Thoughts for the Day

A Multitude at the Lakeside

Jesus departed with his disciples to the lake, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In today's passage from Mark's Gospel we see that Jesus' fame has spread right around the area as far as the great Gentile port-city of Tyre in the north, and down to Jerusalem and beyond it to Idumea in the south. The people have sought Him out for a variety of reasons - some are just curious; some are eager to become followers; and some seek mental or physical healing. Despite wanting private time with his disciples, Jesus does not ignore those in need. His mission is to bring relief and restoration to those who are suffering and he selflessly offers them help.

The gentle grassy slopes at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee would have held thousands of people, but Mark alone of the three Synoptic Gospels mentions a boat is obtained to allow Jesus to be safe if the crowd is too great. Seemingly by touching him many are healed. Luke says of this: 'And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.' (Luke 6.19). Mark and Luke also mention that those who are healed of evil spirits call him not the 'Son of Man', but the 'Son of God.' These accounts reminds us of three things that still apply today:

• Jesus’ willingness to meet everyone's needs, offering hope and healing as needed.
• But for healing to occur we have to be willing to seek Jesus out, as the crowds did.
• Having found Jesus we need to accept His rule over our life as the 'Son of God'.

Lord, Jesus Christ,
we turn to You this day,
asking for healing and help.
We do not really know what we need,
but we know our hearts are restless,
and we are dissatisfied with what the world offers.
May we submit to Your loving rule,
allowing You to lead and guide us,
in the days ahead.
Amen.