Psalm 93, 96
Jeremiah 6: 9-15
1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
Mark 5:1-20
Mark 5: 1-20 “Go home and tell your friends what great things the Lord has done for you.”
In chapter 4 of the gospel of Mark immediately preceding today’s reading we learn about the large crowds that have begun to follow Jesus everywhere, captured by his teaching and his healing powers. He frequently has to escape to a boat and cross the water for his own safety and that of his disciples. In chapter 5 he arrives onshore and is immediately approached by a man “with an unclean
spirit” or a demon. Jesus heals the man by casting the demons into a nearby herd of swine in what must have been one of the more remarkable incidents to witness in Jesus’ ministry.
As Jesus prepares to depart, the man who was cured begs Jesus to allow him to go also. Jesus refuses, telling the man: “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he has compression on you.” This is clearly a lesson for all of us today. I have certainly experienced God’s compassion in my life and I think that perhaps every one of us can say
the same. But how often have I told my friends about it, how often have I shared my faith with others?
Jesus makes it clear: you don’t have to physically get into the boat with him to show your gratitude for his healing and compassion. Instead he says, “tell your friends” so that they may come to know the healing power and compassion of the Lord. Something to think about this Lent as we move toward the ultimate healing of Easter and the resurrection.
Bob Lowe