MARK 5:1-20 “So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”

There’s a story found in Mark 5:1-20 and I am so intrigued with this true account because it reflects light on the omnipotence and compassion of Jesus Christ the Son of God. His love and power along with his compassion for the helpless, shows his mercy for you and me when we find ourselves, ”helpless” and in need.

Let’s take a closer look at this account. Jesus and his disciples are crossing over to the region of the Gerasene’s on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. As they set foot on shore, immediately, Jesus comes face to face with a “wild man.” We read the townspeople in this region were petrified of this wild man who was considered an outcast by every description; basically, an untouchable. This man was filled with demons…hundreds of them all cooped up inside this one man. It was so bad that people tried to subdue him by putting him in chains, but that didn’t work – he was too strong and would tear the chains apart. I’m picturing a “Hulk” kind of guy! We don’t have a name, but we know he was a man with great demonic strength, tormented, sadistic, filled with demons, a wild man who lived among the tombs and cut himself with stones, screaming out for someone – hoping one day to be set free.

And then Jesus comes onto the scene.

What strikes me with such amazement is when Jesus saw this man from a distance, this wild man and all the demons within him couldn’t restrain themselves. The Bible says, “He ran” toward Jesus. I’m picturing this crazy, wild man screaming and charging like a mad bull and literally, instantly, he “fell on his knees in front of him” and then at the top of his voice screams out, “What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God?” What omnipotence is manifested when demons meet the son of the Most High God! Isn’t it true as the scriptures remind us, “You believe there is one God; Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder” (James 2:19).

These demons are afraid that Jesus has come to torment “them before the appointed time.” The representative demoniac who is now speaking to Jesus knows he is face to face with the One to whom the final judgment has been committed and even now Jesus could hurl these demons into the “abyss” or “dungeon”, that is, into hell. Jesus was the one who came to earth with the sole purpose of “destroying the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Before relinquishing their stronghold on this distraught man, the spokesperson of these demons begs Jesus to allow them to enter the 2,000 swine that are feeding on the nearby hillside. Jesus once again displays His power over demonic forces as, “He gave them permission.” Only then, are the demons allowed to enter into the large herd of swine as they rush over the cliff to be drowned in the waters below (verse 6-13).

Demons have no right to salvation; created beings as they are. Only mankind has this remarkable privilege to hear and to believe in the Son of God and to receive eternal life (John 5:24). It’s a choice. Peter the Apostle tells us that the “angels in heaven long to look into these things [salvation]” (1 Peter 1:12d). That word “look” translates in the Greek to mean “to peer down from heaven.”

Oh, we who desire to know Jesus are truly a blessed people. By just calling out to Jesus to save you from a life void of Him will bring Christ into your heart and the Holy Spirit into your life. Call out His name and you shall be saved by the precious blood of Jesus. He is able! If you want to conquer sin in your life, release your burdens and break the bondage of your past, you must lay down everything and focus on your future in Christ.

Let me tell you a story about a helpless man I met. When my youngest daughter was in middle school, we saw a tall, elderly, homeless man with a big hat slowly walking on the sidewalk. We were on our way home from school and were about a block or so away and I said to Brittney, “Let’s go home and fix a lunch for that man and catch up to him.” Excitedly, my daughter was willing to join me. We quickly packed a lunch, grabbed some water and raced out on foot to find our new friend. There he was, about 100 yards from where we last saw him. As we slowly approached him, I had my daughter stay behind just far enough until I was able to gently greet him before she came and joined our conversation. His name was John and he was from Spain. He had no family to call on. He shared he’d been on the street for some time now – helpless and destitute. We offered him food, water, and a little money for his journey. He graciously accepted and thanked us. Afterward, I shared with my daughter about homeless people and how I always keep several dollars aside in my wallet for whenever I might need to assist a needy soul. Down through the months we would spot our friend John in a different part of our community and we would briefly stop, talk, and share with him. And then, as time went on, we didn’t see John again. In those few months, Jesus taught our hearts to reach out to the helpless and needy.

Jesus meets the needs of the helpless.

In our biblical story we see a wild man no one wanted to reach out to in his condition before meeting Christ. Matter of fact, the sad part of this story is that when the townspeople heard reports of this “wild man” now tamed and in an entirely calm state of mind, they came to see for themselves, yet they refused to extend grace and mercy to him even after Jesus had cast out the legion of demons that controlled this man’s destiny. They even turned Jesus away asking him to leave their region, possibly resentful at the great loss of their personal possessions (the swine).

So often we find ourselves in life situations that we can’t navigate through and we dismiss Christ because of what we think we’ve lost. It is in those moments that we must turn to Christ…to Him who is able to help us in our time of deepest need (Hebrews 4:16).

In my helplessness, He has never let me down…and I can promise that He will never let you down if you call on Him. Only Christ can change one’s life to be filled with meaningful purpose that comes from the light of the gospel. Only He can fill you with His peace and give you a right and sound mind in this very moment.

This biblical story ends with the untamable demonic, wild man, being tamed – restored, clothed, loved, happy and free, as he is given a second chance to live life, to love his family, and to tell others of the marvelous mercy that his new found Savior had so lavished on him (1 John 3:1). The Bible tells us this man so desired and begged to go with Jesus. But interestingly, in Jesus’ great love and wisdom He refuses his request. William Hendriksen, says, “We learn from this that when God allows his people to get whatever it is they wish to have, this is not always an unmixed blessing. And when He refuses to say “Yes” in answer to their earnest petition, this is not necessarily a sign of his disfavor.” Jesus, in His omniscience knew there was greater reward for this man to stay behind in his present community as a missionary to tell his family and others of His great mercy and love. This man’s past was conquered and he was now to “focus on his future in Christ!”

My daughter and I don’t know what ever happened to John, but years down the road Brittney said to me, “Dad, do you remember when you told me that you keep several dollars in your wallet in case you need to help someone in need? Well, I want to tell you that after all these years I do the same thing.” How great it is to pass down your life principles to your children.

When we walk in the steps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21) and when we do good for others, that goodness will return to us in greater fold (Col 3:25).

So, what can you take away from this miraculous story and add to your personal life?

1. No one is beyond hope – no one! (verses 2-5)

2. Jesus demonstrates his omnipotence (unlimited or very great power). (verses 6-13)

3. We are all loved and cherished by God…even those we consider to be untouchable and outcasts. (verse 15)

4. When God performs a miracle in your life, go tell others about his great mercy on you! (verse 19)

5. Jesus, in his omniscience (knowing everything), sometimes says “no.” (verse 20)

No one can deny the truth of a changed life by the power of God! When God transforms your life, you have a story of redemption and salvation…TELL IT!