Healing Many at Gennesaret. Mark 6:53-56.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him And ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Dear People of God,
Apparently, Jesus and his disciples drifted to Gennesaret and landed there, instead of the intended Bethsaida (v. 45).
Recognition (vv. 53-54). As soon as Jesus and his disciples landed, the people of Gennesaret recognized him. It is possible that they identified him because of his band of disciples and the fact that the boat was obviously not on a fishing expedition. Jesus’ fame had now spread, such that he could not go anywhere in Galilee without crowds following him.
Rally (v. 55). The initiative of bringing the sick is now with the people. Previously, Jesus identified the sick and healed them. Now, the people are brought to him in large numbers. We should note two things from this: first, there were a lot of needy and sick people. This is typical of a poor region where good nutrition and health care are lacking. Secondly, people will run for help but still not believe. Not that people did not believe that Jesus was a great person, but true faith is about commitment, which was largely lacking.
Relief (v. 56). There were so many sick people that even the people who brought them did not expect Jesus to touch each one. Having most definitely heard the story of the woman who had touched Jesus’ garment and been healed (5:25-29), they begged that the sick might touch even the edge of his garment. All who touched his garment were healed. Anyone familiar with the accounts of Moses and Elijah and looking at this scenario would have seen that Jesus was greater than the two. The miracles of Jesus were meant to show that there could be only one possible identity for him – the Messiah.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.