The Life of Christ

This man had been brought to God, restored to self, reason, and human society — he now sits at Jesus’ feet, a disciple.

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He requests to follow Jesus.

Mk. 5:19-20 And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone marveled.

This man, with such an amazing testimony, would be of most value to the kingdom right here within his own community.

• Undoubtedly, he was widely known, and his testimony would have untold effect.

• His parish would be all of Decapolis, a large district of ten confederate cities.

• In due time Jesus would enter Decapolis, whose way would then have been adequately prepared by this man’ s testimony.

We note the three different ways Jesus responded to people whom He healed.

• He told some to follow Him, such as Mary Magdalene.

• Others were told not to follow Him, as well as to keep it all a secret (Mk. 5:43).

• Then there were those like this man told not to follow but remain and testify.

• No two instances are ever alike; there is a specific will of God for each individual.

SECTION 95

Mk. 5:21 And when Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered about Him; and He stayed by the seashore.

When Jesus returned from Garesa, the news quickly spread through Capernaum that He was back.

• News reaches two homes in particular who especially awaited Him.

• The first was Jairus, the synagogue official, possibly one of the elders sent by the centurion to meet Jesus earlier.

• This man had only one daughter, who at the time of the narrative had reached age twelve, the age Jewish law declared her a woman.

• This school-age young lady was at the point of death, or what was literally referred to as “at last breath.”

Mk. 5:22-23 And one of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and upon seeing Him, fell at His feet, 23 and entreated Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, that she may get well and live.”

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