53When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 54And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56Wherever 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.
I may not be reading this right and my interpretation may be wrong, but when I read this I feel sad. It almost sounds to me like this time it isn't just that the sick are coming, but people who recognized Jesus ran throughout the country looking for anyone who was sick and brought them to Jesus. Once the person they brought was healed, did they run out to find another who was sick and could use healing? I just feel like Jesus was being taken advantage of here. They wanted to see miracle after miracle so kept bringing more people. Because this was done by people touching his garments rather than by Jesus laying his hands on them, I feel like they were taking from Jesus rather than Jesus giving. There is no mention of Jesus preaching. There is no mention of "Your faith has made you well" like there was when the woman with the hemorrhage first touched him and was made well. Were they taking advantage of Jesus?
Do you ever feel like you are being taken advantage of? Is it good or bad to let someone take advantage of you? Here Jesus let it happen. Notice that he took the time to pray before heading to this place. After his prayer he was in good spirits as demonstrated by his choice of words for calming his disciples: "Be of good cheer!" I wonder if he was being prepared for this onslaught across the sea.
As mentioned in many passages before, Jesus always had room for compassion. Maybe we should allow ourselves to be taken advantage of if it is in giving compassion. Prayer will help give us strength.