Why We Are Not All to Follow Jesus: Life-Changing Lesson From The Story of The Demoniac at Gadarenes
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the demon-delivered man begged to go along (follow), but he wouldn’t let him. — Mark 5:18 MSG
In case you’re not familiar with this story from the bible, here it goes:
So, at this time, Jesus is on tour with his disciples and they’ve been going from town to town declaring the gospel of the kingdom. They’re hours from shore when a storm greets them. Their boat is rocked and filled with water. Jesus is sleeping. The disciples are scared. Long story short, Jesus saves the day.
But that’s not the major plot for this piece.
A couple of minutes later Jesus and his disciples are safe on shore — you’d think they’d seen the worst; however, they immediately receive an uncultured reception by a demoniac that lives in tombs and cuts himself with stones.
Jesus, again, saves the day by healing this guy completely.
As Jesus is about to leave, the ex-demoniac is begging to go with him. This is perhaps, the only way he knows to show gratitude.
Surprisingly, Jesus refused him.
Shocking!
Oh, come on. Really?
This guy’s desire was pure. His decision was applaudable. His intentions and motives were ultimately sane and sincere. Yet, Jesus wouldn’t let him come along.
Well, I guess we’re not all meant to follow Jesus… right?
Wrong!
Let’s look at the story from Jesus’ perspective.
Jesus knew something that this guy had no idea about. Maybe, you are equally ignorant of this.
Something about:
Purpose. Platform. People.
Every one of us is created for specific purposes, with a specific platform for these purposes to find expression.
The ex-demoniac knew nothing about this. He was okay going with whatever felt good and right at the time.
Jesus knew better.
Jesus knew his desire was sincere but misplaced — as are most of our desires.
He understood that life is to be lived on purpose. And decisions are to be made in keeping with that purpose.
In other words, what we do should be based on who we are — that is, who we are created to be.
Allowing this guy to go with him would be disconnecting him from his purpose and his primary platform for expression. Hence he said to him:
“Go home to your own people. Tell them your story — what the Master did, how he had mercy on you.” The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town.
Don’t just stop at discovering your purpose. Discover your platform. Discover the people you are sent to.
Have you found your purpose? What about your platform of expression? Are you serving the people you’ve been called to serve?
We should all follow Jesus. He has our best interest at heart.
