Who was the first person Jesus sent to be his witness? The missionary may surprise you…
Shortly after the sermon on the mount we find Jesus and the disciples heading east across the Sea of Galilee. There is the little incident of Jesus calming the storm on the way over.
Jesus and the disciples reach the other side and step out of the boat onto the shore of present-day Golan Heights. As they walk up the rocky shore, a man emerges from the village tombs and staggers over to them. Naked, demon-possessed, wailing, and covered with self-inflicted wounds. He falls at Jesus’ feet, rusty chains dangle from his bloodied wrists and ankles.
A loud conversation with multiple parties commences. But Jesus, with authority and power, heals the man … delivering him from years of torment. He commands the evil spirits into a nearby herd of pigs who then plummet to their death from a brief cliff dive.
The town people rush to the lake at the behest of the distraught pig owner.
They find the village lunatic, clothed and sitting contentedly at the feet of Jesus. The man they had chained and even feared is clearly no longer a threat. The pig farmer and his friends, nonetheless, stir the crowd to plead with Jesus to leave.
Fright of the unknown hovers in the tense air.
Jesus obliges. As Jesus steps back into the boat, the newly-healed man rushes to him and begs to go with him.
You would think …”yes, perfect timing!” Jesus is beginning to call disciples. He does not have the all of the eventual twelve yet.
But Jesus denies his pleas. Instead, he sends the man out to be his witness! “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Go. Tell. Jesus sends the first missionary with these instructions.
How is this missionary qualified? He didn’t even hear the lengthy teaching on the other side of the lake. He wasn’t on the boat to see Jesus calm the storm. The only miracle he has seen…is the one Jesus did for him.
Go. Tell. This man does have a story to share. He is passionate about this Jesus who delivered him from a captive life. He wants to physically follow Jesus but Jesus has other plans for him.
The man obeys. He tells about Jesus throughout the Decapolis, a Greek region. All were amazed to hear about the Jewish rabbi carpenter healer … and Lord.
Interestingly, in about 15 years, Saul would come through this region on his way to Damascus. Might the Christians who minister to him following his own encounter with Jesus be the very people this formerly demon-possessed man witnessed to? Did they come to faith through the obedience of this first missionary??
Missional Ponderings
Sometimes I wonder if I am qualified to be Christ’s messenger. Can I do what needs to be done for the Kingdom to grow? What about you … do you occasionally question your ability to be God’s vessel to make a difference?
If so, look at the confidence Jesus had in his first missionary. Be assured. The Lord has a plan and a place for you!
We can be Christ’s hands and feet and serve as long as we have the heart and the desire. Go. Tell. We all have a story to tell. “Here sit down, let me tell you what Jesus has done for me and how he has cared for me.”
Your Turn
What is your faith story? Can you tell the story of Jesus in your life? Take time this week and write it out. I would be deeply honored if you would be willing to share some of your story in the comments below.
Read more about Jesus’ encounter with this man:
Mark 5:1-20 Luke 8:26-39 Matthew 8:28-34
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
Photo credit: Vivek Chugh at stock.xchng
What is my faith story? Believing John 3:16, also in Romans 10:9 , as I have confessed that
Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead, that now I am saved. As I believed with all my mind , heart, and soul, the Lord began to truly reveal, show up and show out in my life, delivering me from some stuff I couldn’t do for my self. And I do thank you O Lord, and much love from your daughter, Theresa.
Thank you, Theresa, for sharing your faith story! God is so good. I loved reading how the Lord showed up in your life and so clearly revealed Himself. Your testimony is a beautiful encouragement to all seeking to know God.
Last evening in mens bible study, our leader stated that the woman at the well was the first. However, he challenged us to prove him wrong. How clever! His challenge worked for me. With the help of the first responder here, I believe I will have a credible response for him. Thanks and blessings to both of you.
So glad our writing and researched helped, John!! I hope you continue to be abundantly blessed by your Bible Study. :-)
Encouraging post. You know, the second (or first, depending how you work out the chronology) “missionary” would probably be the woman at the well of John 4. God often chooses unlikely and seemingly unqualified people to accomplish His plan.
Great point! How beautiful these two scripture references help remind us that we are all able to serve … no reason to wait. Thanks for dropping by!