Class Lesson for August 31, 2025

 The Whole Story 

Mark 5

In Mark 5, we are brought face-to-face with one of the most haunting and powerful stories in all the Gospels — the healing of a man possessed by a legion of demons. It is a scene that confronts us with the extremes of human brokenness and the unmatched authority of Jesus Christ. This is not just a story about deliverance; it is a declaration of the gospel’s power to reach the most hopeless, the most defiled, and the most forgotten. If the man in this story is not beyond the reach of Jesus, then no one is.

Jesus and His disciples have just crossed the stormy Sea of Galilee. As they arrive in the region of the Gerasene’s — a Gentile, unclean land — they are immediately met by a man who embodies everything the world fears and rejects. He is naked, violent, uncontrollable, and living among the tombs. He has been cast out of society, bound in chains that he continually breaks, consumed by a darkness that no one can tame. Mark tells us he cried out day and night, cutting himself with stones. He is physically alive, but spiritually and emotionally buried in death.

And then Jesus steps onshore.

Before the man can even cry for help, the demons within him recognize Jesus’ authority. “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” they shriek. Even the forces of hell cannot deny who Jesus is. And with a word, the Legion is cast out and driven into a herd of pigs, that rush down the steep bank and drown in the sea. In an instant, the chaos is silent. The man is free.

When the people come to see what has happened, they find him clothed, sitting, and in his right mind. The same man who had terrified them is now at peace, restored by the grace and power of Jesus. But tragically, instead of rejoicing, the people are afraid — and they ask Jesus to leave.

The man, however, begs to go with Jesus. But Jesus sends him back to his home with a mission: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” And that’s exactly what he does. He becomes the first missionary to the Gentiles — not with theological training, but with a testimony.

This story reminds us that Jesus doesn’t avoid our darkness — He walks straight into it. He crosses seas and storms to rescue even one soul. No one is too lost, too unclean, too far gone. Jesus is here, even in the tombs, and where He comes, demons flee, the broken are restored, and the outcast becomes the witness.

 

Mark 5:1-20

Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon

5 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Mark 5:1-20

Discussion Questions

(Mark 5:3–5): What do these verses reveal about the destructive and isolating nature of sin and evil? How do we see similar forms of bondage in our world today?

(Mark 5:6–8): Why do you think the demons immediately recognized and submitted to Jesus’ authority? What does this teach us about His power over spiritual forces?

(Mark 5:14–16): Why were the townspeople afraid when they saw the man healed and the pigs destroyed? What does their reaction teach us about the challenge of truly welcoming Jesus into our lives?

(Mark 5:15): How does the man’s transformation — “clothed and in his right mind” — illustrate what Jesus does in the life of a believer? Where have you seen this kind of change in your own life or in others?

(Mark 5:19–20): Why did Jesus send the man back to his home instead of letting him travel with Him? How does this shape our understanding of sharing our testimony where God has placed us?

  

Closing Thoughts:

When Jesus steps into our lives, He brings freedom where there was bondage, peace where there was chaos, and purpose where there was shame. Like the man who was once bound in chains, our testimony is not about what we have done, but about what Christ has done for us. The most powerful witness you have is your story of God’s mercy and grace. Jesus doesn’t just call us to follow Him privately; He sends us to proclaim publicly what He has done. This week, who needs to hear your story of how Jesus has changed your life?

END

Teacher's Notes:

In Mark 5, we are brought face-to-face with one of the most haunting and powerful stories in all the Gospels, the healing of a man possessed by a legion of demons.

Click Play to Watch

Why are people uncomfortable talking about demons and spiritual warfare today?

Have you ever had an encounter with evil?

Mark 5:1-5

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains, he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

1. Sin isolates and separates - Just as the man was cut off from family and community, sin cuts us off from God and others. Satan always drives people away from love and fellowship into loneliness.
2. Sin enslaves and controls - The man had no power over his own actions. He was driven by the demons. Sin makes us slaves (John 8:34: “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin”).
3. Sin destroys dignity and identity - He lived naked, in shame and humiliation (Luke 8:27). Satan wants to strip people of the image of God and reduce them to despair.
4. Sin torments and robs peace - Day and night, the man screamed in agony. Sin promises pleasure, but it delivers torment and unrest.
5. Sin leads to death - He lived among the tombs, a symbol of where sin ultimately leads. Satan’s goal is always destruction: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).

Mark 5:6-13

And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before Him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure You by God, do not torment me.” For He was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged Him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So, He gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 

Why did the demons fear Jesus?

1. They Recognized His Identity - They cried out, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mark 5:7). Demons know who Jesus is, even when people don’t. (James 2:19: “Even the demons believe, and shudder!”)
2. They Knew His Authority - They understood He had the power to command them and determine their fate. Demons are powerful, but Jesus is all-powerful.
3. They Knew Their Destiny - They begged Jesus not to torment them “before the appointed time” (Matthew 8:29). They know judgment is coming, and Jesus is the Judge.

What does their submission to Him tell us?

1. Jesus Has Ultimate Authority - Philippians 2:10: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Even evil spirits are subject to His word.
2. They Cannot Act Without Permission - Notice they begged Jesus to let them enter the pigs (Mark 5:12). Satan and demons operate under limits, God is sovereign.
3. Submission is Not the Same as Obedience from the Heart - Their submission was forced, not willing. They bowed to His authority, but they didn’t worship Him as Lord.

 

Mark 5:14-17

The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.  

 

Why People Resist Jesus’ Power (Then & Now)

1. Fear of Change - Jesus disturbed the “status quo.” People would rather cling to what’s familiar, even if it’s broken, than risk transformation. Today: Some resist because they know Jesus will call them to leave old habits or relationships.
2. Economic Concerns - The pigs represented livelihood and wealth. They valued profit over people. Today: Following Jesus may cost us money, time, comfort, or status, many don’t want that price.
3. Loss of Control - Jesus displayed a power they couldn’t explain or manage. His presence was unsettling, it meant He was in charge. Today: People want a Savior who fits their plans, not a Lord who takes over.
4. Spiritual Blindness - They saw the miracle but missed the Messiah. Sin blinds us to what’s truly good. Today: Many acknowledge Jesus was good, but not that He is God.

 

Mark 5:18-20

As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged Him that he might be with Him. And He did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.  

 

1. Start Where You Are - Jesus told him to begin at home, with family, friends, neighbors. Our mission field starts in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.
2. Tell Your Story - The man didn’t preach a sermon or quote Scripture; he simply told what Jesus did for him. Sharing your testimony (before Christ → how you met Him → after Christ) is powerful and relatable.
3. Show the Change - The man’s life was visibly different, clothed, calm, in his right mind. Our changed attitudes, peace in trials, and love for others speak louder than words.
4. Be Compassionate and Approachable - The man had once been feared and avoided, but now he could connect with people. We witness best when we listen, care, and show genuine love.
5. Trust God with the Results - The man’s testimony spread through the Decapolis. By the time Jesus returned later in Mark 7:31–37, crowds welcomed Him. Our job is to plant seeds; God makes them grow.

Being a faithful witness isn’t about knowing all the answers, it’s about pointing people to Jesus with your life and your words.

 

Like the man in Mark 5, we tell others:

“This is what the Lord has done for me.”

1. To Show His Power Extends Everywhere - Up until this point, most of His miracles happened in Jewish regions. By crossing the sea, He shows His authority reaches beyond Israel, even into the realm of the “unclean.” Evil spirits, death, uncleanness, none of it stops Him.
2. To Rescue One Person - Unlike big crowds in Galilee, here He seems to come for one man. This shows His heart for the lost and forgotten. The demon-possessed man was isolated, hopeless, and avoided by everyone, but not by Jesus. Sometimes Jesus will “cross a storm” just to reach one soul.
3. To Plant a Witness in Gentile Territory - Notice that after Jesus heals the man, He doesn’t let him join the disciples. Instead, He says: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19). This man becomes the first missionary to the Decapolis (a league of 10 Gentile cities). When Jesus returns later (Mark 7:31–37), crowds are already prepared, likely because of this man’s testimony.
4. To Confront Evil Directly - Right after calming the storm (a picture of His authority over nature), Jesus faces a legion of demons (His authority over spiritual forces). The disciples are learning: Nothing is too strong for Jesus, not storms, not demons, not even death itself.