When Jesus and his apostles disembarked on the plain of Gennesaret not far from Capernaum, those who recognized them spread the word about his arrival. The news quickly reached beyond the immediate area, and people came from surrounding towns and villages, bringing the sick on mats. The afflicted pleaded just to be able to touch the fringe of his garment and, upon doing so, were cured. (Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-55)

Later, in whatever town or village Jesus entered, people would put the sick in the marketplaces for him to heal them. The ailing would then beg him for permission to touch the fringe of his garment. All who did this became well. (Mark 6:56)