Mark (11)

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Introduction:

Confrontation

Transition: In 5:1-13 we see the absolute authority of Jesus revealed in the confrontation He has with a demon possessed man. We should be aware of the great contrast between Jesus and this collection of demons named legion.
Contrast between Jesus and legion.
Created v.s Creator (Colossians 1:16)
Colossians 1:16 ESV
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Origen of demons (Ezekiel 28:11-17, Isaiah 14:12-15, Lk. 10:18, )
Luke 10:18 ESV
And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Unclean v.s Clean
See this in the first description of the demon possessed man.
Not only with immorality but also falsehood. ( I Peter 2:21-22 v.s I Timothy 4:1-2)
1 Peter 2:21–22v ESV
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1 Timothy 4:1–2 ESV
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are , yet without sin.
Limited power v.s unlimited power
There is obvious physical strength represented in this account. But all of that power is submitted before Jesus when He comes onto shore.
Beware of an un-Biblical infatuation with demons. (Like popular media today) It seems we often take one of two routs. A complete denial of any spiritual realm, or being overly enthusiastic to go out demon hunting. Rather, we should rejoice that our names are written in the book of life and know that according to I John 4:1-6 that…
1 John 4:1–6 ESV
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
Desire to destroy v.s desire to deliver
Motives of God are apposed to the motives of the devil.
See this in the immediate context and also from other passages. (John 8:44 , I Peter 5:8)
John 8:44 ESV
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
How are these demons seeking to destroy?
Isolation- “lived among the tombs”
Torment- “night and day crying out”
Self harm “cutting himself with stones” In true Job fashion if it were not for the restraining mercy of Go don this man he would have been killed.”
Ultimately the demons intentions are revealed because when they are permitted to go into the pigs they run off the cliff to their death. (Which takes us to our final contrasting observation in this confrontation.)
Destined for eternal glory vs. destined for eternal punishment
Why did Jesus give permission to legion to go into the swine. Why did Jesus permit this death? Because it reveals the true nature of the immediate conflict. (Life and death) Jesus is heading to the cross to pay the ransom for the death and destruction that these demons continue to spread. However, through His resurrection Jesus is bound for glory whereas these devils are bound for eternal damnation. Jesus postpones there judgment with anticipation of the future plans of God to consign the devil and his followers to eternal punishment. (Matthew 25:41)
Matthew 25:41 ESV
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Transition: The confrontation between Jesus and these demons teach us much about who God is and how He is bringing about a redemption plan that reflects His holy nature and brings Him much glory. But we also notice the impact that Jesus’ absolute authority has on the crowd.

Crowd

Verses 5:14-17 record for us the response of the herdmen and crowd who come out from the surrounding region.
We can summarize there response like this, “They are terribly afraid and beg Jesus to leave.”
In true Mark fashion he continues to reveal the responses of faith and unbelief. These folks are not interested in getting to know Jesus. They are not inquisitive or trusting. No, rather they see the effects of Jesus on this formerly possessed man. They witness him in his right mind, seated, and clothed and they are afraid. Like last week, we see in this crowd that their fear is revealing there lack of faith.
Application: How often do we ask Jesus to excuse Himself, or we ignore His presence because we don't want His authority in our lives?
Transition: The last few verses of this passage reveal Jesus giving a commission to this man to go and tell what the Lord has done for him.

Commission

5:18-20
Notice first that the man begs to go with Jesus so that he might be with him. This is one of the reason Jesus called the disciples in Mark 3:14. However, Jesus does not permit him to, rather tells him to go and tell his family and friends. Up to this point Jesus has been telling everyone to be quiet, now he tells this guy to let everyone know how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. This is why I entitled the sermon begging for mercy. This man left the tombs and started proclaiming what Jesus had done. Everyone marveled.
Its at this truth that we find a major application. Its at this point we are called upon to see our own lives compared to that of the new evangelist who was formerly demon possessed. What can we learn from this guy to help us tell our friends and families about Jesus?? What needs to happen for us to be motivated to obey Jesus’ commission?

Gratitude for great mercy. Know where we all came from.

(Ephesians 2:1-5 )
Cheap grace, and cheap mercy doesn't motivate us to obey Jesus. Rather, it diminishes the reality of our total depravity without Christ. Cheap grace says, “well, I wasn't that bad.” But the truth of God’s word says yes we all were.
Cheep mercy perverts our motivation for obeying Jesus’ commission. Basically, we don't have reason to share mercy because we are mislead to think that we haven't received much mercy. Beloved, if you are in Christ today then Jesus has done much for you, and had had great mercy on you!
Cheep mercy tries to dilute the glory, majesty, and holiness of God. We start to think that God must have owed us something and so yes, I was a sinner but I deserved to be forgiven. Or that God is so loving that it wasn’t costly for Him to show mercy. Or that our sin isn't really that big of a deal. We often miss the truth that our sin is a terrible, horrific, personal attack against the glory of God. For God to show us mercy and grant us the gift of faith reveals to us that he has treated us far better than we will ever realize and has withheld from us the wrathful vengeance that we are due, and rather has placed it upon Himself when He died in our place.
Transition: Practically speaking, proclaiming mercy simply looks like telling others what Jesus has done for you. And if He has truly changed you your friends and family will be the first to notice. To which we can respond… Jesus has shown me great mercy.

Hope of eternal glory. Know where we all are going.

In as much as Revelation chapters 21 and 22 reveal the future hope of those who belong to Christ, Revelation 20:10-15 record the eternal, reality for those who do not belong to Christ. Jesus Himself understood this and told a story about a man begging for mercy in Luke 16:19-24

Am I begging for mercy? Am I proclaiming mercy?

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