We see Jesus today withdrawing with His disciples to a quiet place where they can rest and reflect. But the crowds have other ideas. They came not only from nearby Galilee but from much further afield, even from pagan areas like Tyre and Sidon on the Mediterranean coast. Jesus' reputation as a healer had reached even these places. Everyone wanted just to touch Him to experience His healing power. Such were the crowds that a boat had to be got ready so that He would not be crushed. Finally, even the evil spirits, who were being driven out of people, were shouting, "You are the Son of God!" They were told to keep quiet. Jesus does not want His identity as Messiah to be known yet. The people would have to wait and learn that the Messiah was not a political figure who would, through violence, overthrow the enemies of Israel but one who would die, helpless, on a cross as a sign of God's overwhelming love for us.