Mark 6:53–56 – The ministry of healing

Mark 6:45 tells us that the disciples’ destination was Bethsaida, which was up at the northern edge of the lake. But in verse 53 we are told they landed in a different town and moored their boat there. The strong wind must have driven them southward and when the Lord walked towards them and got into the boat, they immediately landed in Gennesaret. This is a town about three miles between Capernaum and Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. This was a fairly populated area in the first century. 

What a surprise it must have been for the people in Gennesaret. Although they did not expect Jesus, they recognized Him immediately. News of His ministry in Capernaum must have gone far and wide. There was immediate excitement and buzz in the town. People who recognized Him went about the whole region bringing sick folks especially those who could not walk. They were brought on pallets to where the Lord was.

Every village, city or countryside that the Lord entered, people brought the sick and lined them in marketplaces that they might touch even the edge of His garment. Praise God that as many as touched it, were made well.  Jesus came to fulfill what Isaiah had prophesied and Matthew 8:17 quoted, "He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases." 

Praise God, we have a Lord Who not only had saved us but also can heal us, for this is the gracious promise of the Word. “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings...(Malachi 4:2).