Mark 5

The healing of “Legion” (vs. 1-20)—After Jesus calmed the storm (chapter 4), the boat landed in the region of the Gadarenes (or Garasenes, as the ASV has it). Jesus was met by a wild, violent demon-possessed man. Matthew tells us that there were actually two men, but one was obviously so prominent that Mark doesn’t bother referring to the other. The man dwelt among tombs “and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him” (vs. 3-4). The demons within him recognized Jesus, of course: “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me” (v. 7). Jesus asked him his name, to which the response was “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He asked Jesus to cast him (them?) into a nearby herd of swine, to which Christ gave them leave (vs. 12-13). So aggressive were these demons, that “the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea” (v. 13). Those who had been tending the swine ran to the nearby city, reported what they had seen, and the people of that town “went out to see what it was that had happened” (v. 14). “Legion” was completely cured now, “sitting and clothed and in his right mind” (v. 15). The event so overwhelmed and, apparently, frightened the people that “they began to plead with Him to depart from their region” (v. 17). Jesus, never one to stay where He wasn’t wanted, “got into the boat” to leave (v. 18), but “Legion” asked to go with Him. Jesus preferred that he “go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (v. 19). “Legion” did so, and “began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled” (v. 20). He did a whole lot more good that way than he would have done traveling with the Lord. A marvelous story. Jesus had just stilled a turbulent storm. Now, He demonstrates His power over the spirit world. In the next incident, He will triumph over death. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). Apparently not. About the only thing He cannot—will not—overcome is our lack of faith.

Christ raises Jairus’ daughter (vs. 21-24, 35-43)—There is an interlude in this event to which I will return. Once Jesus had returned from the region of the Gadarenes, He was immediately met by a man named Jairus, “one of the rulers of the synagogue” (v. 22). Jairus’ daughter was at the point of death and he “begged Him earnestly” (v. 23) to come and heal her. Jesus went with him. There was an interruption on the way (the “interlude”) and by the time that matter was settled, the daughter had died. But Jesus said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (v. 36). He continued to the ruler’s house, and taking only Peter, James, and John with Him, entered. There was a group of people weeping and mourning, but the Lord said, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping” (v. 39). The mourners “ridiculed Him” (v. 40) because they believed the girl to be dead (which technically, she was). Jesus told them all to leave, except the father and mother and His three disciples. He spoke to the girl, “’Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement” (vs. 41-42). Another singular, powerful miracle.

Jesus and the “bleeding” woman (vs. 25-34)—The “interlude” was of a woman who “had a flow of blood for twelve years” (v. 25). Nothing could be done for her, and indeed we can all sympathize with her: she had “had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse” (v. 26). She believed that “if only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (v. 28). She was correct; she “touched His garment” (v. 27), and “immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction” (v. 29). Jesus perceived that “power had gone out of Him, [and] turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My clothes?’" (v. 30). The Lord knows all. Since there was a multitude around Him, His disciples were somewhat astonished that He recognized one touch, but it was the “power” departing from Him that He was aware of. The woman, “fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth” (v. 33). But Jesus commended her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (v. 34). Another great story of faith. “If only I may touch His clothes….” Oh, for that kind of simple, trusting faith in the Lord.