"There Jesus was recognized by the people of the place, who sent out word to all the county round. And all who were ill were brought to Him, and he was begged to allow them simply to touch the edge of His cloak. And everyone who touched it was completely cured." (Matthew 14:35, 36)

We don't know how the people "recognized" Jesus, but they did. What they recognized Him as a healer of the sick, "for the word went out" and the ill came and were cured. Jesus didn't hold back. All who came to Him were healed of their illnesses. Yet later on Jesus reprimands the crowds for following Him just to have "their bellies filled," that is to meet their physical needs (John 6:26). And when He talked to them of their spiritual need and what they must to to have eternal life (John 6:53,54)--many left and went back to their former ways and abandoned Him (John 6:66). Others remained yet had their own ambitions and expectations of Him (Acts 1:6). What are your ambitions and expectations of the Lord? Do you want Him just to fix the current problem? Are you wanting to be a partner and a partaker of Him and His Kingdom? Are you expecting Him to submit Himself to your will (decisions) or are you determined to submit to His? Think about it.

Categories: encouragement, faith