How would you react if you had an experience with Jesus or a genuine touch by the divine that changed your life? By and large, we tend to think that we would react favorably and do the best possible thing. In the Bible we see that this is not always the case, though, and we also see a wide range of responses. Perhaps you are among many throughout the centuries that have desired to have their own personal experience with Jesus. By studying the reactions of those who have, perhaps we can see ourselves in their stories and gain insight into our own.

In Mark 5, we encounter the story of the man with the unclean spirit that lived among the tombs. Everyone was afraid of him, and he was so strong no one could bind him. He was in constant torture, and the spirits asked Jesus not to cast them out. When Jesus healed the man by sending the spirits into nearby pigs, the people in the region became afraid of Jesus and asked Him to leave. The response of the healed man to Jesus’ touch was a desire to devote himself to Jesus and to walk alongside Him. However, Jesus did not allow the man to go with Him. Instead, Jesus told him to go home to his friends and proclaim how much God had done for him.

It is captivating to think about how this story may have played out and how it could be different. What if the man had gone with Jesus? Many people would have been aware of the miracle, but some may have wondered “whatever happened to that man that used to roam and cry out among the tombs?” By asking him to remain present in his community, he was a consistent reminder of what Jesus had done. His health and presence would be a continual confrontation of the power of God, and his testimony a reminder of his touch with the divine. He desired to go and to follow, but instead was asked to remain.

In the Gospel of John, the recipients were faced with a difficult situation. The Jews were tightening up their circle and casting out those who proclaim Christ. The Christians had everything to lose: their community, family ties, friends, religious circle, and basically everything they had ever known. It was a tough decision to make. Some were tempted to abandon or hide their faith, while others who had openly professed Christ were questioning their decision. In John 15, the allegory of the vine and the branches, the word “remain” was emphasized. The Christians were called upon to remain in Jesus as He remained in them, and in return they would bear fruit for the kingdom.

When considering the situation of these Jewish Christians, the act of remaining is not passive or easy. To remain in Christ may mean to give up everything. To remain is an act of defiance. To remain is to face difficulties that would not otherwise occur. In our modern world, remaining can also come with difficulties and a range of potentially negative outcomes. When thinking about the man in Mark 5 who was healed of evil spirits, remaining in his community could mean that he was constantly faced with comments like “this was that crazy man who used to wander around the tombs.” It could mean endless awkward conversations, despite the glory that it brought to God. In some ways, if Jesus had just allowed him to follow Him it might have been easier. He could have just left his past behind.

However, the act of remaining can also have some incredible blessings. Allowing people to look at our lives and wonder about God puts us in a front row seat to see how He touches people and how the kingdom can grow. It gives us the opportunity to share our faith. While at times remaining can be fraught with difficulties, it also keeps us firmly within God’s will and blessing. Remaining can simply be the act of being the right type of person day-in and day-out, remaining firm in our walk with God. When changed by our Savior, we often think of the act of going, but sometimes we are called to remain.