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

  • 1 Peter 3:15-16
  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Colossians 1:28-29

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Illustration

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

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.

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