Mark 5:19 - He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”

Generated Verse: Mark 5:19

What does "Mark 5:19" mean?


This verse, Mark 5:19, is part of the story of the demon-possessed man who Jesus healed in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadarenes). After being freed from the demons (who then entered a herd of pigs that ran into the sea), the man wanted to follow Jesus. However, Jesus directs him to do something different.

Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:

"He didn't allow him...": The man, now healed and presumably grateful, asks to accompany Jesus and become a disciple. However, Jesus refuses his request. This is somewhat unusual because Jesus often invited people to follow him.

"...but said to him, 'Go to your house, to your friends...'": Instead of following Jesus on his travels, Jesus instructs the man to return to his home and community.

"...and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you...'": This is the core of Jesus's instruction. He's sending the man as a witness to the power and mercy of God. The man is to share his personal testimony about what happened to him.

"...and how he had mercy on you.'": This emphasizes the specific aspect of the experience that the man is to share: the compassion and forgiveness that God showed him. The demons tormented him, and society probably ostracized him. Jesus is highlighting the transformative mercy he received.

In summary, the verse means:

Jesus recognized that this man, now freed from demonic possession, could be a powerful witness within his own community. Instead of making him a traveling disciple, Jesus commissioned him to be a local evangelist. The man's personal story of transformation, highlighting the mercy and power of God, would be a compelling message for those who knew him before his healing.

Key interpretations and implications:

Localized Ministry: This demonstrates that ministry isn't just about traveling to far-off places. Impact can be made within one's own community.
Power of Testimony: Personal experiences of God's grace and power are effective ways to share the Gospel. The man's changed life would be a visible demonstration of God's power.
God's Concern for All: Sending the man back to his community shows God's concern for even those living in Gentile (non-Jewish) areas.
Discipleship can take many forms: This verse shows that not everyone is called to the same kind of ministry. Discipleship can involve serving in different capacities and locations.

In essence, this verse is a powerful reminder that sharing one's personal story of transformation and God's mercy can be a potent form of evangelism and ministry. It's also a reminder that God's call on our lives may look different than what we expect.