“Anticipating Jesus” – MARK 6:53-56

The “country of Gennesaret” is the region better known to us as “Galilee” (which means “circle”). Found at the north end of the Sea of Galilee , it is also called “Tiberius” and “Gennesaret” in Scripture. Following the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, this region became the center of Jewish life and culture. Prior to that traumatic event, a major portion of Jesus’ ministry would bless this region.

He had been run out of Nazareth and Gadara.

It was not time to go to Jerusalem.

The people anticipated Him in Galilee.

The people of Galilee recognized Him (6:54). That is an amazing statement in the days before TV and the internet. Galilee was a commercial center with major roadways and the fishing industry on the sea itself. They were a mobile people with much interaction with the regions around them. Some had seen Jesus elsewhere.

The people anticipated Him in Galilee.

They sensed that it would be just a matter of time before He came to them. And now He was here at last. There was no skepticism hurled at a hometown prophet. There was no worldly reaction to a major miracle. There was a sincere desire to be blessed by Him (6:55). They sought Him out with great anticipation.

What a stark contrast to the “reception” He had from His own disciples on the wind-driven sea. There must have been some soul-searching on their part when they saw the faith of these people who simply wanted to touch the garment of Jesus (6:56) knowing His power over diseases.

The disciples had anticipated the worst (a storm and a phantom), and the Galileans anticipated the best (healing).

Interestingly, both groups received a miracle. Jesus can work with all who are willing to allow Him to bless them. The Pharisees are about to come into the picture, and they stand as an example of folks who just did not want Jesus, so He dealt with them differently. But for those who are willing, Jesus works wonders.

There is great power in anticipation.

Some of Jesus’ miracles showed His power to accomplish marvelous things over great distance, while others occurred at His touch. The key is faith.

Anticipation is evidence of faith.

Anticipation feeds on faith.

Anticipation expresses faith.

Just as the Galileans anticipated the coming of the Christ to their land, we must anticipate His return to this world to take the redeemed home to the Father. While He reigns at the right hand of God awaiting His return at the end (1 Corinthians 15:22-28), our faith keep us connected to Him as He works in this world. If we anticipate His blessings and heed His word He will transform us (Romans 12:1-3).

The question for us is what characters in this gospel story will we choose to be?

Will we “see” His power and run Him out of our lives, choosing the world and its pleasures instead like the Gadarenes? Will we “see” Him as nothing more than a teacher, like the friends and family in Nazareth? Will we be like the disciples on the boat and fail to see clearly the blessings He intends as we anticipate the worst? Or will we seek Him each day with anticipation, awaiting the joy of this day … and reach out to touch Him?