Mark 3:7–12 (NKJV): 7 But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. 9 So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. 10 For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. 11 And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.” 12 But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.
We should be amazed at how rapidly the reputation of Jesus was increasing. When we consider the areas mentioned where people were coming from, it is quite convincing, especially when we consider Tyre and Sidon are coastal ports about fifty miles away. Nothing by car, but try walking it. Jesus was beginning to attract great crowds, and so much so that He was pressed at times to retreat with His disciples to remote places where He could recover and recuperate. This time, He retreats to the sea and when He gets there, plans to have a small boat kept at hand because the crowds are immense. Again, we must remember that Jesus’ purpose was to preach. Healing was a byproduct of His preaching and teaching ministry. So why do so many place the emphasis on healing today? Great question and one that deserves investigation, because the heart of people even among the faithful usually seems to be attracted to the sensational. The word and preaching in such places always seems to take a back seat to the more exciting things, but Jesus always focused first on the mission and then He healed. Isn’t He our example?