10.

And he besought him much that AIM: That you will think of things
LESSON 6 OCTOBER 11, 2009
he would not send them away out that bind you like chains.
of the country.
RECOGNIZING JESUS INTRODUCTION
11. Now there was there nigh unto Bound by Chains
BIBLE BASIS: Lesson Scripture: Mark 5:1-13, 18-20 the mountains a great herd of swine
feeding. Kathy has been in a clinical
BIBLE TRUTH: We must learn to recognize Jesus by His works. depression since her mother died in
12. And all the devils besought him, a car accident over a year ago. Kathy
MEMORY VERSE: Jesus... saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell saying, Send us into the swine, that has not been able to forgive herself
them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had we may enter into them. for her mother's death, even though
compassion on thee. Mark 5:19 she was not to blame, "If only I had
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them been there," she mutters. "Or if I
LESSON AIM: That you will see how Jesus handles demonic situations. leave. And the unclean spirits went had prayed for her safety more
out, and entered into the swine; and often, maybe things would have
the herd ran violently down a steep been different," she says as tears
LESSON SCRIPTURE place into the sea, (they were about cascade down her face.
MARK 5:1-13, 18-20 5. And always, night and day, he was two thousand,) and were choked in Kathy has tried antidepressants, but
in the mountains, and in the tombs, the sea. she cannot escape the pain. Her
1. And they came over unto the other crying, and cutting himself with friends have abandoned her, for she
side of the sea, into the country of the stones. 18. And when he was come into the has weighed them down with her
Gadarenes. ship, he that had been possessed worry and tears. We would not say
6. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he with the devil prayed him that he this is a modern case of demon
2. And when he was come out of the ran and worshipped him, might be with hint. possession, but Kathy definitely has
ship, immediately there met him out "a monkey on her back."
of the tombs a man with an unclean 7. And cried with a loud voice, and 19. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, Encouraging Kathy to seek medical
spirit, said, What have I to do with thee, but saith unto him, Go home to thy help is important, but would we also
Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? friends, and tell them how great encourage her to seek Jesus?
3. Who had his dwelling among the I adjure thee by God, that thou things the Lord hath done for thee,
tombs; and no man could bind him, torment me not. and hath had compassion on thee* Then there is Tom. Tom grew up in
no, not with chains: the slums and has never been able
8. For he said unto him, Come out of 20. And he departed, and began to to break the curse of poverty in his
4. Because that he had been often the man, thou unclean spirit. publish in Decapods how great life. He never had enough to eat as a
bound with fetters and chains, and things Jesus had done for him: and child and struggles even now to put
the chains had been plucked asunder 9. And he asked him, What is thy all men did marvel. food on the table for his own
by him, and the fetters broken in name? And he answered, saying, My children. Tom works countless hours
pieces: neither could any man tame name is Legion: for we are many. LIFE NEED FOR TODAY'S LESSON from dawn to dusk just to try to
aim. make ends meet. He doesn't get to
spend much time with his family. Tom reaches shore. Some ancient Look at what this demoniac does: he who have tried to intervene may
is not chained due to demon manuscripts give the name as turns to Jesus in the midst of his have taken the only action they
possession. Yet he is figuratively "Gerasenes," and Matthew 8:28 calls despair. This indicates at least two knew for everyone's safety. Since
chained to his job and to his it "the country of die Gergesenes." Go things. First, the demon is not able this is a Gemiie area, prayer to the
circumstances, which he believes will rasa (or Gergesa) is located some 35 to prevent the man from going to true God probably has not occurred.
never change. In his struggle to deal miles from the southeast shore of the Jesus. Second, the man has hope
with his situation, has Tom tried Sea of Galilee, but this city apparently that Jesus can do something for him. From the demoniac's perspective,
turning to Jesus, the one who helps owns territory that joins that body of the shackles and chains only have
people realize their blessings despite water. In this area can be seen a fairly Before we move along, we can note added to the alienation and
circumstances? steep slope within 40 yards of the that the man does not suffer from ostracism that he has felt, despite
water's edge (that feature is mental illness. Rather, this is any good intentions. In any event,
BIBLE LEARNING important, as we shall see). supernatural demobilization. The the efforts so far have been in vain,
people of the first century know the since the man has been able to
AIM: That you will see the need for B. Description (verses 2-5) difference. Matthew 4:24 dis-cusses break the restraints. It is probably
deliverance from demonic elements, demon possession alongside the supernatural power of Satan
2. And when he was come out of the "normal" illnesses, thus that has enabled the man to do this.
NEED FOR DELIVERANCE (Mark 5:1- ship, immediately there met him out distinguishing between the two.
5) of the tombs a man with an unclean The chains of disapproval and
spirit. 3, 4. Who had his dwelling among exclusion can be mental as well as
A. Location (verse 1) the tombs; and no man could bind physical. I recently underwent a
Now our main character, the man him, no, not with chains: because tragedy that resulted in financial
1 And they came over unto the other with an unclean spirit, enters the that he had been often bound with and personal hardship. I found
side of the sea, into the country of the scene. The fact that he dwells among fetters and chains, and the chains myself rejected by others as a result
Gadarenes. the tombs surely illustrates the depths had been plucked asunder by him, Some in my own family chastised
The incident we are about to read of his despair. This is not the first time and the fetters broken in pieces: me for "not having enough faith" or
takes place after Jesus and the Jesus has confronted a person neither could any man tame him "not wanting to be healed." That
disciples have crossed from the dominated by a demon (see Mark was their rationale for why I was in
western to the eastern shore of the 1:23). We can examine these two verses such excruciating pain. According to
Sea of Galilee. The western side is both from the perspective of the them, I needed to repent (which
populated mainly by Jews. Be-yond demoniac and from the perspective reminds me of how Job's friends
the eastern (other) side is the QUESTION of those who have tried to deal with responded). Others refused to pray
Decapolis (verse 20, below), which him. Those who have come in for me. Still others would not offer
means "ten cities**; this is primarily a 1. Of all the places- where the contact with the demoniac have me financial assistance. Some
Gentile area. demoniac could have lived, why do tried to handle the situation by wouldn't even speak to me, turning
you think he picked a graveyard? binding him with fetters and chains. their backs in my hour of need.
The location given as the country of What are some figurative graveyards Was that a cruel thing to do?
the Gadarenes is too broad for us to where people live today? Perhaps not. If the man is a danger I was dumbfounded at how I had
pinpoint exactly where the boat to himself and others, then those been alienated and rejected. I did
not suffer from demonization. But like
the man in today's text, in this furnace
of affliction I sought the Lord
concerning these circumstances. God
in His mercy accepted me and put the
pieces of my life back together. Along
the way I realized that not all
Christians reflect the character of the
Creator. Jesus, however, always
reflects the character of the Creator
because He is the Creator.
5. And always, night and day, he went A. Obeisance (verse 6)
in the mountains, and In the tombs,
crying, and cutting himself with 6. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he
stones. ran and worshipped him.
The parallel of Matthew 8:28 tells us
that the man's behavior is such that
uno man might pass by that way."
Thus if the man has not been
completely forgotten, he is at least
completely avoided. Even if his crying
carries far enough to be heard,
anyone who lives within earshot likely
has 'tuned him out" by now.
Being unable to associate with others
in society, he thus is left in the
mountains
and in the tombs in the company of
an-other man in the same condition
(again, Matthew 8:28). Some students
associate the man's custom of cutting
himself with stones with demonic
worship (compare I Kings 18:28).
QUESTION
2. For the demoniac, contact with the
forces of Satan resulted in physical
self-cutting. In what nonphysical ways
does sin cause people to harm
themselves today? How can that non-
physical harm result in physical self-
harm?
H. ACTION OF DELIVERANCE (Mark
5:6-13)
The fact that the man is said to
worship should not be taken to mean
necessarily that he honors Jesus as
the Son of God. The context
essentially refers to the act of bowing.
This idea is used of worshiping God or
idols, of bowing in obeisance before a
king, or even welcoming an honored
guest
B. Shout (verse 7)
7. And cried with a loud voice, and
said, What have I to do with thee,
Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?
I adjure thee by God, that thou
torment me not.
In reflecting on this verse, we must
clarify that this is the unclean spirit
who is doing the speaking here
(through the man) as verses 8,9 will 8. For he said unto him, Come out of
show. The man himself sees in Jesus the man, thou unclean spirit.
some hope. But the evil spirit has a
mind of his own, crying out with a The phrase for he said indicates that
loud voice. The demon knows that Jesus' command Come out of ike
his judgment is coming, thus he asks man occurs before the demon's cry
not to be tormented. in verse 7. Thus the cry of
recognition and terror in verse 7 is a
QUESTION result of the command here in verse
8. Clearly, Jesus realizes the urgency
3. How is coming to Jesus often ac- of the situation. He doesn't allow
companied by inner conflict today? the man to be tormented further,
relief quickly comes.
We see some presumptuous
posturing on the part of the demon. QUESTION
Claiming to know the identity of
someone and then shouting the 4. People of the first century were
name is an attempt to gain control able to recognize the difference
over an adversary. Interestingly, the between demonization (demon
question the disciples have just possession) and mental illness. How
asked about Jesus' identity in Mark do we recognize this difference
4:41 is correctly answered here by today?
the demon! Although it is not true
worship, the demon's confession 9. And he asked him, What is thy
that Jesus is Son of the most high name? And he answered, saying, My
God is the highest tribute. name is Legion: for we are many.
The punishment of which this
demon speaks is that of the eternal A legion is a military unit composed
torment that stands waiting at the of about 6,000 men! It is a term
final judgment (compare Matthew familiar to both Jew and Gentile. We
25:41; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; should not see the asking of the
Revelation 28:10). The spirit that demon's name to be a critical,
torments the man now fears necessary step in the man's
torment himself. deliverance. Jesus easily can cast out
demons without requesting their
C. Authority (verses 8-13) names. Perhaps Jesus asks What is
thy name? in
Older for die truth to be recorded— territory, since pigs are unclean clue about the amount of torment Jesus. Perhaps the man wants to
that the man has suffered with many animals according to Jewish dietary the man has been suffering. The ensure that his
demonic spirits, not just one. laws. For Jews, swine are just as stampede in and of itself is (or deliverance will be permanent. But
By revealing the name of the evil unclean as tombs and evil spirits should be) a testimony to those the man's deliverance does not
power, people will know how great a (Leviticus 11:7, 8; Deuteronomy 14:8; residing in the surrounding area. depend on being physically present
deliverance this truly is. This Isaiah 65:4; 66:17). with Jesus. Whomever the Son sets
possibility makes sense in the light of Notice also the direct result of the free is free indeed (John 8:36). Jesus
the fact that Jesus will (la verse 19, demonic possession of the swine: has other plans for the man. See the
below) ask the healed man to testify death. One may presume that this next verse.
to others. had been the demons' goal for the
12. And all the devils besought him, man himself. The demons had 19. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not,
10, And he besought him much that saying. Send us into the swine, that wanted to make the man miserable, but saith unto him, Go home to thy
he would not send them away out of we but undoubtedly they also sought to friends, and tell them how great
the country. may enter into them. destroy his life. He had cut himself things the Lord hath done for thee,
in the process of being tormented and hath had compassion on thee.
By begging not to be sent away out of The demons (devils) do not want to by devilish powers. But Jesus came
the country, the demons show their be cast into "the deep," so to be sent "to seek and to save that which was This verse raises a question: Why
fear of being sent "into the deep," as into the swine is their proposed lost" (Luke 19:10). did Jesus forbid the man who was
Luke 8:31 clarifies. The word alternative. The demons cannot fool HI. RESULT OF DELIVERANCE cured of leprosy in last week's
translated as "deep** in that passage Jesus, of course, but as a bit of (Mark 5:18-20) lesson to testify, but now instructs
is the Greek word abyss. The same speculation per* haps the demons the man cured of demon possession
word is translated as "bottomless pit hope to create some antagonism A- Request Denied (verses 18,19) to spread the news of his
in Revelation 9:1, 2, II; 11:7; 17:8; against Jesus should He grant this deliverance to others? Perhaps the
20:1,3. request something we see happen in 18. And when he was come into the answer lies in the different locations
verse 17. In any case, they have no ship, he that had been possessed of the two accounts. The healing of
When we read those passages, the alternative but to do what the Son of with the devil prayed him that he the leper took place in Jewish
reason for the demons* fear is crystal God orders. might be with him. territory, while the deliverance of
clear! By begging not to be sent away, the demoniac takes place in Gentile
the demons recognize that Jesus is 13. And forthwith Jesus gave them Mark 5:14-17 (not in today's text) territory. Perhaps Jesus is not
the one who is capable of sending leave. And the unclean spirits went shows us the fear that is displayed concerned that Gentiles will talk
them anywhere He chooses. out, and entered into the swine; and by the people of the surrounding freely that He may be the Messiah,
the herd ran violently down a steep area. They ask Jesus to leave. They since Gentiles do not share the
11. Now there was there nigh unto place into the sea, (they were about apparently value pigs over people. concept.
the mountains a great herd of swine two thousand,) and were choked in
feeding. the sea. We see the opposite reaction in the QUESTION
one
This verse gives us a good reason to The fact that the exorcism causes who has been possessed with the
believe that we are in Gentile 2,000 pigs to stampede over a cliff is a devil. The man wants to stay with
5. What do Jesus' instructions to the amazed. This incident may "soften up" intention that once characterized
man tell us about witnessing today, if the area for Jesus* return in Mark Consider the problems of the poor. life.
anything? 7:31. Proverbs 19:7 tells us that "all the
brethren of the poor do hate him: Notice occasions this week when
The fact that people have asked Jesus Interestingly, Jesus will command that how much more do his friends go breaking into that expression of
to leave (Mark 5:17) suggests that in people keep quid as He conducts far from him? He pursueth them praise would be most appropriate
this area there isn't much danger of healings on that return trip (Mark with words, yet they are wanting to (examples: seeing an advertisement
Jesus being mobbed by those who 7:36). Today we are not to keep quiet him." How many people shut their to engage in a harmful, even evil,
need healing (contrast Mark 1:45). about Christ. The Great Commission eyes to the poor? But the poor are habit once "enjoyed" by the
After Jesus returns to Jewish territory, (Matthew 28:19,20) requires quite the the very people who need a touch observer; recalling a spiritually
He will again give strict instructions opposite. But many will see the gospel of God's grace the most. And keep harmful vocation he or she once
not to talk about healing experiences first in the examples of what Jesus has in mind that "the poor" does not had). Bursting into that praise in the
(contrast Mark 5:19 with 5:43). done for us in our personal lives. refer only to those who have little presence of others may give you an
Make sure they see Christ in your money. There are also those who opportunity to explain why you feel
B. Command Followed (verse 20) daily actions. are "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3). freed from sins and circumstances
that once bound you, to affirm the
20. And he departed, and began to BIBLE APPLICATION The Lord has done great things for great things the Lord has done for
publish in Decapolis how great things you. Don't keep quiet! While those you. Prayer
Jesus had done for him: and all men AIM: That you will see God's mercy at around us may not be in physical
did marvel. work. chains, they can be chained in other Father, may Jesus' instructions to
ways (such as by life circumstances). the man released from demons be
The man is completely obedient to Breaking Through Boundaries When we see others in chains, we Jesus' instructions to us as well. May
Jesus' command. There is no record can be the love of God to them in people know without a doubt what
that he questions what he is expected The story of the demoniac their hour of greatest need. great things Jesus has done for us
to do. This should cause us to do demonstrates the extent of God's because we have modeled and
some self-examination: Do we ask mercy. It is freely available. It breaks STUDENTS' RESPONSE spoken of those things, in Jesus’
skeptical questions when the Bible traditional boundaries. It reaches to name. Amen.
tells us to follow a certain path? Do individuals on the fringes of society. AIM: That you will proclaim what
we trust and obey, or do we try to Jesus has done for you. MEMORY VERSE TO REMEMBER
"explain away" the Lord's directives As recipients of God's grace and
for our lives? mercy, our aim is to reach those Martin Luther King, Jr. ended his ... Jesus ... saith unto him, Go home
whom the world has forgotten, those famous speech on August 28, 1963 to thy friends, and tell them how
When we obey the Lord, we can trust who have encountered the trials and in Washington, D.C., with the words great things the Lord hath done for
that He will bring good out of our tribulations of this life and have been 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God thee, and hath had compassion on
situation. The results of the man's marginalized. Embracing a call to Almighty, we are free at last!' Those thee.
obedience speak volumes. The people compassion is to love the unlovable, words are appropriate for everyone Mark 5:19
of the Decapolis who hear the to reach the unreachable, to touch who is free indeed in Christ—freed
testimony are the untouchable. from the spiritual emptiness and evil