“Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” Mark 5:19b

This is Jesus’ response to a man who is now in his right mind after many years of demonic possession. Jesus has just refused this man’s request to come with Jesus and his disciples. It seems cruel. But upon further reflection this is what Jesus tells us when He says, “Go and make disciples.” How many of us go home and tell family and friends about what God has done for us in our lives? Family and friends, the ones easiest for us to talk to are certainly an easier audience than strangers, don’t you think? But maybe not. Family and friends know us, the good and the bad, so when we share God’s transforming story in our lives they’ll see if it is real. How many of your family and friends need to hear the Good News of the Gospel? “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” He chooses to make them clean too!