18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Mark 5:18-20
Jesus heals a demon possessed man who was socially outcasted by society. After driving out the unclean spirits, the man regains his senses and begs Jesus to follow him. Rather Jesus tells the man to stay and tell his home and his people how much God has shown mercy on him.
I feel like the importance of the story was not how Jesus healed the man, but how the man responded to Jesus' act of mercy. This man was a social outcast, shun by society to live in the outskirts of civilization. I'm not sure how this man got by, but the fact that he was inflicted by unclean spirits and had supernatural strength meant he had some means of food. Unlike the leopards that forgot about Jesus once they were healed, this man was different, as he begged Jesus for permission to allow him to follow. Rather than allowing this man to follow him, Jesus told him to go and give a testimony to the people about how God showed mercy on him in driving out the demons. I too would be disappointed if I were in the situation when I earnestly wanted to go with Jesus. The man was obedient and did what he was told by sharing his testimony. Though I'm sure he had no visions of grandeur by following Jesus, he forewent his desires, and became obedient even in a situation that might have not been optimal for him. As a result many people were amazed (I'm assuming they were saved). In other stories, such as the young rich man who Jesus calls for to follow, Jesus goes a different route by telling this man stay. It shows me that God's answer for ministry is not always what we envision. Even playing the small parts of being the man who goes back to his hometown to be a testimony of God should be done in faith and obedience. Every little part that God assigns me to shows that this life, my story on this earth is going to be redirected back to God for his glorification. Less of me more of him - even if it means to live a simple life.
Jesus help me to forego my selfish desires. I'm not sure why you had the man stay back instead of following you, but you blessed his life either way by using him as a testimony of your mercy and grace. Thank you for healing me of my sins. And likewise help me to be ecstatic when it comes to share about my faith to other non-believers just as the man in this story has.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
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