Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, "You are the Son of God." He warned them sternly not to make him known. (Mark 3:7-12)
We need to catch the irony. Despite all of the crowds following and pressing upon Jesus, it is the demons who know how to behave around him and who make the confession that he is the Son of God. It's a good caution to hear. It's good to remember in our own time of mega-churches, papal visits and World Youth Days that just because a huge group of people get together and make a lot of noise in the name of Jesus, it doesn't mean that they understand his message or what he himself means.
It's why we need to stay close to Jesus in the Scriptures, in prayer, and in holy communion.
Excellent point, Brother. Somethng for all of us to consider.
ReplyDeleteHi Brother! I hope you're doing well.
ReplyDelete