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The Gospel of Mark contains most of what is in the others plus some information not found in Matthew or Luke. So we will deal primarily with the account as found in Mark.
We have just completed looking at the first 6 verses of this 6th. Chapter of Mark where we saw Christ heal a withered Hand on the Sabbath only to be condemned by the Pharisees for desecrating it. The Pharisees retired to see how they might destroy Him and Christ knowing this and with all the great work that He still had to do, left Jerusalem and went up to the Sea of Galilee.
As He returned to the area of Galilee, great multitudes began to follow Him. By now, Christ had inspired people to do one of two things, to plot His death or to follow Him wherever He went. Of this second group, there were many motivations. Some followed out of curiosity. Some in search of physical healing. Some in search of spiritual healing. Some seeking wisdom and some seeking excitement. This same group follows the great Evangelists today. Notice here that with some, to touch His garment meant healing, while others sought His touch. Mark is telling us here that there is more than one way to receive His Grace. John Calvin believed that He touched us while Martin Luther believed that we touched Him. Either way, all are healed by His Grace through faith.
Notice the provision that was made in order that all might hear Him. A boat was pressed into service and Christ was rowed from point to point along the bank, healing and preaching as he went. Diseases were healed and unclean spirits were cast out. Notice what He asked of them that were healed. They were not to tell anyone who it was that healed them. Word of His power and knowledge of his mission were spreading rapidly, too rapidly, perhaps, for the great work yet to be done. Christ's mission was not to the multitudes but rather to the 12 that were to carry His Gospel after He was gone. Realizing His time was growing short because of his widespread popularity, Christ commissioned the 12 disciples and started a crash program of preparing them for the work that they must do.
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