The Gospel of Mark: Gerasene Demoniac, Pt. II

The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. ~ Mark 5:14-20


And now for something completely different...

Jesus says: Go and tell! Not, stay silent.

It's a curious thing. 

The land of the Gerasenes is Gentile. Maybe that has something to do with it. Maybe this means that Jesus' name is going to spread further than among the Jews.

Maybe there is a place for those who are outside of the Jewish faith as well in the Kingdom of God.

Certainly this healed man believes that to be the case. He is perhaps as grateful a recipient of healing as you will find. He wants to follow Jesus.

But instead Jesus makes him an apostle. One who is sent. Long before the disciples were sent out to spread the good news, this man - so far out of bounds: Gentile, possessed...

This man spread that news.

Imagine who else could do that!

Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Question:


Who are the unlikely people, even those outside of our Lutheran (or Christian) faith, that you have seen spread the good news?






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