Bible Study with Danelle

As we have been reading through Mark, we know that the people have already seen and heard of Jesus performing many miracles of healing and casting out demons. But, when they see Jesus calm the wind and sea…now that is powerful.

Have you ever been on a boat or near the ocean when a large, powerful storm is occurring? Down here in Texas, we have hurricanes that occasionally make their way onto our shores. I am sure we have all seen the power of the wind and rain. Now imagine Jesus standing up in a small boat and shouting “Peace! Be Still!” and everything stops. That is what I imagine this was like. I would have also been frightened if I didn’t truly know what Jesus was capable of. Mark illustrates not only Jesus’ human characteristic of being exhausted and asleep, but we also see how he was confident in the power of the Holy Spirit to protect them.

Jesus questions why they are showing little faith. He is probably thinking “Guys, I am the Son of God! I am not going to let you sink or drown. I am right here with you!” As I read this, I am reminded that even in my storms, Jesus is right there in the boat with me. He is not going to let me sink. I have to remain faithful.

As we move along in Mark’s account, he tells us of another demon-possessed man that Jesus helps. My heart breaks for this man. All these years he has been filled with an unknown amount of demons that have taken over his body. The people of the town are obviously scared of him and have tried to bind him with shackles and chains in the past, but the demons were too strong. The text doesn’t say why, but the man had removed himself to live in the tombs at the edge of the water. I wonder if he had just enough of his own mind to try to keep others out of harm’s way.

Jesus comes upon him as soon as He steps out of the boat. The demons speak through the man to Jesus.

What have you to do with me Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.”

Mark 5:7

I looked up the word adjure’s meaning. He was not just asking or telling Jesus. Adjure means to request solemnly or earnestly to do something. The demon was deeply sincere and said it with intense conviction. The demon knew the moment Jesus got off the boat who He was and what He could do.

We then see the power of Jesus over satan and demons. Jesus allows the demons to enter the herd of pigs and they end up over the cliff and drowning. We see the fear they have when he comes around. They knew he will ultimately judge them and send them to eternal damnation. Maybe they thought that this would prolong their time? This article gives a little bit more insight into this event that I found helpful.

A major theme in Mark’s gospel (if you have not noticed) is his focus on Jesus’ power over demons and satan. Obviously culminating with the ultimate defeat with the resurrection. We have a powerful ally in Jesus. He has the power to defeat satan and He has given his followers the power of the Holy Spirit to defeat them as well. Rest well knowing you have the most powerful ally on your side.