Mark 3:7-10
“Jesus went off with his disciples to the sea to get away. But a huge crowd from Galilee trailed after them—also from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, across the Jordan, and around Tyre and Sidon—swarms of people who had heard the reports and had come to see for themselves. He told his disciples to get a boat ready so he wouldn’t be trampled by the crowd. He had healed many people, and now everyone who had something wrong was pushing and shoving to get near and touch him.”
“Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him. Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.”
This was a mob, not the quiet orderly gathering of our Sunday School lessons. Anyone who could, left their daily chores and flocked to Jesus, some needing healing, some wanting entertainment. I wonder how many, who also needed healing, had to stay behind and tend the farm or run the business because the less responsible took off. How many of the truly sick couldn’t reach Jesus because the crush of the crowd overwhelmed them? However, Jesus is Lord of the mob too. Perhaps he healed some who couldn’t touch or speak with him, or some of those who stayed behind. We aren’t told. But I know my Lord Jesus. I believe he would have acted in accordance with his character. That means everyone who wanted Jesus got what they needed whether they knew it or not.
Lord, I trust you to give me what I need, whether or not I know it. I trust you will lead me according to your best plan for me. Thank you for the many proofs of your faithfulness I’ve received during my life. Help me to give all this love and care back to you as your servant, working with you to tell the world how much you love them.