Mark 5

Mark 5 tells of Jesus’ powerful authority over demons, illness, and death, revealing Him as the Lord over every realm. The chapter opens with the dramatic account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gadarenes. It then transitions to two intertwined miracles: the healing of a woman with a chronic illness and the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. These accounts demonstrate Jesus’ compassion, His willingness to confront spiritual and physical suffering, and His ultimate power over life and death.

Mark 5:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains,
4 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.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.
7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “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.”
8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”
9 Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.”
10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

This passage recounts Jesus' encounter with a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gadarenes, where the man, tormented by a legion of demons, lived among tombs and could not be subdued by human means. When Jesus approached, the demons, recognizing His divine authority, begged Him not to torment them or send them out of the region. In verse 10, their plea not to be sent out of the country highlights their dependency on Jesus' authority and their desire to remain in an area where they could continue their influence. This encounter demonstrates Jesus’ absolute power over the spiritual realm and His ability to confront and subdue even the most powerful forces of evil.

Mark 5:11-13 (NKJV)
11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.
12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.”
13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

The demons plead to enter a herd of swine, showing their preference to inhabit a body rather than face destruction. Jesus permits it, and the herd of about two thousand swine rushes into the sea and drowns, symbolizing the destructive nature of evil. This scene demonstrates both Jesus’ authority to expel the demons and the ultimate self-destructive path of demonic influence. The dramatic death of the swine also impacts the local community, as they lose a significant resource.

Mark 5:14-17 (NKJV)
14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened.
15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine.
17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.

When the townspeople see the man healed, clothed, and calm, they are fearful. The loss of the swine likely causes concern as well, and they beg Jesus to leave their region. Their reaction reflects a preference for material security over spiritual deliverance, choosing to reject Jesus rather than confront the implications of His power over evil.

Mark 5:18-20 (NKJV)
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him.
19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “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.”
20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

The healed man’s desire to follow Jesus is met with an unexpected response: Jesus sends him home to share his testimony. This mission marks the man as an early witness in a Gentile region, where his testimony inspires awe. Jesus’ compassion transforms this once isolated individual into a proclaimer of God’s power and mercy.

Mark 5:21-24 (NKJV)
21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea.
22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet
23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.”
24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

Jairus, a respected synagogue leader, humbly seeks Jesus’ help for his dying daughter. Despite his position, Jairus’ desperation drives him to place faith in Jesus’ healing power. Jesus responds compassionately, agreeing to go with him, but the urgency of the journey is quickly interrupted, underscoring Jesus’ willingness to be interrupted in order to address every need.

Mark 5:25-34 (NKJV)
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,
26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.
27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.
28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”
31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.
34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

This woman’s bold yet discreet act of faith reflects her belief in Jesus’ power to heal. Despite her isolation and suffering, she reaches out, and her faith is immediately rewarded with healing. Jesus, aware of the touch, addresses her publicly, not to reprimand but to affirm her faith and grant her peace.

Mark 5:35-36 (NKJV)
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

In this moment of devastating news, Jesus encourages Jairus not to lose hope but to continue believing. His words underscore the power of faith even in the face of apparent defeat. Jesus’ response reveals His authority over both life and death and His compassion toward those who put their trust in Him.

Mark 5:37-40 (NKJV)
37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.
39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”
40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.

Jesus limits His followers to a small group, highlighting the intimate nature of the miracle He is about to perform. The mourners’ loud lamentations contrast with Jesus’ calm assurance that the girl’s condition is temporary, likening it to sleep. The mourners' ridicule reveals their disbelief, but Jesus dismisses them, choosing a private setting to display His power over death.

Mark 5:41-43 (NKJV)
41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

In a tender moment, Jesus speaks to the girl with gentle authority, calling her back to life. Her immediate response and ability to walk demonstrate the completeness of her restoration. The witnesses’ amazement emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event. Jesus’ instruction to keep it quiet may reflect His desire to avoid unnecessary attention or misunderstanding of His mission, and His care in ensuring she is fed shows His attentiveness to her physical needs.