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the first missionary

Mark 5:14-20
"14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 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.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray Him to depart out of their coasts.
18 And when He was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed Him that he might be with Him.
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel."

Reflection
As Jesus prepares to leave, the healed man begs to accompany Him. Jesus instead sends him home with a clear commission: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (v. 19).
This is a pivotal moment. Elsewhere Jesus often commanded silence (the “Messianic Secret”), but here, among Gentiles, He authorizes bold public witness. The man obeys immediately and becomes the first missionary to the Decapolis (a league of ten Gentile cities). His testimony of personal mercy prepared the region for Jesus’ later ministry there (see Mark 7:31; 8:1-10).

Key Themes

Restoration of Dignity: The man is now “clothed and in his right mind,” fully restored to human dignity and ready for social reintegration, in stark contrast to his former naked isolation among the tombs.

The Cost of Discipleship: The townspeople rejected Jesus because of the economic loss (the pigs). The healed man accepted his mission even though it meant staying behind. True discipleship is not merely following Jesus physically, but obeying His will wherever He sends us.

Power of Personal Testimony: Jesus gave the man no formal training or complex doctrine; only the instruction to share what the Lord had done for him. Simple, authentic witness remains one of the most effective forms of evangelism.

Application
Who can you tell today about “how much the Lord has done for you”?
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