Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:34-36

"And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret. And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment: and as many as touched were made whole." — Matthew 14:34-36 (ASV)

The ship so recently storm-tossed is soon at the desired harbor, and now other scenes of wonder greet our eyes. Wherever He lands, the great Physician is sure to find patients. Some of the men of that place knew Him, and these were like sparks, setting the rest of the people on fire with wonderful accounts of what Jesus had done.

Many became eager to spread news of His skill and either went themselves or “sent out” others “into all that country round about.” Very busy those people were. They sent out; they brought to Him; they implored Him; they touched His garment; they were made perfectly whole. The sentences follow each other without a break.

The people asked little; they begged “that they might only touch the hem of his garment,” but they received much, for they “were made perfectly whole.” In no case was there any failure. In every instance, the work was complete. Their humble request was founded on a precedent, urged by earnest spirits, and accompanied with practical sympathy; therefore, it was not refused. How glad that whole region was made! “All that were diseased” had become happy witnesses of the Lord’s healing power.

Our King is master both on land and water. Whether it is on the Sea of Gennesaret or in “the land of Gennesaret,” His supreme power and majesty are infallibly proven. He stills storms and calms fevers. He touches waves with His foot, and they grow firm. He touches sick bodies with His hand, and they return to health. He imparts to His servant Peter and to the hem of His own garment marvelous power.