53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
30th August 2024, Horsham
Jesus and the Disciples have just crossed the Sea of Galilee arriving at Genasaret. This probably refers to the fertile strip of land on the west side of the Sea of Galilee to the south of Capernaum. In the preceding verses, Jesus has fed the 5,000 people and been involved in some very public healings. Not surprisingly, people – lots of people – are starting to notice Jesus. We have also seen Jesus walk on the water and calm some strong winds.
In the first chapters of Mark we saw Jesus becoming known around his home town of Capernaum as a celebrity healer. His preaching and dramatic miracles have attracted attention and led to a growing movement to see him anointed as King of Israel. I think Mark’s point in these verses is that everywhere Jesus went, towns, villages and countryside, he was quickly recognised and sought out by people, especially those with sick relatives and friends. People were bringing those in need to Jesus, and all who even touched him were healed.
Here’s a challenge. Do you recognise who Jesus is? Do you have that kind of enthusiasm to bring people in spiritual need today to Jesus?
As in our days, there was a good side to being a celebrity or influencer, but there was also a downside. Right now, in the west, the downside of fame can be loss of privacy and online trolling. For Jesus, the price of celebrity was the watchfulness and monitoring of the Jewish establishment and the Roman occupiers.
We are drawing close to a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus. We start to see that the path ahead is becoming increasingly dangerous, and will lead to the cross.