Every time I sit down and read the Bible, I often times come across an interesting passage, which always adds up to hundreds of interesting passages. Reading through the Gospel of Mark, I found a few passages that made me wonder about all of these nameless people Christ Jesus healed or helped who were never heard from again. Nothing was put in the Holy Bible just for sport, for every word of GOD serves a purpose. So I started to question the point of all of these nameless, yet very notable people. These are my humble interpretations, and you are of course encouraged to add your own two cents.

Note: The list is not in any particular order.

1. Woman With The Alabaster Jar

I was re-reading through the Gospels when I came across the passage in Matthew 6:6-13Matthew 6:6-13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. ⁷ But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. ⁸ Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. ⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. ¹⁰ Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread. ¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  

WP-Bible plugin in which a woman with an alabaster jar filled with oil anoints Jesus (before his crucifixion). His disciples start murmuring about the oil being wasted and how it could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor.

10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

And, as the LORD said, this unnamed woman is indeed spoken of all the time. For what did she do? — She anointed our LORD and Savior before his death. Now, this doesn’t mean that this lady somehow knew the Savior would be crucified, but the Spirit led her to do this anyway. This stands in stark contrast to the disciples who had constantly ignored or refused to believe what Jesus told them about his impending death (and resurrection). Even up to the very moment when Jesus is apprehended, some of the disciples still tried to fight what their LORD had told them must happen (John 18:9-11John 18:9-11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. ¹⁰ Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. ¹¹ Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?  

WP-Bible plugin).

This woman is not to be confused with the other woman spoken of in Luke 7:36-50Luke 7:36-50
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. ³⁷ And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, ³⁸ And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. ³⁹ Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. ⁴⁰ And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. ⁴¹ There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. ⁴² And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? ⁴³ Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. ⁴⁴ And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. ⁴⁵ Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. ⁴⁶ My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷ Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. ⁴⁸ And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. ⁴⁹ And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? ⁵⁰ And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.  

WP-Bible plugin, who …stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.

That other woman, as the Gospel of John points out in chapter 11, verses 1-3, was …Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.

2. Woman Caught In Adultery

This is another woman spoken of all the time, yet her name was never recorded. And, no, this was not Mary Magdalene as the common misconception goes (which you can read about here). As found in John 8:1-12John 8:1-12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 ¹ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. ² And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. ³ And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, ⁴ They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. ⁵ Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? ⁶ This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. ⁷ So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. ⁸ And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. ⁹ And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. ¹⁰ When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? ¹¹ She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. ¹² Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.  

WP-Bible plugin, this was a woman whom the Pharisees had apparently “caught in the very act of adultery” (may I say, I’ve always wondered what became of the man whom she was supposedly committing this act with). The Pharisees, so dedicated to the word of the law, but totally missing its points, wanted Jesus to agree that she should be stoned, as the law of Moses decrees. They wanted to bring this man whom they feared down to their blind level.

7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

How Jesus Christ treated this woman who was caught in sin/adultery exemplifies how Christians should treat everyone — with love and mercy (compassion). Not one of us is perfect, for we are all born with the stain of sin. This brings to mind the passage in Luke 6:27-42Luke 6:27-42
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, ²⁸ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. ²⁹ And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. ³⁰ Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. ³¹ And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. ³² For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. ³³ And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. ³⁴ And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. ³⁵ But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. ³⁶ Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. ³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: ³⁸ Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. ³⁹ And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? ⁴⁰ The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. that...: or, shall be perfected as his master ⁴¹ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴² Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.  

WP-Bible plugin in which the LORD admonishes us to “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

3. The Samaritan Woman At The Well

In John 4:1-42John 4:1-42
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4 ¹ When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, ^{2 3} He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. ⁴ And he must needs go through Samaria. ⁵ Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. ⁶ Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. ⁷ There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. ^{8 9} Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ¹¹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? ¹² Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? ¹³ Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: ¹⁴ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. ¹⁵ The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. ¹⁶ Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. ¹⁷ The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: ¹⁸ For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. ¹⁹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. ²⁰ Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. ²¹ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. ²² Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ²⁵ The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. ²⁶ Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. ²⁷ And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? ²⁸ The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, ²⁹ Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? ³⁰ Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. ³¹ In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. ³² But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. ³³ Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? ³⁴ Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. ³⁵ Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. ³⁶ And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. ³⁷ And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. ³⁸ I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. ³⁹ And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. ⁴¹ And many more believed because of his own word; ⁴² And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.  

WP-Bible plugin, we learn of the Samaritan woman at the well whom Jesus approaches and asks for a drink. Not only is the woman shocked that a Jew would be asking her for anything, but Jesus’ disciples are also disturbed to see their teacher talking with such a woman (“For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans”).

The two talk, and don’t say very much really, but what the woman gets from this conversation with Jesus makes her believe that she is indeed speaking to Messiah.

28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. …39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 41 And many more believed because of His own word. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

I find this particular story to be one of the most touching in the Gospels, for this woman only believed Jesus was whom He said He was because HE “told (her) all that (she) ever did.” HE did not perform any miracle for her, yet her faith was great…in contrast to the countless others who refused to believe when they witnessed Jesus raise the dead, cast out demons, make the lame walk, the blind see, etc. And how even more wonderful that many others believed and came to have faith in Christ Jesus because of her testimony? She helped bring them to Christ, and when they heard HIM speak, they too believed. The passage does not say that Jesus performed any miracles among them, yet these people believed because of the words HE spoke with authority.

I suppose it is also necessary to note that time and time again Jesus tried to show the Jews that they are not any better than GOD’s other children just because they have the law and the covenant, for all are in need of salvation. Jews hated the Samaritans for various reasons (mentioned here) and would even insult them by calling them “dogs.” Which may be why Jesus took offense when some ignorant Jews asked HIM if HE wasn’t a demon-possessed Samaritan (John 8:48-59John 8:48-59
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? ⁴⁹ Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. ⁵⁰ And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. ⁵¹ Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. ⁵² Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. ⁵³ Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? ⁵⁴ Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: ⁵⁵ Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. ⁵⁷ Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? ⁵⁸ Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. ⁵⁹ Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.  

WP-Bible plugin). But Jesus showed GOD’S impartiality when HE spoke of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37Luke 10:25-37
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? ²⁶ He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? ²⁷ And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. ²⁸ And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. ²⁹ But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? ³⁰ And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. ³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, ³⁴ And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. ³⁶ Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? ³⁷ And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.  

WP-Bible plugin) and the one leper out of 10 who were healed (Luke 7:11-17Luke 7:11-17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. ¹² Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. ¹³ And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. ¹⁴ And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. bier: or, coffin ¹⁵ And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. ¹⁶ And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. ¹⁷ And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.  

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4. The Widow Who Gave All She Had

In Mark 12:41-43Mark 12:41-43
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. money: a piece of brass money ⁴² And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. mites: it is the seventh part of one piece of that brass money ⁴³ And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  

WP-Bible plugin we read Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites… 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Now, I’m not going to talk about giving your “little grocery money” to Jan Crouch (watch), as I don’t believe Jesus Christ was saying we should literally give our last penny. I think this passage is more about giving/making a truly meaningful sacrifice. What those rich folks put into the treasury wasn’t anything they were going to miss (not to say their offering was meaningless), but that poor widow gave all that she had, her last penny — perhaps secure in the fact that GOD would take care of her needs and provide a way.

5. The Woman Who Touched Jesus’ Garments

This is an encouraging passage as well, and it’s also a bit amusing when your read all the Gospel accounts of it. In Mark 5:21-43Mark 5:21-43
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. ²² And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, ²³ And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. ²⁴ And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. ²⁵ And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, ²⁶ And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, ²⁷ When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. ²⁸ For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. ²⁹ And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. ³⁰ And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? ³¹ And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? ³² And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. ³³ But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. ³⁴ And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. ³⁵ While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? ³⁶ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. ³⁷ And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. ³⁸ And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. ³⁹ And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. ⁴⁰ And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. ⁴¹ And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. ⁴² And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. ⁴³ And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.  

WP-Bible plugin we read of the woman who had been suffering “a flow of blood for 12 years” who is convinced that if she just touches the hem of Jesus’ clothes, she’ll be healed. The passage mentions that Jesus immediately felt “power had gone out of Him” and spun around, asking HIS disciples who had touched HIM. Now, as was usually the case, there was a throng of people pressing in on them and following them, so the disciples said to HIM: “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

This unnamed woman is a great example of the type of faith we are to have! This woman believe that if she could just touch a piece of Jesus’ clothing, she would be healed. She didn’t think it was so necessary for him to put his hands on her or to even say any words to her — which he did afterwards, confirming her faith. [Also see, Matthew 14:35-36Matthew 14:35-36
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; ³⁶ And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.  

WP-Bible plugin and Mark 6:55-56Mark 6:55-56
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. ⁵⁶ And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. him: or, it  

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6. The Centurions

There are a few centurions mentioned in the Gospel, two notable ones being the one who had no doubt Jesus Christ could heal his servant just by simply saying he would be well; and another centurion is mentioned during the crucifixion, when Christ Jesus gives up his last breath. I decided to count these two as one…simply because of their positions as soldiers of Rome.

Mark 15:33-41Mark 15:33-41
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. ³⁴ And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ³⁵ And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. ³⁶ And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. ³⁷ And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. ³⁸ And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. ³⁹ And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. ⁴⁰ There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; ⁴¹ and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.  

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33 Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” …37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. 38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

It is quite likely this centurion had taken part in beating, mocking and finally killing Christ Jesus. At the end of it all, he confesses that Jesus is LORD. Should readers assume that this centurion repented of what he had taken part in and decided to pursue the Kingdom? What if this was the centurion who had hammered the nails through Jesus’ hands and feet? I am not too sure what to make of this man besides that he, having never heard a sermon from or witnessed a miracle done by Jesus, was just a stranger whose eyes were opened.

The other centurion, with the sick servant:

Matthew 8:5-12Matthew 8:5-12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, ⁶ And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. ⁷ And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. ⁸ The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. ⁹ For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. ¹⁰ When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. ¹¹ And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. ¹² But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  

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5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

There is nothing in the Gospels to indicate that this man had witnessed any of Jesus’ miracles or even heard him speak, but for some reason, perhaps because of what others may have told him they witnessed, this centurion believed Jesus was whom HE said HE was and therefore had great power and authority. The passage indicates that Jesus is taken aback — that this Roman soldier, a Gentile to whom the Kingdom had not necessarily been preached, had such faith. Jesus tells those around them that there will be many Gentiles who enter the Kingdom of heaven and sadly not many Jews, to whom HE came specifically to teach about salvation.

7. The Demon-Possessed Man

In Mark, the passage only makes mention of one demon-possessed man, while in Matthew 8:28-34Matthew 8:28-34
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. ²⁹ And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? ³⁰ And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. ³¹ So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. ³² And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. ³³ And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. ³⁴ And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.  

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Mark 5:1-13Mark 5:1-13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
5 ¹ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. ² And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, ³ Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: ⁴ Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. ⁵ And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. ⁶ But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, ⁷ And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. ⁸ For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. ⁹ And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. ¹⁰ And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. ¹¹ Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. ¹² And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. ¹³ And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and were choked in the sea.  

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2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, …5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” 8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” 9 Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. 11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

When you read the Gospels, you learn that Jesus casted out a whole lot of evil spirits and healed many demon-possessed people, but there are two things that stand out about this particular possessed man, who is probably talked about as often as the widow who gave her last penny and the woman with the alabaster jar.

First off, this man is possessed by myriad demons who, when Jesus speaks to him, comes running and falls before him. The wicked demons know Jesus, Son of the Most High GOD, by name, illustrating that all are under GOD’s authority, including Satan (showing that the creation is never greater than or even equal to the CREATOR). [Also consider Mark 1:21-28Mark 1:21-28
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. ²² And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. ²³ And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, ²⁴ Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. ²⁵ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. ²⁶ And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. ²⁷ And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. ²⁸ And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.  

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The second thing about this story, which is very disturbing, is that this man had a host of demons inside his body. The passage says Jesus cast the demons out and granted their request to be placed into the swine –of which there about two thousand! Could it be possible that one person could be possessed by so many evil spirits? …Apparently.

8. The Rich Young Ruler

Mark 10:17-22Mark 10:17-22
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? ¹⁸ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. ¹⁹ Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. ²⁰ And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. ²¹ Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. ²² And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  

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17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Not to start a fire or anything, but I can’t help but think of the prosperity preachers who teach a word of faith gospel and have become vastly wealthy by preying on people’s needs (which is usually money or a physical healing). When I read this passage, I have to wonder if any of these prosperity preachers would, if push were to come to shove, cling to their accumulated wealth and expensive possessions. But if Jesus Christ said “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25Mark 10:25
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  

WP-Bible plugin)” then it’s likely some of them are conflicted over worshiping GOD and mammon (Matthew 6:24Matthew 6:24
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  

WP-Bible plugin), for you must admit, some of their possessions are excessive (do folks really need 3 mansions and 7 cars?). Perhaps they will do as this young ruler — walk away from the LORD because of their ‘great possessions,’ if they haven’t already.

And that goes for all of us, of course, because “…what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26Matthew 16:26
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  

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9. The Blind Man Who Professed Jesus In The Synagogue

This passage is quite special for many reasons. A man who was born blind is healed and given sight by Jesus Christ on the Sabbath (the day of rest). The man is taken before the Pharisees in the synagogue to testify about what had happened. The man tells them what Jesus had done, but they doubt him. They then summon his parents to validate whether he was actually born blind. The parents say yes, but don’t want to take it any further in fear of being excommunicated from the temple. Their adult son is questioned once more, and this time teaches the arrogant, envious Pharisees the Truth. He states a simple logic, which they refuse to understand.

John 9:

28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

Along with gaining his worldly sight, the formerly blind man who professes Jesus Christ in the synagogue also gains spiritual insight. Instead of welcoming his wisdom, however, the Pharisees play the high and mighty card — how dare a sinner teach us! They don’t take issue so much with that his healing was indeed a miracle, instead they choose to focus on the idea of someone else (Jesus Christ) assuming to have greater ‘authority’ than they.

Now, as evidenced throughout the Gospels, the Jews in power didn’t really deny that Jesus was whom HE said HE was, nor could they deny the countless testimonies of healing and other miracles which they themselves witnessed. But because they clung to the world (position of power, admiration of men, money, etc.), their eyes were not opened. For they truly did see and hear the Truth, but closed themselves off from it. I guess one could say they chose to be shortsighted.

10. The Man Who Ran Away Naked

I am not too sure what one can garner from this unnamed young man, mentioned very briefly and only once in the Gospels (I believe). On the night of Jesus’ arrest, when all of his disciples had supposedly forsaken HIM…

Mark 14:51-52Mark 14:51-52
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: ⁵² And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.  

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…a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men (soldiers) laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.

This young man’s story is strange and I have no idea what to make of it. It is possible that this ‘certain young man’ was actually one of the disciples who wanted to stick around after Jesus’ arrest, but got a bad case of the frights when the soldiers laid hands on him, and took off — naked. And I have a feeling this young man may have been stark naked, like, in his birthday suit. I suppose he was that disparate to get away from all the trouble this Jesus had caused.

I would also like to note that when I looked up this passage in Google to make sure I typed it correctly, I noticed that someone had put out the idea that this young man may just be the same or very much like another young man mentioned in Mark 16:1-8Mark 16:1-8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
16 ¹ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. ² And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. ³ And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? ⁴ And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. ⁵ And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. ⁶ And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. ⁸ And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.  

WP-Bible plugin, who was found by the women sitting on Jesus’ empty tomb the day of HIS resurrection. I must admit, it’s quite possible… that Jesus had angelic companions while HE was on the earth.

In Summary…

Yes, I know that all of the people mentioned in this post of “10 Notable, Nameless People In The Holy Bible” are all in the New Testament. That’s mostly due to coincidence, since it was while re-reading the Gospels that the idea came to me. However, I know there are some notable, nameless people in the Old Testament, too (I pray), and I will attempt to put together a list of them and their stories at a future time.

There is one particular Old Testament passage that did end up on the draft of this post, but didn’t make the cut — The Man Who Wrestled With Jacob.

The story in Genesis 32:22-32Genesis 32:22-32
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. ²³ And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. sent them: Heb. caused to pass ²⁴ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. breaking...: Heb. ascending of the morning ²⁵ And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. ²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. ²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. ²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Israel: that is, A prince of God ²⁹ And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. ³⁰ And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Peniel: that is, The face of God ³¹ And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. ³² Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.  

WP-Bible plugin about the divine being who wrestled with Jacob is probably also talked about quite often, and is probably a point of contention for some folks. Some say it was the Angel of the LORD (GOD HIMSELF) who fought with Jacob from night until just before sunrise, and others say it was an angel. The Jewish Bible, for instance, says it was “a divine being,” which I suppose infers that the editors/translators believe that it was not GOD HIMSELF who wrestled with Jacob, but only an angel.

24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. …6 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” …28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” …29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

I must admit that I cut this particular item because I am not sure how to treat it and I am not sure if I understand it. Was Jacob really able to withstand the physical might of GOD HIMSELF? I don’t really think so, as I’m sure the LORD could have snapped him in half like a twig if HE so wanted. But HE tested Jacob, nonetheless, to see if he would withstand HIM, for Jacob had had a very hard life (due to his own fault) and a very long day, but was still able to stand. So Jacob “passed” and it was through his seed that the tribes of Israel were born.

I welcome any feedback on this particular passage. But I digress…

I guess the purpose of all of these unnamed, yet very important people we read of in the Gospels can be summed up by Christ Jesus HIMSELF, who said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23Mark 9:23
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.  

WP-Bible plugin).” All of these people the LORD healed showed great faith that HE could do what HE said HE could do. Many times, as we learn in the Gospels, Jesus didn’t even question the cause of their faith. HE simply said, ‘You’re right,’ and their prayer was granted. If we can have such faith — really believe that the LORD will return as HE promised to banish the unrepentant from among HIS saints — then one day, we, too, can say to HIM face-to-face, “Yes, LORD, I believe.”