What is the meaning of Mark 5:15? When they came to Jesus The herdsmen had fled after the pigs rushed into the sea (Mark 5:14), and now they return with townspeople in tow. Everyone heads straight for Jesus—He is the focal point of every true spiritual encounter. Luke’s parallel account confirms the scene: “When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at Jesus’ feet” (Luke 8:35). As with the frightened disciples in the storm who also “came to Jesus” (Mark 4:38-41), the right response to chaos is always to approach the Lord. they saw the man A moment earlier this man had been the terror of the region; now he is the picture of peace. The crowd’s first impression is visual—“they saw.” Scripture often highlights the transformational power of meeting Christ (John 9:8-11; Acts 4:13). People may ignore arguments, but they cannot dismiss a changed life. who had been possessed by the legion of demons Mark reminds us of the depth of bondage: a “legion,” a term for thousands. Deliverance this complete proves Jesus’ absolute authority over the unseen realm, fulfilling 1 John 3:8, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil”. Paul later writes that believers were once “dead in your trespasses…following the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:1-2), but Christ sets captives free. sitting there The once-restless man is now calm, motionless, and settled. His posture echoes Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God”. Like Mary at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39), he takes the position of a disciple, not a menace. Redemption brings rest. clothed Moments earlier he was naked among the tombs; now he is properly dressed. God has always been the One who clothes the ashamed (Genesis 3:21). Salvation brings new garments: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). In Christ we “put on the new self” (Colossians 3:10). and in his right mind Deliverance touches the inner life as much as the outer. Soundness replaces confusion, fulfilling 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control”. Romans 12:2 calls believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”; this man’s renewed mind stands as living proof of that promise. and they were afraid Ironically, the crowd fears the cure more than the chaos. Similar awe gripped the disciples after Jesus stilled the storm: “They were terrified and asked, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” (Mark 4:41). Holiness can be unsettling; Acts 5:5 notes that fear seized all who saw divine power displayed. Confronted with undeniable authority, people must decide whether to beg Jesus to leave—like these townsfolk (Mark 5:17)—or to follow Him. summary Mark 5:15 showcases the total reversal Jesus brings: terror becomes tranquility, nakedness becomes dignity, madness becomes clarity. The crowd’s fear underlines the weight of divine authority, while the delivered man illustrates the comprehensive salvation Christ still offers—freedom, rest, righteousness, and a renewed mind. |
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