Mark Chapter 5: Jesus’ Power Over Evil, Disease, and Death

Mark chapter 5 showcases Jesus’ divine authority through three dramatic miracles: the deliverance of a demon-possessed man, the healing of a woman with a chronic illness, and the raising of a girl from the dead. These accounts demonstrate Jesus’ power over spiritual, physical, and mortal realms, while highlighting faith and compassion. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for references, this exposition includes cross-references to other Scriptures to illuminate the chapter’s theological significance.

1. The Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1–20)

Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee to the Gentile region of the Gerasenes. A man possessed by demons, living among tombs, approaches Him. “No one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain… and no one had the strength to subdue him” (Mark 5:3–4). The demons, named “Legion, for we are many” (Mark 5:9), recognize Jesus as “Son of the Most High God” (Mark 5:7; cf. Luke 8:28) and beg not to be sent out of the region. Jesus permits them to enter a herd of pigs, which rush into the sea and drown (Mark 5:11–13; cf. Matthew 8:30–32). This act reveals Jesus’ authority over evil forces (cf. Colossians 2:15).

The townspeople, seeing the man restored, are afraid and ask Jesus to leave (Mark 5:15–17). The healed man begs to follow Jesus, but He instructs, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19). The man proclaims Jesus’ works in the Decapolis, a Gentile region, foreshadowing the gospel’s spread (Mark 5:20; cf. Acts 13:47; Isaiah 49:6).

2. Healing of the Woman with a Hemorrhage (Mark 5:21–34)

Back across the sea, a crowd surrounds Jesus. A woman, suffering from a bleeding condition for twelve years, approaches: “She had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better” (Mark 5:26). Believing that touching Jesus’ garment will heal her, she does so and is instantly healed (Mark 5:27–29; cf. Malachi 4:2). Jesus, sensing power go out, asks, “Who touched my garments?” (Mark 5:30). The disciples are puzzled, but the woman, trembling, confesses. Jesus says, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed” (Mark 5:34). Her faith, despite social and ritual barriers (cf. Leviticus 15:25–27), secures healing, demonstrating Jesus’ compassion and power over disease (cf. Luke 8:43–48).

3. Raising Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:35–43)

Jairus, a synagogue ruler, begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter (Mark 5:22–23). While Jesus delays, messengers report the girl’s death, saying, “Why trouble the Teacher any further?” (Mark 5:35). Jesus encourages Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:36). At the house, mourners laugh when Jesus says, “The child is not dead but sleeping” (Mark 5:39). Taking Peter, James, John, and the parents, He says, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:41). The twelve-year-old rises, and Jesus commands secrecy and that she be fed (Mark 5:42–43). This miracle, fulfilling Messianic promises (cf. Isaiah 35:5–6), reveals Jesus’ authority over death (cf. John 11:25–26; Luke 8:49–56).

Theological Themes and Application

Mark 5 portrays Jesus as the sovereign Lord over demons, disease, and death, extending His compassion to outcasts, Gentiles, and desperate believers. The Gerasene’s deliverance shows His power over spiritual oppression, the woman’s healing highlights faith’s role in receiving grace, and Jairus’ daughter demonstrates His victory over mortality. Cross-references to Isaiah, Leviticus, and other Scriptures anchor these miracles in God’s redemptive plan, urging believers to trust Jesus’ power, approach Him in faith, and proclaim His works, even in the face of fear or societal rejection.