A popular Jesus

They crossed the lake and came to land at Gennesaret, where they tied up the boat. As they left the boat, people recognised Jesus at once. So they ran throughout the whole region; and wherever they heard he was, they brought to him sick people lying on their mats. And everywhere Jesus went, to villages, towns, or farms, people would take those who were sick to the marketplaces and beg him to let them at least touch the edge of his cloak. And all who touched it were made well. (verses 53-56)

Read Mark 6:47-56

‘Jesus’ popularity at stunning levels.’ That could have been the newspaper headline if there had been popularity polls and newspapers in Jesus’ day. People came rushing to Jesus wherever he went bringing all who were sick. And who didn’t have someone sick in the family?

We can sometimes forget Jesus’ immense popularity during this part of his ministry, because we know of how unpopular he was at the end. Practically everyone, even all the disciples, left him and ran away when he was arrested.

Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection were another dimension of his healing ministry, in fact bringing about the more lasting healing which he gives. Even the healthy in body need Jesus to heal and save them from sin.

May Jesus, your healer, be popular with you, whether you are with people who also love Jesus or whether you feel that all those around you have left him and have run away.

O God, let the touch of your Son continue to heal the sick today. Touch me with Jesus’ love, so that in sickness and in health I may serve him. Amen.

by Ray Schulz, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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