Day 4
Reading: Mark 5:1–20
SOAP: Mark 5:19–20
But Jesus did not permit him to do so. Instead, he said to him, “Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you.” So he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him, and all were amazed.
Jesus cared for many people during His earthly ministry. He not only healed them physically, but He healed them spiritually as well. When Jesus encountered a man possessed by demons, He cared for the man, but not without showing His power and authority in the process.
In this scene, the demons answered Mark’s question of “Who is Jesus?” calling Him, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God” (Mk 5:7). When Jesus cast the demons from the man He displayed His authority and power. The demons feared Him because they knew who He was; only the Lord of heaven and earth has the power to cast out demons! In the display of His authority and power, Jesus also displayed great compassion. He had mercy on the man, freeing him from his affliction.
Once the man was healed, he wanted to follow Jesus. Instead, Jesus told him to remain in his home and tell others what Jesus had done for him. Though some in the town had seen what Jesus had done, the man’s testimony of Jesus’ mercy on him was a powerful witness. We too have a powerful witness, testifying to the faithfulness and mercy God has shown us. Whether He commands us to stay or go, may we be faithful stewards of the testimony of God’s work in our lives.
Lord, Your work in my life is amazing. Open my eyes so I can see Your hand on my life every single day. Give me the courage to share Your faithfulness with those around me. In Your name I pray, amen.