The Value of One Soul

• Matthew 9:13 (ESV)
• Mark 5:1 (ESV)
• Mark 5:2 (ESV)
• Mark 5:3 (ESV)
• Mark 5:4 (ESV)
• Mark 5:5 (ESV)
• Mark 5:6 (ESV)
• Mark 5:7 (ESV)
• Mark 5:8 (ESV)
• Mark 5:9 (ESV)
• Mark 5:10 (ESV)
• Mark 5:11 (ESV)
• Mark 5:12 (ESV)
• Mark 5:13 (ESV)
• Mark 5:14 (ESV)
• Mark 5:15 (ESV)
• Mark 5:16 (ESV)
• Mark 5:17 (ESV)
• Mark 5:18 (ESV)

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Knowing that He will be asked to leave the region after doing what He was about to do, Jesus crossed the sea for the sake of one soul (v.1)

That one soul, the man with an unclean spirit, was possessed and controlled by the unclean spirit. His life was full of misery and pain. He was lonely and completely helpless. This is the spiritual state of all those who live without Jesus. I must develop the spiritual eyes to see those around me who are crying out desperately.

People of that region valued a herd of pigs more than this one soul. They begged Jesus to leave them when they heard about what He had done (v.17). However, as a child of God, I must learn to show mercy on those who are lonely, hurt and rejected by others. Whether it is to meet a physical need or a spiritual need, I must put my faith into action.

When the Pharisees asked why Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus said in Matthew 9:13, "...Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Pharisees were self-righteous people who THOUGHT they were righteous so they didn't feel they needed a savior. Jesus pointed out that they needed to learn what God really wants from them, mercy toward the outcast, not their outwardly sacrifice.

Lord Jesus, just as you valued one soul and had mercy on him, help me to see the value and love one soul you bring to my life today. Help me not to be satisfied with my outwardly conduct, but understand what's in your heart so that I can be your instrument of mercy.

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