Satan's power-game with one man had been stopped.  Jesus had expelled a legion of demons from this previously tormented person; and they revealed the full force of their destructive power by driving a herd of pigs down the rocky slopes to drown in the sea (Luke 8:26-33).  The once-demonised and violent man could now control himself.  He was dressed and able to sit quietly.  Instead of wanting to drive Jesus away, he was eager to listen to his Saviour (Luke 8:35).  The naked tantrums had gone: a new life had begun, and it was all because Jesus had the authority to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8).

This man, having been excluded from the town and presumably disowned by his family, instantly found himself in a new family with Jesus and the disciples.  Surely it would be best to make his home with them: and he begged Jesus to allow him to join the travelling team.  But no! Jesus had a better plan - to send him back to his town and family. The divine purpose was that they would experience the reality of the change in this man.  He wanted them to see that Satan was not all-powerful.  Satan's power can be broken, and captives set free.  And Jesus had done it (Luke 11:20).  Legion no longer needed to be restrained to curb his violence; he was free to speak of the love-empowered life that Jesus had given to him.  The wild man now wanted to focus on truth and learn from his Saviour.  

Instead of arguing about wanting to join the disciples, the man gladly obeyed and did everything Jesus told him to do (Mark 5:20). That was evidence of a major life-change from rebellion to submission to Christ’s authority (2 Corinthians 9:13).  That must have been a powerful message to the trainee apostles who were being prepared for their role as leaders of the Early Church.  In sending the man back to his family, Jesus was sending a missionary with a fresh and authentic message: Jesus has changed me, He can change you if you will trust in Him.  

The released man became a model for millions of believers, who know that part of their life's purpose is to tell family, friends and colleagues how much Jesus has done for them.  Although a different lifestyle may be intriguing, others will never know how it came about unless they are told (1 Peter 3:15-16).  Some new believers would like to leave the old life behind completely and wonder about seeking full time church-based ministry; but the work of verbal witness to those who know them well, is vital.  It is a part of a new life-purpose.  Indeed, the gospel enables followers of Jesus to see their home and workplace in a new light.  Instead of being places to earn money, socialise, eat and sleep, they become full of people who need to know how to find the liberation which only Jesus can bring (Acts 18:9-11).  And if you know Jesus, that is a big part of why He has placed you there!