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.
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.