The voice once heard crying among tombs now proclaims Jesus.
“Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:19 • Read Mark 4:35–5:20
The Lord whom darkness cannot resist
After Jesus calms the storm, the disciples ask who He is. Across the sea, Mark continues to reveal the answer. The One whom wind and waves obey also commands the forces of darkness.
A man lives among tombs, crying out night and day and cutting himself with stones. No one can subdue him. He breaks chains, yet remains captive.
The spirits recognise Jesus, but resist His intervention. Their name reveals the extent of the oppression: they are many.
Their multitude cannot overrule Him. They must plead for permission. Luke adds their fear of the abyss; Matthew records their anticipation of judgment.
The mercy that restores
Jesus reveals God’s sovereign authority and restoring mercy.
Before the people sits the man, clothed and in his right mind. Luke places him at Jesus’ feet. His dignity is visible again. The scene of torment has become a scene of peace.
Jesus calls this mercy. His compassion has acted where human strength could not deliver.
The man does not earn this deliverance through a response Mark records beforehand. Mercy comes first. His own response becomes visible after restoration.
The presence we welcome or resist
The people become afraid and ask Jesus to leave. The restored man begs to be with Him. Later hearers are amazed.
These responses are different. Recognition, fear and amazement can accompany an encounter with Jesus without becoming trusting obedience.
But let us look beyond their responses to the Lord before them. His authority and mercy belong together. The One who commands the spirits is the One who restores their captive.
Sent to make His mercy known
The man wants to accompany Jesus. Jesus sends him home to tell his people what the Lord has done and how He has shown mercy.
His desire is good, but Jesus’ word directs its expression. He goes and proclaims throughout the Decapolis what Jesus has done.
Jesus names the Lord’s mercy; the man names Jesus. His proclamation makes known the One who restored him.
The application is already in Jesus’ command.
Although the people ask Jesus to leave, He leaves a witness among them.
Look again at Jesus.
Behold His authority and His merciful heart.
The man’s restored life draws our eyes to Him. His testimony carries that revelation to others.
What will we do with the mercy we have received?
Proclaim what Jesus has done and how He has shown mercy.
Begin with the people around you. Speak truthfully of Him. Sharing this passage may help someone else behold His glory.
Let worship find expression in speech, action and adoration, shaped by His word.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, direct my response. I worship You, the Lord of all authority and the God of all mercy. By Your Spirit, make my heart willing to obey. Help me tell what You have done and how You have shown mercy. May others see Your glory through my testimony. Amen.
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