[605] Kings 10:1; 2 Chron. 9:1; compare Luke 11:31.
[606] Matt. 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26.
[607] Luke 11:27, 28.
[608] Matt. 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21.
[609] Luke 2:49. Page [114] herein.
[610] Matt. 10:37; compare Luke 14:26.
[611] [Note 13], end of chapter.
CHAPTER 19.
"HE SPAKE MANY THINGS UNTO THEM IN PARABLES."
Throughout the period of Christ's ministry with which we have thus far dealt, His fame had continuously increased, because of the authority with which He spoke and of the many mighty works He did; His popularity had become such that whenever He moved abroad great multitudes followed Him. At times the people so thronged as to impede His movements, some with a desire to hear more of the new doctrine, others to plead at His feet for relief from physical or other ills; and many there were who had faith that could they but reach Him, or even touch the border of His robe, they would be healed.[612] One effect of the people's eagerness, which led them to press and crowd around Him, was to render difficult if not impossible at times the effective delivery of any discourse. His usual place for open-air teaching while He tarried in the vicinity of the sea, or lake, of Galilee was the shore; and thither flocked the crowds to hear Him. At His request, the disciples had provided a "small ship," which was kept in readiness on the beach;[613] and it was usual with Him to sit in the boat a short distance off shore, and preach to the people, as He had done when in the earlier days He called the chosen fishermen to leave their nets and follow Him.[614]