The Story of Jesus According to Mark, Pt 12: Demon Possession x3

 

July 14, 2024    NOTES NOT EDITED
God Among Men:  Demon Possession, x3
Mark 5:1-20

SIS – Everybody is either possessed by the Spirit of God or the spirit of Satan, but it can’t be both.

 When people find out I was a submariner who spent three months at a time underwater, a common question they asked, second only to what we did with bathroom waste, was, “what did you do for entertainment.?” This was before iphones, ipads, or even DVD’s. Before every patrol we would load 70 or so full length motion pictures. They came usually in two 14 inch reels in a heavy green container. These would be shown nightly (or what was our nightly) on the mess deck.

 The mess deck or dining area was just above the sleeping area. I remember one night I was sleeping after my work shift. I was awakened by an ear-piercing scream coming from the mess deck. They were playing the movie, “The Exorcist” about a young girl who was possessed by the Devil. This was the “Bed Shaking Scene” showing the violent display of the Devil’s evil powers. The movie was violent, bizarre, and vulgar—a good depiction of the demonic.

 The whole idea of “demons” and demon possession raises skeptical groans in the Western World—especially America.  Here’s a bold statement: Everybody is “possessed,” either by the Spirit of God or by the Spirit of the Devil, but not both.” There are no empty souls!

In the Western World, especially, Satan and His evil entourage have become almost “invisible.”  Like a cancer lurking unnoticed in a person’s body silently destroying tissues and organs, often until it is too late, so the Devil and His Demons are lurking in the hearts of unsaved people destroying their souls.

Do you want to know why there is so much evil in our world, today? It is because of “mass demon possession.” Never before in the history of mankind has the Devil been so active in our world on such a massive, global scale—WITHOUT HARDLY ANYBODY EVEN NOTICING! Sure, we all noticed the evil released when Hitler rose to power. Sure, we all noticed the evil of Islamic fanaticism when the Twin Towers came crashing down. But, today, the Devil is “Alive and Well on Planet Earth” in a global scale and hardly anyone—NOT EVEN THE CHURCH—notices.

We do err greatly when we fail to recognize the truth that Devil is real and his affect upon the unwary and unprotected are disastrous.  C.S. Lewis described a healthy understanding of the Devil better than any I’ve ever heard when he said,

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors.”

The Bible says much about the Devil and His work in both the Old and New Testaments. When God was creating the earth, we are told that angels (and those who would become demons) were present. In Job 38:4-7 God calls them:  “morning stars” and “sons of God” who “sang in chorus and shouted for joy” during creation.

The creation of angels, and the ones who became demons, is not described in detail in the Bible. Job mentions them and Satan just shows up in the Garden of Eden and has been creating chaos, death, and destruction ever since.

Today, Mark is going to give us a personal introduction to the Devil and demonstrate the awful, horrible, terrible, destructive force that the Devil and his demons can bring when they possess human beings.

As we approach our text today, it becomes very evident that Mark is continuing the theme of Christ’s authority—a major theme in the Gospel of Mark. Even the Devil and demons are under His feet.

Last week we saw the miraculous power of God at work in Christ as He calmed the raging storm.  This week, we will see the miraculous power of God at work as Christ calms a raging man.

For the most part, most sermons on this passage focus on the wild, superhumanly strong, and downright scary person called the “Demoniac of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes. Gerasene is the city. Gadara is the region.”  But, the truth of this story is much deeper than the deliverance of the demon-possessed man (or men, there were actually two as we learn from Matthew, but only one spoke to Jesus).

The greatest truth is revealed not in what takes place in the demoniac’s heart, but what does not take place in the heart of the people in the area.  You see, there is more to this story than the one (or 2) demon possessed individuals.  This is “Demon Possession  x3!”

There are three separate cases of demon possession: The Obvious Case; The Unusual Case; The Worst Case.

Let’s read our text together.   MARK 5:1-10

Mark 5:1–10 (NIV84)

1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

1.  The Obvious Case (1-10)

Perhaps nothing is more terrifyingly graphic than to see someone totally possessed by the dark, devilish, destructive power of hell.  Such a man is this Gadarene Demoniac.  He is in a horrible—a hellish—state, more horrible than hellish than anything depicted in movies like, The Exorcist, which I spoke of a moment ago.

We are not told the circumstances by which the Devil so completely took up residence in this man.  Such OBVIOUS demon possession was rare, and is rare today, but when it happens, anybody can see something has gone horribly wrong. 

An OBVIOUS case of demon-possession has some unmistakable markers.  We are told that the man “came out of the tombs.”  (v2). An obsession with death and anti-social behavior are common themes with demon-possessed individuals.  In fact, many eventually take their own lives.

We are told, also, that the Demoniac was uncontrollable.  “No one could bind him” (v3). Rage, violence and superhuman strength are common with demon-possessed individuals.  They tried to bind him with chains, but it did not work.

Today, we do not use chains to bind people afflicted with demons.  We use drugs.  We use straight-jackets.  We use whatever means we can to isolate demon possessed people because they are a danger to others.  Horrible crimes have been committed by “so-called schizophrenics.” 

We are told that the demoniac “mutilated himself.” (v5). Many people who fall under the devil’s total control cut themselves.  They not only are a danger to others, they are a danger to themselves.

As you will no doubt recognize, these symptoms are classified in our modern day as “mental illness.”  They are treated as “mental problems” by medicine and psychiatrists.  All mental illness has a demonic component.  Either it is being caused directly by the devil who has overtaken a person, or the Devil will exploit the condition to bring chaos and destruction to individuals and families.

This Gadarene man was not crazy—he was possessed.  He was in a horrible state utterly without hope and nobody could help him.  In fact, he was not just possessed by one demon—but by many.  Look at verse 9.  Jesus asked the demon to give Him his name.  The demon replied, “My name is Legion, because we are many.”

The word Legion is a Latin word referring to a regiment of Roman soldiers numbering about 6000.  The reference to a Roman Legion probably was meant to instill fear.  Roman soldiers were known to be cruel and brutal to residents of the Empire.  One preacher described the Roman Legion by saying, “The legions, at their wildest and most irresponsible, could sometimes be guilty of atrocities that would make the blood run cold.”  The preacher went on to summarize the demoniacs situation as being in “a perilous place and a perilous hour, and a dangerous man.”

This man’s case of demon possession can be categorized as OBVIOUS. The reason for the man’s possession is the same as it always is in every case:  “the man’s spirit was unprotected because Jesus Christ was not the Lord of his life.”  Look at verses 6-7:

⁶ When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and knelt down before Him. ⁷ And he cried out with a loud voice, “What do You have to do with me,  Jesus, Son  of the Most High God?  I beg You before God, don’t torment  me!”

God is Absolutely Sovereign. The demon (or demons) knew perfectly well that Jesus Christ was God, the Son, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.  They knew all about Jesus . . . but they did not “know” Jesus. Demons are ORTHODOX in CHRISTOLOGY.

Demons are also ORTHODOX in ESCHATOLOGY. They have a good understanding (limited) of the LAST TIMES.

Matthew 8:29 (NIV84) 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 

Luke 8:31 (NIV84) And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

Revelation 20:3 (NIV84) 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

Demons are orthodox theologians: 1. CHRISTOLOGY; 2. ESCHATOLOGY. But orthodox religion can be a curse.

James tells us:  2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder.

APPLICATION:  The issue is never a matter of “not knowing about” Jesus, the issue is “not submitting to the Lord’s authority.”  This lack of submission leaves one open to the same horrible plight experienced by the demoniac. 

One case of demon-possession is the OBVIOUS case—the earmarks of demon-possession are both remarkable and unmistakable.

That is Demon Possession X 1.  There is also

2.  The Unusual Case (11-13)

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

This case with the Devil entering into the pigs is an UNUSUAL one.  Some scholars point out a couple of perceived moral problems with the action of the Lord.  For one, some object to Jesus hurting the pigs.  I find that interesting.  They apparently had little problem with a man living as an animal, hurting himself and hiding in tombs, but had great concern for pigs—which, under Jewish law at least it was illegal to (not to mention ritually unacceptable) to raise pigs.  These were probably pagans, so the Jewish law would not carry any weight with them—but it did with Jesus.  He was a Jew.  He was God and He was the One Who determined pigs were unclean. 

Here's a summary of the lessons from this UNUSUAL case of demon-possession.  1.This is a gentile area. Pagan people act like pagan people. 2. The herd was of high value (2000 head). Pagans worship St. Benjamin. 3. The demon was Legion. Never underestimate the power of evil people. 4. Jesus had a Jewish view of swine which further validated His identity as the Jewish Messiah. 5. Jesus was providing a “backdrop” for a coming “teaching moment” (v17)

This UNUSUAL CASE of demon-possession is a further demonstration of the absolute authority of Jesus. God is ABSOLUTELY SOVEREIGN The Bible tells us clearly:

^{Phil 2:10} so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — of those who are in heaven  and on earth and under the earth — ¹¹ and every tongue  should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory  of God the Father.

So, this action of Jesus fits perfectly with the character of God and the issue of Christ’s SOVEREIGN authority.  While God loves all creatures, this demonstrates what the Bible has declared from the beginning:  “Mankind is created in God’s image.”  But sin UNIVERSALLY corrupted creation.  Romans 8:19–21 (NIV84)

19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

The point we can make is this:  all of creation, from lizards to lions, from rocks to rain forests, from the seas to the heavens—all creation has been affected by the sin of mankind.

This “Unusual Case” of demon possession demonstrates what I have stated:  anywhere the authority of Jesus is not recognized—the Devil rules.  As with the case of the Demon Possessed man, the demon possessed swine point to the havoc and destruction that arises where Christ’s rule is not acknowledged and accepted.

That is Demon Possession X2:  the Obvious, and the Unusual. And,

3.  The Oblivious Case (14-20, esp. 17)

 (NIV84) 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

The word “oblivious” simply means, “not aware or concerned about what is happening.”

This last group of people exhibit the “worst case” of demon possession.  It probably sounds a bit odd to talk of a “worst case” of demon possession than we see in the demoniac at the start of this episode.  That man was, as we saw, in an extremely bad situation.  But, it was pretty obvious to others—and probably to the man himself—that he had a serious issue going on inside of him.

There is no way to describe the obvious plight of that man than to say it was “horrible.”  But, this last case of demon possession is much worse by far.  The worst that could happen to a person is not to be demon possessed, but to be demon possessed and to be oblivious or even unconcerned about it.

Here's the sad reality of our sin-sick, Satan possessed society:  “People would rather roll in the mud and muck of sin than bow at the feet to worship Jesus.” The reality is this: “people don’t sin because they HAVE to, but because they WANT to. Any person can be delivered just like this Gadarene Demoniac.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

The largest group of demon-possessed people in the world are not those in which it is OBVIOUS, but those who are possessed but OBLIVIOUS.

Deliverance from sin is as simple as “making a choice.” On the edge of being delivered from the Wilderness of Sin into the Promised Land of God’s Blessing Joshua admonished God’s people:

Jos. 2:15  “Choose you today who you will serve.

A few years ago,  the popular folk singer of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, Bob Dylan, received the Medal of Freedom Award  from President Obama.  One song that Bob Dylan wrote during a period of his life when he had surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ says,

You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls.

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed

You're gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody. 

This is the “UNTOLD STORY OF THE DEMONIAC.”  It’s about Demon Possession X3.  We see the OBVIOUS possession of the man from Gadara.  We see the UNUSUAL possession of the pigs.  We see the OBLIVIOUS case of demon possession in the townspeople who did not recognize they were children of the Devil.

Anywhere God is not ruling in a heart, the Devil is ruining lives. And, that could mean, “Your life.”   If the Holy Spirit is not ruling in your heart—you are in jeopardy of experiencing the same thing the Demoniac experienced—the Devil entering into your heart and wreaking havoc and bringing a taste of hell into your life. That may not be politically correct, as they say, but is it the absolute truth.

INVITATION:

Today, if you leave this place without the absolute assurance that the Holy Spirit has come into your life and protects you from the awful, horrible, terrifying effects of the Devil—for now and for all eternity—if you leave without that assurance you are in grave jeopardy.

You can have the assurance of God’s salvation, today.  You can be delivered from your sin as surely as the demoniac was delivered from his.  All you have to do is recognize the “authority of Jesus Christ as the Lord of Heaven and earth.”  All you have to do is surrender to the Lord, and He’ll become your Savior.

The only protection from the awful effects of the Devil,
is to surrender to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ!

This is mankind’s only hope!