Day 81 – The Reaction of Bystanders
Study Luke 8:34-39
“Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” Luke 8:39a
When the herdsmen reported what had occurred, the city rushed out to see for themselves. There they found the man who had been tormented, sitting peacefully at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. Yet instead of rejoicing, the people were seized with great fear and asked Jesus to depart from them.
They had grown comfortable with a tormented man in their cemetery, but they were terrified by the presence of a holy Savior whose authority shattered their expectations. Saddened by their response, Jesus got into the boat and left.
In stark contrast, the delivered man begged to go with Jesus as a disciple. His heart was truly changed. He did not just want what Jesus could do; he wanted Jesus Himself. But Jesus sent him back, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.”
Jesus gave him a vital mission among his own family and community, trusting that his transformed life would be an undeniable witness to the Gentiles. The man obeyed, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. He was sent to show that with Christ, no one is beyond hope.
Pray with me: Lord Jesus, deliver me from pushing You away out of fear or comfort. Give me a heart that longs simply to abide in Your presence, and use my story to declare Your greatness to those around me. Amen. ©
Love, Iriza
