As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” [Mark 5.18-19]
I feel like there is much to this story that requires careful thought and consideration. This portion of the story is no different.
Just before this particular portion of this story, the people who had heard what Jesus did came from the surrounding areas to see what had happened. They asked Jesus to leave because they were afraid. But what were they afraid of?
Is is possible that the people of that area fostered spiritual conditions elsewhere like that Jesus encountered with the this man of the story?
While Jesus complied with the local people's request to leave them, He specifically instructed the newly delivered man to stay and report his deliverance to his family
Did Jesus not want the man to tell anyone besides his family what had taken place? I don't think so - but what I do believe is that the family was (and still is) the place to begin. Who, better than this man's family, could see the vast difference made by his encounter with Jesus?
Did Jesus reveal a particular method or even strategy for evangelizing this area? It would appear so. Likewise, it is worth considering that this strategy is given for our benefit today as well!
Father, help me to be light and salt to my family first.
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