Out of the Tombs

Mark 5:1-20
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2007 Harold Dinsmore

               The gospel of Mark is immersed in the cultural world of the first century.  This gospel depicts Mark’s view of the world as the ground of struggle between God and the forces of evil which are opposed to Him.  In fact, Mark begins recording Jesus’ public ministry with these words in mark 1:15, “The time has come! God’s kingdom will soon be here.  Turn back to God and believe the good news.” (Contemporary English Version). 

               Jesus announced his conviction that God will win this struggle.  God’s kingdom will prevail.  As we then consider the book of Mark we discover that this story before us is set between two stories about Jesus power.  In the preceding passage 4:35-41, Jesus stills the angry waters of the Sea of Galilee.  In that miracle, Jesus reveals his lordship over nature.  In the passage immediately following (5:21-43) we observe a double healing that also reveals Jesus’ power over dire life and death circumstances or the physical nature.

               As we come to our passage this morning, namely Mark 5:1-20, we see how demonic powers represent the kingdom of darkness, ruled by none other than Satan himself.  Jesus’ deliverance of this man from the power of demons marks a signpost of God’s victory.