What does it mean to follow Jesus in these times of Covid-19 and how can we, as the Bride arise?

During my prayer watch today, I felt the Lord say, “what would Jesus do if He were walking the Earth today, in this season?” If we are the body of Christ, then we should be walking out the way He would be if He were physically here right now. So, if we look at the scriptures to gain an understanding of the life Jesus lived, we find out a few key things that are applicable to us:

Jesus obeyed the laws of the land and the requests of the towns and cities He visited. The scriptures that instantly were brought to me were:

1. Matthew 8:34 – 9:1 When Jesus was asked to leave after delivering a man from a legion, He left
2. Matthew 9:18-19 When Jesus was asked to go to pray over someone, He went

In this season today, although it is perhaps obvious to many, we are expected to be exemplars of the laws issued in the country we reside. If the government tell us do not go outside, we do not go outside. Even if this is sometimes difficult, even if we do not understand why going for a quick 10-minute walk is a problem we are called not only to follow the laws but to not cause others to stumble into sin (Romans 13:1-2, Romans 14: 13-23)

Jesus healed and delivered all who were sick and oppressed by laying hands or prayers, or as later seen through the disciples through unusual acts.

1. Matthew 9:35, 14:14 Wherever He went, He healed and delivered by laying of hands, forgiving sins, casting out, commanding healing
2. Acts 15:5 Peter’s shadow caused healing to fall upon those who fell in it
3. Acts 19:12 Items which Paul had touched and given to others brought healing and deliverance

In a time when the physical act of laying hands is not possible due to social distancing, we are inspired to look to scripture to understand the other ways in which Jesus worked out miracles. It is a time for us to have faith that when we pray [even without laying hands], people will be healed and set free. That if we bless an item and send it to someone who we know is sick, they will recover. 

Jesus gave to those in need and also encourages anyone who loves Him to do the same. Moreover, Jesus gave His life and final breathe for those He loves.

1. Matthew 14: 16 When people were in need, Jesus provided for them.
2. 1 John 3:16-18 Jesus gave His life for us
3. Luke 6:30, Matthew 19:21 We are instructed to give to anyone who asks and is in need

We are expected to be giving to those in need. Even if our jobs are in jepody or even have been lost. Even if our bank account is dwindling. We are expected to provide for those in need out of love for Jesus.

Jesus taught people about how they should be living their lives and the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was not afraid to talk about hell and did not shy away from calling people out on their sin.

1. Matthew 4:23 Jesus went everywhere that He could to deliver the Good News to as many as He could
2. Mark 6:24 Jesus saw how lost people were and felt compassion to guide them

This is the time for creatives to step up in the body of Christ and do what they do best; create! The church is in need of revolutionary methods of delivering the Good News to the masses in an easily digestible and accessible way.

Jesus spent time with the Father in the secret place as He understood the importance of being right with God, hearing from Him before acting, and knowing His will.

1. Luke 6:12-13 Before making an important decision, Jesus sought the Father
2. Luke 22:39-44 When Jesus was preparing for His destiny as our atoning sacrifice, He went to seek the Father
3. Luke 5:16 Amidst His times teachings, Jesus slipped away to spend time with the Father

For us to walk out as the body of Christ the great commission we have placed on us by Jesus, we need to seek the Father first. Seek first the Kingdom. That means making spending time with our Father our number one priority above every time else, even above what appears to be ‘missions’ work.

Jesus spent time fasting to prepare Him for the seasons that lay ahead.

1. Matthew 4:2 After His baptism, and before beginning His ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in fasting and prayer

Now more than ever as our energy expenditure is down regulated from being isolated, we truly do not have any more excuses to not be fasting. Fasting continually allows for your Spirit to grow stronger and your flesh to grow weaker. It promotes a firmer discernment in communications with the Father. 

I believe the Lord is calling us to firstly learn and hunger for more of Jesus, but secondly to actually start walking out being the body of Christ by following the footsteps He left behind for us.