Mark 5
“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For 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. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 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.
11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 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.
21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 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.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 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.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 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.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 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.”
Mark 5 Meaning
Mark 5 recounts the powerful and compassionate acts of Jesus Christ as He encounters a demon-possessed man, heals a woman with a bleeding issue, and raises a young girl from the dead. These verses teach us about the authority of Jesus over evil, His willingness to heal and restore, and the importance of faith in receiving God’s miracles.
Mark 5 Commentary and Explanation
In Mark 5, we look into a passage rich with miraculous encounters, revealing profound truths about Jesus’ authority over illness, death, and spiritual bondage. This passage showcases Jesus’ compassion and power in addressing the deepest needs of humanity.
As we begin, we find Jesus and his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gerasenes. Upon arrival, they are met by a man possessed by an unclean spirit, dwelling among the tombs. This man’s condition is severe, as he is uncontrollable, self-destructive, and isolated from society. His encounter with Jesus demonstrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the dominion Christ holds over demonic forces.
Jesus commands the legion of demons to leave the man, demonstrating his authority over the spiritual realm. The dramatic scene of the demons entering a herd of pigs, which then rushes into the sea and drowns, highlights the destructive nature of evil and the power of Jesus to bring deliverance.
However, the response of the local community is not one of celebration but fear. Instead of rejoicing over the miraculous healing, they are more concerned about their economic loss—the drowned pigs—revealing their misplaced priorities. This reaction prompts Jesus to depart from their midst, leaving the healed man as a testimony to God’s mercy.
As Jesus returns to the other side of the sea, a large crowd gathers around him, eagerly seeking his presence. Among them is Jairus, a synagogue leader, whose daughter lies critically ill. Despite his high status, Jairus humbly falls at Jesus’ feet, demonstrating faith in Jesus’ ability to heal his daughter. This act of humility contrasts with the religious leaders’ skepticism and resistance to Jesus’ authority.
On his way to Jairus’ house, Jesus encounters a woman who has suffered from a bleeding disorder for twelve years. Her desperate faith leads her to touch Jesus’ cloak, believing that even the mere touch of his garment will bring healing. Jesus acknowledges her faith and assures her of her complete healing. This incident reveals Jesus’ accessibility to all who approach him in faith, regardless of societal status or religious background.
In the midst of this interruption, messengers arrive with news of Jairus’ daughter’s death. Yet, Jesus encourages Jairus to have faith and proceeds to the house, accompanied by only a few disciples and the girl’s parents. Despite the mourners’ ridicule and disbelief, Jesus raises the girl from the dead, demonstrating his authority over death itself.
Mark 5 powerfully illustrates Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized, his authority over sickness and death, and the importance of faith in experiencing his miraculous power. It challenges us to examine our response to Jesus’ authority and prompts us to approach him with humble faith, trusting in his ability to bring healing and restoration to every aspect of our lives.
Also Read: Mark 9 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Mark 5
Mark 5 is part of a series of stories and miracles recounted in the Gospel of Mark. It comes after Jesus calmed the storm and demonstrated His power over nature, which further highlighted His authority and divinity to His disciples.
The miracles in this passage take place in the region of the Gerasenes, which was primarily occupied by Gentiles. The encounter with the demon-possessed man exposes Jesus’ power to deliver individuals from the bondage of evil spirits. Similarly, the healing of the woman with the issue of blood illustrates Jesus’ willingness to heal even those who have suffered for many years.
The passage also shows the great contrast between the faith of the woman with the issue of blood and the lack of faith among the people who witnessed the healing of the demon-possessed man. While the woman boldly reached out in faith to touch Jesus’ garment, the people of the region were so filled with fear that they asked Jesus to leave.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Mark 5
1. Demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20): This part of the passage demonstrates Jesus’ authority over evil spirits. He frees the man from the torment of possession and restores his sanity. The fear of the people upon witnessing this miracle is also noteworthy.
2. Healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:21-34): The focus here is on the woman’s faith and determination to touch Jesus’ garment. Her act of faith leads to her instant healing and Jesus’ acknowledgment of her faith.
3. Raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43): This final part of the passage reveals Jesus’ power over death. He raises the young girl from the dead, displaying His authority and ability to conquer even the finality of mortality.
Lessons From Mark 5
1. Jesus has power over all forms of affliction: Whether it is physical illness or spiritual bondage, Jesus has the power to heal and deliver. Like the demon-possessed man, we can find freedom in Jesus’ name.
2. Faith in Jesus brings healing: The woman with the issue of blood teaches us the importance of trusting in Jesus’ power to heal and being persistent in our faith. Her act of reaching out to touch Jesus demonstrates the power of belief and results in her complete healing.
3. Jesus brings life and hope: The raising of Jairus’ daughter reminds us that Jesus has the power to overcome death itself. In Him, we find everlasting life and the hope of resurrection.
Final Thoughts
The story of Jesus’ encounter with the demon-possessed man and the sick woman in Mark 5:1-43 is a powerful testament to the authority and compassion of Jesus. It is a reminder that no affliction is too great for Jesus to overcome. Whether we are battling physical, emotional, or spiritual struggles, Jesus invites us to come to Him in faith, believing that He can bring healing and restoration to our lives. Let us approach Jesus with confidence, knowing that He is able to transform our circumstances and bring us freedom, peace, and new life.