When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
--Parallel verses
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
John 4:34
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
When I think about Jesus getting out of the boat, he was ready for action. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:7-8)
Jesus loved the Father at a deep level, and he loved people at a deep level. This exuded out of his body and it shone from his countenance. People were healed just by touching his cloak.
When I was growing, up we would play the video game NBA Jam, and after your player made three baskets in a row, there would be flames on his feet and it would declare, “He’s on fire!”
In ministry, Jesus was “on fire” because he operated on this simple set of beliefs:
- God’s will is perfect,
- In his will, he plans out good works in advance for us to do.
- Our spirit is fed by doing these good works that God lines up for us in advance.
Simple, yet so powerful. Stay close to God, and pray to discern his will. Sacrifice all (Romans 12:1-2) and I will know God’s will. Open my eyes and transform my brain to see and act on his will.
Lord Jesus, you were so dialed into the Father and his will. I want this dialed-in approach every day. Help me to put in a) the spiritual time dwelling with you and b) the active work of serving you, each day. The combination is unstoppable in its ability to love. I want to have your unstoppable Holy Spirit in charge of my life each day!
