A Living Witness for Christ

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

In Mark 5, we see the powerful witness of a man once consumed by evil transformed by an encounter with Jesus. People are astounded when they see a man once inhabited by a legion of demons now proclaiming how Jesus changed his life. It is how people react today when Jesus Christ transforms someone from a life of evil to good. There is no denying the power of Jesus Christ to transform a life.

In Mark 5:8, Jesus said, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit (NASB)!” Then he sends the legion of demons into a herd of unclean animals (swine) that “rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea (5:13).” Such power and authority demonstrated that day over demons, over evil.

The herdsman over the swine went to the city and country and reported what happened. When the people investigated, they saw the former demon-possessed man “sitting down, clothed and in his right mind (5:15). The sight of the power of God to transform lives, to evict demons, frightened the people so much that they asked Jesus to leave.

The man wanted to get into the boat and leave with Jesus, but Jesus told him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you (5:19).” The people wanted Jesus to leave, but this man remained to tell his story, proclaiming “in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed (5:19).” What a powerful witness. A man that no one could restrain from the evil inside him, not even in chains, now could not be restrained from proclaiming how Jesus saved him.

Jesus continues to transform lives and amaze people today. It is one thing to ask people to believe in Jesus Christ, to invite them to experience him. It is another thing for someone who rejects Christ to see someone they know transformed by the Son of God; to see someone consumed by evil suddenly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

© 2020 CGThelen

13 thoughts on “A Living Witness for Christ”

  1. I agree, many simply refuse to accept the transformational work of Jesus both in and through the life of a friend. However, there are some who, despite their hardened exterior, begin to soften on the inside and secretly want that same transformation in their lives. In this case, Jesus said it best, ”The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matt. 9:37). Glad to see another blog proclaiming the gospel to the world. 👍🏻

    1. Good insight. Thanks for sharing. I knew some people who worked way too hard to keep a wall up to keep Jesus out. I could sense that softening on the inside. For me, maintaining a relationship with these people was key to keeping the dialogue going about Jesus. Blessings.

  2. Pingback: A Living Witness for Christ — 140 Character Christian – quietmomentswithgod

  3. CG, thank you! Beautiful! Yes, our testimonies of true deliverance from evil and of changed hearts and lives of the Spirit of God is the best message we can give to others. We must share the gospel with others, yes, but we must also live the gospel before them. If it is just words, it means nothing. But if our lives bear witness of changed hearts, minds, and lives away from darkness to the light of Christ and his righteousness, that speaks volumes. Thank you!

    1. Thanks for the comment. May our lives be a living witness to Christ Jesus. Thank you for your commitment to sharing your faith in Jesus. Blessings.

    1. Oops, it’s the other Gospel that begins with an “M”. Thanks for pointing that out. I will correct that. Matthew 5:8 is another great verse: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Blessings to you.

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