And as He was getting into the boat, the demon-possessed man was begging Him that he might be with Him.
If the residents asked Christ to leave, then the man who had been set free asks to be with Jesus. This is the natural response of a saved soul. The one who has tasted deliverance desires to be near his Deliverer. A soul that has received grace naturally longs for fellowship with the Lord who has saved it. This man’s request is beautiful and natural. He no longer wanted to return to his former darkness. He had found the source of life and wanted to remain near Him. This is one of the signs of a believer’s heart: to love Christ’s presence and not want to be separated from Him.