Mark 3:7-12
7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a large multitude from Galilee followed, and also from Judea,
8 and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard about everything that He was doing and came to Him.
9 And He told His disciples to see that a boat would be ready for Him because of the masses, so that they would not crowd Him;
10 for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had diseases pushed in around Him in order to touch Him.
11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, “You are the Son of God!”
12 And He strongly warned them not to reveal who He was.
Jesus Heals the Crowd at Galilee
From all directions
Knowing the Pharisees’ plot, Jesus exited the synagogue and left Capernaum, withdrawing to the lakeside. There, a great multitude from all over Galilee gathered, seeking Jesus. Additionally, many people came to Him even from the south, east, and north. The south includes Judea, Jerusalem, and Idumea. The east refers to the region east of the Jordan River. The north includes Tyre and Sidon. Mentioning of these two cities indicates that likely a great number of Gentiles also were also amongst the crowd. Here, we can already see the sprouting of world evangelism. Jesus healed the many who came to Him. Matthew witnessed the work of Jesus and saw it as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 42 (Matt. 12:15-21). Jesus will never abandon the weak. This was the fulfillment of the prophecy that “the Messiah will not break off the bent reed and will not put out the dimly burning wick.”
Jesus’ battle
People crowded around Jesus on the shore. The sick tried desperately to touch Jesus’ body, His clothes, and even the fringe of His garment. Seeing this, Jesus instructed His disciples to prepare a small boat. He wanted to board the boat and teach the people. Meanwhile, when the evil spirits saw Jesus, they cried out loudly, saying, “You are the Son of God!” This cry was not a confession of faith but a declaration of hostility. No matter how much Jesus’ fame spreads, it is merely superficial. No one understood Jesus as the suffering servant, nor confessed their faith in Him. For this, Jesus did not permit the evil spirits to proclaim Him. How do our friends and family perceive Jesus? Jesus is filled with compassion, the one who “will not break off the bent reed and will not put out the dimly burning wick.” Let us share the love of Jesus with those who are hurt.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, there are many who do not know the Lord Jesus. Please allow me to proclaim that Jesus is the one full of love and compassion. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.