Daily Devotions
Mark
1 Peter 4:8 "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins."
Day 112 – Mark 5
THE PUZZLING REQUEST OF THE DEMONS
The demons knew that their days of tormenting their victim were over. They had been given a strict command to leave their victim alone forever. Mark recorded a puzzling request of the demons.
“Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not
send them out of the country.
Now a large herd of swine was feeding there
near the mountains.
So all the demons begged Him, saying,
‘Send us to the swine, that we may enter them?'”
MARK 5:10-12
Let us ponder the following thoughts, as we study the text carefully.
1. Begging for permission to stay in the region
a) The request to stay in the region
We have no idea as to why they asked to stay in the region. It is wise not to speculate.
b) The need to make a formal request
This highlights the supreme authority that Jesus wielded. Even the matter of staying within the region required obtaining permission from the Lord Jesus!
2. A Joint request
The spokesman demon was now joined by all the other demons. They made a joint request to Jesus. If they were not allowed to possess their human victim anymore, could they at least possess the herd of swine? Why did they make this request?
ANOTHER PUZZLE
The disciples must have held their breath as they waited for Jesus to give His reply. Were they astonished as to the reply Jesus gave?
“And at once Jesus gave them permission.
Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine
(there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently
down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.”
MARK 5:13
1. Why did Jesus give His permission?
No answer is given! He just did!
2. Was there an object lesson to be learned from this?
Jesus must have had His reasons why He had allowed this incident to occur.