Mark 5:1-20
The Real Jesus – Mk 5:-1-20
It is one thing to say you are going to establish your Kingdom but can you back that up? Jesus certainly seems able to handle whatever nature throws at Him.
1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. (NASB®)
Why did the disciples cross the lake?
Undeterred by recent events, Jesus remained determined to do His Father’s work and get to the other side.
Am I determined to do God’s will despite the obstacles?
2 When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, (NASB®)
What was the first thing that happened?
Like the disciples, it easy to be very aware of the impending dangers and even be overcome by them. Yet before evil did anything, God moved.
Am I aware of God moving?
3 and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones. (NASB®)
What was unique about this man?
Indeed, the evil spirits had this man in a terrible condition, seemingly beyond help. Isolated, uncontrollable, unconsolable, tormented, he wandered through life seeking relief.
Do I recognize the effects of evil?
Can I empathize with a desire for peace?
6 Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; 7 and shouting with a loud voice, he said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” 8 For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” (NASB®)
How did the impure spirit react?
Evil may be quick to react but in the presence of Jesus it crumples in terrified submission. Totally unaware of God’s plans, they beg for mercy in response to the commands of the Sovereign Lord.
Am I convinced of the impotence of evil before Jesus?
Do I believe Jesus can cleanse me from all unrighteousness?
9 And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10 And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. 12 The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” 13 Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. (NASB®)
What do we learn about the impure spirit?
Although the demon was a significant force by man’s standards, like the wind and the waves he was at the complete mercy of the Son of God. Going only where permitted, their true nature is exposed i.e. messengers of death.
Do I truly believe that the pleasures of sin still lead to destruction?
Do I trust that I can resist the devil in Jesus name?
14 Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 They *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened. 16 Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. 17 And they began to implore Him to leave their region.(NASB®)
How did the townspeople respond?
Having heard the breaking news, the townspeople run out to see for themselves. Unfortunately, seeing isn’t really believing. In the presence of their healed neighbor and standing before the Authority that orchestrated these events, they fear what this means for their own lives and prefer He just go away.
Am I still waiting for God to prove Himself or will I trust the evidence?
Am I afraid of what God might do in my life?
18 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him.(NASB®)
How did the healed man respond?
A genuine encounter with the Jesus results in never wanting to leave His presence.
Have I experienced the real Jesus?
Am I aware of God’s continued presence in my life?
19 And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. (NASB®)
How does Jesus want Him to respond?
Jesus remains intent on building His Father’s Kingdom. Aware that people don’t understand Him, He sent the man out to be a living testimony to the glory of God and His desire for reconciliation. Having experienced the power of God, he immediately obeys and is used as an instrument to change lives.
Have I experienced the power of Jesus?
Am I willing to be used by God?
Will I be a testimony in my community?