"And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. (35) And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; (36) And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."
How delightful is it to behold Jesus, in those interesting moments, When fulfilling the Prophet's prediction of him. It was one mark of his divine character, to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people. And here we behold the corresponding testimony Isaiah 35:4-6; Luke 4:17-18. But what I beg the Reader more particularly to observe, in this account of Christ, is, how fully it manifested his character as the God-man Messiah. Think, Reader, I beseach you, what an endearing representation this is of Jesus, that by his living so many years in this world as we do, and combating with the same exercises as we combat with; how blessedly suited he was, having borne our sins, and carried our sorrows, to sooth the sorrows in others, which he bore himself. Oh! how suited also now in glory, to recollect in his own trials what he felt, and to feel for others. The Apostle makes this the very basis of all comfort. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted: he knoweth how to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:18
Reader! let us gather a short lesson from the history of John the Baptist. To look at John, when falling a sacrifice at the instigation of a worthless woman, and to overlook the Lord in the appointment, is to consider second causes, and not the first; and very sure will it be, that we shall then make wrong conclusions. Here is a faithful servant of the Lord, borne down by oppression; and here is an incestuous woman triumphing in the godly man's death. But what follows? Aye, there's the grand concern. Say ye to the righteous, it shall be well with him. Woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with him. Oh, for grace, to eye the Lord's sovereignty in all: for this alone will give energy to the lively actings of faith, and keep the soul in peace.
But let me turn from the servant to contemplate the Master! Oh, for grace to eye Christ, in the several blessed views here given of him; in feeding and supporting his people, and healing all their diseases, Precious Lord Jesus! do thou manifest thyself to my poor soul under that endearing character, as, Jehovah Rophe, the Lord that healeth the people. And oh! for grace and faith in lively exercises upon his person, blood, and righteousness; that while Jesus is coming forth to bless, my soul through the Holy Ghost, may be going forth to meet him; and like the people in this Chapter, may my faith be so strong in the Lord, that I may be convinced even the hem of Christ's garment, touched by faith, will make me perfectly whole. Amen.