Mark 5:1-20 – When Pigs Fly
Jesus’ encounter with a demon-possessed man in a Gentile graveyard reveals the depths of God’s power and mercy, contrasting the world’s fear with the transforming love of Christ.
Our text in this study is: Mark 5:1-20
Series: Who Do You Say That He Is?
Gene Pensiero Jr
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Discover the true meaning behind one of the most mysterious and misunderstood stories in the Bible in this in-depth Bible study on Mark 5:1-20. Join us as we continue our verse-by-verse journey through the Gospel of Mark. In this Bible study, we examine the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Gadarene demoniac. This video is for anyone who wants to study the Bible and learn more about Christianity, Jesus Christ, and what it means to be a disciple. Whether you’re a new Christian, a longtime believer, or simply someone exploring spirituality, this video offers valuable insights into a key passage of scripture.
Have you ever wondered about the details of this story? We begin by exploring the terrifying scene: the disciples arriving at night to a graveyard, greeted by a bleeding, naked, supernaturally strong man who lived among the dead. We break down the details from Mark 5:1-5, considering the sheer hopelessness of the man’s situation. We discuss how this man’s struggle can serve as a powerful reminder of our own need for salvation in Jesus Christ.
We then dive into the fascinating interaction between Jesus and the demons possessing the man. In our study of Mark 5:6-10, we see that the demons immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God, even while they tried to exert power over Him. We discuss the biblical truth that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, even those who currently rebel against Him. We also explore the incredible mercy of God, who desires to show compassion even to those who deserve judgment.
Next, we address the most famous part of this story in our study of Mark 5:11-13—the pigs. We examine why the demons begged to enter the herd of pigs and why Jesus allowed this to happen. We also consider the powerful symbolism of the pigs rushing into the sea, a subtle reminder to Mark’s original readers in Rome that Jesus has authority not only over legions of demons but also over human kingdoms, like the Roman Empire. This section reminds us that God’s priorities are focused on the eternal worth of a single human soul, created in His image.
Finally, in our discussion of Mark 5:14-20, we explore the aftermath of this incredible event. We see the dramatic transformation of the formerly possessed man, who is now clothed and in his right mind. We also see the fear and rejection of the local community, who were more concerned about their livelihood than the man’s salvation. We consider the man’s earnest request to follow Jesus and Jesus’ unexpected response, sending him back to his own people to proclaim the good news. This serves as a reminder that discipleship looks different for everyone and that a transformed life is the most powerful evidence of God’s work.
This video is a great resource for anyone seeking to understand Mark 5, the life of Jesus, or Christian theology. We invite you to join our community of Bible studiers from Calvary Chapel and beyond. If you are interested in a deeper understanding of scripture, want to learn more about the Bible, or are searching for answers about your faith, this video is for you. Watch now to learn about this compelling story and what it means for your life today.
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