Name: Yile Chen (Eric)
Date: 11/05/2025
Section: BIBL 110-002
Studying the Gospels
Passage: Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 19:1-10 or John 13:1-20 (PICK ONLY ONE)
Mark 5:1-20
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying a story from the Gospels. You will use the template
below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of
Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application.
I. Observation
A. I have read my selected passage in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB)
and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You will find a
copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB Library.
oYes
o No
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
Jesus, a man with an impure spirit (Legion), a large herd of pigs, the demons, the people from
town and countryside.”
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
They(Jesus) went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes, a man with an impure spirit to
meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, even with a chain,
Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” They begged Jesus allow they
to go into the pigs, he gave them permission, they rush into the lake and drowned. The healed
man wants to follow Jesus, Jesus said “Go home to your own people and tell them how much
the Lord has done for you."
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Introduction: Jesus across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.
Inciting Incident: a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet Jesus.
Rising Action: The demons(Legion) recognize Jesus, begged him not to send him out of the area.
Climax: Jesus allowed them to enter a herd of pigs, then rush into the sea and drown.
Falling Action: the people from town and countryside see the healed man sitting there, they
were afraid.
Resolution: The man asks to follow Jesus, but Jesus said, go home and proclaim God’s mercy to
others.
C. List basic observations about this passage.
1. Who:
Jesus, the possessed man, the demons, pig herders, the townspeople.
2. What:
Jesus heals a man by casting out demons.
3. Where:
The region of the Gerasenes.
4. When:
During Jesus’ Galilean ministry.
5. Why:
Demonstrates Jesus power and reflects he search for lost souls, enabling them to attain glorious
liberation and become a witness of Gospel.
6. How:
By commanding the demons to leave and allowing them to enter pigs.
II. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you
think the author is trying to communicate in this passage.
The main purpose of this story in Mark is to reveal Jesus' absolute authority in the spiritual and
his mercy towards those oppressed by evil. The story described a dramatic conflicting between
divine power and demonic control. The possessed man symbolizes those who are overwhelmed
by evil and darkness, and unable to save themselves. However, Jesus' command brings instant
salvation, demonstrating that no power can resist his authority.
It's also contrast the reactions of the possessed man after his deliverance and the townspeople.
That man was grateful and eager to follow Jesus, but the townspeople were filled with fear. By
this contrast, the Gospel of Mark teaches us that the appropriate reaction to Jesus’s power is
strong faith and witness, not fear or indifference. For this reason, this story shows that Jesus is
the welcoming and forgiving savior who seeks out lost people and restores those who have
been saved to bear witness to God’s compassion.
B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able
to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.
Jesus has the authority to overcome all evil and to redeem those suffered by demons. True
transformation can lead us to share God’s mercy with others.
III. Correlation
A. How does this passage from fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what type of
story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you
believe this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
This story corresponds to the redemption theme of the biblical metanarrative. The story vividly
dramatizes how Jesus redeems what has been broken and beaten by evil. And just as God
redeems his people throughout the Old Testament redemption of Israel from Egypt, forgiveness
in Christ, for example, in Jesus we see redemption of the possessed man from its demon. And
Jesus' control over demons demonstrates God's authority, especially in the work of repairing
after the fall brought about by the devil. This person's healed soul and new mission foreshadow
the realization of future redemption; it is a sign of the comprehensive renewal that will soon
occur in the new creation.
B. How does the principle you discovered in the text fit with the overall message of Scripture?
This principle is the one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section.
If your principle is a true Biblical principle it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures.
Where is the principle discovered in this New Testament narrative found elsewhere in the
Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
This is an expression of Jesus authority and mercy in the Bible. In Luke 4:18 he cries out: “That
he might free the captives in love”; and fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy he declared. Another
example can be found in Colossians 1:13–14: “He has rescued us from the kingdom of
darkness.” These scriptures that Jesus forgave sins in the same way as taught in the Bible. Mark
5:1-20 is more about spiritual liberation than to preach the gospel, it similar to the Great
Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, those who are born again through God’s love are sent to
bear witness.
C. How does this passage reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ?
State and explain at least one way that the principle of this passage identifies something
of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-
200 words) in length.
Although, I have daily spiritual formation with my mom, but this story has touched me the
most. That story reveals the power and heart of Jesus Christ. He shows His mission of healing
and salvation by caring about sufferers. He shows not only a powerful demonstration but also
an intimate standing with the broken, speaking to their worth and value. This act prefigures His
final victory over sin and Satan through the cross and resurrection. As that man was set free
from demon possession, so believers today have spiritual freedom in Christ’s redemptive work
to be witnesses of His transformative grace.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and
explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of
these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
Holding up Christ’s authority over every evil and doing His bidding in sharing His mercy that is
my calling as a Christian. Just like the man who was healed, I must be a witness and testify to
what the Lord has done in my life and that means being fearless in declaring to people how
Jesus has transformed me and trusting His strength to overcome any fear or doubt. It also
means believing that Jesus can save anybody, no matter how desperate their situation may
seem.
B. The question of character
This story makes me think about reflecting Christ’s compassion in my life. Jesus didn’t turn away
from the man because of his condition. Instead, he was filled with mercy when he approached
him. I have to learn to be merciful to those that society may label as ‘unclean,’ such as people
going through addictions, mental issues, or isolation. Being like Christ also entails looking at
others not with judgment but grace, and giving them hope by loving and understanding them.
C. The question of goals
My goal, as I often say in my prayers, is to live a Christ-like life and lead others to Jesus. I can
use the same story, just like the man healed, and I can use my own story to glorify God. I
shouldn’t be sitting in comfort, neither should I pursue fame and fortune, but reaching for
growth in the faith and service. This is setting life goals that share God’s purposes, share the
Gospel message, build up others in the faith and serving the needy.
D. The question of discernment
This story helped me better to differentiate between feat and faith, the townspeople expressed
their fear, while the healed man expressed his faith. I shouldn’t be afraid to face my fear, but
should be base my actions on faith in Christ’s power. Real discernment recognized the authority
of Jesus and responds with obedience rather than resistance. I should think of Him when facing
challenges, not fear, and follow His guidance even when all others do not understand.
