‏ Mark 5

* The demoniac healed. (1-20) A woman healed. (21-34) The

daughter of Jairus raised. (35-43)

1-20 Some openly wilful sinners are like this madman. The

commands of the law are as chains and fetters, to restrain

sinners from their wicked courses; but they break those bands in

sunder; and it is an evidence of the power of the devil in them.

A legion of soldiers consisted of six thousand men, or more.

What multitudes of fallen spirits there must be, and all enemies

to God and man, when here was a legion in one poor wretched

creature! Many there are that rise up against us. We are not a

match for our spiritual enemies, in our own strength; but in the

Lord, and in the power of his might, we shall be able to stand

against them, though there are legions of them. When the vilest

transgressor is delivered by the power of Jesus from the bondage

of Satan, he will gladly sit at the feet of his Deliverer, and

hear his word, who delivers the wretched slaves of Satan, and

numbers them among his saints and servants. When the people

found that their swine were lost, they had a dislike to Christ.

Long-suffering and mercy may be seen, even in the corrections by

which men lose their property while their lives are saved, and

warning given them to seek the salvation of their souls. The man

joyfully proclaimed what great things Jesus had done for him.

All men marvelled, but few followed him. Many who cannot but

wonder at the works of Christ, yet do not, as they ought, wonder

after him. 21-34 A despised gospel will go where it will be better

received. One of the rulers of a synagogue earnestly besought

Christ for a little daughter, about twelve years old, who was

dying. Another cure was wrought by the way. We should do good,

not only when in the house, but when we walk by the way, #De

6:7|. It is common with people not to apply to Christ till they

have tried in vain all other helpers, and find them, as

certainly they will, physicians of no value. Some run to

diversions and gay company; others plunge into business, or even

into intemperance; others go about to establish their own

righteousness, or torment themselves by vain superstitions. Many

perish in these ways; but none will ever find rest to the soul

by such devices; while those whom Christ heals of the disease of

sin, find in themselves an entire change for the better. As

secret acts of sin, so secret acts of faith, are known to the

Lord Jesus. The woman told all the truth. It is the will of

Christ that his people should be comforted, and he has power to

command comfort to troubled spirits. The more simply we depend

on Him, and expect great things from him, the more we shall find

in ourselves that he is become our salvation. Those who, by

faith, are healed of their spiritual diseases, have reason to go

in peace. 35-43 We may suppose Jairus hesitating whether he should ask

Christ to go on or not, when told that his daughter was dead.

But have we not as much occasion for the grace of God, and the

comfort of his Spirit, for the prayers of our ministers and

Christian friends, when death is in the house, as when sickness

is there? Faith is the only remedy against grief and fear at

such a time. Believe the resurrection, then fear not. He raised

the dead child to life by a word of power. Such is the gospel

call to those who are by nature dead in trespasses and sins. It

is by the word of Christ that spiritual life is given. All who

saw it, and heard of it, admired the miracle, and Him that

wrought it. Though we cannot now expect to have our dead

children or relatives restored, we may hope to find comfort

under our trials.