This post accompanies my video reading of Mark 5 on the Circular Grace YouTube channel.
Jesus casts out demons!
I loved the richness of detail Mark reveals in this chapter when recounting Jesus' miracles. I have to confess that in reading so far, I've yearned back to my readings of Matthew's Gospel. I found his narrative so beautifully stated. It rolls off the tongue with a rhythm that feels like poetry. In contrast, I've been finding Mark a little clinical to read in comparison, until now! All of a sudden, for me this Gospel has sprung to life with an intimacy that is bringing the characters into sharp focus. In my minds eye, I can see the setting and characters so clearly. Let's jump into the commentaries to see what more can be revealed to us.
Enduring Word Commentary
This commentary starts with the vividly detailed description of a demon processing a human. Personally, I found it bone chilling when I consider that I wasn't reading a fictional horror thriller. This is a real life, truthful account of the actions of a multitude of demons taking a human being hostage. What a terrifying revelation! Here's what they say:
i. Demonic possession is when a demonic spirit resides in a human body, and at times the demon will show its own personality through the personality of the host body.
ii. Demonic possession is a reality today, though we must guard against either ignoring demonic activity or over-emphasizing supposed demonic activity.
In my post reading reflection on YouTube, I excitedly point towards just how many demons make up a legion. This commentary is a little tap on the head and reminds me that although there are approximately 6,000 soldiers in a legion, that's not necessarily a literal number. Often in scripture a figurative description is given to represent an idea of numbers, in this instance to mean a great many demons. I was intrigued to hear them say that the demons may have been attempting to intimidate Jesus. Fascinating because although they know who He is they are still rebellious. It seems they respond to any direct command He gives but if there is an opportunity left available to them, they delight in that opportunity to do evil.
For a fuller explanation and further contextual explanation about this exciting chapter, follow the link:
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-5/
Blue Letter Bible Commentary
Another very full commentary that's worth reading for a verse by verse understanding of this chapter. I particularly liked the way they clarified the source of death and disease in the world. I liked the reminder that when God created the earth it was perfect. God created man in His own perfect image. God created Adam and Eve to live eternally by His side. God had a perfect plan but man had opportunity to obey or disobey. Death was the consequence of Adams choice to disobey God's command.
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
As we can clearly see in Genesis 2:17 (KJV), God's command included an explicit warning about death. Personally, I consider that we inherited from Adam a body that is dying. We call it aging but really isn't the body merely decaying slowly. Death as concept seems to inevitably create the reality of illness and disease. I'm simply musing over personal thoughts here rather than offering theology, here's what the commentary has to say:
Diseases and deaths came into the world by the sin and disobedience of the first Adam; but by the grace of the second Adam both are conquered. Christ, having healed an incurable disease, here goes on to triumph over death, as in the beginning of the chapter he had triumphed over an outrageous devil.
I believe this very notion of the nature of death is a fundamental truth that's important to grasp for a full understanding of the Gospel message. We need to understand the connection between Jesus conquering death and our personal story of salvation and subsequently our eternal life with God. I'm often a little sad that some faithful believers don't grasp the significance of current and future. It seems to me that as a consequence, many often miss out on the blessed assurance given to us. Failing to understand, isn't a question of the status of our salvation. Thank the Lord we do not have to sit a theology exam, prior to being saved! I wonder about a question of the confidence a person may lack if they don't understand their salvation. Whilst some may in the end be surprised to find they didn't know Jesus after all. Faithful believers shouldn't live a life of worrying unnecessarily when assurance has been given in scripture. For that reason I found this commentary very useful because it pulls the strands together.
This commentary series is a wonderful resource for a better understanding of the Gospel message, generally. Follow the link to read the full commentary.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Mar/Mar_005.cfm
Bible Hub Commentary
Always a very informative commentary with some good discussion on translation and comparisons to the other Gospels. I love to read information that provides extra historical context because it's sometimes difficult to imagine a culture 2000 years ago when we live so differently now. This commentary paints us a picture of the nature of the 'tomb' as mentioned in this chapter. It helps us to imagine the circumstances in which this wretched man lived. I can't help but think of his neighbours who resented the loss of a profitable herd of pigs rather than rejoicing at the salvation of a brother. I remember a comment I reviewed on YouTube when I shared this story reading Matthew. The commenter was indignant over the plight of the pigs. Apparently, claiming it an example of inhumanity! Where's your compassion for the man the demons were holding hostage, was the sentiment of my reply. I like pigs, cute little things in my opinion but Jesus came to offer salvation to human beings who believe in Him.
The Jews did not have their burial-places in their cities, lest they should be defiled; therefore they buried their dead without the gates in the fields or mountains. Their sepulchres were frequently hewn out of the rock in the sides of the limestone hills, and they were lofty and capacious; so that the living could enter them, as into a vault.
Later in the commentary, there is a wonderful explanation of how Jesus performed miracles. It shines a light on the very nature of Christ, both man and God. The source of the miracle is spiritual, it is of Jesus who is God. Jesus is God in the flesh and thus is physically a man with flesh and blood. As such, He could be touched physically. The lady believed Jesus was God and she had faith in His spiritual power. She knew that His spiritual power was beyond His flesh and blood and so knew that she did not have to physically touch the man. She could simply offer him her heart and she had faith in His response. She touched Him with her heart.
Verse 31. - St. Luke (Luke 8:45) adds here, "When all denied, Peter said, and they that were with him, Master, the multitudes press thee and crush thee. But Jesus said, Some one did touch me; for I perceived that power had gone forth from me." This incident shows the mysterious connection between the spiritual and the physical. The miraculous virtue or power which went forth from the Saviour was spiritual in its source and in the conditions on which it was imparted, but it was physical in its operation; and that which brought the two together was faith. Multitudes thronged the Saviour, but only one of the crowd touched him.
For a full reading, follow the link.
https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/mark/5.htm
Lots of my personal musings in this walkthrough. I'm not a theologian, I'm a student and still putting it all together. I'm happy to discuss any point raised. Let's learn together!
You never ask stupid question Edna. I however sometimes fail to explain what I mean when answering your very good questions. I'll get back on the pigs when I gather up a link
So why would the demons beg to enter the pigs? I know they did not want to go into the abyss but isn’t that where they would have gone anyway once the pigs committed suicide?