Basic Questions

1. Identify as completely as possible the person in need (e.g., age, ethnic origin, religion, gender, social status).
   Demon-possessed man who lived in the tombs in the region of Gadarenes.

2. What was the immediate, obvious need?
   Man was possessed by many demons.

3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing?
   The person in need? Others? Jesus?
   How was it expressed?
   The man ran and fell on his knees in front of Jesus. (Mark 5:6)
   Jesus commanded, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" (Mark 5:8)

4. Describe the actions or process leading to the healing; that is, what was said (e.g., questions, requests, commands) and what was done (e.g., approaching, following, touching, publicly/privately), and by whom?
   The man ran and fell on his knees in front of Jesus. (Mark 5:6)
   Jesus commanded, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" (Mark 5:8)
   The demons (through the man) said, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!"
   Jesus talked to the demons and gave permission to go into the pigs.
   After the man was with Jesus dressed and in his right mind. (Mark 5:15)

5. Did the person in need or someone else verbally express faith? Non-verbally? Describe how and by whom faith was in involved in this healing.
   Faith may have been expressed by the man since he was able to kneel before Jesus. (Mark 5:6)

   The demons knew who Jesus was but did not have faith in Him. There is a difference between faith and knowledge.
   John 6:29     Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."

6. What were the evidences that the person was healed?
   After the man was with Jesus dressed and in his right mind. (Mark 5:15)

7. What were the reactions to the healing?
   People were afraid. They wanted Jesus to leave. (Mark 5:15-17)

8. What in this narrative led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need?
   Jesus' mercy. (Mark 5:19)
   The demons shouted at Jesus. (Mark 5:7)

Digging Deeper

1. Where did this healing take place?
   In Gadarene near tombs.
   What is the connection, if any, between the man and the location?
   He is living among the dead - the opposite of with Jesus and eternal life.

2. What do the evil spirits mean when they beg Jesus not to torture them ("before the appointed time" in Matthew) if and when they came out of the man?
   Heb 9:27     It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement.
   Heb 9:23-28     Luke 16:19-31

   Were they concerned about being sent away, or ordered into the Abyss (Abaddon in Greek means Destruction)?
   Rev 11:7     Rev 17:8 - The anti-christ or beast comes up out of the Abyss.

   Why did they request being sent into the pigs?
   Maybe they thought they would be spared.
   The spirits going into the pigs and then the pigs rushing down a steep bank into a lake symbolise the spirits going into the Abyss (destruction).

3. Do evil spirits have to have a place to reside, an address? Can you recall other passages that imply they do?
   Rev 11:7     Rev 17:8     Job 38:18-20

   What instructions does Scripture provide about casting out, and being protected from evil spirits?
   Instructions for casting out:
   Ask for protection for all present.
   Use the name of Jesus to "cast out". Send spirits to Jesus - Jesus knows what to do with them.
   Ask for filling of the Holy Spirit - this is a "continual" thing.

   Jesus' name is protection.     John 17     Phil 2:9-11     Proverbs 18:10
   Armor of God.     Eph 6:10-20

4. Matthew and Luke use the term "demon-possesed". How would we describe a real, but lesser demonic presence?
   Evil has varying degrees of influence or presence. It's hard to tell where the "line" is between evil and human sin due to free will.

5. In this account, the demon(s) name is "Legion". Name some other evil spirits inhabiting, although not necessarily "possesing" modern man.
   7 deadly sins - pride, greed, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, sloth.
   road rage, unforgiveness, fear, worry/anxiety

6. What comments or instructions did Jesus express after the healing?
   Go tell your family how much the Lord has done for you, tell of His mercy. (Mark 5:19)

7. Compare the reaction of the Gadarenes with responses to the Gospel in our society today.
   Some people today are still afraid and want Jesus to leave.

8. What lesson(s) have you learned about healing from this account?
   Jesus has authority over evil spirits.
   Jesus knows where to send evil spirits.

   Read     Jesus' Prayer     A Promise and a Prayer.
   Jesus' name is protection.
   Jesus' prayer of protection for His disciples applies to us today.