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MARK: AN OVERVIEW

CHAPTER FIVE

JIM LAWS

In Mark chapter five we read of a man with an evil spirit (vv. 1-20), a dying girl, and a sick woman (vv. 21-43). By now the reader sees that Mark dedicates more of his account of the life of Jesus to his miracles, than do any of the other Gospel writers. Mark knew that these miracles were demonstrations of Jesus' divine power. His power over disease, the forces of evil, and even over nature, proves his deity and Sonship. Many would see the miracles of Jesus and flock to him to be healed; others came to be fed. Some saw the miracles and wondered who Jesus was, and still others were convinced by the miracles and followed him, becoming his disciples. Once again, the miracles in this chapter emphasize the action and power of the Lord. Notice how this is the case.

As one begins reading, reference made to the country of the Gadarens, which is on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. (The form of the name varies, see Matt. 8:28). Evidently, just as Jesus came from the boat, he came into contact with a man "with an unclean spirit (See Mark 1:20). It is clear that the man was demon possessed (vs. 15). Jesus asked the man his name, and he responded by saying "My name is Legion; for we are many" (v. 9). The evil spirits begged Jesus to send them into the herd of swine, which were feeding nearby. Jesus miraculously sent them out of the man and into the swine. As the text states, the whole herd of swine rushed down a steep bank, into the lake, and drowned (v. 13). The destruction of two thousand hogs is a large loss to sustain, even by today's standard. However, one can not blame Jesus for the action that the demons took. He did not direct them to run the swine into the sea. The Old Testament law forbade Jews to have any contact with swine (Lev. 11:7, 8). However, the owners of the swine might not have been Jewish, since this area was inhabited largely by Gentiles (v. 20). Jesus was not well received in the region (vv. 17-20). Even though the man, who had been possessed, was cleansed and told others what Jesus had done, still they urged Jesus to leave. Jesus could have done many wonderful things in the region, accomplishing a great deal of good in teaching them about the kingdom and God's power to save. The citizens marveled, when they heard what Jesus had done for the demon possessed man, yet they turned him away.

By verse 21 we learn that Jesus crossed by boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which brought him to Capernaum, although Mark does not mention that here. Jarius, described as one of the rulers of the synagogue, approached Jesus with, perhaps, the greatest need he had ever faced. His daughter was at the point of death (v. 23). He knew that Jesus could meet his need. However, he believed, erroneously so, that Jesus had to touch his daughter in order for her to be healed. Yet his faith in Jesus is unshakable. Jesus goes with Jairus, and a large crowd followed. As Mark tells the story of Jesus going to the house of Jairus, he explains that a woman, who has been plagued with hemorrhaging for twelve years, came and touched the border of Jesus' garment. She reasoned within her heart that she would be healed, if only she could touch his clothing. Mark is not necessarily kind in his comments about her physicians, as he says that she had spent all that she had and was none the better (v. 26). Luke, who was a physician, leaves this statement out. Mark adds the comment that she continued to get worse. However, her faith in Jesus motivated her to act (v. 28). When she touched the garment of Jesus, she was immediately healed. Jesus knew what had happened. So as not to leave the wrong impression, that there might be some kind magical power to his clothing, rather than being healed by his divine will, he made inquiry, "Who touched me" (v. 31). The woman fell before him and told him the whole story. The tenderness and kindness of Jesus can be seen, as he deals with the woman. He calls her "daughter" (v. 34). Jesus was pleased with the women's faith and told her to go in peace (See Matt. 9:18-26). One learns a lot about the nature of faith in a scene, such as this one. The term "faith" means to trust or to have a firm persuasion. To have faith is to put one's trust in another. The woman had put her trust in doctors to cure her and was disappointed, because they could not. Then she put her trust, faith in Christ, who was able to heal. Such is a good lesson for us all. Rather than have confidence in ourselves, we should put our trust and confidence in the Lord. (There are times when the word faith refers to what one believes. Notice Gal. 1:23 and Paul's use of the term "the faith," which refers to the scriptures themselves).

By this time someone came from Jairus' house telling him that his little girl's condition is too far gone; don't trouble Jesus anymore about the matter. Jesus told him not to be afraid, but to continue to believe (vv. 35, 36). At the house of Jairus only three disciples are permitted to join him: Peter, James, and John (v. 37). The mourning for the little girl had already commenced (v. 38). Jesus took the father and mother of the child and those who were with him and entered into where she was. Mark tells us that Jesus said to her, "Talitha, cumi, which is an Aramaic phrase for "Little girl arise." The fact that the girl arose, indicates that her life had been restored, just as in the case of the dead son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:15) and of Lazarus, who had been dead for four days John 11:44). The command was given that the miracle be kept a secret, though this had to be a temporary measure. This would give Jesus the opportunity to leave quietly. Jesus wanted the miracles to stand as proof that he was the only begotten Son of God. He wanted them to be following him for the right reason and not merely for the healing power of the miracles.

MARK continued

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