Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.
--Parallel verses:
Acts 11:22-26
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
I find that because Jesus was full of the Spirit of God (well, he was God too), he healed many and people pursued his healing touch. He did not try to make money on this, or gain fame or position or power, instead he sought to spend time alone with God. And then he wisely set up some barriers to access to him for his protection.
Barnabus was also full of the Spirit of God and greatly encouraged the church in Antioch. Then he went to bring Saul (aka the Apostle Paul) to join him in ministry in Antioch. He needed help and Paul needed a mentor.
Jesus did not focus on the types of gifts he wanted to use for God (or the reaction and the pull of popularity from the people) for confirmation that he was doing the right thing. No, instead, he sought after and focused on God will and being full of the Holy Spirit.
This can be difficult for us as we have selfish passions and worldly influences that get in the way, along with fears and concerns about our abilities to accomplish the call. But when we stay connected to the vine of Jesus Christ, we are filled. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
I must truly realize that apart from the daily, hourly guidance of the Spirit of God, his Word, and a connection with God’s heart, I AM NOTHING. My work is nothing. My skills are nothing. My impact for eternity is nothing.
However, when I remain in The Vine, Jesus Christ, I am very, very fruitful. I bear more fruit spiritually than I ever thought was possible. Through Jesus, and only through him, there is an explosion of fruit in my life. Jesus experienced this. Barnabus experienced this. I can experience this too. It is transformational and it is BIG!
When people swarm not because of me but because of the work God is doing, it is so fulfilling and awesome! And it is freeing because God is in control. We don’t have to worry about the power, strength, or abilities needed. God provides them. He will enable me for all he calls me to do in his name!
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
Lord, you are my fortress and refuge and strength. I will trust in you when all around me seems to be falling apart. I know that you are good and that you care for me. You are my Good Shepherd. I will follow your voice and your lead.
I love the connection between the accounts in Mark 3 and the “parallel” in Acts 11.
God is so amazing that He will “parallel” his work in our lives as we are filled with the same spirit (power) that raised Jesus from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20)