The Fringe: Mark 5:1-4
Jesus frequently adopts a mind-blowing perspective. He voluntarily allowed Himself to be baptized by a man wearing camel hair and eating locusts. Jesus redefined family, calling those around Him His mother and brothers. Jesus willingly confronted the powerful elite in Hebrew society. Jesus fell asleep when a storm threatened His disciples. Jesus simply sees the world differently than most.
When Jesus reaches the other side of the Sea of Galilee, he comes into the region of the Decapolis. The Decapolis was named because there were ten major cities in the region. The cities formed a hard boundary against the desert to the east and any marauding bandits that may come through the area. The Decapolis was a Gentile region, populated primarily by Greek citizens who moved into the area before Rome took over. As such, the people of the Decapolis largely governed themselves underneath the umbrella of Rome.
Jesus meets the man with the unclean spirit. He lives at the fringe of society among the tombs. He was strong enough to break chains and therefore could no longer be bound. This also meant that he could no longer be controlled. Mark tells us that people had tried to bind him, but they were unsuccessful. Society has discarded this man. Unable to control him, unable to make him fit into their society, they exile him to the margins to live among the dead.
Remember that the previous story occurred in the middle of the night. Jesus and His disciples set out across the sea, escaping the gathered crowds. Now – Mark says immediately afterwards – Jesus and His disciples come to the far shore. It is likely still night. The disciples are still soaking wet and probably still recovering from the trauma of surviving the storm. Out comes a strong man who appears uncontrollable. This is the scene onto which Jesus steps.
You’ve got to wonder what is going through the mind of the disciples. They just survived a storm where they were convinced they were about to die. They also witnessed Jesus do an incredible act. Now, before they can find rest and before they can legitimately celebrate still being alive, here comes an uncontrollable man with an unclean spirit.
You’ve also got to wonder what is going through the mind of Jesus. Did he pick this spot intentionally? Has He set up this meeting between him and the man with the unclean spirit knowing full well His disciples are physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted? Jesus has a plan. Society looks at this man and gives him no more recognition than if he was dead; Jesus comes to meet this man who lives among the dead.
Jesus sees those that society ignores. Jesus meets with those that society ostracizes. Jesus saves those that society already considers dead. Jesus frequently adopts a mind-blowing perspective.
