A great crowd followed.

Mark 3:7-12, Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

In a very short time, Jesus had crowds pressing in upon him, and amazingly people were healed just by touching him. People were coming from all over the region, despite the opposition of the religious leaders, and likely much to their annoyance. He taught as one with authority, which he clearly demonstrated in healing so many, and this made others want to come to him. And even the unclean spirits knew who he was, and were under his authority, for God’s plan was to reveal his identity and purpose in the proper time. So often the focus of ministry focuses on the number of believers; how much better that we lift up Jesus and the cross, for he will draw all people to himself.

We lift you up Lord Jesus, and the cross, that others may be drawn to you.

ESV Lectionary