement, “Who touched My clothes?” We know He knew who she was, but was she willing to say so? Could her admitting what she did be a witness to the crowd? Because she fell at His feet and admitted the truth, verse 34 completes the miracle…

³⁴ He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Remember we are walking to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. A day in the life of a disciple! Then bad news arrives. They took too long and the daughter already died. However, verse 36 changes everything…

³⁶ Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

“Just believe”. What did Jairus think? What did the disciples think? Do we “just believe”?

Then Jesus did something that is not explained and a curiosity of mine. He only takes Peter, James and John. When they got to the house there was a great commotion. Verses 39-40 show the reaction of natural man…

³⁹ He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ But they laughed at Him.

One minute they were crying loudly and then they laughed at Him. They couldn’t believe it. So, Jesus sent them outside.

Picture this in your mind. Jesus, the mother and father, and three disciples go into the room with this young girl lying dead on her bed. The parents are overwhelmed. Peter, James and John had just seen the demonic man healed and the lady with the bleeding problem healed. Did they believe Jesus could raise this young lady from the dead? Verses 41-43 finish the story…

⁴¹ He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴² Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. ⁴³ He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this and told them to give her something to eat.

Are you still in the room in your mind? Overwhelming joy! Completely Astonished! Then Jesus gives the confusing statement to not tell anyone. There is a whole crowd of mourners outside. The other nine disciples will want to know something. It just is beyond my understanding, but I love the last statement, “Give her something to eat”. What an amazing, caring God.