Hello, beloved brethren,
Today, let’s look at Jesus’ charge to the formerly demon-possessed man in the Gerasenes:
“And as He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was pleading with Him that he might accompany Him.”
— Mark 5:18
Following Jesus releasing this man from bondage, we observe some very interesting reactions from both Jesus and the newly freed man. Before this, we also saw the reaction of the villagers, who pleaded with Jesus to leave their region.
Jesus’ Response
Surprisingly, Jesus’ response to the people’s plea for Him to leave was not to push back. Jesus did not force Himself on a people that rejected Him. Instead, Mark tells us that He simply returned to the boat to leave the region, just as they requested.
This is a sobering scene to consider. Here is Jesus delivering a man from affliction, yet the villagers, out of their own selfish concerns, rejected the Son of God, who was the answer to their deeper spiritual needs. Jesus’ response demonstrates a key truth: He does not force Himself where He is not wanted.
The people of the region appeared to value their livestock and their uninterrupted routines over the transformative power and redemption that Jesus was offering. This scenario is reminiscent of Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”
— Revelation 3:20
Jesus was, in effect, knocking on the door of the people in the Gerasenes, but they refused to open it.
A Call to Self-Examination
The Laodiceans claimed to be followers of Christ but lived in a way that contradicted their faith. Jesus’ warning to them is relevant for us today:
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent.”
— Revelation 3:19
We must examine our lives to ensure we are not rejecting Christ through our speech, conduct, or attitudes.
The Man’s Response
In contrast to the villagers, the newly freed man’s response was markedly different. While the villagers pleaded with Jesus to leave, the man pleaded to follow Him. His plea reflected a heart transformed by Jesus’ work.
Jesus’ Charge
“And He did not let him, but He said to him, ‘Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.’”
— Mark 5:19
Rather than allowing the man to follow Him, Jesus entrusted him with a mission: to return home and testify to the great things God had done for him.
It is significant that Jesus charged him with proclaiming this good news to the very people who had rejected Jesus. This task highlights the purpose of our salvation: to glorify God by sharing His wondrous works. As Peter writes:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
— 1 Peter 2:9
A Life of Gratitude and Proclamation
The man responded to Jesus’ charge with obedience and enthusiasm:
“And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.”
— Mark 5:20
This man’s story illustrates how gratitude for God’s mercy should propel us to share the gospel with others. If we fail to preach the gospel, it may stem from an incomplete understanding of what Christ has done for us or a lack of appreciation for His mercy.
Unlike the villagers, who focused on their losses, this man celebrated his deliverance and shared it with others, leading to amazement and wonder among those who heard his testimony.
A Challenge for Us
Are we willing to proclaim the great things God has done in our lives? Are we ready to make sacrifices—whether of time, effort, or resources—to share the gospel with others?
Let us not shy away from the call to evangelism. Instead, may we joyfully proclaim the excellencies of our Savior, celebrating and sharing His mercy and grace.
May the Lord bless you and inspire you to glorify Him in all you do.
Leave a Reply