As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized Jesus. People were talking about Jesus. He had become the talk of the town. Ever since he began ministering to the people, Jesus’ words and actions became the subject of discussions: in the homes as families congregated for dinner; in market places as men and women haggled over the prices of items; and on the road as women and girls trekked to and from the water cisterns. Even the shepherds must have found themselves talking about Jesus as they tended their flocks. Jesus had become a super star of some sort. And it was all because of what he had done. His words and actions were having a deep impact on the people. Wherever he went, he left the lives of the people changed for the better. In the Gospel account that we have read today, we are told that crowds of people were on the lookout for Jesus because of his ability to cure and heal the sick. And as many as were brought to him were healed.
Jesus’ healing of the sick who were brought to him (as it happened on this particular day) was often made possible by two sets of people: those who carried the sick to Jesus, and just as importantly, those who spread the word in towns and villages. Had the Word not been spread, the sick would have had no means of hearing about Jesus. And even after hearing the Word, the sick relied on those who were well to bring them to Jesus. Had they said no, the sick would not have gotten to Jesus. As such, these two sets of people were essential in Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom.
Am I a facilitator of Jesus' healing process? Do I talk about Jesus? Is Jesus the subject of discussion in my house, in my place of work? Do I bring people to Jesus?