What Jesus Did! 'Go and Tell' — Luke 8:38-39

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, "No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you." So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.
— Luke 8:38-39 NLT

Key Thought

Unlike so many others to whom Jesus gives the opposite instruction, Jesus commands this man from whom he had cast out a legion of demons to go tell what happened in his life. Why command this man to tell when Jesus tells others not to speak about his miracles? [1] Probably because this man wasn't Jewish and the people in his family didn't have expectations of the Messiah. We can't be sure. But we can be certain of this: Jesus has asked us to tell others what he has done to bless us. So let's take him seriously. Sit down and write out a page of all that Jesus has done to bless your life. Rehearse it enough to be able to share it with others when God gives you the chance. Then, begin to pray for God to open your eyes to the people around you who are waiting to hear this Good News!

[1] For example, Luke 4:41, 5:14; 8:56.

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes to the people around me who are aching to receive the Good News of your grace in Jesus. Please give me the words and the wisdom to share Jesus in a loving way. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

A Tale of Two Powers
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Child of God, Two powers — God and Satan — are at war over your eternal destiny. The story below illustrates the different...."
Falling at His Feet
Article by Phil Ware
What do all these events in Jesus' life have in common? Phil Ware continues his series on Luke 8 and 9 and this week he focuses on what each of these events has in common -- in each one, someone falls at the feet of Jesus.
At the Feet of Jesus
Article by Phil Ware
Where should followers of Jesus find themselves? Phil Ware reminds us about the battle for our lives and that Jesus is the only one with control over the demons, the deep, the diseases, and death.
Time to Get out of the Boat!
Article by Phil Ware
Why are you just sitting there? Phil Ware finishes his series on Out of the Box with a final call to get out of the boat and follow Jesus.
See All 6 Related Resources about Luke 8:38-39

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:38-39 NLT — "No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'When You Show Favor' (Ps. 106:4-5)
"Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 94:18-19
"When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Beaten and Jailed' (Acts 16:22-25)
"A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas [when the master incited the city since Paul cast the profit-making demon out of his slave girl], and the..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Disciplined for Service' (2 Ti. 2:1-7)
"Dear Father, Make me strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Help me pass your word on to others who also will share it. Help me take my share....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!