Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Aim: To help the pupil understand that some persons refuse to recognize Jesus Christ as the Divine Son of God, while others recognize, receive Him and are blessed.

Golden Text: “And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: And all men did marvel” (Mark 5:20).

Who is Jesus Christ of Nazareth?

The angels of God recognize Him as “a virgin born child,” whose name is Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Again, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father, David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; And of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 2:32-33).

The Apostles recognized Him.

Peter said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Again, John recognized Him, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him (John 1:1-3).

The centurion and others who were present at the crucifixion of Christ declared, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).

Who is Jesus Christ? He is God in the flesh. He is the promised Jewish Messiah (anointed one) who is to sit on the throne of David forever, with an everlasting kingdom. He is the Creator of all things. He is the divine Savior of sinners. Plus much, much more.

I. The demons know and confess who Jesus Christ is (Mark 5:1-13). Here is an account of a demon possessed man who is delivered from the demons (vs. 1-2). He was like a mad man, living in the cemetery (vs. 3). He had been bound with chains only to break them under the power of the demons (vs. 4). Day and night he was crying and cutting himself with stones (vs. 5).

When Jesus came the man ran, knelt and worshipped Him (vs. 6).

One demon spoke through the man, “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not” (vs. 7).

Jesus responded by asking his name. He replied, “My name is Legion: for we are many” (vs. 9). Jesus commanded them to leave. They entered the swine nearby (vs. 10-13).

II. The owners of the pigs refused to recognize Jesus and demanded He leave (Mark 5:14-17). Never mind that the man was delivered from demons and in his right mind. To them the pigs were more important that this man or the Son of God!

Many today are the same. They refuse to recognize that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the Creator and only Savior of sinners. In our beloved United States, Jesus Christ is not welcome in many quarters. Many are working day and night to have Him “leave our coasts.” Many are so focused on themselves and the things and systems of this world that they will not recognize the One who will finally be their judge, the only possible Savior.

III. There are those who do recognize who Jesus is and surrender to Him (Mark 5:18-20). In this case the delivered man believed and wanted to follow Jesus (vs. 18). He was willing to follow Jesus where ever He went, but Jesus sent him to witness to the people of his own city (vs. 19). He went home and “published” the message of Jesus to an amazed people (vs. 20, see the Golden Text).

Jesus Christ is God in the Flesh, the Savior of sinners, and the Judge of all men. The angels of God recognize and worship Him. Fallen angels, the demons, recognize and reject Him. Some persons recognize Him and reject Him. Others recognize Him and receive Him to worship and serve Him.

Now, how about you? Which group are you associated with?