Mark 5:14-17 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man-and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.”
Have you ever been surprised by the unpredictable response of people to something when you anticipated a different response from them? This passage is just such a moment in the life and ministry of Jesus. One of the greatest miracles of scripture takes place in these three verses. Mark 5:14-17 is a prime demonstration that the power and ministry of Jesus is not limited to the redemption of the body but the transformation of the mind! Jesus has stepped out of the boat into a powerful confrontation with a severely demonized man and triumphed thoroughly.
Everyone knew this “man of the tombs.” He had been the focus of much attention and effort and the topic of many discussions and now held the people in fear of his desperate condition. And yet Jesus has encountered him fearlessly with just the power of His voice and not only subdued him but set him completely free. One of the most exciting verses in scripture to me is verse 15 which states “they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.” Imagine this. A man’s life has just been totally altered. He has been set free from such intense insanity that he was known by all and yet now he is there, sitting calmly at the feet of Jesus! It is time for celebration! Or so we would think. But, instead of rejoicing the people respond with fear.
The minds of the people are racing with the question “If this man can set this crazy man free, who is He?” Consider the context. A deranged man has found rest for his soul, the demons are gone, BUT… there are thousands of dead pigs floating in the lake below! Can you say “collateral damage?” The people who gather witness this scene. What a mix of mystery and majesty! How are we going to explain this to the neighbors? Isn’t church supposed to be conducted decently and in order? The Holy Spirit is a gentleman! The minds of the people are so distracted by the chaos of the moment that they cannot celebrate the condition of the man who was set free. Instead they ask the Lord to leave! Imagine that. One of the greatest miracles of scripture has just taken place and instead of worshipping Jesus they ask Him to leave because this miracle is wrapped in a context that leaves them uncomfortable and afraid.
Do you think that perhaps the church has reacted the same way to the work of the Holy Spirit on some occasions? This passage paints a whole different view of the Lord Jesus and the power of God! He will not be confined to our rules! He will step outside of our comfort zone for the sake of bringing freedom to the captives that He loves and died for! Don’t miss the miracles of the moment because they come with distracting baggage. Look for the man sitting at the feet of Jesus who has found rest and if you find him there rejoice!
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