When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭24‬-‭25‬
This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

I find it is easy to skip over these small passages in the Bible. But there is a lot of intention in this record of Jesus’ travels and the resulting crowds that followed him.

John says that the acts of God (teachings, truth stands, encouragement, healings, signs and wonders, casting demons out, calling worldly leaders to account, etc.) that Jesus did are so numerous that the world could not hold the books that tell their stories. Was he exaggerating? Maybe, or maybe not.

Think about each person in this large crowd who had some ailment, disease, of deformity. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM WERE HEALED! We know of the crowds that followed Jesus — hundreds, thousands, and at times, 10,000 or more.

Each person touched by Jesus had a name and a story. Each person likely had family or friends that helped or cared for them. The impact was massive. The ripple effect is very difficult to measure.

Once a lame person is healed, they can go to work and serve more. The family or friends, having the burden of caring for them lifted, can work and serve more.

Another is demon possessed. They are hidden away from people or cast outside the city. Their mind and body are, at times, under the control of the Evil One. These demons are cast out and new life begins to grow in their hearts. They can receive the goodness of God in a more expansive way.

Another has the ugly and disabling disease of leprosy. Before Jesus’ healing, there is little hope for being with family, enjoying a normal life. All that changes here.

Jesus changed so many people’s lives as he traveled. When he traveled, he wasn’t just focused on his destination. He was focused on the people along the way, as well. He saw interactions as opportunities. He saw darkness as an opportunity to shine a light in oppression. And he saw past the outward appearances and into the soul. He saw lost people in search of a savior — in search of him.

He is still in the life changing business today! He can transform our sinful hearts to become like his good nature. He can free us from the bondage we are in and protect us, provide for us, and equip us to be spiritual forces for good in this world.

Lord, you were an incredible force for good when you came to earth. You were true and faithful to God and his Word. Bold, yet kind. Challenging, yet encouraging. Truthful, yet full of grace and mercy. Build into my heart these qualities in increasing measure, I pray.