In today’s reading, we find that Jesus has just crossed the Sea of Galilee and come ashore in the land of Gadara. Gadara was a Gentile place…an unclean place. Can you imagine what the apostles must have been thinking at this point: “Why have You brought us here?!” All of a sudden, demon-possessed guys come running out of a cemetery (double…TRIPLE UNCLEANNESS!). They demand to know, “Why are You interfering with us?” (8:29)
We might cut these guys a little slack for their apparent rudeness—they were, after all, possessed by demons; But notice what happens when word gets out about Jesus’ exorcism of the two demoniacs. “The entire town…begged Him to go away and leave them alone.” (8:34) What?! No worship? No praise? Not even a ‘thank you’?
Had it been me, I probably would’ve called the demons back, and said something like, “Fine! If you prefer them so much, then keep them!” But that’s not what Christ did. Humbly, He got back into the boat and went home.
What do we learn from this? Jesus was willing to “intrude” into the lives of others. In fact, He was willing to do so in a powerful way. (When you think about it, the only way a relationship between humans and God can ever start is if He “intrudes” into our world.) Jesus didn’t wait for an invitation to Gadara. He took the initiative to go where His apostles did not want to go, and where he was not wanted. However, when asked to leave, He did not refuse the request. This reminds me of the passage in Revelation where the Risen Christ says: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Rev. 3:20)
Christ was ready to bless the land of Gadara…but the Gadarenes were not ready to receive Him. Perhaps there are “Gadarenes” in your life…people with whom you have tried to share Christ’s blessing, but who show no interest. They may, in fact, ask you to stop “interfering with us.” What is a Christian to do in such a situation? All I can say is, follow the example of your Lord. Be ready to bless their lives at any time…but if you are not wanted, then leave humbly and quietly and go to those who will receive you.
-- Justin
MercyMe's Go
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