Good question. What we must remember is that this is one story in the life of these people. Jesus could have been planting seeds that would later be watered by either Him, or His disciples. Just because they did not fall on their knees in immediate, visible, repentance doesn't mean that they were not elect.

This story also acts as a visible reminder of our own sin, even those of us who are elect. God feeds us, loves us, heals us, and teaches us. Yet when it comes time to change our lives and truly follow Him, we scatter. It makes me wonder what the "Prosperity preachers," and televangelists would do with this passage?

__________________
Ben
Heartland Community Church (PCA)
Wichita, Kansas
www.monergism.com
"What luck for rulers that men do not think." -Adolf Hitler