Mark 5:1-20 As in the calming of the storm, Jesus exhibits power over chaos and destruction. I. The Region of Gerasenes. There was a large city miles from the sea. This scene was apparently near a small, long lost village.

A. Darkness – There was a spiritual uncleanness here. Demon-possessed man, who dwelt among the dead, there were herds of pigs.

C.S. Lewis said, “Humanity falls into two equal and opposite errors concerning the Devil. Either they take him altogether too seriously or they do not take him seriously enough.”

Satan and demons are real. • They are opposed to God’s rule (Lk 11:14-23) • They seek to manipulate humans with deceit to do their will (2 Tim 2:26) • They can gain influence over a person, essentially “possession” (Lk 8:26-39) • There is a hierarchy of demonic power (Eph 6:12) • There is a ruling being known as the devil or Satan (Rev 12:9) o Who was manifest as a serpent in Eden (Gen 3:1-5; Rev 12:9) o Who was present in the divine council in Job (Job 1:6-12) o Who tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Lk 4:1-13) o Who is a thief who seeks to steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10)

Our best protection against demons is less preoccupation with them and more preoccupation with God.

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

B. Opposition to Jesus • Mark implies demonic powers try to prevent Jesus from coming to the region. • Mark hints the storm had a demonic force. Jesus rebuked & verbally muzzled it • Jesus & disciples are greeted by a strong and violent demon-possessed man. This is a place where no one would want to go. But Jesus goes there. Jesus has come and will liberate this man from darkness. He penetrates the darkness, undeterred by the ferocious storm and demoniac.

II. The Demon-Possessed Man Demons torment the man. • He was alone, living among the dead (2-3) – lived among the tombs • He was violent and strong (3-4) Bindings, chains, shackles – like an animal • He was always crying out (5a) – inarticulate cries or screams • He was self-destructive (5b) – cutting/gashing with rocks [Perverse pagan ritual? Tries to drive out demons? Demons try to kill him?] • He was controlled by a host of demons (9) – legion was 5,600 soldiers Jesus liberates the man. • He was transformed, clothed and in his right mind (15) • He wanted to be with Jesus (18) • He proclaimed the Lord, Jesus’ mercy to the region (20)

Vv. 19-20. Consider how much the Lord has done for you & had mercy on you (19) Jesus is the Lord who has healed the demoniac (20). III. Jesus the Liberator–He rescues us from the dominion of darkness (Col 1:13) • Jesus has authority over demons (6,13) The man falls at Jesus’ feet. Demons begs for Jesus not to torment them • Jesus is the Son of the Most High God (7) Son – Jesus’ unique relationship to God; image of invisible God (Col 1:15) Most High God – transcendent and exalted above false gods & his enemies • Jesus defeated Satan in his wilderness temptation (1:12-13) • Jesus is the one who binds the strong man and plunders his house (3:27)

IV. The People’s Response • They were afraid (15) and begged Jesus to leave (17)

“And this is the judgement: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” – Jn 3:19

• There are real spiritual beings opposed to God and have evil intent. • Jesus is the Liberator who frees those enslaved in a fallen world. 1) Draw near to God by accepting Jesus and 2) Pray for God to free people under Satan’s influence.