By THE SPIRIT, Mark wrote in chapter 6:
53 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.
54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him (Jesus),
55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.
56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.
This is a passage worthy of much contemplation so let us visualize the scene here. The people of the area had already heard of Jesus’ ministry, especially His ability to heal the sick. The impact of His deserved reputation was so great, people acted immediately by seeking out all those who were sick and placing them in the expected path of Jesus. Can you imagine how many sick were at the marketplace vying for a position in close proximity to the path of Jesus? The people were desperate for a complete solution to their health issues. Jesus’ anointing was fully adequate to flow out through just the hem of His garment and completely heal those who touched Him in faith.
There has been commentary in the past as to the significance of His hem. It is said that the hem of the outer garment is where the Law was written. I suggest that the “Law” of Love is what the people touched. Love flowed out of Jesus and healed the sick. The people of Gennesaret heard of Jesus’ ministry of healing the sick and then they saw the ministry in action. How many who touched His garment were healed? All!
Was this anointing restricted to Jesus? Not at all. In Acts chapter 5:
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Once again, people heard of the anointing to heal but this time it was through the apostles. An apostle is simply “one who is sent”. To be sent, one must be a committed believer and mature in Christ. Today, as we mature in Christ, shouldn’t we expect the same anointing to operate as well? Isn’t Jesus Christ the same today as He was then? Was this level of anointing restricted to just His and Peter’s ministry? Not at all. We must raise our expectations and prayer life so that we can truly expect this level of anointing as well. It takes full commitment along with the expectation that FATHER will confirm HIS Word with signs following. It takes both Love and faith to be operating in our lives. Let us no longer expect anything less.