Mark 5 reminds me of fair fights. When we were kids, it was ok for boys to fight, but it was never ok for two or more to pick on one. There was a basic understanding that wrestling and punching were allowed but no other weapons were used. No one got seriously hurt, and the differences were usually resolved with a handshake and mutual respect. As adults, we do not always fight fairly. Today’s chapter describes a much bigger battle. Again, after crossing the Sea of Galilee, “When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet Him”. We read, this man “lived in the tombs… night and day… he would cry out and cut himself… No one was strong enough to subdue him”. The man ran from a long distance and fell to his knees in front of Jesus, and shouted, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” It should be no surprise that even evil spirits acknowledge Jesus as Messiah. Jesus asked, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion, for we are many”. Remember, evil does not fight fair, it aims to destroy. After begging to be sent into a herd of pigs, they immediately “rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned”. Not all self-destructive behavior is demonic, but notice the change in the man the next morning, “sitting there, dressed and in his right mind”. Amazingly the people were more afraid of Jesus than the possessed man. They pled “with Jesus to leave their region”. Jesus directed the wild man to “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you”. Did you know that evil will quickly “cry uncle” when Jesus is involved?
At the next stop, “one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet”. He “pleaded earnestly… My little daughter is dying. Please come and put Your hands on her so that she will be healed”. He did not bargain, he asked in faith. “So Jesus went with him”. The toughest guy in the schoolyard rarely had to fight anyone. It was always good to be his friend. Real tough-guys bring calm to chaos.
The story is interrupted by a quick segue about a women with an embarrassing illness. She had heard about Jesus healing, and decided to just touch His cloak in private, “Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering”. We need a touch point for faith, but based on the reaction of Christ, we are not to take without asking. Even though He was surrounded He asked, “Who touched My clothes?” Though “trembling with fear” she “told Him the whole truth”. Jesus spoke to her with tenderness, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering”. Have you been suffering in silence? The chapter ends with Jarius being told his child was dead. Please listen to the response from Jesus concerning death, “Don’t be afraid; just believe”. When they arrived at the home, Jesus told the mourners “The child is not dead but asleep”. Those assembled laughed at Him. Jesus took the child by the hand, and spoke to her in the language of the commoner, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” “Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around”. All of the fears and tormentors of abundant life are subject to the Lord, but He will not join in your fights without being invited. Friend, who are the bullies that are beating you down? Maybe it is time to stop battling them on your own? “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).