Daily D – Mark 6:53-56
Mark 6:53-56 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 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.
—
This chapter began in Jesus’ hometown synagogue. When his friends and neighbors considered what he said and the miracles he performed, “they took offense at him,” (verse 3). Verse 5 and 6 are sad on several levels. “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
The people of his hometown could not see Jesus for who he was.
Mark then tells how Jesus sent out his disciples to do what he had been doing (verses 6-13). He empowered them to declare the good news, to drive out demons, and to heal sick people.
Mark tells about how John the Baptist was murdered by King Herod. He introduces this story with these superstitious and mystical thoughts:
Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
15 Others said, “He is Elijah.”
And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”
16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”
Mark then tells about the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves of bread at two fish. Then Jesus walked on water and terrified his disciples before climbing in the boat and calming the wind. Here Mark tells us something important when he notes, “they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened,” (verse 52).
- Jesus’ hometown friends and neighbors could not see Jesus for who he was.
- Herod could not see Jesus for who he was.
- The disciples could not see Jesus for who he was.
Verse 54, therefore, is significant.
(Emphasis added.)
When they recognized Jesus, what did they do?
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.
It is interesting how our Bible translations say the people were healed (verse 56). That word can also be translated, saved. In this chapter where most people could not see Jesus for who he was, he saved, delivered, and healed anyone and everyone who showed any level of interest in knowing him for who he is. It appears we get about as much of Jesus as we want. However much of our initial faith encounter with Jesus is, what we receive transforms our lives forever.
How much Jesus do you have?
How much Jesus do you want?
Do you recognize Jesus for who he is?
I will seek more of Jesus my Savior, my Deliverer, my Healer, and my Sovereign.
—
Our Father, as the old song is sung,
More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.
More Jesus, please. Amen.
(More About Jesus, Eliza E Hewitt and John R. Sweeney, Baptist Hymnal: Convention Press, 1956).
CONNECT WITH ME!
Interested in learning more about Church Unique or Life Younique? Send a note through the Get In Touch box or Message me through the Facebook link above.
0 Comments