Lesson 53

LESSON 53 – Mark 3:6-12

Mark 3:6-12 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.7But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon (north of Israel), a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. 9So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. 10For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions (plagues-KJV- incurable diseases) pressed about Him to touch Him. 11And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, "You are the Son of God." 12But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.

Jesus left Capernaum to avoid the men who wanted to kill Him and went to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. A huge crowd followed Him. This included people from as far south as Idumea, below Jerusalem, and some from the north, Syria. The news had spread that there was a great Prophet in Galilee, Whom God had sent. He could do miracles and heal sicknesses. They desired to hear Him and many wanted His help.

Notice Jesus doesn't try to get away from the multitude, but He does set up some safety precautions by having a boat nearby that He could get into if the crowd surged forward, so eager to touch Him. The people in this crowd were similar to those in the land of Gennesaret recorded in Matthew 14:35-36 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region and brought to Him all who were sick, 36and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well. The people wanted to get close enough to touch Him, so that they or their loved ones would be healed.

Not only did He heal, but He freed many who were afflicted by demonic spirits as well. Notice the demons knew Who He was. They called Him the Son of God and bowed before Him. However, He commanded them to be silent. He did not want the people to be listening to demonic spirits at any time, and He didn't need demon endorsement; He had the endorsement of God His Father, the scriptures, His works, and the testimony of John the Baptist (John 5:32-40) That's all He needed.

In another place, Matthew 12:15-21, a parallel passage reveals that Jesus was fulfilling Old Testament scripture (Isaiah 42:1-4) about the Messiah when He told the multitude not to make Him known to others. " ... he healed them all; 16And charged them that they should not make him known: 17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased (also said by the Father at Jesus' baptism): I will put my spirit upon him(the Holy Spirit's anointing for service at Jesus' baptism), and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. 19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. (Jesus was not what we call a street preacher.) 20A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench (Jesus was very careful of any who were hurting ), till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."

This multitude from Jerusalem and the areas north and south of there were an example of the drawing power of the reputation of Jesus. Many who had heard of His teachings, healings and miracles sought Him.

Principle: Like Jesus, your reputation comes from what you say and do. Therefore, your reputation is important. Other people hear of it, good or bad. Turn your self and your day over to the Lord and ask Him to make you a person who honors and glorifies Him completely, in every way, every day. Ask Him to show you what areas need changes and what they should be. Then follow His instructions. The Holy Spirit will always draw you nearer to Jesus and He will never contradict the Word of God.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15