Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret
and tied up there.
The disciples were probably surprised to end up at Gennesaret. Before Jesus calmed the storm on the sea they were trying to follow his instructions to precede him toward Bethsaida. But with Jesus even things which seem like detours and distractions can have a purpose of their own.
As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.
They scurried about the surrounding country
and began to bring in the sick on mats
to wherever they heard he was.
Jesus was now being recognized as a healer and a wonder worker. People sensed that in his presence creation was being restored as to a new beginning. He was so powerful it was as though his healing potency could not be contained. It overflowed even to those who touched the tassel on his cloak, all of whom were healed, just as the hemorrhaging woman had been previously.
Jesus did not actively seek out popularity. In fact, when he became too popular in one place he tended to head somewhere else. His heart was moved with compassion to heal and to teach, but he did not want to be known primarily for his miracles. Rather, the miracles were merely external signs pointing toward inward transformation. But they weren't necessarily distractions from Jesus' Gospel of salvation. These miracles were made possible by faith in Jesus, which was at least related to the faith that could lead to the healing of their souls by the forgiveness of sins.
The one who made the external and physical parts of women and men also made the internal, the soul, and the spirit. He did not wish to heal out outside but leave the inner life neglected. Nor, we can see, would he neglect the external. So it was that the Word that brought the world into being now restored it. This would happen first in the highest of his creatures, but eventually in creation itself.
for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies (see Romans 8:19-23).
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