Summary: As Jesus and His disciples journeyed toward the seaside, they attracted a massive following from Galilee, Judea, and beyond, including Jerusalem, Idumea, regions across the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. His healing miracles drew people with various ailments, and those afflicted sought to touch Him for healing. Unclean spirits, recognizing Him, would fall and declare Him the Son of God, but He consistently warned them against disclosing His identity. To manage the crowd's enthusiasm and ensure His safety, Jesus had a boat prepared by His disciples.
Gospel Acclamation: Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)
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.
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