Luke 8:38-39 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed sought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,… I. WHAT INDUCED THE MAN TO OFFER THIS PRAYER? 1. Possibly fear. 2. Doubtless also gratitude. Not now possessed but possessing. II. WHAT INDUCED OUR LORD TO REFUSE THIS PRAYER? 1. It was better for the man. Lest he should infer that the power of Christ was merely local, and not universal. 2. It was better for the man's friends. The home-circle should be the great missionary-field. There are occasions when it is right for a man to narrate his personal experience. Showing is usually safer than telling. 3. It was better for the land in which he lived. If Christ had permitted him to follow Him, the whole land of Decapolis would have remained in darkness. (H. A. Nash.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, |
    |