RE Verse reading–Mark 5:1-20 (day four)
Jesus had taken His disciples to an area known as the Decapolis. It was a region of ten cities on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. The Decapolis was a gentile region…a place where mainly Greek-speaking Roman soldiers could have protection from militant Jews. When Jesus entered the region, it was a completely pagan land. After the experience with the demoniac, who had legions of demons within him, the townspeople responded…just as you would expect a pagan culture to respond…they asked Jesus to leave the area. As Jesus prepared to go, the former demoniac requested to go with Him, but Jesus gave him an assignment…go and tell others in the region what Jesus had done. If we fast forward to Mark 7:31, when Jesus returns to the area, we find the reception is much different. They come looking for Jesus. The former demoniac had been a faithful and effective witness. We have the same commandment!
