So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. Mark 5:13
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 5:1-20, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv6-13):
- The commentary's title for this division is "Jesus Conquers the Destructive."
- Emphasizing vv6-7, the commentary describes how the demonic man threw himself at Jesus's feet, "not [as] an act of worship, but an acknowledgement of authority."
- "[The demons] knowledge of Jesus’ identity is superior to the disciples’ knowledge, at least at this point in their journey. The demon’s confession in 5:7 answers the disciples’ question in 4:41. The demoniac knows who Jesus is, and he knows his existence is at stake. His time has run out."
- "[The demonic man's] only hope was in a Liberator whose power and authority were greater than what now possessed him. That Liberator was Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
- "In a microcosm of the battle between good and evil, Jesus gives a preview of the fate of Satan and his demons. The demons, through the voice of the man, keep begging Jesus not to send them out of the region. The tormentor is now the tormented as he contemplates his destiny." See also Luke 8:31 for more details on this account. They begged and bargained with Jesus - see v12.
- As the man was cutting himself with stones, the commentary insists that Satan was so tormenting this man that he was driving the man to suicide. The commentary points to William Lane who shares that "[f]irst, Jesus recognized the time of the ultimate vanquishment of the demons had not yet come; his encounter and triumph over the demonic does not yet put an end to Satan’s power. It is the pledge and the symbol of that definitive triumph, but the time when that triumph will be fully realized is yet deferred. It must await the appointment of God. Therefore, Jesus allows the demons to continue their destructive work, but not upon a man. The second element is related to this: Jesus allowed the demons to enter the swine to indicate beyond question that their real purpose was the total destruction of their host."
- "The event demonstrates that God cares more for man, whom He created in His image and recreates in salvation, than He does for animals that do not bear His image."
Jesus has total dominion and authority over everything in the universe, including Satan and evil. Believers know and can take great comfort in knowing that Jesus has already defeated death and victory over Satan is assured - see also Revelation 20. We also know that Jesus seeks to save as many as He can and tell us to "have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire" (Jude 22-23). The demon-possessed man was desperate for help but not beyond salvation. If you feel beyond help, be encouraged!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! Thank You for the comfort in knowing that victory over sin and death is already won and assured. I am not deserving the salvation You give me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
