What Did the Healed Man Want to Do?
Introduction
In the New Testament, there are several powerful stories of people whom Jesus healed or delivered from suffering. One of the most remarkable accounts is the healing of the man who had been possessed by many demons, often identified in the region of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:1–20, Luke 8:26–39). After experiencing a dramatic transformation, this healed man had a very clear and emotional desire: he wanted to stay with Jesus and follow Him wherever He went.
However, Jesus gave him a different mission. Instead of allowing him to travel with Him, Jesus instructed him to return home and share what God had done in his life.
This article explains in detail what the healed man wanted to do, why he wanted it, and what Jesus told him instead.
The Condition of the Healed Man Before Meeting Jesus
Before understanding his desire, it is important to know his condition:
His suffering included:
- He was possessed by many unclean spirits
- He lived among tombs, isolated from society
- He could not be restrained, even with chains
- He cried out day and night in pain
- He harmed himself with stones and lived in extreme distress
This man was completely rejected by society and lived in total isolation. His life was filled with fear, confusion, and suffering.
The Miracle of Healing by Jesus
When Jesus arrived in the region, He encountered the man and immediately showed authority over the evil spirits.
What Jesus did:
- Commanded the unclean spirits to leave the man
- Spoke with divine authority
- Allowed the demons to enter a herd of pigs
- Fully restored the man’s sanity and freedom
After the miracle, the man was described as:
- Sitting calmly at the feet of Jesus
- Clothed and in his right mind
- Completely transformed from his previous condition
This transformation was so powerful that everyone who saw him was amazed.
What Did the Healed Man Want to Do?
After being healed, the man’s first and strongest desire was very simple and deeply emotional.
He wanted to:
- Stay with Jesus permanently
- Travel with Jesus and His disciples
- Be close to the One who saved him
- Leave his old life behind completely
- Follow Jesus wherever He went
In essence, he wanted to become a disciple and remain physically close to Jesus for the rest of his life.
This reaction is very natural. After being rescued from extreme suffering, the man felt deep gratitude and attachment to Jesus.
Why Did He Want to Stay With Jesus?
There are several reasons why the healed man desired to remain with Jesus:
1. Gratitude for Deliverance
He had been freed from unbearable spiritual bondage. His heart overflowed with thankfulness.
2. Fear of Returning to Old Life
His previous life was full of torment and rejection. Staying with Jesus felt like safety and peace.
3. Desire for Continuous Presence
Being with Jesus meant peace, guidance, and protection.
4. Spiritual Transformation
He likely felt a new identity forming and wanted to grow close to the One who changed him.
Jesus’ Response to the Healed Man
Even though the man wanted to follow Him physically, Jesus gave him a surprising instruction.
Jesus told him:
- “Go home to your own people”
- “Tell them how much the Lord has done for you”
- “Tell them how He has had mercy on you”
Instead of allowing him to travel along, Jesus gave him a mission field in his own community.
Why Jesus Did Not Let Him Follow Immediately
At first glance, it may seem strange that Jesus did not allow him to join the disciples. However, there was a divine purpose behind this decision.
1. He Became a Witness in His Own Region
The man’s story was powerful evidence of Jesus’ authority. His transformation could impact many lives locally.
2. His Testimony Was More Effective at Home
People who knew his past condition would be most amazed by his change.
3. A Mission of Evangelism
Jesus was expanding His message beyond physical followers to spiritual witnesses.
4. Proof That Jesus Changes Lives Completely
The man’s life itself became a living testimony of God’s power.
The Man’s Obedience After Healing
Although he wanted to stay with Jesus, the healed man obeyed Jesus’ command.
He went and:
- Began sharing his testimony across the region
- Told people about Jesus’ mercy
- Spread awareness of his transformation
- Became a powerful witness in Decapolis
The Bible records that people were amazed by his testimony.
Lessons From the Healed Man’s Desire
This story teaches several important spiritual lessons:
1. True Healing Creates Desire for Jesus
When Jesus transforms a life, the natural response is to draw closer to Him.
2. Obedience Is More Important Than Emotion
Even good desires must align with God’s purpose.
3. Everyone Has a Mission Field
Sometimes, our greatest impact is in the place where we came from.
4. Testimony Is a Powerful Tool
Personal transformation is one of the strongest forms of evangelism.
Key Takeaways
- The healed man wanted to stay with Jesus and follow Him
- He was deeply grateful and emotionally attached after his healing
- Jesus instructed him to return home instead of traveling with Him
- He became a witness in his own community