In the calling of Matthew (Matt. 9:9-13) or Levi as Luke calls him (Luke 5:27-31) and the “rejection” of the man who was delivered from demon possession (Luke 8:39), we see contrasting forms of discipleship in the Gospels that can illuminate our own situation as disciples of Jesus Christ. Indeed before we get into this, we need to observe in passing that many of Jesus first followers, certainly the Twelve Apostles who were also called disciples, literally followed (Gk.akoulothein) Jesus around from place to place; and as they travelled with Jesus they learned from him - they were learners or apprentices (in Greek: “mathetis”) From this we get our concept of “disciple” or one who is a follower of Jesus and learns from Him. But not everyone who became a disciple of Jesus during his earthly ministry was invited to leave his/her day job and hob Nob with Jesus in the Galilean cafes, banquet halls, and mountainsides. Yet they were just as much a disciple as were the ones who literally followed Jesus around (like Matthew/Levi who left his tax booth to follow Jesus all over the Galilean countryside and other places, too, like Samaria and Jerusalem, etc.). Such was the case of our man who was delivered from demon possession.
This former demoniac has no name (except the epithet, “Legion”), that is we are not told his name in the gospel accounts of him, but he undergoes a deliverance and conversion that is among the most dramatic if not the most dramatic in the New Testament. Legions of demons come out of him and what we see is such a radical change in demeanor that his own countrymen are astounded if not terrified by his extraordinary makeover. What is equally impressive about this man’s encounter with Jesus is that he was so desiring to leave his immediate environment (literally the tombs of an elevated grave site just off the sea of Galilee) as well as his former home town. But Jesus says no. I need you here in your own home town where you can tell your fellow townsmen what God has done for you. Stay here my good man. This is where you’re needed most. Wow. Here is a man who is “signed, sealed and delivered” for discipleship but Jesus has other plans for him.
When you think about it, however, it all makes sense. This man, who had terrorized many with his hideous howls in the pitch black night and his wanton herculean feats of strength, was now calm cool and collected. He was a walking testament to saving grace in Jesus Christ. Jesus certainly needs men like Matthew who walk away from their former life, one that is often very productive, and follow a new path that is ordered by the lord. But the former demoniac reminds me of so many who are also genuine disciples but who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, commit to following him figuratively like the demoniac, Nicodemus, the Roman Centurion, Joseph of Arimithis, Zachaeus (another tax collector), Mary and Martha who loved Jesus as much as anyone and so many others including the great majority of the church down through the corridors of time who stayed right where they were because Jesus needed them just where they were. Where do you stand in all of this? Does Jesus want you to quit your day job or does he need you right where you are? Either way you will still be a disciple.
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