Mark 5:1-20
This is the story of how Jesus healed the Demoniac who had a legion of demons. After He healed him, he was "sitting down, clothed and in his right mind," and it scared the people. We tend to be frightened by whatever we don't understand, so they asked Jesus to leave. But Jesus left the healed man there, instead of letting him follow Him; and he spread the news all over the Ten Cities region (Decapolis) of what Jesus had done for him.
Mark 7:31-37
The next time Jesus was in that region they accepted Him, and "were utterly astonished, saying 'He has done all things well.'"
Jesus never did stay where He wasn't wanted or forced Himself on anyone. When the people were too scared to listen to Him, He left; but He left there a witness, to soften up the hearts and sensibilities of these people. Then they didn't need to be frightened of Him any more and trusted Him to heal the deaf mute, and were extremely impressed.
When we tell our stories of how good God has been to us, we change their view of God from a "grumpy old Man" to the Truth of His beauty and compassion and gentleness and mercy and grace.
Then they will be able to listen to the Gospel, that Good News of how Jesus paid their eternal debt in full on the Cross, and rose from the dead to give us New Life.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
