Commentary on Mark 5:14

Mark 5:14 states:

"And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done."

This verse captures a pivotal moment following the miraculous healing of the Gerasene demoniac by Jesus. In the aftermath of this event, we witness the reaction of those involved, setting the stage for profound theological insights.

Contextual Analysis

To fully appreciate Mark 5:14, we must consider its context within the Gospel of Mark. This healing narrative is a manifestation of Jesus' authority over demons, directly confronting the spiritual forces of evil.

The Demoniac's Healing

Prior to this verse, Jesus encounters a man possessed by unclean spirits. The swine are being tended by herdsmen, which signals the economic implications of the region, where pig farming was common among Gentiles. The spirits are cast out of the man and into the herd, leading to the dramatic loss of swine that the herdsmen tended.

Insights from Commentators

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the gravity of the herdsmen's flight. He points out that their rushed exit indicates profound fear and confusion regarding the authority of Jesus.

• Fear and Response: Henry notes that the fear experienced by the herdsmen was rooted in their immediate witnessing of a divine miracle. They ran to inform others, suggesting an urgent need to relay their alarming experience.
• Witnessing Miracles: Henry speaks to the underlying themes of faith and unbelief. Those who witnessed the miracle would carry its weight both as a testament to Jesus’ power and as a challenge to their prior understandings of spiritual authority.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes takes a slightly different angle, focusing on the economic consequences of the demoniac’s healing. The loss of the swine symbolizes a disruption of their way of life.

• Economic and Spiritual Conflict: Barnes posits that the herdsmen’s flight speaks volumes about the clash between material gain and spiritual awakening. The loss of the herd forces locals to confront the real implications of Jesus' ministry.
• Curiosity vs. Fear: Barnes suggests that their actions to tell the events in the city signify a deeper curiosity overshadowed by fear. The herdsmen not only feared the financial loss but also the spiritual authority that Jesus exercised.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides additional reflections on the significance of the swine and the economic aspects that accompany the narrative.

• Symbolism of Swine: Clarke writes that swine are considered unclean in Jewish law; their possession by Gentiles highlights the cultural barriers present in the narrative, further emphasizing Jesus' mission beyond Israel.
• Public Reaction: Clarke argues that the herdsmen’s return to the city was a pivotal moment for spreading knowledge of the miraculous but also propagated a fear of Jesus, suggesting that public perception was shaped significantly by this event.

Theological Reflections

The verse provides rich material for theological reflection. It challenges believers to contemplate the nature of fear and faith in the face of divine actions. The herdsmen, encountering the supernatural, represent a larger audience that grapples with the implications of accepting Jesus’ authority.

Fear of the Unknown

The flight of the herdsmen illustrates a common human reaction to the unknown. They ran in fear of both what they had witnessed and the changes it would bring to their lives.

The Mission of Jesus

This narrative showcases Jesus not only as a healer but as a disruptor of societal norms. Mark 5:14 is an invitation for theological reflection on how the Gospel challenges both personal and societal values.

Application for the Church Today

As pastors and theologians reflect on this passage, several applications emerge:

• Awareness of the Divine: Encouraging congregants to recognize the presence of the divine in their lives and to respond with faith rather than fear.
• Engagement with the Community: Promoting the idea that the transformative power of Christ's love ought to compel believers to share their experiences with their communities, even amidst fear.
• Valuing Spiritual Over Material: Reminding believers that spiritual encounters may challenge their comfort zones, urging them to prioritize relationship with Christ over material loss or fear.

Conclusion

Mark 5:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound encounters individuals can have with Jesus that redefine their lives and communities. It raises critical questions about faith, response to miracles, and the cost of discipleship. Through a careful examination of this verse, we are called to navigate our own fears and understanding of Christ's authority, pressing us towards a deeper relationship with our Savior.