MARK 5:1–20, THE HEALING OF THE GERASENE DEMONIAC
JESUS’ AUTHORITY OVER EVIL AND THE RESTORATION OF HUMAN DIGNITY
Introduction
After calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and his disciples arrive in Gentile territory. Immediately, Jesus confronts a dramatic manifestation of evil in a man possessed by many demons. This encounter reveals the destructive power of evil, the limitless authority of Jesus, and God’s desire to restore broken human dignity. The healed man becomes the first missionary to the Gentile region of the Decapolis, showing that God’s mercy is meant for all.
Bible passage (Mark 5:1–20)
They came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!” Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But he would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.
Background
The Gerasene region was predominantly Gentile, evident from the presence of swine, which were unclean animals for Jews. Jesus deliberately crosses boundaries—geographical, cultural, and spiritual—to bring liberation where darkness reigns.
Reflection on key elements
Dwelling among the tombs
The man lives among the dead, symbolizing total alienation from life, society, and worship. Sin and evil isolate and dehumanize.
No one could restrain him
Human efforts fail to control or heal deep spiritual bondage. Chains represent society’s attempts to manage, not heal, brokenness.
“Legion is my name”
A Roman legion numbered thousands, indicating overwhelming possession. Evil seeks domination and fragmentation of the human person.
The demons recognize Jesus
Evil knows Jesus’ true identity even when humans struggle to believe. His divine authority is unquestioned by demons.
The herd of swine
The destruction of the swine reveals the destructive nature of evil. It also shows that human dignity is worth more than material loss.
The healed man clothed and in his right mind
Restoration is complete—physical, psychological, spiritual, and social. Jesus restores identity and dignity.
The people beg Jesus to leave
Fear and economic loss outweigh gratitude. Encountering divine power can be unsettling when it disrupts comfort and profit.
The mission of the healed man
Jesus sends him not as a disciple who follows physically, but as a witness who proclaims mercy. He becomes the first missionary to the Gentiles.
Spiritual and theological themes
• Jesus’ authority over demonic powers
• The dehumanizing effect of sin and evil
• God’s desire to restore human dignity
• Fear of transformation versus openness to grace
• Mission born from gratitude and healing
Application to Christian life
Many today live in modern “tombs” of addiction, mental anguish, isolation, guilt, or despair. Jesus still crosses boundaries to bring healing. True healing leads not only to inner peace but also to mission.
Sacramental connection
Through Baptism, evil’s dominion is broken. Through Reconciliation, dignity is restored. Through the Eucharist, Christ strengthens us against spiritual battles.
Message
Jesus seeks out those whom society fears and rejects. No bondage is too strong for his mercy. Healing calls for witness, and gratitude becomes mission.
Outline for preachers
• Crossing boundaries: Jesus enters Gentile territory
• Description of total human brokenness
• Human inability versus divine authority
• “Legion”: the depth of evil’s control
• Restoration of dignity and sanity
• Fear of loss versus joy of salvation
• Mission entrusted to the healed man
• Call to witness God’s mercy in our own lives
