“when Jesus saw great multitudes” [Matthew 8:18]

“when Jesus saw great multitudes”. Many measure success according to the size of the multitude. But the motive behind the assembling of the great multitude on this occasion is important.
In the previous verse we read that Jesus had healed all who came to Him. When He saw the crowd increasing in number He gave instruction to depart to the other side of the lake. The multitude gathered for what they could get. As so easily happens, it was healing and not Jesus they wanted.
Come with the multitude – many do. Yet realise you must meet with Jesus personally and individually. It is as an individual you confess your sin and cry for forgiveness: as an individual you receive His gift of salvation and His blessing in your life.