We get the sense that the demon-possessed man of Mark 5 lived largely alone for many years, howling and cutting himself among the tombs. What a tortured life. That is, until the day Jesus came and changed everything for him.
It is interesting to see how the demons begged to stay (v. 12), how the crowd begged Jesus to leave (v. 17), and how the man begged to join Him (v. 18). Jesus granted the demons’ request, obliged the crowd’s plea, but denied the man’s wish that he would stay with Jesus. This seems backwards, doesn’t it?
Jesus had a greater purpose in mind. Who knows how long this man’s affliction had caused him to be separated from his loved ones? Jesus not only restored the man, but He also restored his family relations, sending the man to tell them what happened. The man did as he was told, spreading his testimony to the region of the Ten Cities of “how much Jesus had done for him” (v. 20). Are you amazed at Jesus’ might and mercy? Tell others today what God has done in your life and how Jesus changes everything.