Mark 5

Son of the Most High God

Son of the most high God — the divine Son of the Father, Elohim

But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, Mark 5:6–8

Even the evil spirits know who Jesus is and must bow to Him. The devil calls Him the Son of the most high God, and Jesus commands the spirit out with a word.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Luke 8:28 — Luke's account of the same cry: 'Jesus, thou Son of God most high.'
• a parallel account in Matthew 8:29 — Matthew's account of the Gadarene demoniacs calling Him Son of God.

Power over evil spirits

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. Mark 5:13–15

A man no chains could hold is made whole by Jesus. The picture of him 'sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind' shows what the Savior can do for anyone bound by the adversary.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 8:33-35 — Luke's account of the swine and the healed man at Jesus's feet.

The Lord (Jesus)

Lord — in the Old Testament the stand-in for Jehovah

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. Mark 5:19–20

Jesus tells the man to report what 'the Lord' has done, and the man goes and tells what 'Jesus' has done. Mark sets the two side by side: the Lord who shows compassion is Jesus Himself.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 8:39 — Luke has 'how great things God hath done' alongside 'how great things Jesus had done.'

Jesus answers a father's plea

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, Mark 5:22–24

A leader of the synagogue falls at Jesus's feet, trusting that His hands can give life. Jesus goes with him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 8:41-42 — Luke's account of Jairus's plea.
• a parallel account in Matthew 9:18-19 — Matthew's account of the ruler's plea.

Faith in Christ heals

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, Mark 5:25–34

After twelve years of suffering no doctor could fix, a woman reaches out in faith and is healed by power flowing from Jesus. He stops to find her and calls her 'Daughter' — He knows each person who reaches for Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 8:43-48 — Luke's account of the woman healed by touching His garment.
• a parallel account in Matthew 9:20-22 — Matthew's account of the same healing.

Power over death

Master — Teacher

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? Mark 5:35–43

When everyone says the girl is dead, Jesus says 'Be not afraid, only believe' and raises her with a word. His power over death here points ahead to His own Resurrection and His power to raise all people.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 8:49-56 — Luke's account of raising Jairus's daughter.
• a parallel account in Matthew 9:23-26 — Matthew's account of the same miracle.
• the same title in John 11:25 — Jesus declares, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.'