A Prophetic Pattern in Matthew, Mark, and Luke
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV
Sometimes it’s in the “little things” that God hides profound mysteries. The familiar account of Jesus delivering the man possessed by Legion is recorded in Matthew 8, Mark 5, and Luke 8. But what’s often overlooked is that each gospel gives us a different ending—and when rightly divided, these differences unveil a prophetic shadow of the Church, the end times, and the posture of the Bride.
The Event: One Encounter, Three Endings
Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and is immediately met by a man (or men, depending on the account) possessed by a legion of demons. He commands the demons out, they enter a herd of swine, and the man is restored. But what happens after the miracle is where the depth lies.
Matthew 8: Rejection of the Savior
“And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him,
they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.”
— Matthew 8:34, KJV
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is asked to leave. The people—more concerned with their economy (their pigs) than the man’s deliverance—reject the One who just performed a miracle in their midst. They are disturbed by the supernatural and demand comfort over Christ.
This is a picture of a world that sees the power of God but chooses separation over submission. It mirrors the warning of 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12, where people perish because they received not the love of the truth. The spiritual application? Many today still reject Christ when He confronts their idols.
Mark 5: A Witness is Left Behind
“And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis
how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.”
— Mark 5:20, KJV
In Mark’s account, Jesus leaves—but He leaves a witness. The man who had been delivered becomes an evangelist to the Decapolis (Ten Cities). His personal testimony stirs awe among the people. Though Jesus physically departs, He plants a seed of the gospel.
This reflects the Church Age, when Jesus ascended but left behind witnesses (Acts 1:8). It’s a period of gospel proclamation and grace, but with growing spiritual tension. The land is being prepared for His return—even among those who once rejected Him.
Luke 8: The Bride is Waiting
“Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee…
And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned,
the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.”
— Luke 8:39–40, KJV
Luke’s ending brings the prophetic picture full circle. When Jesus returns, the people are no longer hostile. They are no longer merely curious. They are waiting—expectantly, joyfully, like a bride for her bridegroom.
This is a foreshadowing of the rapture-ready Church—the wise virgins of Matthew 25, those whose lamps are filled and whose hearts are watching. Revelation 19:7 tells us:
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:
for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”
In a world of chaos, wars, and compromise, the Bride is marked by her watchfulness and readiness. Luke 21:28 echoes this call:
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads;
for your redemption draweth nigh.”
The Prophetic Pattern: Rejection → Witness → Return
-
Matthew shows the world’s rejection of Christ.
-
Mark reveals the age of witness and gospel spread.
-
Luke gives us a glimpse of the bride’s heart posture—waiting and watching.
A Call to Repentance: Is Your Heart Waiting?
Are you the crowd that pushes Jesus away when He confronts what’s uncomfortable?
Are you the witness who was once bound, now set free and sent out?
Or are you the one who eagerly waits at the shoreline for His return?
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not
the Son of man cometh.”
— Matthew 24:44, KJV
The Gospel Message: He Still Delivers
The man possessed by a legion of demons is a picture of the human soul under bondage.
But Jesus still crosses stormy seas to rescue one soul.
He is still delivering, still healing, still restoring.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.”
— Romans 10:9, KJV
Your Redeemer will return. Will He find you waiting with joy?
Let your life be rooted in depth, not just appearance.
Let your soul be marked by anticipation, not distraction.
And let your heart cry out, like the Spirit and the Bride:
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
— Revelation 22:20, KJV
Comments
Post a Comment