Book of Mark: Part Five

The Book of Mark: Overcoming Life's Storms

Mark Chapter Five is an action-packed chapter that takes us through a day in the life of Jesus Christ. In this chapter, Jesus deals with demons, heals the sick, and even raises the dead.

We talk about four main stories from Mark Chapter Five—an intricate tapestry of power, faith, and divine intervention. Each story is examined in detail to provide insights and lessons that can be applied to one's life.

1. Authority Over Evil: The Demon-Possessed Man

One of the first stories in Mark 5 focuses on Jesus dealing with a demon-possessed man. Immediately after Jesus steps out of a boat, He encounters a man with an unclean spirit. The man had been living among the tombs, bound with chains that he would break due to his immense strength. This incessant problem had become a 24/7 nightmare for the people of the town.

Mark 5:2-9 (NIV): "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones."

Jesus didn’t go seeking demons; He dealt with them as they confronted Him. This story shows that spiritual warfare is real, and Christians have authority over the enemy. The Bible tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

Use Your Authority

Knowing and understanding that believers have authority over the devil is crucial. This authority is exercised through the name of Jesus, as illustrated by Acts 19 where the seven sons of Sceva tried to invoke Jesus' name without truly knowing Him. They faced severe consequences as a result.

Acts 19:15-16 (NIV): "One day the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?' Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding."

This event underscores that without a personal relationship with Jesus, merely invoking His name is ineffective. The takeaway here is to develop a genuine relationship with Jesus and use the spiritual authority given through His name.

2. The Angry Crowd: A Lesson in Problem Solving

After Jesus casts the demons out of the man, the demons enter a herd of swine, which then rush down an embankment and drown. The locals aren’t happy about losing their livestock and demand Jesus to leave their territory.

Mark 5:14-17 (NIV): "Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region."

Sometimes Solutions Require Sacrifice

The crowd's reaction teaches that resolving problems often requires radical action. They wanted the problem of the demoniac solved but weren't willing to bear the cost. This mirrors our tendencies in life—desiring change but not wanting it to disrupt our status quo.

Matthew 5:29-30 (NIV): "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."

Sometimes, life's issues demand radical change. Whether it's saving a marriage or overcoming an addiction, be prepared to make significant changes. This might mean cutting off unhealthy relationships, changing environments, or seeking new job opportunities.

3. Faith In Action: The Hemorrhaging Woman

Another profound story is that of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. Despite her long-term suffering and depleting all her resources on physicians, she was not improving. Upon hearing about Jesus, she decided that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed.

Mark 5:25-29 (NIV): "And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering."

A Confident Expectation in God

Faith is active and demonstrative. The woman’s bold move to touch Jesus' garment amid a crowd was an act of faith. Jesus, sensing that power had gone out from Him, inquired who had touched Him. Although many were pressing around Him, it was her distinct touch of faith that drew His power.

Mark 5:34 (NIV): "He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'"

Hope is essential, but faith is what moves mountains. Hope is a belief, but faith steps out in action. This woman hoped for healing and demonstrated her faith by pushing through the crowd to touch Jesus.

4. Overcoming the Impossible: Jesus Raises the Dead

While on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter, Jesus is informed that the girl has died. Undeterred, He encourages Jairus to choose faith over fear.

Mark 5:35-36 (NIV): "While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. 'Your daughter is dead,' they said. 'Why bother the teacher anymore?' Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe.'"

Choose Faith Over Fear

Jesus arrives at Jairus’s home to find people mourning. He tells them the girl is not dead but sleeping, to which they laugh. Undismayed, Jesus clears the room of disbelief and takes His closest disciples inside.

Mark 5:41-42 (NIV): "He took her by the hand and said to her, 'Talitha koum!' (which means 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!'). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this point, they were completely astonished."

In your toughest battles, keep faith-filled individuals close and distance yourself from doubt and negativity. This doesn't mean cutting off loved ones, but recognizing when you need unwavering support.

Overcoming Life's Storms

Mark Chapter Five showcases the authority, power, and compassion of Jesus Christ. From casting out demons to healing the sick and raising the dead, each story carries profound lessons of faith, spiritual authority, and the importance of radical action.

Whatever storm you're facing—whether it's physical, financial, emotional, or relational—know that these storms are temporary. When faced with challenges, choose faith over fear, seek radical solutions, and remember the authority given through Jesus Christ.

Mark 9:23 (NIV): "‘If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”