Mark 5: Expository Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

Mark 5 records three dramatic and powerful encounters that Jesus has with individuals plagued by demonic oppression, chronic illness, and death. The chapter features:

Jesus casting out a legion of demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes (vv. 1-20).
The healing of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (vv. 25-34).
The raising of Jairus’s daughter from the dead (vv. 21-24, 35-43).

Each account displays Jesus’ divine authority over the forces of darkness, disease, and death. Together, they show that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s sovereign power and compassionate care. Mark 5 affirms Christ as the divine Son of God who brings restoration to broken lives, showcasing His supremacy in both the spiritual and physical realms.

These miracles not only serve to validate Jesus’ identity but also point toward the fullness of His redemptive mission—to bring salvation, wholeness, and victory over the dominion of sin and death. The chapter is rich with theological meaning, providing church leaders with a solid foundation for Christ-centered preaching and application.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Setting: The events occur in both Gentile (Gerasenes) and Jewish (Capernaum) territories. This shows Jesus’ outreach beyond Israel and prefigures the global scope of the gospel.
Cultural Significance: The demon-possessed man lived among tombs—a place of ceremonial uncleanness (Numbers 19:11). Similarly, the woman with the hemorrhage and the dead girl were both considered ritually unclean. Jesus deliberately interacts with and restores those considered untouchable, demonstrating the inclusivity of His kingdom.
Demonic Possession: In the Greco-Roman world, such severe possession as with “Legion” would have evoked fear. The term “Legion” references a Roman military unit (up to 6,000 soldiers), underscoring the severe spiritual oppression the man experienced.

Literary Structure

Mark employs a sandwich structure: Jairus’s story begins, is interrupted by the healing of the bleeding woman, and concludes afterward. This literary technique emphasizes the link between the two healing miracles—both women are called “daughter” and both experience full restoration.
The narrative is action-oriented, consistent with Mark’s fast-paced style. Words like “immediately” and “at once” convey the urgency and authority of Jesus’ ministry.
Each section crescendos toward a greater demonstration of Jesus’ power: first over demons, then disease, and finally death.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Authority of Jesus Christ

Jesus exercises divine authority over:
- Demons (vv. 1-20) – “Even the demons obey Him!”
- Disease (vv. 25-34) – No physician could heal, but Jesus did.
- Death (vv. 35-43) – Jesus says, “The child is not dead but asleep,” and raises her.
Doctrinal Point: Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is Lord over all, including the supernatural realm. This aligns with Colossians 1:16-17.

2. The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives

The demoniac was an outcast; Jesus restored him to society and commissioned him to proclaim the gospel (v. 19).
The bleeding woman was isolated and desperate; Jesus called her “daughter” and gave her peace (v. 34).
Jairus’s daughter was lifeless; Jesus gave her back to her family, fully restored (v. 43).

Each case reflects the restorative nature of the gospel: cleansing, healing, new life. These are foretastes of the ultimate restoration at Christ’s return.

3. Salvation Is by Faith, Not by Works

The woman was healed because of her faith (v. 34).
Jairus’s plea and perseverance in trusting Jesus amidst discouragement (v. 36) demonstrate believing dependence.
The demoniac trusted Jesus after deliverance and became a witness (v. 20).

Doctrinal Point: Faith is the means by which God brings healing and salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 echoes this truth.

4. God’s Sovereignty and Compassion

Jesus is sovereign over nature (Mark 4), demons, illness, and death (Mark 5), yet He is personally tender with the broken. His sovereign power is never cold—it is always driven by His compassionate heart.
Doctrinal Point: God’s sovereignty does not eliminate human suffering immediately but ensures that suffering is never outside of His control or compassion (Romans 8:28).

5. Spiritual Warfare Is Real

The story of the Gerasene demoniac reminds us of the reality of demonic oppression. Satan binds, isolates, and destroys. Jesus liberates and restores.
Believers are called to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-18), not in fear, but in faith in Christ’s supremacy.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis: Mark 5 (Key Sections)

Verses 1-20: Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Man

1 – “They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.”
This region was largely Gentile territory. Jesus‘ crossing over signifies His mission extending beyond Israel—a foreshadowing of the gospel to the nations (Acts 1:8).
2-5 – A man possessed by an “unclean spirit” comes from the tombs. His isolation, supernatural strength, and self-harm are symptoms of intense demonic control.
Application: Satan enslaves, dehumanizes, and isolates. The world’s solutions cannot heal the soul—only Christ can.
6-7 – “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?”
Even demons acknowledge Jesus’ divine identity. This echoes James 2:19—“Even the demons believe—and shudder.” Recognition is not salvation.
Doctrinal Insight: Jesus’ divinity is not an opinion but an undeniable truth—even the spiritual realm confesses it.
8-9 – “My name is Legion, for we are many.”
This suggests a multitude of demons, highlighting the magnitude of bondage. Jesus is not intimidated; His authority stands supreme.
13 – The demons enter pigs, which rush into the sea and drown. This shows the destructive intent of evil spirits (John 10:10) and the dramatic liberation of the man.
Cross-reference: Luke 11:20 – “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
15 – The man is seen clothed and in his right mind.
Application: Salvation is not just about casting out sin—it brings full restoration, dignity, and peace.
19-20 – Jesus tells the man to go and tell others what the Lord has done.
This is the first time in Mark that Jesus commissions a Gentile to proclaim the gospel.
Doctrinal Insight: All who are saved are called to be witnesses (2 Corinthians 5:17-20).

Verses 21-43: Jairus’ Daughter and the Bleeding Woman

22-23 – Jairus, a synagogue leader, begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter.
His humility and urgency show true faith—a prominent man humbling himself before Jesus.
25-26 – A woman with chronic bleeding had suffered for 12 years.
She was ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), socially ostracized, and medically hopeless. This is a picture of humanity under the curse of sin—cut off, unclean, and without help.
28 – “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”
Her faith is bold and desperate—not in superstition, but in Jesus’ power.
30 – Jesus feels power leave Him.
This shows the personal nature of healing—not mechanical but relational. Jesus acknowledges her publicly, calling her “daughter” (v. 34), affirming her worth and faith.
35–36 – Jairus is told his daughter has died, but Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Faith is the continuing theme. Jesus invites believers to trust Him even when the situation appears hopeless.
39 – “The child is not dead but asleep.”
A declaration of divine perspective. Jesus sees death as temporary—because He holds the power of resurrection.
41 – “Talitha koum!” – “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”
This is a personal, compassionate command. Jesus speaks tenderly and authoritatively.
Cross-reference: John 11 – Jesus raises Lazarus with similar authority.
42-43 – She stands and walks. Jesus restores her fully, instructing them to give her food and to keep quiet—perhaps to avoid premature publicity.

Application: Jesus not only restores life but cares for our basic needs. He shows compassion to both the powerful (Jairus) and the powerless (the woman), proving that no one is beyond His reach.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Mark 5 testifies to Christ’s lordship over all realms:

Spiritual: By casting out demons, Jesus shows His authority over Satan and all unclean spirits (Colossians 2:15).
Physical: By healing the woman, Jesus reveals His power to cleanse and restore (Isaiah 53:5).
Temporal and Eternal: By raising the girl, Jesus foreshadows His own resurrection and the final resurrection (John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Jesus is shown to be:

The compassionate Redeemer who engages the unclean.
The sovereign Lord who commands even legions of demons.
The divine Healer who responds to faith.
The Resurrection and the Life who reverses death itself.

Mark 5 is not only a chapter of miracles—it is a portrait of Christ, revealing His identity as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the hope of all nations.

How the Chapter Connects to God the Father

Although God the Father is not directly mentioned in this chapter, His presence and purpose are evident:

The Will of the Father – Jesus’ mission was to do the Father’s will (John 6:38). Every act in Mark 5—liberation, healing, resurrection—reflects the Father’s heart for broken humanity.
The Compassion of the Father – The love that Jesus displays is the love of the Father made visible (John 14:9-10). His tenderness to the woman and Jairus reflects the Father’s desire to restore His children.
The Glory of the Father – Each miracle ultimately glorifies God (John 11:4). Jesus’ power over demons, disease, and death shows that the kingdom of God is advancing—by the authority of the Father through the Son.
The Plan of Redemption – Mark 5 illustrates the outworking of God’s eternal plan. From Genesis 3:15 onward, God promised a Deliverer. In Jesus, we see that promise fulfilled as He crushes the serpent’s head and restores life.

How Mark 5 Connects to the Holy Spirit

Although the Holy Spirit is not explicitly named in Mark 5, His presence and work are clearly implied through:

1. Jesus’ Spirit-Empowered Ministry

Jesus operated in the power of the Spirit (Mark 1:10; Luke 4:18). Every miracle in this chapter reflects the Spirit’s anointing upon Christ to heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and give sight to the blind.
Casting out demons (vv. 1-20) is a manifestation of the Spirit’s power at work through Christ (Matthew 12:28).

2. The Spirit’s Role in Salvation and Transformation

The restoration of the demoniac is a vivid picture of regeneration—what the Holy Spirit does in a person’s life: takes someone who was enslaved and gives them a new mind, identity, and mission (Titus 3:5-6).
The woman with the issue of blood experiences peace and wholeness, fruits of the Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22).
The raising of Jairus’s daughter points to the Spirit as the giver of life (Romans 8:11), who will one day raise all those in Christ.

3. The Spirit Draws People to Jesus

Jairus and the woman are drawn to Christ through desperate faith. Their steps toward Jesus reflect the Holy Spirit’s work in awakening faith and leading people to the Savior (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 12:3).

Sermon Outline and Flow: “Jesus Restores What Is Broken” (Mark 5)

Title: Jesus Restores What Is Broken

Text: Mark 5:1-43
Big Idea: Jesus Christ has authority over demons, disease, and death—and He brings complete restoration to those who come to Him in faith.

I. Jesus Delivers the Bound (Mark 5:1-20)

Main Point: No one is too far gone for Jesus to rescue.

Observation: The man is isolated, tormented, uncontrollable.
Truth: Jesus confronts the powers of darkness and sets him free.
Application: Jesus still delivers people from spiritual bondage today.
Example: A former addict who came to Christ and now ministers to others.

Transition: From a man controlled by thousands of demons to one woman controlled by years of suffering—Jesus meets them both where they are.

II. Jesus Heals the Broken (Mark 5:21-34)

Main Point: Faith in Jesus brings healing to the soul and peace to the heart.

Observation: A woman quietly reaches out in faith and is made whole.
Truth: Jesus honors faith, even in weakness. He restores identity and dignity.
Application: What broken area in your life do you need to bring to Jesus?
Example: A believer battling shame finds new identity in Christ through Scripture and prayer.

Transition: While one miracle is happening, a more urgent crisis develops—death. But even that is not the end when Jesus is near.

III. Jesus Raises the Dead (Mark 5:35-43)

Main Point: Jesus has power over death.

Observation: Jairus’ daughter dies—but Jesus speaks life.
Truth: Death is not final for those in Christ.
Application: Trust Jesus even when it seems too late.
Example: A parent who prayed for a prodigal child for years, and God brought them back to faith.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Invitation: Do you feel broken, hopeless, or spiritually dead? Jesus restores. Come to Him in faith today.
Challenge: For believers—share the story of what the Lord has done for you, like the delivered man in verse 20.
Encouragement: No situation is beyond God’s power. Jesus is the Restorer of all things.

Illustrations and Examples

1. The Demoniac – From Chaos to Clarity

Modern Analogy: Imagine a man addicted to drugs, homeless, sleeping in alleys, feared by his family. Then one day, he hears the gospel in a prison Bible study, gives his life to Christ, and now helps others break free from addiction.
Relevance: The gospel transforms. Jesus still breaks chains.

2. The Bleeding Woman – The Silent Sufferer

Modern Story: A woman silently battles depression. Church friends don’t know. Doctors give up. But in a moment of desperation, she prays sincerely for Christ’s help—and begins a journey of healing through faith, Scripture, and fellowship.
Relevance: Some suffering is invisible, but Jesus sees and restores.

3. Jairus’ Daughter – Hope When It Seems Too Late

Modern Story: A couple loses a child to illness but later testifies that the Lord used their sorrow to bring many to faith. They proclaim, “We still believe in the God who raises the dead.”
Relevance: Even in death, there is hope. The resurrection is not just past—it’s future.

Application for Today’s Christian

Mark 5 is more than a record of miracles—it’s a call to live in faith, walk in freedom, and reflect Christ’s compassion in our daily lives. Here are practical ways believers can apply its truths:

1. Trust Jesus in Desperate Circumstances (Faith & Discipleship)

Whether tormented by inner struggles, chronic issues, or facing loss, Christians are reminded that no situation is beyond Christ’s power.
Personal Application: When fear creeps in, replace it with faith (v. 36 – “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”). This means praying persistently, holding onto God’s promises, and seeking Christ before seeking worldly fixes.

2. Show Compassion to the Marginalized (Discipleship & Witness)

Jesus reached the demon-possessed, the unclean woman, and a dying child—people others avoided.
Application: Christians should intentionally reach the “unclean” or neglected in society—those overlooked by culture but loved by Christ (e.g., the homeless, abused, addicted, or grieving).

3. Steward Your Testimony (Stewardship & Evangelism)

Jesus told the healed man, “Go home… tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (v. 19). This becomes a model for personal evangelism.
Application: Steward your life story as a gospel tool. Share how Jesus saved, healed, or provided in your life—your testimony may be what God uses to reach another heart.

4. Live with Resurrection Hope (Faith & Discipleship)

Jairus’ daughter’s resurrection points to the believer’s hope beyond the grave. Christ’s power over death means we live not in fear, but in joyful anticipation.
Application: In grief or trials, remind yourself and others that death is not the end—Jesus brings life (John 11:25). Let this shape how we face suffering.

Connection to God’s Love

Mark 5 shines with the compassionate love of God expressed through Jesus Christ. God’s love is not theoretical—it is active, personal, and restorative.

1. God Seeks the Lost and Broken

Jesus crosses the sea to deliver one man from demons. This is divine pursuit. God seeks the outcast, the tormented, the forgotten.
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. God Sees and Honors Faith

The woman’s trembling act of reaching out to Jesus is not ignored. He stops, turns, and dignifies her. God’s love meets us in our shame and calls us “daughter.”

3. God Is Patient and Personal

Jesus calmly encourages Jairus even as his daughter dies. He walks with him through grief and brings healing in His perfect timing.

Summary:

The chapter reveals that God’s love is not distant or abstract—it’s near, healing, and deeply personal. Whether broken by sin, sickness, or sorrow, God’s love is relentless in redeeming His people.

Broader Biblical Themes

Mark 5 connects seamlessly with the overarching story of Scripture—highlighting major redemptive themes:

1. Creation and Restoration

Just as God brought order out of chaos in Genesis 1, Jesus brings order to the chaos in people’s lives—restoring the image of God in those marred by sin and spiritual darkness.
Cross-reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…”

2. Redemption and Rescue

The demoniac’s deliverance and the woman’s healing echo God’s redemptive plan to save the lost, cleanse the unclean, and raise the dead to life.
Cross-reference: Isaiah 61:1-3 – a prophecy of the Messiah to bring good news to the afflicted, which Jesus fulfills.

3. Covenant Fulfillment in Christ

Jesus’ miracles affirm Him as the promised Messiah, the one through whom the Abrahamic covenant’s blessing to the nations is fulfilled (Genesis 12:3).
In touching the unclean, healing the outcast, and raising the dead, Jesus reveals that the new covenant in His blood brings life, wholeness, and peace.

4. The Kingdom of God

Every miracle in Mark 5 demonstrates that the kingdom of God has broken into a fallen world through Jesus. Where He reigns, darkness flees, disease vanishes, and death is defeated.
Cross-reference: Luke 11:20 – “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

Reflection Questions (Mark 5)

Use these questions to deepen your understanding of Mark 5, either in personal study or group discussion.

Section 1: Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 5:1-20)

What does this story teach us about the power of Jesus over evil and spiritual darkness?
The man had been isolated and feared. How does Jesus‘ response show the heart of God toward the outcast?
In what ways has Jesus delivered you or someone you know from a “dark place”?
Jesus told the man to go and share what the Lord had done for him. How can you be more faithful in sharing your testimony with others?

Section 2: Jesus Heals the Bleeding Woman (Mark 5:21-34)

What does the woman’s story teach us about faith—even when we feel ashamed or unworthy?
Why did Jesus stop to speak to her when He could have moved on quietly?
Are there areas in your life where you need healing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? How can you bring those to Jesus in faith today?
How can the church better care for people who suffer silently?

Section 3: Jesus Raises Jairus’s Daughter (Mark 5:35-43)

How do Jairus and the bleeding woman both show faith, even in different situations?
What does Jesus’ command, “Don’t be afraid; just believe,” mean for you today?
How does this story encourage you to trust God when it feels like things are “too late”?
What does Jesus’ gentle care for the little girl and her family teach you about how God sees your personal struggles?

General Reflection on Mark 5

How do the three stories in this chapter together show the power, compassion, and authority of Jesus?
What does this chapter reveal about the nature and love of God?
Where in your life do you need restoration—and how can this passage renew your hope?
How does Mark 5 encourage you to walk in faith, not fear?

Challenge for the Week

Identify one area of your life that feels broken, helpless, or forgotten. Spend time in prayer this week, asking Jesus to speak into that area.
Share one story with someone this week about what the Lord has done in your life—like the man set free in Mark 5.