Mark 5 Commentary
The Book of Numbers is so named because of the numbers or numberings in the volume. Going by this formula, we could propose a better title for this chapter: Beggings or Pleadings.
First: The demons, collectively called Legion, beg Jesus not to send them out of the area. Strangely (and sadly for the pig farmers), their request is granted.
Second: The people of the area plead with Jesus to leave their area or region. It is unbelievable but their request is granted. Strange.
Third: The previously demon-possessed man (now delivered and in sound health), begs to go with Jesus. Strangely, his request is denied.
Fourth: One of the Synagogue leaders named Jairus, pleads with Jesus for the healing of his ailing daughter. His request is granted but not before a woman’s special faith interruption or pleading.
The loss of two thousand pigs in one swipe, within seconds, would make huge headlines anywhere on the globe. It has fascinated readers over millennia! What a loss! That is exactly the point. One human life is far more valuable to God than two thousand pigs. It is an acted parable. In addition, people needed to see for themselves what demons can do or what demons do to humans.
The business loss highlights an infinitely large profit or gain in the delivered man. Of course, the screen is dulled by materialism and the cares of this life. The townspeople plead with Jesus to leave their area. The demons had pleaded not to be chased from the area! These pleadings!
The delivered man wants to follow Jesus. Another pleading! His request is denied for good reasons. He is an evangelist. Let him continue to preach in an area where the person of the LORD Jesus is not a welcome presence. Hence the famous instruction: GO TELL THEM!
Whenever the LORD Jesus overstepped and strayed into a higher gear, albeit insignificant on the heavenly power scale, problems followed swiftly. When He rebuked the wind and ordered the waves to calm down, His own disciples were terrified. Chapter 4. When mere words of rebuke delivered and normalized a highly charged demon case, the people of the town were so afraid that they no longer wanted Jesus’ presence. No wonder the miracle of Jairus’ daughter must be kept a secret – Jairus and Jesus’ inner circle are strictly warned.
Then we have the woman with an issue of blood – 12 years of suffering and huge expense come down to zero in a special pleading. Faith speaks louder than words! It attracts the attention of Heaven in special ways. It is a language that the Power of Heaven responds to without question marks.
Of the many contacts, many interactions, many ‘touchings’, and many emails that reach Heaven, only this level of faith hits the nail on the head. And the answer is always yes. “Who touched me?” The LORD Jesus isn’t at a loss as to who touched Him. That would be a first – the all-knowing Jesus being blank! It is meant for the public. It is for us. Otherwise, the woman would have gone happily and quietly under the immense blessing of Her Father.
But we must be blessed by her example of faith.
“Daughter, your faith has healed you.” So sweet! So touching! The Father has spoken; her daughter doesn’t have to suffer anymore. This story has inspired millions to seek Jesus when money and expertise fail – when human means fail. But it takes faith. You would easily guess that many people pressing against Jesus at this time had their own problems. Her example remains a benchmark for believers both in time and space. Her God, her Father touched her instead.
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