Bible Study recap: Mark 6.30-34, 53-56

Jesus' rest was interrupted; this was a time where we see him attempting to care for the human elements of Christ (although physical rest would also give the soul a boost).

The faith of the people around was great and word of mouth was extremely quick given the nature of transportation and communication in those days. Were they seeking miracles, in a self-seeking faith, or trying to satisfy curiosity or desperately making a last ditch effort? (Likely a mix of every and all motives). The people were like sheep in serach of a leader, in search of new knowledge.

Jesus' compassion won out. If the people had the faith to be there, the very least he could do was to accommodate them. We see the power of Jesus as a healer without salves, teas, leeches or any other "props". Healing comes from people touching the fringe of his cloak (a reminder of the hemorrhaging woman).

How did the jostling, cumbersome crowd outrun a single boat? Jesus could have changed his plan and went to a different place. No matter where he went or what he tried, he couldn't get away – not from the crowd, not from his identity. We see how the love Christ has for, and the priority he gives to, strangers shows the depth of his love and relationship that the divine can have with an anonymous person.

Yet all of this points to something more than healing, to preparations for life after sickness. The focus of Jesus is on teaching. Lessons which point to a fuller life and a compassionate approach to others.