Daily Bible Plan - Mark 5

24. October 2025

Devotion by Elder Eddie Filippi

Theme: Kingdom of God - Mark 5:1-20

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

GREETINGS

Greetings, beloved Fortified City Church Basel family!We give all glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has once again given us the privilege to gather around His Word.

This week, as we study Mark Chapter 5, we see one of the most powerful demonstrations of Jesus’ divine authority. This chapter shows us that Jesus is Lord over every situation — over demons, diseases, and even death itself.

Whether it’s a man tormented by darkness, a woman suffering silently, or a father facing despair, Jesus steps into each story with power, compassion, and purpose.

PART 1: POWER OVER DARKNESS

“Jesus Restores What Darkness Tried to Destroy”

In Mark 5:1–20, Jesus arrives in the region of the Gerasenes and immediately encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons, a man who lived among the tombs, isolated, violent, and uncontrollable. The people of the town had tried to chain him, but nothing could contain his torment.

But the moment Jesus steps ashore, the demons tremble and cry out, “What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mark 5:7).

Here, we witness the undeniable truth that even the forces of darkness recognize and bow to the authority of Christ. As Acts 10:38 declares, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Jesus was anointed with divine power, and wherever He went, light overcame darkness.The madman of Gadara, who had been bound by evil for years, living among tombs where no one dared approach, was made completely whole at the command of Jesus.

This reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s grace to reach. This passage is a clear sign that as believers, no matter how tough or dark a situation may be, with Christ on our side, we are always victorious.

As Rev. Joseph often says, “A Christian might suffer, but he or she will never lose.”

Even the demons, knowing their fate, begged Jesus not to destroy them but to send them into the herd of pigs (Mark 5:12–13).

This shows that Jesus has full authority over all spiritual realms, nothing happens without His command.

When the man was delivered and made whole, he wanted to follow Jesus. But the Lord told him, “Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:19).

This is a profound reminder of the power of testimony. Jesus turned the man’s deliverance into a ministry. He became a messenger of mercy in the same place where he was once feared and rejected.

As Revelation 12:11 reminds us, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

When we share what God has done, we not only glorify Him, we also inspire faith in others.

JESUS’ AUTHORITY AND KEY TAKEAWAY

• Jesus’ authority breaks every bondage. The man in the tombs had been bound by chains and controlled by demons, yet none of these forces could stand against the authority of Jesus. This shows that no spiritual power, addiction, or stronghold is beyond His reach. Whatever binds you—fear, anxiety, anger, or guilt—must bow at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10).

• Deliverance begins with surrender. The man ran toward Jesus, not away from Him (Mark 5:6). Even though he was tormented, he still recognized where his help would come from. True deliverance begins when we stop hiding behind pride, pain, or excuses and bring our situation honestly before God.

• Your testimony carries transforming power. Jesus didn’t just free the man, He commissioned him: “Go home to your family and friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19). Sharing your testimony doesn’t only glorify God; it also inspires faith in others.

• A Christian might suffer, but never lose. As Rev. Joseph often says, “A Christian might suffer, but he or she will never lose.” Life’s challenges may bring pain or delay, but our victory is guaranteed in Christ (Romans 8:37).

• Jesus restores identity and peace. The delivered man was seen “sitting, clothed, and in his right mind” (Mark 5:15). Jesus didn’t just remove the demons; He restored the man’s dignity and purpose. True deliverance always leads to peace, restoration, and renewed identity.

  
  

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Are there areas in your life that seem beyond redemption? Remember, the same Jesus who freed the man of Gadara still delivers today. No one is too lost for His mercy.

• Are there areas in your life where you feel bound, limited, or tormented?

• Have you shared your testimony of what God has done for you lately?

• Do you believe that the same Jesus who freed the man of Gadara has power over your situation today?

  
  

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your power that conquers darkness. Thank You for breaking every chain of fear, shame, and sin. Fill me with boldness to share my testimony so that others may find hope and deliverance through You. Amen.