Reflections on Mark 6:54-56
No matter where Jesus went, people recognized him. When I came across these verses, they were after Jesus and the disciples had been ministering to a large group of people. Jesus saw how tired the apostles were, so He was sending them to a place where they could find rest. However, as they came to their isolated place of rest, people saw the boat.
They knew, had heard about or seen what Jesus had done for their friends/neighbors and relatives. The people knew they needed this healing power to. So they ran to Him. Not just bringing themselves but also their own sick, lame and burdened. The people were so excited that they ran thru the entire region carrying their sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. These people were so desperate for healing they ran on the basis of hearsay.
As I was reading thru the gospel of Mark, I was hit by the idea that wherever Jesus went, people knew who He was. Yes, the world was a little smaller back then. Yes, Jesus had an entourage of people following that would have made Him more conspicuous. There were miracles and signs and wonders that people would have talked about and spread. Instead of giving Jesus the aura of mystery and aloofness, there was a presence of acceptance and welcome.
No matter where Jesus went, people recognized him. When I came across these verses, they were after Jesus and the disciples had been ministering to a large group of people. Jesus saw how tired the apostles were, so He was sending them to a place where they could find rest. However, as they came to their isolated place of rest, people saw the boat. 
They knew, had heard about or seen what Jesus had done for their friends/neighbors and relatives. The people knew they needed this healing power to. So they ran to Him. Not just bringing themselves but also their own sick, lame and burdened. The people were so excited that they ran thru the entire region carrying their sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. These people were so desperate for healing they ran on the basis of hearsay.
What was it that drew these people? That let them know Jesus was more than just another teacher or interpreter of the law? I believe there was a Holy power that called out to the people. Called out to their broken places. Each time Jesus landed on another shore or came thru the village gates, the people were drawn to that power. They longed for the promise that peaceful power would bring to them. That it would take them to a place of wholeness.
That's what we as the church offer to the people of our world. Our world is a lot bigger and scarier. But we have the power of the Holy Spirit which is brighter and more powerful than anything in this world. That same calm and acceptance that flows out of Jesus, flows thru us. We, the church, are here to minister to the broken places of our neighbors, friends and family. We can feed them. We can listen and hear what they need. Then offer that. Thru the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we have the power to bind up and heal those that need the miraculous work of Jesus.
Let us go. Let us go to the people that need the work of Jesus in their lives. To the ones begging to even touch the hem of Jesus's garment May we not ignore the desperate cries of the hurting in this world.
No comments:
Post a Comment