Foundations: New Testament - MarkSample

Mark 5 continues with three more miracles, each unique in demonstrating the type of work Jesus did and what the miracle revealed about Him. The first story recounts a time when Jesus exorcised a group of demons from a man powerless to resist them. Verses 1-5 paint a graphic picture of the effect Satan’s demons had on this man, who lived in isolation and torment. When they saw Jesus, the demons immediately recognized Him as the Son of God and knew the power He had over them. Casting the demons out of the man, Jesus allowed them to enter a herd of pigs. 

What follows is one of the most vivid New Testament descriptions of Jesus’ saving work in a person’s life. Verse 15 stands in direct contrast to verses 1-5. Rather than naked, the man was clothed. Rather than mentally insane from the demonic possession, he was now “in his right mind.” Rather than being isolated from everyone, he was with Jesus. What an incredible picture of the saving grace of Jesus. 

The next two miracles in Mark 5 also reveal Jesus’ power to heal and restore, but they’re unique in their focus. When Jesus healed the bleeding woman in response to her faith in His power, He brought physical restoration to her body. Not only did her healing bring freedom from disease, but it also brought her emotional and spiritual peace and restored her to her community. Jesus went on to raise Jairus’s daughter from the dead, the ultimate display of His power as the Son of God—power to give the gift of life itself. Each miracle in Mark 5 is different, but the running thread is Jesus’ compassion and love for all people.