Mark 5:6

Mark 5:6 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the encounter between Jesus and a man possessed by a legion of demons in the region of the Gerasenes. This verse highlights the immediate and dramatic reaction of the demon-possessed man upon seeing Jesus.

Context

This verse is part of the powerful narrative found in Mark 5:1-20, often paralleled in Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-39. Jesus had just crossed the Sea of Galilee. Upon landing, he was immediately met by a man who lived among the tombs, was incredibly strong, and tormented by many unclean spirits. This man was beyond human control, yet when he "saw Jesus afar off," his reaction was unexpected and profound, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most significant exorcisms.

Key Themes

• Recognition of Divine Authority: Despite being utterly controlled by evil spirits, the man (or rather, the demons within him) instantly recognized Jesus's supreme authority and power from a distance. This demonstrates that even spiritual forces hostile to God are aware of and subject to Christ's sovereignty.
• Forced Homage: The act of "running and worshipped him" was not an act of genuine adoration from a repentant heart, but rather a compelled acknowledgment of Jesus's overwhelming power. The demons knew their time was limited and that they stood before their ultimate conqueror. This prefigures the confession of all creation to Jesus' Lordship, as seen in Philippians 2:10-11.
• Jesus' Confrontation with Evil: This initial reaction sets the stage for a powerful display of Jesus's ability to confront and cast out the most entrenched demonic oppression, signaling hope for those bound by spiritual darkness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "worshipped" is proskuneō (προσκυνέω). While it often refers to genuine adoration and reverence for God, it can also describe an act of bowing down or prostrating oneself before a superior, whether out of respect, fear, or submission. In this context, it signifies the demons' reluctant but undeniable submission to Jesus' divine authority, even as they sought to resist or negotiate with Him (as seen in Mark 5:7).

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful reassurance:

• Jesus' Unquestionable Authority: No spiritual darkness or oppression is too great for Jesus to overcome. His authority is absolute, even recognized by the forces of evil themselves.
• Hope for the Desperate: The story of the Gerasene demoniac, beginning with this startling encounter, is a testament to Jesus' ability to bring complete liberation to those in the most hopeless and bound conditions. Even when we feel far off or spiritually controlled, the very presence of Jesus can provoke a response that leads to freedom.
• The Nature of True Worship: While the man's worship was compelled, it serves as a stark contrast to the true worship God seeks—that which comes from a free heart, in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Yet, it underscores that all creation will ultimately acknowledge Jesus' Lordship.