The Gospel of Mark: The Crowds

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized (Jesus), and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. ~ Mark 6:53-56


Whatever impediment to healing that existed when Jesus was in Nazareth is no longer there. Again, people flock to him.

And word has spread even that all one needed to do was touch the hem of his coat.

The crowd is a character in Mark. It is almost always there. Always pushing forward and moving the story.

Always wanting something from Jesus. Almost always not giving him any peace.

When confronted with Jesus myself, would I be any different?

Martin Luther compared our prayer to being beggars. Our hands and heart are out asking for Jesus to heal and make whole. Asking for forgiveness.

Always asking.

Everything in how Jesus behaves shows that he hears the asking. That he doesn't want to stop our asking.

But what happens when a life is transformed after the asking?

What happens to those crowds of people when their lives are made whole again?

Where do they do? What do they do? 

Clearly, they tell others. Because more and more "others" will come and join the chorus of the crowd.

So, what shall we do? What do we do with a life that has been transformed?

Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Questions:


What is your prayer life like? Is it centered on asking, or does it involve other steps? What happens when you feel your prayers answered?



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