Being around people for some is not an exciting place to be, but as the population on earth grows we are finding ourselves feeling a bit congested. There are 7 billion people on earth and the number continues to grow. During the rush hour one wonders where do so many people come from; the feelings of tensions, stress and frustration becomes apparent. The fact is that people themselves make us oppressed and sometimes we need a little ship to take us away kind of like what Jesus felt near the beach.
Mark 3:9
9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
The people were ecstatic with the power and words of Jesus. People were being liberated and healed each time Jesus came to a place and so they were eager to see him even to touch him. For example, there was a women with an issue of blood who when heard about the Lord made her way through the crowd to touch him and was healed (Mk. 5:25). Like in many instances Jesus was pressed by so many people. Metaphorically, pressed is related to oppression and to be oppressed is to weigh down or burden and people tend to do just that. It is to have rule or power over someone else just as the enemy continually tries to do. Now, God is in the business of relieving the oppressed. He does not leave us in oppression beyond what we can handle (Ps. 103:6). The Psalmist assured us that God would not allow us to return from oppression in shame (Ps. 74:21).
Jesus’ mission included liberating the oppressed from their oppressors. When there is someone in oppression something or someone is the cause. It is a feeling that that thing, situation or person has a sense of power over one (Ecc. 4:1); a sense of captivity. And, Jesus came to set the captives free (Is.61:1), but because of the continual progression of man and the quest for power many continue suffer oppression. Jesus had the disciples prepare a boat for his escape from being pressed on by the people and in order for one to escape oppression he or she needs to have a plan of escape. Sometimes our plan of escape will require others to help just as in Jesus’ case and in the man paralyzed who was carried by his friends (Mt. 2:2). Other times in order to become free from oppression it will take a personal effort. Isaiah says that through fasting oppression leaves (Is. 58:6) and that might be the boat that is waiting for you.