2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 10

Today, I can’t help but notice how clearly the character of Jesus comes into focus in a single chapter. Matthew 8 doesn’t just tell us what Jesus did—it shows us who He is.

Jesus comes down from the mountain. After extended teaching, after crowds marvel at His authority, He doesn’t stay in the spotlight. He doesn’t repeat the sermon in a new venue or ride the wave of popularity. There’s no ego here. He goes down into the valley, where real people live with real pain. Jesus shows us that words and actions must match. Teaching without embodied obedience isn’t the kingdom. Ministry begins where people hurt.

And then, Jesus heals. Again and again and again. A leper is touched. A servant is restored. A fever breaks. Bodies and lives are made whole. If you’re in need of healing—physical, emotional, spiritual—Jesus is able, willing, and present. Grace is not theoretical. It shows up with power.

Jesus is clear and uncompromising. Following Him happens on His terms, not ours. Excuses don’t hold up. Delays are not neutral. He forgives freely, but His forgiveness always calls us forward. There is no halfway discipleship here. The question is simple and searching: are you all in?

Again and again, Jesus meets people exactly where they are—in the middle of a storm-tossed sea, on a distant and forgotten shore, in moments of fear and desperation. We don’t have to clean ourselves up first. His grace does that work. His forgiveness washes away what we could never overcome on our own. Many of the barriers we imagine simply don’t exist. Jesus has already crossed the distance.

Jesus is sovereign and in total control. Even the demons know it. They attempt negotiation, but Jesus does not bargain with evil. His authority is absolute. What they thought might be a loophole becomes a one-way trip back to the abyss. The will of God is not threatened, delayed, or diluted.

So, we have a choice. Will we observe Jesus from a distance—or participate in His will? Will we admire His authority—or submit to it?

Scripture makes it clear: this is who Jesus is.
 Holy.
Compassionate.
Present.
Powerful.
And still calling us to follow—fully, faithfully, and without excuse.