When the Spirit of God leads one, it is easy for those around them to feel and recognize it. They would always discern and recognize that there is something special and different in the life of the person. That was how it was evident in the ministry and life of Christ amidst his people. The power in him was self-evident that people were healed as many came around him. The powers of the evil one were shaken when meeting him, and he was even recognized as the Son of God. The Spirit of God in him was so glaring that he could not stop making himself known. The people crowded around him to feel his presence and his power.
The Thirsting of the Crowd
The Psalmist says: “My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life, when can I enter and see the face of God” (Ps 42:2-4). It was the same way the crowd was thirsting for God, the God of their life. They recognized the Spirit and power of Christ and went to him. The crowd grew everyday as Jesus pastored to them, healing them physically, spiritually, and otherwise. He listened to them. He gave them his time. And, He touched them and allowed himself to be touched by many whom he restored to better health and life. We need to thirst for Christ to see his face and be made whole.
The Withdrawal of Jesus
Jesus was very busy with the crowd that followed him, but a time came when he had to withdraw with his disciples for some rest and time of communion with the Father. He needed a time out to rest and refill himself so as to continue to support the crowd. Yet the crowd followed him to his place of rest from the different corners of the area around the seacoast. We must never forget to rest. It refills and gives energy for more work. Even Christ rested while doing the work of the Father.
Nevertheless, in resting, Jesus, being a high priest and great pastor of souls, never resisted the crowd that followed him nor sent them away. Rather, he instructed his disciple to make provision for a boat from where he could still minister and reach out to the crowd, which is the hallmark of a great leader and pastor. You can see that heart of compassion and tender loving care of Jesus in attending to his people and providing for them. He was a true Shepherd of the people. He showed concern, love, and care. We cannot be Christians and followers of Christ without these rare virtues. They are the tools of proper ministry for the Lord.
The Recognition of the Evil One
During the ministry of Christ, his power was felt and recognized by the evil one, and he respected him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell before him and cried out: ‘You are the Son of God’ (Mark 3:12). The fall before him was a sign of respect and submission to the power of Christ. The unclean spirits were able to recognize the power that was above and beyond their power, and they had to bow down. No wonder the scripture says that at the mention of Jesus, every kneel shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God (Philippians 2:10). That is at the mention of Jesus, you can then imagine what would happen at the meeting of Jesus as shown in the gospel today. They were indeed very submissive and shouting the identity of Christ as the Son of God to the knowledge of everyone, even when Christ gave them strict orders not to make him known.
Conclusion
The Gospel today highlights Christ’s personality and his power. That power is still with him even in our own generation, performing different miracles in and around us. His power is always over us. He still protects us and cares for us even when we no longer give him time like the crowd did. We need to go back to Christ—the foundation of our lives—and be submissive to him, letting his Spirit hover over us and protect us.
Peace be with you.
