“….go tell your friends.”

Jesus healed many sick, cast out demons, and even raised the dead. In Mark 5 is the account of Jesus restoring a man to his right mind by casting out a multitude of devils. Yet, there is much more of a lesson taught than just the performing of another miracle.

Consider the Man. He was full of evil (vv. 2-4). He was seeking relief (v. 5) to the extent of mutilating himself. He confronted the Christ (v. 6) and ran to Him. He was filled with turmoil (v. 7) and cried out to Jesus.

Consider the Master. Jesus was not deterred by the awesome appearance of this man. He began quickly to help (v.8). He called for the demons to come out of him. He exhibited His power to save (vv. 9-11).

Consider the Results. The man was restored to his right mind (v. 15). People took notice (vv. 14 & 16). The man wanted to go with Jesus (v. 18).

Consider the Lesson. All who are Christians were in the same situation as this man to a lesser or greater degree. Ephesians 2:11, 12 makes this clear, “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh - who are called Uncircumcision by what is called Circumcision made in the flesh by hands - that at that time you were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

We came into contact with Jesus, too, just as the “demoniac” did and as did the Ephesians. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) Romans 6:1-11 reminds us of our contact with and obedience to Jesus - dying to sin, buried in baptism, being raised to a new life, and remaining in Him.

As new Christians we were probably full of joy and zeal as was the “demoniac” and we, too, as he did, wanted to “go with Jesus” (v.18). It would be good to be with Jesus, wouldn’t it? But Jesus pointed out something more important. He said...

“Go tell your friends.” (v.18) Jesus pointed out a mission field. Too often we look too far. Jesus said in John 4:35-38 to “lift up your eyes and look at the fields.” The harvest is also close by. Our own county is a mission field. Until we begin to think of it that way, we will not really be concerned about the lost.

In relating to the “demoniac” ask yourself: “Of how much have I been cleansed?” “Where would I be if Jesus had not helped me?” “How much do I appreciate what Jesus has done for me?” “Am I willing to share?”

The “demoniac” shared (v. 20). The Samaritan woman shared (John 4:28, 29). The early Christians who were scattered because of persecution (Acts 8:1-4) shared. They “went about preaching the word.” And God’s kingdom grew.

The gospel is still the “power of God unto salvation.” (Romans 1:16) What are you doing with it?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony