1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had [his] dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 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.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 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.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, [thou] unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What [is] thy name? And he answered, saying, My name [is] Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 And they that saw [it] told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and [also] concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 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.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel.
21 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.
22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
23 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.
24 And [Jesus] went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague.
30 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?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
35 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?
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
40 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.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Overview of Mark Chapter 5
Mark Chapter 5 presents a series of miraculous events performed by Jesus, showcasing His authority over demons, disease, and death. This chapter emphasizes faith, the power of Jesus, and the transformative nature of His miracles.
Key Events in Mark Chapter 5
- The Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20)
- The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
- The Healing of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
The Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20)
In this passage, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee to the region of the Gerasenes, where He encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit.
- Condition of the Demoniac: The man lived among the tombs, was often bound with chains, and could not be restrained. His condition illustrates the destructive power of evil.
- Jesus’ Authority: Upon seeing Jesus, the demons within the man recognize His authority and plead not to be sent away. This highlights the recognition of Jesus’ divine power even among evil spirits.
- The Swine Incident: Jesus permits the demons to enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. This act demonstrates Jesus’ power over demonic forces and serves as a visual representation of the destruction caused by sin.
- The Transformation: After the exorcism, the formerly possessed man is found sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, illustrating the transformative power of Jesus’ intervention.
- Witness and Mission: Jesus instructs the man to share his story with others, emphasizing the importance of personal testimony in spreading the message of salvation.
The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
This passage highlights the faith of a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years.
- Desperation and Faith: The woman had exhausted her resources seeking healing but turned to Jesus in faith, believing that touching His garment would heal her.
- Miraculous Healing: Upon touching Jesus’ garment, she is immediately healed, illustrating the power of faith and the immediacy of Jesus’ healing ability.
- Jesus’ Response: Jesus feels the power leave Him and seeks to identify the woman. His inquiry emphasizes the personal nature of healing and the importance of acknowledging faith.
- Affirmation of Faith: The woman, fearful yet bold, confesses her actions. Jesus responds with compassion, affirming her faith and declaring her healed, both physically and spiritually.
The Healing of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
This narrative intertwines with the previous miracle, showcasing Jesus’ authority over death.
- Jairus’ Plea: Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus in desperation, pleading for healing for his dying daughter. This highlights the urgency and faith of a father’s love.
- Interruption by the Woman: While on the way to Jairus’ home, the healing of the woman with the issue of blood occurs, demonstrating Jesus’ willingness to help those in need, regardless of timing.
- News of Death: Messengers inform Jairus that his daughter has died. Jesus reassures Jairus to not fear but to believe, emphasizing the necessity of faith in dire circumstances.
- Miracle of Resurrection: Upon arriving at Jairus’ home, Jesus raises the girl from the dead, commanding her to arise. This act illustrates Jesus’ power over life and death, affirming His divine nature.
- Instructions and Secrecy: Jesus instructs those present to tell no one about the miracle, which may reflect His desire to avoid sensationalism and to focus on the message of faith.
Thematic Analysis
- Faith: Each miracle emphasizes the importance of faith, whether it is the faith of the demoniac, the woman, or Jairus.
- Authority of Jesus: The chapter consistently showcases Jesus’ authority over spiritual and physical realms, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.
- Transformation: The transformative nature of Jesus’ miracles is evident, as individuals are restored to wholeness, both physically and spiritually.
- Compassion: Jesus’ interactions reflect deep compassion for those who suffer, highlighting His role as a healer and savior.
Conclusion
Mark Chapter 5 serves as a powerful testament to the authority and compassion of Jesus. Through the accounts of the demoniac, the woman with the issue of blood, and Jairus’ daughter, the chapter illustrates the transformative power of faith and the divine intervention of Jesus in the lives of those who seek Him.
