Mark 5:19—“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”
Jesus’ compassion does not end with restoration; it extends to the calling and future of the restored life. He turns a delivered man into a commissioned witness, showing that restoration is never an end in itself. The man who had been possessed by a legion of demons is now clothed, in his right mind, and sitting at Jesus’ feet (vv. 1-16). Naturally, he desires to remain with the One who delivered him (v.18). Yet Jesus gently but firmly redirected that desire, for “Jesus suffered (permitted) him not.” True discipleship is expressed not only in closeness to Christ but in obedience to His sending.
This man came from the region of the Decapolis (v.20), predominantly Gentile territory. Jesus sent him back, not to the synagogue or temple, but “home to thy friends.” The mission field begins with those who know our former condition. The command is simple and personal: “tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.” He is commissioned simply to recount the great works of the Lord and the compassion he has received, bearing witness to Christ’s gracious deliverance rather than offering explanation or argument.
Jesus frames the deliverance in covenant language: “the Lord hath done” and “hath had compassion on thee.” Salvation is the work of the Lord alone, flowing from divine compassion. This compassion does not merely relieve suffering; it restores dignity, identity, and purpose. Grace transforms the delivered man into a witness (see v. 20).
This verse reassures believers who feel unqualified to speak. Christ does not demand eloquence, but faithful narration of His work of deliverance and restoration. Our calling is to talk honestly of God’s mercy in our lives. True discipleship listens for Christ’s direction and trusts that compassion received is meant to become compassion proclaimed. The gospel and glory of Christ advance as transformed lives bear witness to His mercies.
