People Heard All He Was Doing

Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. 11 Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.
 
JEWS and Gentiles went to the Son of Man along Galilee’s shore. Did they know who he was? The evil spirits knew, but Jesus kept them quiet. This was not the devils’ work. This was God’s ordained healing. The Spirit inspired the people to come to the Son. Jesus’ physical healings attacked and destroyed disease. People who were locked in desperation and resignation followed the light to hope and renewal. God’s goodness reigned over the Promised Land with a general revelation seldom known throughout Israel’s history.
   Do you wonder how long this lasted? How many were healed? How did the healed respond after this?
   Two distinct currents were running through Israel. The Jewish Rulers hated Jesus. They could not compete with his truth, so they plotted to kill him. On the other hand, many followed Jesus in wonder and joy. Why did the masses received Jesus and the authorities reject him?
   The Pharisees, Sadducees and many synagogue rulers wanted to destroy Jesus because he confronted their power. Jesus warned his disciples: Luke 20:46 “Beware of the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment.” (NET Bible)  
   If Jesus were as those men  he would have built a palace, dressed in fine clothes and trained his disciples to welcome only those who had money to pay for their healing. Instead, he is the Son of Man, who came to serve the lives he created. Sin had infected his people. Pride had trapped them. He came to rescue them.
   It is easy to understand the crowds would flock to Jesus. He was a servant leader putting their needs above all other concerns. In short, they went to him because he loved them.
   As we’ve noted, the physical healings were not the most important aspect of his ministry. But these miracles helped open eyes and ears to know the God of their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is one who loves them so much he came to earth to redeem their souls.
   Through the centuries prideful leaders have infected and corrupted Jesus’ church. God-like leadership is a call to humble service. If you’re a Christian, you are to be a servant leader. There is only one Lord of his church.