Mercy for Demon possessed man

¹⁸ As Jesus 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.” Mark 5:18-19

The subject of demon possession can be very unsettling.  Many in the church ignore the subject, thinking that somehow it was just mental illness.  If you are interested in researching the subject, here are some book titles - Pigs in the Parlor (Frank Hammond), Shadow Boxing (Henry Malone), and Victory over the Darkness ( Neil Anderson).

Since Jesus encountered demons, then I truly believe they are real and continue to oppress and harass people today.  I want to use this passage in Mark just to make some observations.  There are many other encounters in the New Testament that give further understanding about this subject.  It was helpful when someone shared with me that Jesus was not a “Deliverance Minister”, rather, he ministered deliverance as he went.

Signs of possession for this man from Gerasenes

·         He had an unclean spirit vs. 2

·         He was comfortable among the dead  vs 2

·         Resisted and rebelled being controlled vs 3 -4

·         Supernatural strength vs 4

·         People tried to help and contain him unsuccessfully vs 3

·         He was loud and unrelenting in crying out vs 5

·         He was a cutter…inflicting pain on his own body vs 5

·         Demons spoke through his own voice vs 7

·         Recognized and submitted to Jesus authority vs 6

·         More than one demon possessed this man vs 8

·         The demons feared judgment from Jesus vs 7

·         The demons reasoned with Jesus  vs 12

·         The demons looked for earthly life form to possess-man, pigs vs 13

·         Demons are destructive – pain on man, pigs drowned in sea  vs 13

Jesus interaction with demons.

·         Jesus approached man to deliver him, the possessed man was incapable of asking for help.

·         Jesus used a commanding tone for the demon to leave the man. Vs 8

·         Jesus repeated the command several times vs 8

·         Jesus asked for the name of the spirit vs 9

·         The unclean spirit HAD to obey the authority of Jesus (gave permission ) vs 13

Results of Deliverance

·         The demonic man was set free from bondage

·         The man could think properly ( in his right mind) vs 15

·         The man possessed self control ( he was sitting and clothed) vs 15

·         The man wanted to be a follower of Jesus  vs 18

·         The man was commissioned to tell others about his story of mercy vs 19

·         The man obeyed and shared of Jesus seeking him out to set him free. Vs 20

Jesus commissioned his disciples to preach the good news.  He also gave them authority over unclean spirits.  When the 70 went out, they returned with excitement.  “Lord even the demons are subject to your name!”  Jesus told them to focus on his redemptive work,  “Their names are written in the book of life.”

Deliverance should be a part of our ministries as much as healing and salvation.  In fact, the Shalom of God is wholeness for the entire person, body, soul and spirit.  Let us grow in the grace and authority that Jesus gives us.

Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit.  May He arouse those with the spirit of discerning of spirits to operate fully that people may walk in freedom.  The love of Christ cast out all fear.  We no longer should be enslaved to sin and unclean spirits, we are to walk in power, life and love.  In Jesus Name, Amen.