The story of the healing of the demon possessed man, the woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jarius’ daughter are found in Matthew and Luke as well as Mark, but Mark’s telling is much more vivid, providing details you will not find in the other accounts.
They are three stories of desperation, and three stories of faith.
Only Mark tells us that the woman with the hemorrhage has spent all her money on doctors and treatment, only to see her condition worsen. When she is healed (and discovered) she comes to Jesus in fear and trembling. Why so afraid? Perhaps she was afraid her boldness might result in the healing being removed.
When Jarius’ daughter dies, Jarius loses all hope and is afraid. His world has indeed collapsed. Jesus tells him not to be afraid.
The man with the demons is the most pitiable of all for the conflict within him. He comes and “worships” Jesus – not the sort of thing a demon would do. He knows what he should do. He knows who is his hope. But he cannot control himself. The demons control him and he is no match for their power.
It is the demons who take over and converse with Jesus. They know his power, and they beg for leniency. They don’t get it.
All three of these people have expressed fear and desperation, but all three come to Jesus. The inhabitants of Gerasa, seeing the healed demoniac likewise express fear. But the difference between them and the three who find Jesus’ blessing is the different response of fear. The three who receive healing push through their fear and come to Jesus. The people of Gerasa turn from Jesus in fear. Fear of staying the way they are brings the three to Jesus. Fear of change causes the Gerasenes to reject the Lord.
In times of desperation and fear, how do you respond to Jesus?