Go Away!
“And the people began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.” Mark 5:17
This is one of the saddest verses in the Bible. Can you imagine anyone asking Jesus to go away? Jesus had come to their neighbourhood to bring God’s rich blessings.
Acts 10:38 explained His’ mandate – ‘how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil because God was with Him.
Being full of the Holy Spirit’s power and blessings, He performed numerous miracles, freely touching them with compassion and meeting their deepest needs.
He cured their most terrible case of demon-possession as soon as he got to their region and He would have done so many other works of mercy and love if they had not begged Him to leave probably because of the loss of their pigs. They must have reasoned that if that was the way Christ’s work was going to affect them, then they want nothing to do with him.
Unfortunately, some people also reject Jesus today. They oppose Him because He interferes with their illegitimate businesses and fraudulent practises and so they are quick to ask Jesus to leave.
Jesus did not stay after these people asked Him to leave. He would not stay where He is not wanted. But then, what shall it profit a man to lose eternal life that Jesus brings for the sake of earthly benefits?
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelations 3:20