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Mark 5 shows Jesus bringing freedom where no human strength can help. On the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, He meets a man living among tombs — isolated, tormented, and self-destructive, impossible to restrain even with chains (vv. 1–5). The demons know exactly who Jesus is: “Jesus, Son of the Most High God” (v. 7). Jesus commands them out, and when they identify themselves as “Legion,” Mark emphasizes the overwhelming evil that had enslaved this man (vv. 8–9). Jesus permits the demons to enter a herd of pigs, and the herd rushes into the sea and drowns — an unforgettable picture of the destroyer’s intent and of Jesus’ complete authority (vv. 11–13). But the man is found “clothed and in his right mind” (v. 15). Shockingly, the townspeople beg Jesus to leave (v. 17), while the restored man begs to stay with Him (v. 18). Jesus sends him instead as a witness: “Go home…tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (v. 19). He obeys, proclaiming in the Decapolis what Jesus did, and “everyone marveled” (v. 20).
Back on the Galilean side, Mark weaves two miracles together to highlight one message: Jesus restores “life” to the helpless, regardless of status (vv. 21–43). Jairus, a synagogue ruler, begs Jesus to save his dying daughter (vv. 22–24). On the way, an unnamed woman — ceremonially unclean for twelve years, impoverished by doctors, and pushed to the margins — touches Jesus’ garment in faith (vv. 25–28). She is immediately healed (v. 29), and Jesus draws her out, not to shame her, but to turn a secret healing into a personal welcome: “Daughter…go in peace” (v. 34). Then the worst news arrives: Jairus’s daughter has died (v. 35). Jesus speaks the same antidote He has been giving all along: “Do not fear, only believe” (v. 36; cf. 4:40). He goes in with Peter, James, and John (v. 37), takes the girl by the hand — overcoming impurity rather than being defiled — and raises her with a simple command, “Talitha cumi” (vv. 41–42). The final detail is tender and grounding: “give her something to eat” (v. 43). The One who commands demons and death is also gentle, present, and personal.
🌀 Reflection:
Mark 5 shows two kinds of fear: fear that pushes Jesus away (vv. 15–17), and fear that drives desperate people to His feet (vv. 22–23, 33). Jesus meets the broken with mercy and calls them to faith (vv. 34, 36). Where do you see yourself today — pushing Him out because His power disrupts your “normal,” or coming to Him because you know only He can make you whole?
💬 Mission Challenge:
Tell one person this week “how much the Lord has done for you” in a simple, specific way — one mercy, one rescue, one answered prayer, one sustaining grace — and invite them to meet Jesus for themselves (vv. 19–20).
Continue reading in our NT260 plan in the rest of Phase 3 — Persevering in the Last Day.
Just Keith Harris 
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