Mark 5 opens with a dramatic encounter that showcases the raw power of Jesus as he confronts evil and despair in the most unexpected places.
The Reading: Mark 5
World English Bible1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
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2 When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs.
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3 He lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains,
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4 because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
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5 Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones.
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6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him,
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7 and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don’t torment me.”
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8 For he said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”
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9 He asked him, “What is your name?” He said to him, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”
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10 He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
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11 Now on the mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding.
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12 All the demons begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.”
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13 At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.
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14 Those who fed them fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came to see what it was that had happened.
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15 They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.
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16 Those who saw it declared to them what happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs.
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17 They began to beg him to depart from their region.
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18 As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him.
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19 He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”
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20 He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.
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21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea.
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22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet,
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23 and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.”
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24 He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.
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25 A certain woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years,
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26 and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse,
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27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes.
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28 For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.”
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29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
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30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
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31 His disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
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32 He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
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33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
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34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”
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35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?”
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36 But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
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37 He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
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38 He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing.
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39 When he had entered in, he said to them, “Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.”
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40 They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying.
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41 Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!”
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42 Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement.
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43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In this chapter, Jesus arrives in the region of the Gadarenes, where he meets a man possessed by many demons. This poor soul had been driven to live among the tombs, unable to be restrained even by chains. When he sees Jesus, he runs to him and begs for mercy. Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out, and when asked for its name, it responds, 'Legion,' indicating that many demons inhabit the man. The demons plead with Jesus not to be sent away and instead request to enter a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus permits this, and the pigs rush into the sea and drown.
The herdsmen, witnessing this miraculous yet unsettling event, rush to tell the townspeople, who come to see the transformed man - now calm, clothed, and in his right mind. But rather than rejoicing, they fear Jesus and ask him to leave. The man who was healed begs Jesus to let him follow, but Jesus tells him to return home and share the great things God has done for him.
Next, Jesus returns to the other side of the sea, where a large crowd gathers again. A synagogue ruler named Jairus pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. As Jesus moves through the crowd, a woman who has suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years touches his cloak, believing it will heal her. Instantly, her bleeding stops, and Jesus feels power leave him. He turns to find the woman, who is trembling with fear, and assures her that her faith has made her well.
As they continue toward Jairus's house, news arrives that his daughter has died. Jesus encourages Jairus to remain faithful as they approach the house, where mourners are already weeping. He tells them that the girl is not dead, but sleeping, which leads to mockery. Jesus then takes the girl's hand and commands her to rise. She gets up immediately, leaving everyone astonished. He instructs them to keep this miracle quiet and to give her something to eat.
Why It Matters
The Power of Jesus
Mark 5 highlights Jesus' authority over darkness and despair. It shows that no one is beyond hope or healing, no matter how lost they seem. The man possessed by demons finds liberation through Jesus, proving that faith can bring transformation even in the direst situations.
Courage in Faith
The stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman exemplify the importance of faith. Both characters faced overwhelming challenges, yet they approached Jesus with hope. Their stories remind us that vulnerability is a step toward healing and restoration. In our lives, reaching out in faith can lead to profound change.
Sharing Our Stories
After his healing, the man is tasked with sharing his story, showing us that our experiences can inspire hope in others. You, too, can find a community where you can share your journey. If you're looking for a church or a group where you can connect and grow in faith, find a church near you.
Coming Up Next: Mark 6
In the next part of our journey through Mark 6, Jesus returns to his hometown, only to face disbelief from those who knew him best. What challenges will he encounter there? Stay tuned!