The Demon-Possessed Man at Gerasa
May 22, 2020
Commentary
Jesus and His disciples had just crossed over the Sea of Galilee and came to the region near Gerasa (v. 1). The Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. Along this shoreline were caves in the limestone rock, often used as tombs. As soon as they arrived, they were met by a wild and uncontrollable “demon possessed” man (v. 2). He lived among the tombs, separated from others and cut off from normal life. No one could restrain him, not even with chains (v. 3). Though he had been bound many times, he broke the chains and shattered the irons; his strength seemed unnatural (v. 4).
Night and day, he wandered among the tombs and hills, crying out and cutting himself with stones (v. 5). When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and knelt before Him (v. 6). He cried out, “What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?” (v. 7). He begged Jesus not to torment him, for Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out (v. 8). When Jesus asked, “What is thy name?” he answered, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” (v. 9). This clearly revealed the depth of his bondage and suffering and his complete loss of control. He then pleaded with Jesus not to send them away (v. 10).
Although we may not fully understand why “demon-possession” occurs, we know that evil spirits seek to destroy and distort a person’s relationship with God. They often bring fear and separation from truth and peace. Even today, such forces are dangerous and destructive. They can influence thoughts and weaken spiritual discernment. We must avoid curiosity about it or involvement with the occult (Deut. 18:10–12). God calls us to turn away and guard our hearts. If we resist the devil and stand firm in faith, he will flee from us (James 4:7).
Application
Is anything controlling my heart that should not be there? Am I allowing fear, sin, or wrong influences to take hold of my life? Do I run to Jesus when I feel troubled? I choose to come to Him honestly. Do I fully surrender every hidden area to Him today? Will I trust His power to free and change me, and guard my heart carefully?
Mark 5:1–10 (NET)
1 So they came to the other side of the lake, to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 Just as Jesus was getting out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came from the tombs and met him. 3 He lived among the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For his hands and feet had often been bound with chains and shackles, but he had torn the chains apart and broken the shackles in pieces. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Each night and every day among the tombs and in the mountains, he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him. 7 Then he cried out with a loud voice, “Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! I implore you by God —do not torment me!” 8 (For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of that man, you unclean spirit!”) 9 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 He begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of the region.
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