Stroll through Scripture for January 21, 2024

Based on the reading from Mark 5:1–20

The story of the encounter between Jesus and the Gerasene Demoniac is rich and full of meaning in a variety of ways. With that in mind, let’s dive in.

We’re told that “They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes.” (Mark 5:1). So what happened right before this? Mark 4:35–41 tells us of the beginning part of the journey across the lake. They are in the boat making their way across and a storm brews while Jesus is asleep. The disciples are afraid and express this to Jesus who wakes up, rebukes the wind, and we are told “there was dead calm.” Maybe it’s a hint of what they are going to come across when they get to the other side of the lake. Maybe it’s the Gospel writer telling us that evil doesn’t just look like uncontrollable chaos, but also looks a bit unexpected too. The passage and the chapter end with the disciples in great awe, saying “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). Yes indeed, who is this? We’re about to find out that Jesus doesn’t just have authority over nature, but other things as well.

When we turn to Chapter 5, Jesus and the disciples land on the other side of the lake, finishing their journey, and “immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met him.” (Mark 5:2). It’s another storm. Mark paints a picture in which this man who is possessed is uncontrollable — much like the wind and storm at sea. We’re told that nothing could bind him, and no one could…