What does Mark 6:55 mean?

In Galilee, save for a few pockets of rejection and derision (Mark 3:20–30; Luke 4:29), the people know Jesus can heal physical ailments. They put their sick on cots and run to find Him. Common ailments may have included osteoarthritis, dental decay, fevers, skin diseases, non-venereal syphilis, and fertility issues. Sicknesses and injuries cause ceremonial uncleanness, the inability to work, and infertility which can lead to abandonment and divorce. In an era where cures were harder to come by, and contagion harder to avoid, sickness came with an enormous level of social stigma. Any of these issues would have a severe impact on the sufferer and his or her family.

Healing was a gift given to God's prophets to validate their message. Since the compilation of the Scriptures, it is not needed as much. Still, following Christ and obeying the commands found in the Bible can go a long way in preventing and controlling disease. If the entire world were to limit sex to monogamous, heterosexual marriages, many diseases would die out all but immediately. If humanity would truly treat our bodies as a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), certain cancers, diseases, and conditions would decline greatly.

Obeying Scripture, especially the commands to love God and others, can go a long way in solving mental and emotional issues as well. Raising kids to love and follow God can help ease or even prevent everything from addiction to anxiety (Proverbs 22:6). When husbands sacrificially love their wives and wives respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:25–33), families are more secure. Being bold enough to gently confront someone about their sin can benefit them now and for eternity (James 5:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:24–26). Jesus returned to heaven, but He left us the Holy Spirit as our helper (John 14:16–17) and the living Word (Hebrews 4:12) that actually extends the range of God's healing touch (John 14:12).

In Nazareth, Jesus can do very few miracles, since the people lack faith (Mark 6:5–6). In Gennesaret, people flock to Him, dragging their injured and sick with them. We need to make sure we're more like the people of Gennesaret and not Nazareth. Sometimes the more we think we know Jesus the less accepting we are of who He really is. Our arrogance can limit what He will do in our lives and the lives of the people we pray for. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, sovereign, and holy. Understanding His character and His will for us will go a long way in understanding His healing power.