Dwelling in the Tombs Unbound - Mark 5:3

Mark wrote how Jesus and His disciples, “came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes, And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit”, and in chapter five and verse three of his book, Mark shares how, “no man could bind him, no, not with chains” where we read:

Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

The verse reads, “Who had his dwelling among the tombs;” Mark began with the words, “who had his dwelling” or “who lived and had his abode” “among the tombs” or “beside and by the sepulchers, memorials, monuments and graves”. Mark shared how the man who met Jesus lived in the “graveyard” or place for “sepulchers”.

The verse goes on to say, “and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:” Mark added the words, “and no man” which means “and not one person whether male or female” “could bind him” which means “was able to fasten, tie or put him in bonds”, “no, not with chains” or “no and in no way even with fetters, manacles or binding chains”. Mark shared how no one was able to “bind” this man who lived among the tombs and was possessed with an “unclean spirit”.

When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see how intimidating this man must have been. Although people tried to “bind” this man even with “chains”, they were unsuccessful. This was a “wild man”, and neither “chains”, “fetters” or “shackles” could keep Him bound. This man may have been greatly troublesome to every other person, but he is no match for Jesus. We shall learn more about him in the next few verses, but for now let it suffice us to know that Jesus is a powerful “Messiah” who came to “set people” free from anything or anyone that attempts to “bind” them. May all who read these words yield their lives to Jesus Christ who is more powerful than any “unclean spirit” who possesses men.

Next time Mark shares, “neither could any man tame him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".