KBM Reaching Out To The Unloveable

In today’s study, as we continue our theme of “The Life of Christ,” we will be looking at Mark 5:1-20 where we find a demon possessed man. In Matthew’s account we see there were actually two men but Mark and Luke focus on the more notorious of the two men instead of both. Now right before this we find Jesus had been preaching all day long on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus told his disciples, after he was done preaching, to get into the boat and head to the other side. Along the way a great storm arose while Jesus was asleep in the bottom of the ship but after being woken by the disciples in fear, Jesus calmed the storm and they all arrived safely at their destination. It would appear that as soon as they stepped off the boat a man who was possessed by demons comes out of the tomb where he lived to speak with Jesus, though it becomes obvious quickly that it is the demons speaking not the man. Now this man had real problems. He had been cast out of society to live in the tombs where the dead were buried. He was naked, had sores all over, and he was filthy. This man had “wild eyes” and no other person could subdue him as he even broke the chains used to tie him up. If there was ever a person that needed Jesus to “reach out” it was this man.

Now I want for a moment, considering what we have just learned about this man to think how Jesus “could have” reacted to him. (1) Jesus could have seen this man and said, “I’m too tired to deal with this guy right now.” Remember Jesus had been preaching the entire day before. But as you and I know being tired is not an excuse for not doing what is right.

Galatians 6:9 ESV

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

(2) Jesus could have said, “This isn’t my responsibility.” After all this man had family (Mark 5:19; Luke 8:39). There is no doubt that family have a responsibility to each other but they had no idea how to help him. As Christians we must have the mindset that no matter what we will give of ourselves when opportunities arise to help other.

1 Timothy 6:18 ESV

18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Jesus could have said, “This guy can’t even hold a conversation and he is dangerous” after all he was out of his mind, literally. The reality is we don’t know the response of someone without first making the effort. We are told to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) and even if they reject God at first the seed has been planted which means there is always the possibility of it being watered and becoming fruitful.

1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV

6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

Jesus could have given any number of excuses for “not helping this man” but he didn’t. This man was just as much his creation as any other human and God loves “every soul.”

Lastly, I want us to consider how Jesus helped this man, and I’m not talking about the removal of the demons. First, Jesus went to this man, seeking an opportunity to help. Paul would write in Galatians 6:10…

Galatians 6:10 ESV

10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Secondly, Jesus was willing to start where this man was, not where he “wished he would be.” Jesus ignored this man’s smell, looks, and over all condition to help him. Sometimes, before we can help someone spiritually we must help them get their life in order first before they can start to understand the “will of God.” We have to start helping people where they are.

1 Corinthians 9:19–20 ESV

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.

Thirdly, Jesus was willing to talk with the man and listen to his problems. Listening is one of the most important tools a Christian has in helping other learn about God and obey the gospel. As a people that have the answers from the book and want to share those answers we must first listen to the person first and then help them within the scriptures.

James 1:19 ESV

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Now the unfortunate part of our text isn’t with the now demon free man but how everyone else reacted. Instead of rejoicing that their fellow human was well, they ask Jesus to leave them. They couldn’t have made a more tragic request. Jesus did as they asked because he never stays where he is not wanted. So, let’s make sure we always make Jesus welcome in our life.