Mark Chapter 5

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man:
(Read: Mark 5:1-20)
A demon possessed man met Jesus in a Gentile region.  This man lived among tombs, and no one was strong enough to control him. He fell down before Jesus and screamed “Why are you bothering me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? For God’s sake, don’t torture me”.  Jesus healed him by saying “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit”. The demon’s name was “Legion”.  A Roman legion is six thousand soldiers.  Jesus allowed the unclean spirits to enter the swine and the entire swine plunged down into the lake and drowned.  Jesus saw the man's soul worth more than 2000 pigs.  Jesus is the Savior of the world and only he can bring deliverance.  Unsaved people are under the control of Satan.  Satan cannot torment believers without God’s permission. They are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). The crowd got frightened when they saw the man who was healed became perfectly sane. They request Jesus to go away and leave them alone. They were more interested in the material gain than the Savior who came to save their soul. Jesus does everything for our good and God's glory. The man who was healed wanted to follow Jesus. But Jesus said to him, “Go to your home and tell them everything the Lord has done for you".  Witnessing is sharing the wonderful work the Lord has done for us.  He shared his story to everyone he met.  Thus, Jesus demonstrates his authority over the demonic world. The unseen forces of the universe are under God's power.  In our troubles we can trust Christ because he has overcome the powers of Satan and death.  Christ is willing and able to help those who call for help. He does all things for his glory and for our good.  This story must encourage us to share the good news of salvation to the lost and dying world!
 
Two Unique Miracles:

(Read: Mark 5:21-43)
Jesus’ popularity had grown to such an extent that wherever he went a large crowd gathered around him.  A synagogue leader whose name was Jairus came to Jesus and pleaded that his little daughter may be healed. She was at the point of death.  Jesus went with him, and a great crowd followed him.  On his way a woman with the hemorrhage for twelve years was healed immediately when she touched his cloth. She endured much suffering and spent everything she had for a cure. She believed that “If I touch even his garment, I will be made well”.  She went behind Jesus and touched his garment. Jesus asked “Who touched me” because the healing power had gone from him. His disciples failed to understand what had happened to her. When the woman fell down at Jesus’ feet and told him what she had done. Jesus said to her “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your disease” (Mark 5:34).  While Jesus was speaking to her, it was told that “Jarius’ daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further”.  Jesus took the girl’s parents, Peter, James, and John with him to the room where the girl was laid. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; only believe, the child is not dead, she is but sleeping”. Holding her hand, Jesus said to her “Get up, little girl”. Immediately she stood up and began walking. She was twelve years old.  Her parents marveled at the miracle. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what had happened.  He wanted people to not be drawn to him because of miracles but believe his Word.  Believing the Word of Jesus is more important than seeing the miracles he did. He limited his greatest miracles to be witnessed by only a chosen few disciple (Mark 9:2).  Thus, Jesus proved that he had power over illness and death.  His ultimate power over sin and death was displayed on the cross and by his resurrection.  This same power is at work in us to strengthen us in our battle against sin and temptations.