MARK 5

JESUS CASTS OUT DEMONS + HEALS THE SICK

Jesus heals a man who is possessed by demonic spirits. The man is tormented by the spirits and has been chained up in an attempt to restrain him. The spirits call themselves “Legion,” meaning great in number. Jesus casts the spirits into a group of pigs, causing them to run into the sea and drown. The man goes to his friends and proclaims that Jesus saved him. Some men from the city go to see Jesus and ask Him to leave their city.

Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering for twelve years from hemorrhaging blood. The woman believes Jesus is so powerful, she will be healed if she could only touch the fringe of His clothing. This fringe was a symbol of God’s law that many Israelites wore on their clothing (Numbers 15, Deuteronomy 22). Jesus realizes that she was healed and acknowledges her incredible faith.

Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, approaches Jesus, asking him to heal his dying daughter. Jesus claims that the girl is not dead, but instead is sleeping. Upon saying this, the crowd laughs in disbelief. Jesus enters the home, takes the girl by the hand, and she arises!