In Mark 5:1-20 Jesus and the disciples arrive on the shore of the Gerasenes and encounter some gentiles (probably gentiles, from the fact that there a quite a few pigs being kept here which is something the Jews would not have taken part in). Right away a demon-possessed man who hung around the graveyard and was constantly having a fit made his way to Jesus in order to try and persuade Jesus to leave him alone. In actuality, it wasn't just a him but rather a multitude of unclean spirits that were teaming up in order to control the man. This may explain as to why he appeared to have supernatural strength; being able to break out of chains and whatnot.
Eventually the man requests to be banished into a herd of nearby pigs and Jesus agrees to this and allows it to happen. I have a primary observation regarding this passage of scripture and this isn't it but that won't stop me from expressing it. Jesus, being God, is in control of all things. This is an example of Gods sovereignty. Despite the demons obviously being counter-inclined to the things of God they still recognize that anything they intend to do must happen at the command or allowance of Jesus.
The legion of demons finally leave the man, enter the pigs and proceed to have their customary fits. The herd of pigs are destroyed via drowning and thus ends the proverbial reign of Legion. Now the townsfolk are most likely sorely afraid and annoyed that this man named Jesus, immediately upon landing on their shores, puts a dent into their livestock. There may have been rumors floating around of this Jesus person and all the incredible things he's done. Not wanting a part in all this they ask Jesus to get out of here which he agrees to do.
This brings us back to the poor man now demon free. He wants to leave this place and go with the one who cured him. This makes sense. I would want to do this too. In addition if his memories of his experiences are intact than he may not want to attempt a re-assimilation with those he had terrified for so long.
Here's my observation! Jesus tells him that he cannot come with him but rather to remain and let his friends know all that God has done. The fellow does so and it is mentioned that "everyone marveled". In addition to the sovereignty and omnipotence expressed, there is also omniscience in the sense that Jesus knew how the people of this place would react to Him. The encounter with the possessed man had been pre-ordained, you see. Despite the intentions of the people to be free of this powerful man God will have mercy on them regardless and leave behind someone to do basic evangelism.
This man having been freed from the bondage by Jesus was made much more than he was and converted into a witness. His command was to tell everyone about Jesus (God) and the mercy he received. In the absence of eloquence and an answer to every objection there's the primary function of a witness; to tell of what you know.
Therefore, in this passage we don't see an attempted trip by Jesus thwarted by a local tomb-dweller. It isn't a tale of accidental animal slaughter and the inconvenience it brings. But rather it is an expression of how God is in control, will bring mercy and use the perceived out of control circumstances of those that don't want Him.
Eventually the man requests to be banished into a herd of nearby pigs and Jesus agrees to this and allows it to happen. I have a primary observation regarding this passage of scripture and this isn't it but that won't stop me from expressing it. Jesus, being God, is in control of all things. This is an example of Gods sovereignty. Despite the demons obviously being counter-inclined to the things of God they still recognize that anything they intend to do must happen at the command or allowance of Jesus.
The legion of demons finally leave the man, enter the pigs and proceed to have their customary fits. The herd of pigs are destroyed via drowning and thus ends the proverbial reign of Legion. Now the townsfolk are most likely sorely afraid and annoyed that this man named Jesus, immediately upon landing on their shores, puts a dent into their livestock. There may have been rumors floating around of this Jesus person and all the incredible things he's done. Not wanting a part in all this they ask Jesus to get out of here which he agrees to do.
This brings us back to the poor man now demon free. He wants to leave this place and go with the one who cured him. This makes sense. I would want to do this too. In addition if his memories of his experiences are intact than he may not want to attempt a re-assimilation with those he had terrified for so long.
Here's my observation! Jesus tells him that he cannot come with him but rather to remain and let his friends know all that God has done. The fellow does so and it is mentioned that "everyone marveled". In addition to the sovereignty and omnipotence expressed, there is also omniscience in the sense that Jesus knew how the people of this place would react to Him. The encounter with the possessed man had been pre-ordained, you see. Despite the intentions of the people to be free of this powerful man God will have mercy on them regardless and leave behind someone to do basic evangelism.
This man having been freed from the bondage by Jesus was made much more than he was and converted into a witness. His command was to tell everyone about Jesus (God) and the mercy he received. In the absence of eloquence and an answer to every objection there's the primary function of a witness; to tell of what you know.
Therefore, in this passage we don't see an attempted trip by Jesus thwarted by a local tomb-dweller. It isn't a tale of accidental animal slaughter and the inconvenience it brings. But rather it is an expression of how God is in control, will bring mercy and use the perceived out of control circumstances of those that don't want Him.
