Luke 8:39 – “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus gives a clear instruction to the man who had been freed from demon possession: “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” The man obeys, spreading the news throughout his town about how Jesus had delivered him. This simple but powerful command highlights the importance of sharing personal testimony as a way of glorifying God and drawing others to Him.

The man’s testimony would have been especially impactful because the people in his town had seen his previous condition. They knew him as a dangerous outcast living among the tombs, so seeing him restored and hearing his story of deliverance would have been undeniable proof of God’s power. His obedience to Jesus’ command demonstrates his gratitude and understanding that his healing wasn’t just for him—it was meant to bring others to faith.

Historical Context

In the culture of the time, storytelling and oral testimony were the primary ways that news was shared. The man’s return to his home to tell others about his healing fits within this context, where personal testimony held great power. People trusted the accounts of those they knew, and the man’s story would have spread quickly because of its dramatic nature.

This event also takes place in Gentile territory, where Jesus’ presence and actions would have been seen as unusual and possibly controversial. By sending the man back to testify, Jesus is planting seeds for the future spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. Although Jesus Himself leaves the region, the man’s testimony remains, paving the way for others to be open to the message of salvation.

Theological Implications

1. Testimony as a form of evangelism: Jesus instructs the man to share what God has done for him, showing that personal testimony is a powerful tool for evangelism. People are often drawn to stories of transformation because they demonstrate God’s power in a personal and relatable way.
2. Obedience to Jesus’ mission: The man could have chosen to stay silent or leave the region to avoid his past, but instead, he obeys Jesus and shares his testimony. This shows that obedience to God’s calling often involves stepping out of our comfort zones to share His work with others.
3. God’s work is meant to be shared: Jesus’ instruction reveals that when God works in someone’s life, it’s not meant to be kept private. Transformation is meant to be shared so that others can see God’s goodness and be drawn to Him.
4. The connection between Jesus and God: Jesus tells the man to share what God has done for him, but the man goes and tells what Jesus had done for him. This reveals the unity between Jesus and God, highlighting that Jesus is the one through whom God’s power is displayed.

Literary Analysis

This verse is the conclusion of the story of the demon-possessed man and highlights the theme of mission and testimony. The phrase “tell how much God has done for you” emphasizes the completeness of the man’s transformation. It wasn’t just a physical healing—it was a holistic restoration of his mind, body, and soul.

The contrast between the man’s former state and his current mission is key to understanding the significance of this verse. He went from being isolated and tormented to being an evangelist in his community. His journey symbolizes the broader mission of the gospel, which takes broken people and transforms them into vessels of God’s grace.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 5:20 – The parallel account where the man goes to the Decapolis and tells of Jesus’ work, spreading the news to multiple cities.
• Psalm 66:16 – “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”
• John 4:39 – The Samaritan woman’s testimony brings many in her town to believe in Jesus.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus commissions His disciples to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” emphasizing the importance of sharing the gospel.
• 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse serves as a reminder that every believer has a story to share. Whether it’s a dramatic transformation or a quieter journey of faith, the work that God has done in a believer’s life is meant to be shared to encourage others and point them to Jesus. Christians are called to be witnesses of God’s goodness, not necessarily by preaching sermons, but by sharing their personal experiences with others.

The man’s testimony also shows that God can use anyone to spread His message, regardless of their past. Even though the man had been considered an outcast, his story became a powerful tool for spreading the news about Jesus. This is an encouragement for anyone who feels unworthy or inadequate—God can use every life for His glory.

Additionally, this verse challenges believers to be bold and intentional about sharing their faith. Just as the man’s obedience led to widespread testimony, Christians today are called to step out in faith and share what God has done in their lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire for people to know Him through the experiences of others. By sending the man to share his testimony, Jesus shows that God’s work in one person’s life can lead to the salvation of many. God’s love is not meant to be kept to ourselves—it’s meant to overflow into the lives of others.

God’s love is also evident in the fact that He doesn’t require people to be perfect before they can share His message. The man in this story wasn’t a religious scholar or a trained evangelist—he was simply someone who had been touched by God’s grace. This shows that God’s love is inclusive and that He values every person’s story.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus as the one through whom God’s power and love are made known. The man is instructed to share what God has done, but he specifically attributes his healing to Jesus. This reveals the unity between Jesus and God and points to Jesus as the Savior who brings healing and restoration.

The man’s testimony foreshadows the mission of Jesus’ followers after His resurrection. Just as the man went back to his community to share the good news, Jesus later commissions His disciples to be witnesses to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This verse connects to the ongoing mission of the church, which continues to share testimonies of Jesus’ work in people’s lives.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What has God done in your life that you could share with others as a testimony of His goodness?
2. Are there any fears or obstacles that prevent you from sharing your testimony? How can you overcome them?
3. How does this verse encourage you to see your personal experiences as part of God’s mission to reach others?
4. In what ways can you be more intentional about sharing your testimony with those around you—whether through conversations, writing, or other means?
5. How does the man’s obedience to Jesus’ command inspire you to be obedient to God’s calling in your life, even if it’s outside of your comfort zone?