Mark 5
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1They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs. 3He lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains, 4because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him. 5Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones. 6When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him, 7and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don’t torment me.” 8For he said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9He asked him, “What is your name?” He said to him, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country. 11Now on the mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding. 12All the demons begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.” 13At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea. 14Those who fed them fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came to see what it was that had happened. 15They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid. 16Those who saw it declared to them what happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs. 17They began to beg him to depart from their region. 18As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. 19He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.” 20He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled. 21When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. 22Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 23and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.” 24He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides. 25A certain woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years, 26and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse, 27having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes. 28For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.” 29Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31His disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.” 35While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” 36But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” 37He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. 39When he had entered in, he said to them, “Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.” 40They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. 41Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!” 42Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. 43He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"”
Mark 5:34
Summary
In Mark 5, Jesus demonstrates His authority over demonic forces, illness, and death, showcasing His power and compassion. The chapter opens with Jesus traveling to the region of the Gerasenes, where He encounters a demon-possessed man. The man's condition is desperate, and no one has been able to help him until Jesus steps in. Jesus commands the impure spirits, identifying themselves as 'Legion,' to leave the man and permits them to enter a herd of pigs, which subsequently drown in the sea, illustrating Jesus' authority over evil. The townspeople are both amazed and fearful, leading them to ask Jesus to depart. The narrative then shifts to the story of Jairus, a synagogue ruler, whose daughter is gravely ill. In the midst of this urgent request, a woman suffering from a chronic bleeding condition for twelve years reaches out in faith to touch Jesus' garment, believing in her healing. Instantly, her bleeding stops, demonstrating the power of faith. Jesus, sensing that power has gone from Him, seeks her out and affirms her faith. Proceeding to Jairus' home, despite reports of the child's death, Jesus commands the girl to arise, reviving her in a miracle that highlights His power over death and celebrates the faith of those who trust in Him. Mark 5 underscores key themes such as the transformative power of faith, the authority of Jesus over natural and supernatural realms, and His compassionate response to human suffering. The theological message emphasizes that Jesus is the Lord with power over life's most formidable enemies: demons, disease, and death, providing hope and restoration to those who seek Him with faith.
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Chapter outline
How Mark 5 unfolds
Mark 5:1–20 Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Man
Jesus arrives in the region of the Gadarenes, where He encounters a man possessed by many demons. After commanding the demons to leave, they enter a herd of pigs, which rush into the sea, causing the townspeople to fear Jesus.
Mark 5:21–34 The Healing of a Woman
As Jesus returns, a synagogue ruler named Jairus pleads for His help for his dying daughter. On the way, a woman suffering from a bleeding condition touches Jesus' garment, leading to her healing.
Mark 5:35–43 Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter
Despite news of the girl's death, Jesus encourages Jairus to believe. He enters the home, reassures the mourners, and raises the girl back to life, commanding her to eat.
Key verses
Mark 5:34Mark 5:34 encapsulates the chapter's focus on faith as the means through which individuals receive healing and restoration.
Main themes in Mark 5
Authority of Jesus
The authority of Jesus is evident when He commands the demons to leave the possessed man in verse 8. The response of the demons and the resulting miracle illustrate His control over spiritual forces. This theme underscores the broader message of Jesus' power over all aspects of life, including the demonic.
Faith
Faith is exemplified by both the woman with the bleeding issue and Jairus in verses 27 and 23. Their belief in Jesus' ability to heal showcases faith as a crucial component of experiencing His power. This theme emphasizes how personal trust in Jesus is vital for receiving healing and restoration.
Explore faith in the Bible →Healing and Restoration
The theme of healing surfaces with the woman healed from her bleeding in verse 29 and the raising of Jairus' daughter in verse 42. These miracles illustrate Jesus' compassion and capability to restore physical and social wholeness. They reveal that Jesus not only heals but also brings life and hope where there was despair.
Compassion of Christ
Jesus' compassion is shown in His interactions with the demon-possessed man and the suffering woman in verses 19 and 34. His willingness to heal and restore reflects a deep concern for human suffering. This theme highlights the nature of Jesus as one who cares for the marginalized and the desperate.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Mark 5
- Luke 8Both accounts feature the healing of the demon-possessed man, highlighting Jesus' authority in both narratives.
- Luke 7This passage connects through themes of faith and healing, as Jesus responds to desperate pleas for help.
- Matthew 9The healing of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter resonates with other accounts of Jesus’ miracles found in Matthew.
- Matthew 8This chapter echoes the authority of Jesus over nature and sickness, reinforcing His identity as the healer.
- Mark 1Jesus' initial ministry includes healing and exorcisms, establishing a pattern that continues in this chapter.
- Mark 7The theme of healing and Jesus' compassion is similarly present, addressing the needs of those marginalized by society.
Study questions
Questions for studying Mark 5
- Who is the man that Jesus encounters in the tombs?
- What do the demons reveal about themselves in this chapter?
- How does the crowd react to the healed man and the pigs?
- What prompts the woman to touch Jesus' garment?
- What does Jesus say to Jairus after hearing about his daughter?
- How does Jesus demonstrate His authority over death?
- What actions does the healed woman take after her encounter with Jesus?
Mark 5: frequently asked questions
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