Mark 6:51-56

Mark 6:51 (KJB)
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Once Jesus had gotten into the ship, the wind ceased and the storm was over. The Greek text states that “they were exceedingly amazed beyond measure” at the fact that Jesus had calmed the storm. This lesson was now finished. This showed the power and authority that Jesus had over the elements. This lesson showed that Jesus can overcome any situation in a Christian’s life when the events seem overwhelming. It does not matter what it is because His power is unlimited and He will come to the aid of all those He has saved.

Mark 6:52 (KJB)
For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

They were absolutely amazed at the fact that the Lord had quelled the storm. It was like it was the first miracle of Jesus they were witnesses to. They had totally forgotten about the fact that they just saw about 15,000 people fed with a lunch that would barely feed two people. The reason was that their hearts were still hardened. The word “hardened” in the Greek carries with it the meaning of “become stubborn, make hard, or covered with calluses.” This is how their heart is described as being covered with calluses which are very hard. It still had not sunk in yet who they were with and they were still looking at things in the natural and not the spiritual.

Mark 6:53 (KJB)
And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

The place where they landed was at the plain of Gennesaret or otherwise known as El-Guwer which was between Capernaum and Tiberias. At that time it was a very densely populated area plus it was a very fertile place. It stretched about 3 miles (5 km) along the shore and was about 1 ½ (2.5 km) miles deep. It was an area noted for its fruit and nut trees plus it produced very rich crops.

Mark 6:54 (KJB)
And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

This was the first time Jesus was in this area which was south of Capernaum. There were probably those who recognized Him from being in Capernaum and maybe some had enjoyed the feeding the day before. Since Jesus had made this area of Galilee His home territory, it would be in keeping that many people knew Him since there were many that were healed by Him at the many gatherings of the people to see Jesus.

Mark 6:55 (KJB)
And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

Once they knew that Jesus was in the area, immediately word had spread all around and they brought Him those who were diseased, even those who were bedridden were carried to Him. This is a spiritual picture of people bringing people to hear the Gospel and once they are saved, then they are no longer considered diseased. Disease in Scripture is typed as those still in sin, especially leprosy. (1 Pet 2:24 KJV) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. We were healed from sin’s disease by the sacrifice of Christ as we read in 1 Peter 2:24. It is not referring to physical disease because we all have physical diseases and if we are healed by the atonement of Christ, then we have a problem because everyone in the world has physical disease including Christians. The sacrifice of Christ heals our sin sick souls and brings us into eternal life and fellowship with Him and His Father.

Mark 6:56 (KJB)
And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Disease must have been totally rampant in ancient times. Here we have a scene that people were actually bringing the sick and placing them in the streets. This has a reference to placing them in the marketplace or anywhere they thought Jesus was going to pass by. Just like the woman who had the issue of blood had said to herself that she would be made whole if she just touched the hem of His garment. Here that same desire was heard among the people but this time it was made openly and out loud. This was probably the biggest healing event because right after this Jesus left Galilee to go to other places to proclaim the Gospel. So it seemed like He wanted to make this last campaign a major one.

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