But Jesus would not allow him. "Go home to your own people," He said, "and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you." But Jesus would not allow him.In this passage, Jesus has just performed a miraculous exorcism on a man possessed by a legion of demons. The man, now healed, desires to follow Jesus as a disciple. However, Jesus denies his request. This decision highlights Jesus' strategic approach to His ministry. By not allowing the man to accompany Him, Jesus emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of His works and mercy in the man's own community. This action also underscores the principle that discipleship can take many forms, not just physical following. Act 16:7 And when they came to the border of Mysia,… “Go home to your own people,” He said, Jesus instructs the man to return to his own community, the Decapolis, a region of ten cities with a significant Gentile population. This directive is significant because it marks one of the first instances where Jesus explicitly sends someone to evangelize among the Gentiles. It reflects the broader mission of the Gospel, which is to reach all nations and peoples, not just the Jews. This command also aligns with the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. Mat 9:6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man… “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of personal testimony. The man is to share his experience of deliverance and healing, which serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of God. This phrase underscores the role of personal testimony in evangelism, as seen throughout the New Testament, such as in Acts 1:8, where believers are called to be witnesses. The phrase also highlights the recognition of Jesus' divine authority, as the works of Jesus are attributed to the Lord, indicating His unity with God. Luk 8:39 Return home and describe how much God has done… and what mercy He has shown you.” The mention of mercy is crucial, as it reflects the compassionate nature of Jesus' ministry. Mercy, a central theme in the Bible, is often associated with God's covenant love and kindness. In the Old Testament, God's mercy is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:8. By instructing the man to speak of the mercy shown to him, Jesus is highlighting the grace and compassion inherent in His mission. This mercy is not just a personal experience but a testament to the character of God, inviting others to seek the same compassion and transformation. 1Ti 1:13-16 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who commands the healed man to return home and testify about God's mercy. 2. The Healed Man Previously possessed by a legion of demons, this man is now restored and desires to follow Jesus physically, but is instead commissioned to witness to his community. 3. Decapolis The region where the healed man is sent to testify. It is a group of ten cities with a significant Gentile population, indicating the spread of Jesus' ministry beyond Jewish territories. 4. The Demoniac Event Prior to this verse, Jesus had cast out demons from the man, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits and His compassion for those oppressed. 5. The Lord's Mercy The focus of the man's testimony, highlighting God's compassion and transformative power in his life. Teaching Points The Power of Personal TestimonySharing personal experiences of God's work in our lives can be a powerful witness to others, as it was for the healed man. Obedience to Jesus' Commands Even when our desires are to follow Jesus in one way, He may have a different plan for us that involves staying and witnessing in our current context. The Reach of the Gospel Jesus' instruction to the man to go to Decapolis shows that the Gospel is for all people, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Role of Mercy in Evangelism Highlighting God's mercy in our testimonies can draw others to seek His grace and forgiveness. Community Impact Our transformation can have a ripple effect, impacting not just our lives but also our families and communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the healed man's desire to follow Jesus physically compare to our own desires to serve Him, and how can we discern His specific calling for us?2. In what ways can you share your personal testimony of God's work in your life with those around you? 3. How does understanding the cultural and geographical context of Decapolis enhance our appreciation of the Gospel's reach? 4. What are some practical ways to highlight God's mercy in your conversations with others? 5. How can your personal transformation in Christ impact your community, and what steps can you take to be a more effective witness? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 1:8Jesus' command to be witnesses aligns with His later instruction to the disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, emphasizing the importance of personal testimony. Psalm 66:16 This verse invites others to hear what God has done for the psalmist, paralleling the call to share personal experiences of God's work. 1 Peter 2:9 Believers are called to declare the praises of Him who called them out of darkness, similar to the healed man's mission to proclaim God's mercy. People Jair, Jairus, James, Jesus, John, Luke, PeterPlaces Decapolis, Galilee, Gerasa, Sea of GalileeTopics Allow, Compassion, Dealt, Didn't, Family, Friends, Home, Howbeit, Kindly, Mercy, News, Refused, Report, Says, Shown, Suffer, Suffered, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Mark 5:19 2018 Christ, divinity Library September 12 MorningI have seen his ways, and will heal him.--ISA. 57:18. I am the Lord that healeth thee. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.--Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.--All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Come now, and let us reason together, … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path The Looks of Jesus The Lord of Demons A Refused Bequest Talitha Cumi The Power of Feeble Faith Touch or Faith? Going Home --A Christmas Sermon Christ's Curate in Decapolis The General Observations are These. R. W. Begins his Fifth Discourse, P. 1, 2. With Saying, that He is Now Conversion, Its Nature and Necessity. The Third Continental Journey. The Legion Dispossessed. Mk 5:18,19 Christian Cemeteries. The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs. The Demoniac of Gadara The Men of Gadara With Jairus In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods. How I Know God Answers Prayer Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the Raising of the "Dead. " --Facts which it Ignores. --The Subject Related to the Phenomena of Trance Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs. Links Mark 5:19 NIVMark 5:19 NLT Mark 5:19 ESV Mark 5:19 NASB Mark 5:19 KJV Mark 5:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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