Jesus immediately sent him away and strictly commanded him
This verse shows that Christ not only acts with mercy, but also leads the healed man into disciplined obedience. His strictness is not cruelty, but a caring command to respond rightly to the grace received. Christ did not want the people to perceive Him only as a miracle-working healer, while overlooking the deep meaning of the Gospel. For this reason, as we will also see next, He directs how the healed man should act. This episode teaches us that the mercy we have received must be accompanied by obedience.