And when Jesus again crossed to the other side of the lake by boat, a great crowd gathered to Him, and He was near the lakeshore.
The Evangelist moves the narrative again to the other shore of the lake, where a great crowd was already waiting for Jesus. This shows that Christ’s ministry is never limited to one event or one place. On one side He sets the demon-possessed man free, and on the other side new needs, new sorrows, and new trials of faith are already awaiting Him. The great crowd testifies that His fame had spread and that people felt their need of Him. Yet, as always, within the crowd there were different “hearts”: some with true faith, some with amazement, and some only with outward curiosity. Christ, however, continues His ministry, being accessible to all.