A collection of daily devotionals from GoServ Global FOunder, Terry Baxter
The Healed Woman: Mark 5:25-34
May 3, 2024
The Healed Woman: Mark 5:25-34
“26) A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 27) and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28) For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29) Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30) Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” 31) And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 32) And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. 33) But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34) And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”” Mark 5:25-34
This is an amazing miracle and story about healing. The woman had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. That’s a long time to be sick. She sought help from many doctors, spent all of her money and her condition only got worse.
I have seen this happen to many people today. She was not alone in her plight. There is a place for medical intervention, but not to the exclusion of God. Good doctors are the first to point people to God, faith and the need for prayer.
As Jesus and the crowd walked past her, she developed an interesting plan. She thought to herself, “If I just touch His garments, I shall get well.” She had gained huge faith in the healing power of Jesus Christ. She had lost all faith in doctors.
Her problem had not been a lack of faith, her problem was misplaced faith. She had been believing in doctors, medicine and various medical treatments above God!
Sure enough, as she touched the garments of Jesus, she was immediately healed. Her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Much has been written and preached about this story. Some imply that you need to touch Jesus just right or be sincere enough in order to be healed.
I maintain that small faith in the right object can make a huge difference. It wasn’t the amount of her faith that suddenly made the difference, it was that she finally put her faith in Jesus. He was and is the right object!
The interesting part of the story is that Jesus perceived that power had gone out of Him. This seems to indicate that the healing was not from His active will, it was from sincere belief in His identity, authority and power. Why? He alone has the authority and power to heal!
I am sorry, but the context forces that conclusion. She was not double minded. She didn’t wrestle with whether or not it was Gods “will” to heal her. She put her faith in the identity, authority and power of Jesus. She didn’t even ask Him to heal her. For her, the healing had nothing to do with His will, it was about His identity.
Jesus immediately looked around to see who had touched Him. The disciples noted the size of the crowd and the many incidentally bumping into Jesus. But Jesus was looking for the one who was healed!
Soon, the woman fearing and trembling came and bowed down before Jesus and told the whole truth. Then, In verse 34, Jesus openly commended her faith. She went away healed.
I like this story! It stretches my understanding of faith, healing and the authority of Jesus Christ. When praying for healing, I no longer say; “If it be your will.” That is a confession of double mindedness. I cringe when people join the praying and cancel all faith with that phrase.
James 1:5-8 exposes the futility of double mindedness. Later, in James 5:13-16, James commands the sick to call the church leaders and pray for healing.
This text helped me settled the issue about Gods will when it comes to praying for healing. According to James; it is always God’s will for us to pray for healing. I removed the phrase “If it be Thy will” from my praying for the sick.
Honestly, the more biblical prayer would be; “Jesus, I ask you to heal because of your identity, authority and power… and I am praying this way because your Word commands us to pray for healing.”
Another version might be; “I now command your healing based on the identity, authority and power of Jesus Christ!” Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out unclean spirits. It must be His will that we do so! (Matthew 10:1; 7-8)
When I pastor a church, I adopt the policy; “if you’re sick enough to go to the doctor, you’re sick enough to call the elders to anoint you with oil and pray in faith for healing!” We have seen God do some amazing things. It always helped!
I will leave you to wrestle with this text and these concepts. More and more, I am moving to “the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick…” (James 5:18) Did you notice the word “will” in that verse?
My faith is not in healing or a personal gift of healing. My faith is in the identity, authority and power of Jesus Christ. My focus is on Him. My faith is in Him. I make Him responsible for the healing. In this way, His Name and reputation are at stake for the results!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
“26) A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 27) and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse— after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28) For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29) Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30) Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” 31) And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 32) And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. 33) But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34) And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”” Mark 5:25-34
This is an amazing miracle and story about healing. The woman had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. That’s a long time to be sick. She sought help from many doctors, spent all of her money and her condition only got worse.
I have seen this happen to many people today. She was not alone in her plight. There is a place for medical intervention, but not to the exclusion of God. Good doctors are the first to point people to God, faith and the need for prayer.
As Jesus and the crowd walked past her, she developed an interesting plan. She thought to herself, “If I just touch His garments, I shall get well.” She had gained huge faith in the healing power of Jesus Christ. She had lost all faith in doctors.
Her problem had not been a lack of faith, her problem was misplaced faith. She had been believing in doctors, medicine and various medical treatments above God!
Sure enough, as she touched the garments of Jesus, she was immediately healed. Her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Much has been written and preached about this story. Some imply that you need to touch Jesus just right or be sincere enough in order to be healed.
I maintain that small faith in the right object can make a huge difference. It wasn’t the amount of her faith that suddenly made the difference, it was that she finally put her faith in Jesus. He was and is the right object!
The interesting part of the story is that Jesus perceived that power had gone out of Him. This seems to indicate that the healing was not from His active will, it was from sincere belief in His identity, authority and power. Why? He alone has the authority and power to heal!
I am sorry, but the context forces that conclusion. She was not double minded. She didn’t wrestle with whether or not it was Gods “will” to heal her. She put her faith in the identity, authority and power of Jesus. She didn’t even ask Him to heal her. For her, the healing had nothing to do with His will, it was about His identity.
Jesus immediately looked around to see who had touched Him. The disciples noted the size of the crowd and the many incidentally bumping into Jesus. But Jesus was looking for the one who was healed!
Soon, the woman fearing and trembling came and bowed down before Jesus and told the whole truth. Then, In verse 34, Jesus openly commended her faith. She went away healed.
I like this story! It stretches my understanding of faith, healing and the authority of Jesus Christ. When praying for healing, I no longer say; “If it be your will.” That is a confession of double mindedness. I cringe when people join the praying and cancel all faith with that phrase.
James 1:5-8 exposes the futility of double mindedness. Later, in James 5:13-16, James commands the sick to call the church leaders and pray for healing.
This text helped me settled the issue about Gods will when it comes to praying for healing. According to James; it is always God’s will for us to pray for healing. I removed the phrase “If it be Thy will” from my praying for the sick.
Honestly, the more biblical prayer would be; “Jesus, I ask you to heal because of your identity, authority and power… and I am praying this way because your Word commands us to pray for healing.”
Another version might be; “I now command your healing based on the identity, authority and power of Jesus Christ!” Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out unclean spirits. It must be His will that we do so! (Matthew 10:1; 7-8)
When I pastor a church, I adopt the policy; “if you’re sick enough to go to the doctor, you’re sick enough to call the elders to anoint you with oil and pray in faith for healing!” We have seen God do some amazing things. It always helped!
I will leave you to wrestle with this text and these concepts. More and more, I am moving to “the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick…” (James 5:18) Did you notice the word “will” in that verse?
My faith is not in healing or a personal gift of healing. My faith is in the identity, authority and power of Jesus Christ. My focus is on Him. My faith is in Him. I make Him responsible for the healing. In this way, His Name and reputation are at stake for the results!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
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“A God Sized Problem: Mark 5:21-25”
May 2, 2024
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Go and Tell Your Story: Mark 5:18-20
May 1, 2024
Go and Tell Your Story: Mark 5:18-20
”18) As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. 19) And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20) And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.“ Mark 5:18-20
The story now takes a surprising turn. The formerly demon possessed man begs Jesus to go with him into the boat and become one of His followers, but Jesus said “no.”
Jesus had totally set him free. He was seated with Jesus and his disciples. He was clothed, and in his right mind. He had a new life and for the first time could interact with people. Because of his previous manner of life, he had nothing and no one to go back to. He was basically homeless with no family or friends as a support group..
Verse 19 says; “Jesus did not let him go, but said to him, go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.’” He was a new believer. All he had was his story, but it was an amazing story.
So what difference can one man or one woman make verse 20 says that he went away and began to proclaim in Deapolis what great things Jesus had done for himself, and everyone marveled.
Let this story burn into your mind. Jesus and his disciples got into the boat and began to row away. Meanwhile, the former demon possessed man was left alone to tell his story throughout Decapolis.
We pick the story up again in Mark 7:31. Jesus and his disciples returned again to the region of Decapolis, but this time the people ran to meet Him. What a contrast to the rejection He had received following his first few hours in that region.
What brought about this transformation to the entire region of Decapolis?
It can be attributed to one new believer, faithfully telling his story. This time, Jesus received such a welcome that according to Mark chapter 8:1-10, this became the very location where Jesus ended up feeding the 4000.
I believe this is a picture of what Jesus wants to do in and through every new believer. He wants to radically change them and then use their story to spread the gospel far and wide.
Jesus wants to change you and then have you share your story with people around you. This is a picture of the great commission. The question is what is your story? Has Jesus made a change in your life and are you willing to share that story with others?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
”18) As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. 19) And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20) And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.“ Mark 5:18-20
The story now takes a surprising turn. The formerly demon possessed man begs Jesus to go with him into the boat and become one of His followers, but Jesus said “no.”
Jesus had totally set him free. He was seated with Jesus and his disciples. He was clothed, and in his right mind. He had a new life and for the first time could interact with people. Because of his previous manner of life, he had nothing and no one to go back to. He was basically homeless with no family or friends as a support group..
Verse 19 says; “Jesus did not let him go, but said to him, go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.’” He was a new believer. All he had was his story, but it was an amazing story.
So what difference can one man or one woman make verse 20 says that he went away and began to proclaim in Deapolis what great things Jesus had done for himself, and everyone marveled.
Let this story burn into your mind. Jesus and his disciples got into the boat and began to row away. Meanwhile, the former demon possessed man was left alone to tell his story throughout Decapolis.
We pick the story up again in Mark 7:31. Jesus and his disciples returned again to the region of Decapolis, but this time the people ran to meet Him. What a contrast to the rejection He had received following his first few hours in that region.
What brought about this transformation to the entire region of Decapolis?
It can be attributed to one new believer, faithfully telling his story. This time, Jesus received such a welcome that according to Mark chapter 8:1-10, this became the very location where Jesus ended up feeding the 4000.
I believe this is a picture of what Jesus wants to do in and through every new believer. He wants to radically change them and then use their story to spread the gospel far and wide.
Jesus wants to change you and then have you share your story with people around you. This is a picture of the great commission. The question is what is your story? Has Jesus made a change in your life and are you willing to share that story with others?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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The Power of a Testimony: Mark 5:10-17
April 29, 2024
The Power of a Testimony: Mark 5:10-17
“10) And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11) Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. 12) The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” 13) Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. 14) Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. 15) They *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened. 16) Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. 17) And they began to implore Him to leave their region.” Mark 5:10-17
This might qualify as the shortest mission trip in the Bible. It doesn’t take long for the seeds of the gospel to be planted. When they sprout and start growing, amazing things can happen.
The herdsmen observed the exchange between Jesus and the man with the legion of demons. I often chuckle at this picture. Who wants a job herding two thousand swine in the open range? Pigs are known to have minds of their own. It is not mentioned how many herdsmen were required for 2,000 swine, but it must have been many?
Luke 15:15-17 gives some commentary on pig farming in this region. The Prodigal son ended up in the pig fields feeding swine. It was the lowliest of jobs. The text indicates the swine were concentrated around feeding troughs.
The lunatic man with legions of demons made his home between the tombs and the swine fields. It is not a stretch to assume that he satisfied his appetite eating slop among the swine. This was the temptation that of the starving Prodigal son in Luke 15:16. The man with legions of demons was more at home among the swine than with people.
But, don’t make the mistake of assuming that all demon possessed people become this dysfunctional. Those being “abused” by unclean spirits certainly can be mercilessly tormented. But those being “used” by demons can be given positions of power, influence and authority. (See Luke 4:5-6) Such was the deal Satan offered Jesus during His temptations in the wilderness.
As Legion begged Jesus not to send them out of the country, he entreated Him to send them into the swine. It must be noted that this encounter took place prior to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ where Satan was defeated. We are now in a different time and epoch. (See Acts 1:7) Today, born-again Christians minister by different rules when engaging the enemy in deliverance ministry.
As soon as they departed into the swine, the herdsmen lost control over the pigs. We could say that chaos broke out. The entire herd of swine rushed down the steep bank and perished in the sea. They committed mass “pigocide.” I know that is not an English word, but it captures the sadistic nature of Satan. (See John 10:10)
It is here that the story takes a tragic turn. The herdsman ran into the city and reported the whole incident. (Mark 5:14-17) Many came out to see and hear what had happened. They scene that awaited them was frightening. The contrast was chilling.
To one side, they saw the formerly demon possessed man seated by Jesus fully clothed and in his right mind. Jesus always gives new cloths and a new mind to those who come to Him. Toward the sea they saw the two thousand pigs. Some were already dead and bobbing in the waves. Others were most likely still squealing and drowning.
Fear gripped them and they did the most unthinkable thing. They began to entreat Jesus to depart from their region. Being the perfect gentleman, Jesus beckoned His disciples back into the boat and peacefully departed. However, as we shall see in the next section, Jesus left behind one new believer to tell his story throughout Decapolis. (Mark 5:20)
What difference can one man or woman make? Ask the city of Sychar about the influence of the Samaritan woman. (See John 4:1-45) Ask the people of Decapolis about the impact of the formerly demon possessed man who Jesus set free and healed. (Mark 5:18-20)
Never underestimate the power of a testimony. Ask the people in the wake of your testimony and influence if Jesus can make a difference? If there are none, you have a problem that needs fixing.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“10) And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11) Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. 12) The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” 13) Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. 14) Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. 15) They *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened. 16) Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. 17) And they began to implore Him to leave their region.” Mark 5:10-17
This might qualify as the shortest mission trip in the Bible. It doesn’t take long for the seeds of the gospel to be planted. When they sprout and start growing, amazing things can happen.
The herdsmen observed the exchange between Jesus and the man with the legion of demons. I often chuckle at this picture. Who wants a job herding two thousand swine in the open range? Pigs are known to have minds of their own. It is not mentioned how many herdsmen were required for 2,000 swine, but it must have been many?
Luke 15:15-17 gives some commentary on pig farming in this region. The Prodigal son ended up in the pig fields feeding swine. It was the lowliest of jobs. The text indicates the swine were concentrated around feeding troughs.
The lunatic man with legions of demons made his home between the tombs and the swine fields. It is not a stretch to assume that he satisfied his appetite eating slop among the swine. This was the temptation that of the starving Prodigal son in Luke 15:16. The man with legions of demons was more at home among the swine than with people.
But, don’t make the mistake of assuming that all demon possessed people become this dysfunctional. Those being “abused” by unclean spirits certainly can be mercilessly tormented. But those being “used” by demons can be given positions of power, influence and authority. (See Luke 4:5-6) Such was the deal Satan offered Jesus during His temptations in the wilderness.
As Legion begged Jesus not to send them out of the country, he entreated Him to send them into the swine. It must be noted that this encounter took place prior to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ where Satan was defeated. We are now in a different time and epoch. (See Acts 1:7) Today, born-again Christians minister by different rules when engaging the enemy in deliverance ministry.
As soon as they departed into the swine, the herdsmen lost control over the pigs. We could say that chaos broke out. The entire herd of swine rushed down the steep bank and perished in the sea. They committed mass “pigocide.” I know that is not an English word, but it captures the sadistic nature of Satan. (See John 10:10)
It is here that the story takes a tragic turn. The herdsman ran into the city and reported the whole incident. (Mark 5:14-17) Many came out to see and hear what had happened. They scene that awaited them was frightening. The contrast was chilling.
To one side, they saw the formerly demon possessed man seated by Jesus fully clothed and in his right mind. Jesus always gives new cloths and a new mind to those who come to Him. Toward the sea they saw the two thousand pigs. Some were already dead and bobbing in the waves. Others were most likely still squealing and drowning.
Fear gripped them and they did the most unthinkable thing. They began to entreat Jesus to depart from their region. Being the perfect gentleman, Jesus beckoned His disciples back into the boat and peacefully departed. However, as we shall see in the next section, Jesus left behind one new believer to tell his story throughout Decapolis. (Mark 5:20)
What difference can one man or woman make? Ask the city of Sychar about the influence of the Samaritan woman. (See John 4:1-45) Ask the people of Decapolis about the impact of the formerly demon possessed man who Jesus set free and healed. (Mark 5:18-20)
Never underestimate the power of a testimony. Ask the people in the wake of your testimony and influence if Jesus can make a difference? If there are none, you have a problem that needs fixing.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Confronting Legion: Mark 5:13
April 28, 2024
Confronting Legion: Mark 5:13
“1) They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. 2) When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, 3) and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4) because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. 5) Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones. 6) Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; 7) and shouting with a loud voice, he *said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” 8) For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9) And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he *said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10) And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11) Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. 12) The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” 13) Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea.” Mark 5:1-13
This text is pregnant with insight into the spiritual realm. As Jesus and His disciples came to the other side of the sea, they landed in the country of the Gerasenes. This was the gate of the region known as “Decapolis.” (See Mark 5:20)
Immediately, they were met by a man who was possessed with many unclean spirits. It was almost like Satan had planted him there as a gate keeper to the region of Decapolis. His job was to run interference with anyone trying to bring the good news of the gospel to his region. (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
It will take a few sections to squeeze the insights out of this text. For today, I simply want to look at some common characteristics that accompany people who are demonized.
In the New Testament, there appears to be two kinds of demon possession. First, there were those who “used” or channeled demonic spirits and had paranormal powers. This could be illustrated by Simon the magician. (See Acts 8:9-24) Second, there were those who were “abused” by the demonic spirits. This can be illustrated by the man with legions in this text in Mark 5:1-20.
Though not a complete list, today I want to look at some common characteristics of those abused by demonic spirits. These points come directly from the description of the man possessed by legions in this text in Mark.
First, they often have a preoccupation with death. He was living in the tombs. Demons often isolate captive people by default because demonized people soon start to display various degrees of social abnormalities, vices, fixations, vulgarities or perversions.
Second, they can have abnormal physical strength. He was not able to be restrained by shackles or chains. He would break them to pieces. No one was strong enough to subdue him. He was bent toward violence. (See also Acts 19:15-17)
Third, he was emotionally and mentally tormented. He would cry out night and day among the tombs and in the mountains. He was being abused by the unclean spirits. Mental anguish can be severe and tragic.
Forth, he practiced self mutilation. He would cut and gash himself with stones. The end goal can be suicide. (John 10:10 is very descriptive.)
Fifth, he was possessed by many spirits. In Mark 5:9, the dominant spirit confessed to Jesus, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” This condition is common among demonized people. (See Matthew 12:43-45)
Sixth, he recognized Jesus. Verse 6 says; “And seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him.” Demon spirits always recognize Jesus and His authority.
Seventh, according to verse 8, the unclean spirits were resisting the command of Jesus to come out of him. The timing of this story happened before the work of Jesus on the cross which added some theological drama to the story.
Eighth, unclean spirits have names, a purpose or mission, their own persona and can speak through people with their own voice. (See Mark 5:6-12) This is often referred to as a “demonic manifestation.”
Ninth, the demonic spirits were able to go into the swine. It appears that some animals can serve as hosts to demonic spirits. This point is a mystery, but tragically some animals are frequently associated with ritualistic ceremonies.
Finally, the man was totally set free by Jesus from all demonic activity. Verse 15 says; “They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened.” Jesus Christ came to break every yoke and set captives free. He is both Savior and Deliver.
This serves as a brief synopsis of the subject of demon possession. If you want a deeper biblical study on this subject, please attend a Freedom Quest Workshop or order a workbook from our GoServ Global office. The Bible has much to say about this subject and spiritual warfare is a reality. The good news is that Jesus Christ is still in the business of saving people and setting them free from darkness, oppression and bondage.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“1) They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. 2) When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, 3) and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4) because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. 5) Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones. 6) Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; 7) and shouting with a loud voice, he *said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” 8) For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9) And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he *said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10) And he began to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11) Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. 12) The demons implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” 13) Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea.” Mark 5:1-13
This text is pregnant with insight into the spiritual realm. As Jesus and His disciples came to the other side of the sea, they landed in the country of the Gerasenes. This was the gate of the region known as “Decapolis.” (See Mark 5:20)
Immediately, they were met by a man who was possessed with many unclean spirits. It was almost like Satan had planted him there as a gate keeper to the region of Decapolis. His job was to run interference with anyone trying to bring the good news of the gospel to his region. (See 2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
It will take a few sections to squeeze the insights out of this text. For today, I simply want to look at some common characteristics that accompany people who are demonized.
In the New Testament, there appears to be two kinds of demon possession. First, there were those who “used” or channeled demonic spirits and had paranormal powers. This could be illustrated by Simon the magician. (See Acts 8:9-24) Second, there were those who were “abused” by the demonic spirits. This can be illustrated by the man with legions in this text in Mark 5:1-20.
Though not a complete list, today I want to look at some common characteristics of those abused by demonic spirits. These points come directly from the description of the man possessed by legions in this text in Mark.
First, they often have a preoccupation with death. He was living in the tombs. Demons often isolate captive people by default because demonized people soon start to display various degrees of social abnormalities, vices, fixations, vulgarities or perversions.
Second, they can have abnormal physical strength. He was not able to be restrained by shackles or chains. He would break them to pieces. No one was strong enough to subdue him. He was bent toward violence. (See also Acts 19:15-17)
Third, he was emotionally and mentally tormented. He would cry out night and day among the tombs and in the mountains. He was being abused by the unclean spirits. Mental anguish can be severe and tragic.
Forth, he practiced self mutilation. He would cut and gash himself with stones. The end goal can be suicide. (John 10:10 is very descriptive.)
Fifth, he was possessed by many spirits. In Mark 5:9, the dominant spirit confessed to Jesus, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” This condition is common among demonized people. (See Matthew 12:43-45)
Sixth, he recognized Jesus. Verse 6 says; “And seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him.” Demon spirits always recognize Jesus and His authority.
Seventh, according to verse 8, the unclean spirits were resisting the command of Jesus to come out of him. The timing of this story happened before the work of Jesus on the cross which added some theological drama to the story.
Eighth, unclean spirits have names, a purpose or mission, their own persona and can speak through people with their own voice. (See Mark 5:6-12) This is often referred to as a “demonic manifestation.”
Ninth, the demonic spirits were able to go into the swine. It appears that some animals can serve as hosts to demonic spirits. This point is a mystery, but tragically some animals are frequently associated with ritualistic ceremonies.
Finally, the man was totally set free by Jesus from all demonic activity. Verse 15 says; “They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened.” Jesus Christ came to break every yoke and set captives free. He is both Savior and Deliver.
This serves as a brief synopsis of the subject of demon possession. If you want a deeper biblical study on this subject, please attend a Freedom Quest Workshop or order a workbook from our GoServ Global office. The Bible has much to say about this subject and spiritual warfare is a reality. The good news is that Jesus Christ is still in the business of saving people and setting them free from darkness, oppression and bondage.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Facing Storms in Life: Mark 4:37-41
April 27, 2024
Facing Storms in Life: Mark 4:37-41
“And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”” Mark 4:37-41
As they were crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus took the opportunity to catch some needed sleep. His intense ministry schedule was exhausting. His humanity had the same needs for rest and good nutrition that you and I have.
Crossing the sea was an easy task for His disciples. Four of them were experienced fishermen and mariners. They were back in their own environment. I’m sure they even offered Jesus the sleeping cushion and assured Him they had everything under control. He fell into a sound sleep.
Soon a fierce gale of wind came upon them. Waves were beating over the bow and they were taking on water quicker than they could bail. The boat was filling with water. They were loosing control. They were close to perishing. Panic seized them.
Meanwhile, Jesus was peacefully sleeping on the cushion platform in the back of the boat. Question: Are you ever caught in a life crisis and wonder if God even notices?
As a last resort, they awoke Jesus and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” The statement was emphatic; “We are perishing!” In other words; “ We are going to die!” That was it. They didn’t even ask Him to save them. They were fixated on a natural perspective.
This was the ultimate test of their theology. If Jesus was a mere man, maybe the expected Him to grab a bucket and help them bail water. I’m not sure from the context they even considered the “God option.” They were about to discover His true identity. What Jesus did absolutely shocked them.
Jesus being aroused from His sleep spoke to the wind and the sea. He gave them a command. He simply said; “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. At His command the storm immediately ended.
The He asked them two questions; “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?” In other words, “Why did you face the storm with a physical response and didn’t even consider a faith response?” He marveled that they only considered the natural or physical options. Fear always nullifies faith. The opposite is also true.
Instead of answering His question, they became very much afraid at His demeanor. They had witnessed a phenomenon miracle and they each recognized the implication of what just happened. The said to one other, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Think about the progressive revelation into the true identity of Jesus Christ they had witnessed in recent weeks. He had authority in His preaching and teaching. He had authority over unclean spirits and demons. He had authority over fever, sickness, disease, leprosy and paralysis. He had authority to forgive sin and to heal on the Sabbath. But this was a new level of authority.
They were dumbfounded by what they had just witnessed. Jesus also had authority over the natural forces of fierce winds and waves. They were all wrestling with the same question; “Who is this guy?”
That was the preliminary question they needed to settle before they were ready to answer His two questions to them. He had given them His authority, but they were not ready to apply the good fight of faith to every life circumstance until they resolved His true identity mystery.
The same is true of you and me. We will always respond naturally and carnally until we fully comprehend our true identity and authority “in Christ.” We will forever be frantically grabbing buckets to bail water in the flesh, rather than speaking to our storms in the name and authority of Jesus Christ.
As I read this story, they were astonished by what Jesus did in calming the storm. Jesus on the other hand was equally astonished that they were so timid that they didn’t even consider standing in their faith and the authority that He had given them in facing this storm. He was implying that they could have done the same thing He did in the story, but they were too timid to even try. They didn’t even consider the faith option.
I confess, this story provokes me especially when I analyze the two questions that Jesus asked them. Sadly, they were so amazed by the miracle that they missed His questions. He was trying to teach them a profound truth about faith and authority and how to face storms in life. But they totally missed it!
I will go no deeper at this time except to refer you to 2 Corinthians 10:2-5. It appears that Paul got it. He was living on the level Jesus was trying to build into His disciples. He was living on the level of faith and not fear. He faced his battles through the divine authority and power given him “in Christ.”
But you protest; “Why then did Paul not calm the storm in Acts 27?” I respond; “His faith did bring him through the storm and spared the 276 people traveling with him. It also resulted in reaching the Island of Malta with the Gospel and Paul’s eventual safe arrival in Rome with many open doors among Roman soldiers.”
Living on the level of faith doesn’t mean we don’t endure some storms in life. But it does mean our composure is different. We take bold “faith measures” in the face of the storm and it ensures supernatural outcomes with all glory going to Jesus! Are you living by faith or fear?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”” Mark 4:37-41
As they were crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus took the opportunity to catch some needed sleep. His intense ministry schedule was exhausting. His humanity had the same needs for rest and good nutrition that you and I have.
Crossing the sea was an easy task for His disciples. Four of them were experienced fishermen and mariners. They were back in their own environment. I’m sure they even offered Jesus the sleeping cushion and assured Him they had everything under control. He fell into a sound sleep.
Soon a fierce gale of wind came upon them. Waves were beating over the bow and they were taking on water quicker than they could bail. The boat was filling with water. They were loosing control. They were close to perishing. Panic seized them.
Meanwhile, Jesus was peacefully sleeping on the cushion platform in the back of the boat. Question: Are you ever caught in a life crisis and wonder if God even notices?
As a last resort, they awoke Jesus and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” The statement was emphatic; “We are perishing!” In other words; “ We are going to die!” That was it. They didn’t even ask Him to save them. They were fixated on a natural perspective.
This was the ultimate test of their theology. If Jesus was a mere man, maybe the expected Him to grab a bucket and help them bail water. I’m not sure from the context they even considered the “God option.” They were about to discover His true identity. What Jesus did absolutely shocked them.
Jesus being aroused from His sleep spoke to the wind and the sea. He gave them a command. He simply said; “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. At His command the storm immediately ended.
The He asked them two questions; “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?” In other words, “Why did you face the storm with a physical response and didn’t even consider a faith response?” He marveled that they only considered the natural or physical options. Fear always nullifies faith. The opposite is also true.
Instead of answering His question, they became very much afraid at His demeanor. They had witnessed a phenomenon miracle and they each recognized the implication of what just happened. The said to one other, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Think about the progressive revelation into the true identity of Jesus Christ they had witnessed in recent weeks. He had authority in His preaching and teaching. He had authority over unclean spirits and demons. He had authority over fever, sickness, disease, leprosy and paralysis. He had authority to forgive sin and to heal on the Sabbath. But this was a new level of authority.
They were dumbfounded by what they had just witnessed. Jesus also had authority over the natural forces of fierce winds and waves. They were all wrestling with the same question; “Who is this guy?”
That was the preliminary question they needed to settle before they were ready to answer His two questions to them. He had given them His authority, but they were not ready to apply the good fight of faith to every life circumstance until they resolved His true identity mystery.
The same is true of you and me. We will always respond naturally and carnally until we fully comprehend our true identity and authority “in Christ.” We will forever be frantically grabbing buckets to bail water in the flesh, rather than speaking to our storms in the name and authority of Jesus Christ.
As I read this story, they were astonished by what Jesus did in calming the storm. Jesus on the other hand was equally astonished that they were so timid that they didn’t even consider standing in their faith and the authority that He had given them in facing this storm. He was implying that they could have done the same thing He did in the story, but they were too timid to even try. They didn’t even consider the faith option.
I confess, this story provokes me especially when I analyze the two questions that Jesus asked them. Sadly, they were so amazed by the miracle that they missed His questions. He was trying to teach them a profound truth about faith and authority and how to face storms in life. But they totally missed it!
I will go no deeper at this time except to refer you to 2 Corinthians 10:2-5. It appears that Paul got it. He was living on the level Jesus was trying to build into His disciples. He was living on the level of faith and not fear. He faced his battles through the divine authority and power given him “in Christ.”
But you protest; “Why then did Paul not calm the storm in Acts 27?” I respond; “His faith did bring him through the storm and spared the 276 people traveling with him. It also resulted in reaching the Island of Malta with the Gospel and Paul’s eventual safe arrival in Rome with many open doors among Roman soldiers.”
Living on the level of faith doesn’t mean we don’t endure some storms in life. But it does mean our composure is different. We take bold “faith measures” in the face of the storm and it ensures supernatural outcomes with all glory going to Jesus! Are you living by faith or fear?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
