“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’”
Why did Jesus come to this earth? God coming into the world was the most important event since creation. Because of this, the Bible speaks with unmistakable clarity about why Christ came to the earth: “The son of man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). “This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim 1:15). “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the gentiles might glorify him for his mercy” (Rom 15:8-9).
Then to show us that this has been God’s purpose from the beginning, Paul quotes from 2nd Samuel, Deuteronomy, the Psalms, and Isaiah, all to remind us what Christ Jesus came for. Why is this so important? It may even seem elementary to you. It’s important to know and constantly be reminded of because, although the word of the cross is finished, the mission is not.
Do you want to know what your purpose is? your mission? Jesus declared in Matthew 28, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus also would pray for us in this way, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one…As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them” (John 17:15,18).
Here is the point. The man above was delivered and saved from his sin. The first thing he wants to do is be comfortable. Think about it. He once was a terrible man, who used to hang out with some pretty terrible people. He had a different life now. One that was sane, and filled with peace. This man wanted to continue to be comfortable in a “holy huddle.” But Jesus responds, “No, go tell your friends and family of the great things God has done for you.” In other words, your purpose is to reach out to the lost.
Our mission is the same as Jesus’ mission. We are to declare the great things God has done for us to a lost world full of sinners. That simply does not happen by inviting people to church. We are to go. That’s what Jesus did. That’s what he commanded us to do.
What are the great things God has done for us? The eternal triune God chose to ultimately reveal himself to his creation through the person and work of Jesus Christ. He, being perfect and without sin, willingly exchanged places with imperfect sinful people. He fulfilled the wrath of God, and reconciles to the Father sinners who call on his name in faith for the forgiveness of sins. He then fills and empowers his people with the Holy Spirit to be engaged to fulfill the great commission. All to make known the riches of His mercy to the lost, for the glory of the Father!
So give thanks for the great things God has done for you. But above all, don’t keep it to yourself. And don’t just talk about it to Christian people! It’s not for them, but for the lost! If you know Jesus, continually remember why he came. It will clarify why you are here! Glory be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He has done great things!
