Mark 5:1-17

Mark 5:1

This story may be viewed in four aspects.

I. The human. (a) The human aspect as seen in shadow: (1) Man impure unclean spirit; (2) Man dis-socialised his dwelling was among the tombs; (3) Man unrestrained no man could tame him; (4) Man self-tormented. (b) As seen in light: (1) Man tranquillized sitting; (2) Man civilised clothed; (3) Man intellectualised in his right mind.

II. The Divine. (1) Christ identified by His holiness; (2) Christ feared for His power; (3) Christ recognised in the realm of spirit.

III. The Diabolic. (1) As showing great resources, "we are many"; (2) as displaying subordination they besought Christ; (3) as revealing destructiveness whatever they touch, man or beast, they destroy.

IV. (1) Society trembling under manifestations of spiritual power "they were afraid." (2) Society caring more for beasts than for men they prayed Him to depart out of their coasts.

Parker, City Temple,1871, p. 83.

References: Mark 5:1. W. Hanna, Our Lord's Life on Earth,p. 190. Mark 5:11. H. M. Luckock, Footprints of the Son of Man,p. 104.