When Jesus Says No

Luke 8:38-39 - 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.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

In this incredible story of the deliverance of a demonized man on the Gentile side of the Sea of Galilee, lots of people beg Jesus for things. Most of them get what they ask. The demon possessed man initially begged Jesus, “Do not torment me!” (vs 28). Jesus did not torment him. He freed him. Yet, the man was under the demons’ control at the time he made the request. The next two requests came from the demons: “Do not send us into the Abyss (vs 31). Send us into the pigs (vs 32).” Jesus gave the demons what they asked for.

The next request came from the people of the area who saw the now freed man. They begged Jesus to leave the region, and he did. Everyone got what they asked for, except the recently delivered man. He begged Jesus to take him with him in the boat to the other side, but Jesus refused. Why did Jesus give all his antagonists what they asked for and not give the only one in the story on his side what he wanted? Wasn’t his a noble and good request to go with the Master, spend time with him, learn from him, and experience his power firsthand on a daily basis?

Jesus denied him because he had a bigger purpose for his life. Jesus was not welcome in that region, but this man was. During his earthly ministry Jesus was limited to being at one place at a time, but those impacted by his power could spread it and his good news wherever they went. The delivered man multiplied the spreading of Jesus’ Good News. Sometimes Jesus says no to our requests because he wants to use us for something more than we can imagine.