Disciples Follow Jesus' Call to Go Testify
The original disciples of Jesus were called to testify because they were eyewitnesses of His ministry. Peter used this criterion as a prerequisite to fill Judas' vacated position among the Twelve. Later generations of disciples are also called to testify. For these disciples Peter declares, "always be ready to give an answer to the one who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).
Mark 5:1-20
Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man
1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”
9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 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.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Footnotes:
[a] Mark 5:1 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; other manuscripts Gergesenes
[b] Mark 5:20 That is, the Ten Cities
Pondering Point
Jesus didn't take every disciple with Him everywhere. Those slots were limited. Nor did Jesus call every disciple to go everywhere. But He does call every disciple to ‘go’ and testify just like He called this one to go home and tell the people of His sphere what the Lord had done for Him. His call was to the Decapolis (ten-cities).
Where is Jesus calling you to go and testify about what He has done (and is doing) for you? Are you seeking to discern that answer? Do you know? Are you living it out?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am willing to follow You and testify of Your love wherever You want me to go. Lead me by Your Spirit into my Decapolis – my collection of cities – whether they are physical or virtual communities. Amen.