Created 2/6/2009
Continuing with the story of the demoniac in Mark 5 we see that Jesus spoke. When Jesus spoke the devils and unclean spirits left the man (v13) and the he was able to sit clothed and in his right mind (v15). Nothing shy of a miracle folks! While the demoniac had went to Jesus desiring to stay with Him, Jesus bid him to go and be a witness, to brag on the great things he received of the Lord (v18-20). The demoniac was thankful as you can tell from his actions; however the townspeople and the feeders of the swine were not. Remember the demoniac was a person that was so wild that the people could not bind him (v3-4) and he also cried out all night and cut himself (v5)? Not exactly what I would call a good neighbor. So, why did they not show thanks to Christ? Some had said it was because Jesus effected the livelihood of some people as all those swine died. Maybe the demoniac had become a tourist attraction, who knows? These might be valid reasons, but scripture shows us a more basic reason why they rejected Jesus. Look closely at verses15,17 “And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid…And they began to pray him to depart from their coasts.” The him they wanted to depart was Jesus. What motivated them to reject the miracle worker, Jesus himself? One very basic human emotion – fear. Is fear keeping you from Jesus? Is your fear sending Jesus from you, even when you have witnessed His miracles around you? Have you been rejected after doing a good deed? Hang in there you are in good company…Jesus was rejected when He did a good deed. Don’t let fear keep you from enjoying the fullness of Christ.
