Been reading the Gospels to my kids as they fall asleep and a verse, one that hits me whenever I read it but forget about it when I’m done, hit me again tonight and I want to make note of it. Mark 5:17-18

“Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.”

Two kinds of begging back to back. One for Him to leave, one to go with Him. Books could be written and probably have been of why the first group would want Him to leave, and common sense explains the latter. But to me, its Jesus’ response that smacks me because its a bit opposite of what I’d expect. He actually fulfills the first request but denies the second. Huh?

Could it be that Jesus knew the Garasene demoniac, I’ll call him Steve, would have more success than the Son of God in that area? That’s just weird to me. But it makes me think, who has God put in my life that only I can reach, only my story could have the effect needed to bring them to Jesus. If even He Himself were here, it wouldn’t be enough to open the door.

But He gives us that honor and He waits inside, arms open wide.