(Read Mk. 5:1-43)
Introduction: In the fifth chapter of Mark we find some STRANGE things happening: the evil spirits being cast out of a man, and going into a heard of swine, and them being "choked"(drowned) in the sea. The man that had been possessed of the evil spirits, who had been so destructive to himself and others living among the "tombs," showed such drastic change in his behavior. He put on clothes, being in his right mind, whereas before he had been wild, crying and no man could "tame him." He wanted to travel with Jesus, but was told to go tell what great things had been done for Him by the Lord; how he had received compassion. So he did as Jesus told him, and as he conveyed the message of what great things had been done for him, all men "did marvel." (Vs. 1-20). Thus we see evidence of Jesus’ power to change a person who, under the influence of the evil spirits, was a wild man into a decent man, able to convince others of the great things the Lord had done for him. What greater evidence could there be? NONE!
In like fashion, today, when people have great things done--the forgiveness of sins, promise of eternal life, nothing can be greater! — each should WANT to tell others. Beloved, let’s be SURE we are doing it.
Jesus passes over to the other side, many people came to the sea side. One of the "rulers of the synagogue" came telling Him that his "little daughter," who was twelve years old. was at the point of death. Jesus went with him. Before they arrived, however, messengers came telling him the daughter was dead. Jesus said "Be not afraid only believe"! When they arrived at the house, He told them that she was not dead but sleeping. They laughed him to scorn. He put them all out and took her by the hand and told her to arise. Immediately she arose and walked. All were astonished at what He had done. Thus is illustrated the fact that Jesus gives hope. Although today, He does not give another the power to raise the physical dead, He does promise that those who die in the Lord will be raised, never to die and be able to live in eternal bliss. How Wonderful! What A Savior! (Vs. 21-24, 37-43)
While they were on their way to the ruler’s house, a woman came and touched Him and was healed (Vs. 23-34). This woman had the faith that if she just could touch Him, she could be healed of her health problem. Jesus told her that her "faith hath made thee whole."
Questions:
1. When Jesus and His group came to the other side, what happened "immediately"?
2. Describe efforts that had been made to "tame" this man, and how successful had they been?
3. What did this man "with an unclean spirit" say to Jesus (vs. 6-8) and what has Jesus said?
4. What did Jesus ask and what response did He receive (vs. 9-14)?
5. The People who came out to see him "possessed with the devil" what did they find and what was their request (15-17)?
6. What did the man desire to do, and what was Jesus’ response ( Vs. 18-20)?
7. Who came to Jesus and what did they request (vs. 21-24)? What happened on their way (vs. 25-35)?
8. What did Jesus’ say regarding the bad news (36)?
9. What did Jesus say about the "damsel" and what kind of response did He receive (Vs. 37-40)?
10. What did the "twelve" year old do and what was the reaction from the observers (Vs. 41-43)?
