When Jesus Asked Someone Not To Follow Him

Today we’re reading a short text that you don’t hear about much in the church. Jesus healed a man who was in desperate straights. The man turned to Jesus and begged him to be able to follow closely after him like the rest of the disciples.

Read this through a couple of times. Let it sink in:

 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.  Jesus did not let him. Mark 5:18-19

Is this a picture of Jesus that you are familiar with? Is this a story you have heard taught about in your religious background? Why do you think that is?

It seems like Jesus is quite content to let this man - who was now ‘clothed and in his right mind’ (and clearly interested in learning more about Jesus) be in a wider orbit with Jesus. Discipleship, in Jesus’s view, was not a one-size-fits-all approach. Not everyone had to leave their homes to follow Jesus (reflect on Martha and Mary from Monday’s devotions - they were blessed by Jesus for keeping their home).

Talk with Jesus about whatever these things bring up for you.