Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:19 NIV
In this passage, we witness the incredible power of God’s mercy and transformation. As Jesus entered the region of Gadarenes, He encountered a man possessed by demons and delivers him. This showcases how God’s mercy and transformation can completely change a person’s life. Likewise, this story is a profound reminder for us too. It invites us to share the story of God’s mercy and transformation in our lives, just as this man was instructed to tell his people. The Bible says in :
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:18-19 NIV
The first key point to note is that Jesus did not allow the man to follow Him. Because of the dramatic nature of the man’s deliverance, Jesus and His disciples had to leave the region due to opposition from the local people. As a result, there was no room for Jesus and His disciples to further minister there. Had the man followed Jesus, his testimony would have held little significance among strangers who knew nothing about his past. The people in other towns wouldn’t have known the extent of this man’s suffering. To them, he would have seemed like any other follower of Jesus. There would have been no testimony of the transformation that had taken place in his life because they had no frame of reference for his former condition.
Jesus knew the power of the man’s testimony would be far more impactful among his own people—those who knew him well. Those who had seen him in his brokenness, and who had given up hope that he could ever be healed. These people had tried everything to restrain him, yet nothing worked. They had likely written him off as hopeless.
Now, imagine their reaction upon seeing him healed, clothed, and in his right mind. This miraculous transformation would have spoken volumes about the mercy and power of God, more than any sermon could have. Therefore, Jesus told the man to return to his community. He said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.”
Before we explore the significance of this instruction, let me ask you: What has the Lord done for you? Take a moment to reflect on this simple yet profound question. How has God shown His mercy in your life? Jesus sent the man back to share his personal story, not someone else’s. Your story, too, holds incredible power. What has God done for you that others need to hear? The greatest thing God can do for anyone is to grant salvation. Perhaps, as you read this, you realise that you haven’t yet received this gift.
You may have many things—good health, wealth, or success—but without salvation, the most important blessing is missing. Salvation is the greatest gift, and it comes freely through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something we can earn. Instead, it is a gift made possible because Jesus already paid the price for us. Just as Jesus transformed the life of the demon-possessed man, He offers the same transformation to all who come to Him. You don’t need to be demon-possessed to need His grace. Every one of us needs a personal encounter with Jesus to receive the new life He offers. This salvation is the greatest thing God can do for you, and it’s available to you today.
Now, for those who have experienced God’s mercy and salvation, why are you keeping it to yourself? Jesus has called us all to share what He has done. Like the man in the story, we are to go to our own people—those who know us best—and testify about the Lord’s goodness and mercy in our lives. You don’t need to travel to distant lands or speak to large crowds. Start with the people around you: your family, friends, and community. They know who you were before God changed your life, and they will recognise the transformation.
Jesus told the man to go to his own people because they would appreciate his testimony more than anyone else. They had seen his brokenness firsthand, and now they would see the power of God’s healing and mercy in his life. In the same way, your testimony will carry the most weight with those who knew you before God’s work in your life.
So, let’s rise to the call. Go to your people and share with them how much the Lord has done for you. Don’t keep quiet about the amazing things God has done in your life. Someone needs to hear your story today.
In conclusion, Jesus didn’t let the man follow Him because He had a greater purpose for him. He wants him to share his testimony with those who knew him best. In the same way, we are called to share our stories of God’s mercy and transformation with the people in our lives. Whether it’s our family, friends, or community, our testimony has the power to impact others and point them to the saving grace of Jesus. Never underestimate the significance of your story—it could be the key that unlocks someone else’s faith journey. So, go and tell how much the Lord has done for you.
