

Read: Mark 1:1-13
Today’s passage begins in chapter one of Mark and contains three important pieces that set up Jesus’ ministry while He was on earth. First, God sends His messenger John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus. Second, Jesus is baptized, receives the Holy Spirit, and is claimed by God the Father as His Son. Finally, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness by Satan (we know from other passages that Jesus never gives in to temptation). All three of these things get us ready for the big story about Jesus: The Gospel.
Reflection
1. How did John prepare for Jesus to arrive?
2. Jesus resisted temptation. Learning from the example of Jesus, what is one step you can take to help overcome your temptations? In your reflection, what temptations have you struggled with? How has God helped you overcome these temptations?
Read: Mark 1:14-28
Today, we see the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus invites His disciples to join Him and spread the Good News. For the disciples, that meant dropping what they were doing, leaving behind their families, comfort, and their jobs to follow Him. They followed Jesus. Following Jesus can be challenging, however we have everything we need when we surrender our lives to follow Him. The disciples knew that following Jesus was worth the cost as they saw Jesus perform miracles with power and authority. Not only does Jesus have the authority to explain the scriptures but also has the authority to save us from our sins.
Reflection
1. What does it mean to be fishers of men?
2. How is Jesus calling you to follow Him today?
Read: Mark 1:35-45
One of our best ways to communicate with our heavenly Father is through prayer. Jesus models the priority of prayer by consistently making time amid His ministry schedule of healing and serving others to intentionally pray. If prayer was so important to Jesus, it should be important to us. Take a few minutes to pray through the ACTS model of prayer.
Adoration- Praise God for who is.
Confession- Confess your sins to God, ask for forgiveness, and rejoice in His grace.
Thanksgiving- Thank God for specific things in your life.
Supplication- Ask God for His help and guidance in your life.
Reflection
1. Take time to write down how God has blessed you.
2. Take time to write out a prayer using the ACTS model.
3. What can you learn from Jesus’ example of seeking God in prayer?
Read: Mark 2:1-12
In these passages, we see how Jesus responds to the hurting. No matter who is hurting or feels abandoned, Jesus does not overlook them. We see how Jesus heals a man and forgives him for his sins. Don’t miss this important note: Jesus not only heals the man from being paralytic, more importantly He heals him from sin. Only the Son of God could have the authority to forgive sins.
Reflection
1. What pivotal role did the paralytic friend play?
2. How does Jesus’ authority to forgive sins challenge you?
3. What sins do you need to confess and experience his forgiveness?
Read: Mark 2:13-17
Read this passage and take note of with whom Jesus is spending his time. Jesus has called us to be a light in this world. By doing so, we are called to spend time with people who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
Reflection:
1. What does it mean that Jesus came to spend time with sinners?
2. Reflect on the different ways you can follow Jesus’ example and reach other people who are far from God.
Read: Mark 2:23-28
Sometimes we can get caught up in legalism, like the Pharisees. Legalism is when we become obsessed with keeping the rules more than knowing God. We get fooled into thinking doing the right actions is what makes us acceptable to God. We can get legalistic about good things, such as reading the Bible, attending church, or spending time in prayer. These habits are very good, and we should do them! However, we should be careful to do them with the right attitude. We should be obedient to disciplines that help us in our walk with Christ because we want to do them, not because we think we must do them as part of our salvation.
Reflection
1. Why is focusing on Jesus more important than focusing on works?
2. What habits help you grow in your relationship with God?
Read: Mark 3:13-19
In this passage, Jesus calls twelve men to carry the mission of spreading the Gospel. They were given authority to preach the Gospel and drive out demons. The twelve disciples brought healing and preached the Gospel. This is an enormous task, one that we are still working on today! Just like the disciples were called to be sent out, we are called by Jesus to minister to the world. This might be at school, with our families, with our neighbors, or with friends.
Reflection
Spend time in prayer. Pray that God will give you the confidence and courage to share the Gospel with someone in your family, at school, work, or neighborhood.
Read: Mark 4:1-20
When Jesus taught, He commonly taught in parables. Parables were instructive stories Jesus used to help illustrate His teaching. Today’s parable is about the parable of the sower. Jesus often used examples of farming to help the people of His day relate to the lesson. In this parable, Jesus talks about seeds and soils. He compares these to people wanting to hear and respond to the Gospel.
Reflection
Write down the things in your life that hinder healthy seeds from growing.
Read: Mark 4:21-25
In this passage, Jesus shares the importance of shining our light for others to see and using the gifts God has given us so we can serve others. People will take notice when there is something different about the way we talk or conduct our lives. This is what shining our light means: letting our life represent Christ Who lives in us.
Reflection:
1. How can you let your light shine for others in your community?
2. What gifts has God given you to use for His Kingdom?
Read: Mark 4:35-41
In this story, the disciples and Jesus are in a boat and get caught in a large storm. None of us like getting caught in a scary situation. However, none of us need to be afraid because Jesus is always with us. The disciples were afraid and screamed out for Jesus to help. By His power and authority, He calmed the waves.
Reflection
1. How do you respond to storms in your life?
2. How did God respond? Write down a few things you learned from that experience.
Read: Mark 6:1-13
Jesus sent his disciples out into towns and villages with instructions to share the Gospel. This took a lot of faith for the disciples because they were not always accepted and often felt rejected. Sometimes when we share our faith with others, we know it can be received and other times rejected. This is when we need to be obedient and continue to share our faith and trust God. He calls and equips us in each endeavor of sharing the good news of Jesus.
Reflection
1. What is an area that keeps you from sharing your faith with others?
2. Spend some time praying for God to create opportunities this week for you to share your faith with others.
Read: Mark 6:30-44
One of the greatest miracles that happened in the Bible was recorded in this passage. While Jesus and the disciples were resting, Jesus showed compassion for the thousands of people who were hungry. He multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish. He taught and also fed the thousands who were in attendance that day. He gave them nourishment both for their bodies and souls.
Reflection
1. What does this miracle teach us about God’s provision in our lives?
2. Write down a few ways you can trust God to meet your needs.
Read: Mark 7:1-23
The Pharisees and teachers approach Jesus and ask Him why His disciples don’t adhere to certain laws and eating traditions. Jesus addresses the Pharisees. He teaches that they are more focused on man’s tradition while neglecting the commandments of God. Jesus challenges religious conformity and highlights the importance of inner purity. This passage calls for believers to examine their hearts and align their lives with the true spirit of God’s commandments rather than following human tradition.
Reflection
Traditions are good in their proper place. However, how have some traditions hindered us from following God’s way?
Read: Mark 7:24-30
In Jesus’ day, there were two categories of people: Jews and Gentiles. Anyone who was descended from the Israelites were Jewish. Everyone else was considered a Gentile, or someone who was not Jewish. In today’s passage, we see Jesus traveling to Tyre, a Gentile area where He meets a local woman. She comes to Jesus in great need because her daughter is demon-possessed. The woman showed great faith. Jesus showed great compassion and power by delivering the girl from the evil spirit. The story shows Jesus’ endless love, compassion, and ability to heal.
Reflection
How does the woman’s faith challenge you to trust our almighty God when we are in need?
Read: Mark 8:22-30
In this passage, we encounter two significant events: Jesus heals the blind man and Peter admits that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus has compassion for this man, and it also showed others that He is the Son of God. Many people had many ideas and opinions about who they thought Jesus was. Peter properly claimed the identity of Jesus.
Reflection
Jesus asked His disciples a personal question about His identity.
If Jesus were to ask you the same question, what would your response be?
Read: Mark 8:31-38
Peter, one of the disciples who was physically close to Jesus, spent years getting to know Him and serving alongside Him. He was so focused on the temporary circumstance of his situation that it distracted him from the eternal impact Jesus was teaching.
Reflection
1. What are you setting your mind on when things are going good?
2. What are you setting your mind on when things are going bad?
3. How can you specifically deny yourself, take up His cross and follow Him today?
Read: Mark 9:2-10
One of the core reasons why the Father created people is to worship. Peter, James and John had such a great respect for Moses, Elijah and Jesus to the degree that they wanted to make them equal with the Messiah. They did not yet fully understand who Jesus was in this moment until the Father gave them clarity.
Reflection:
1. What do you spend time worshiping? What gets most of your attention?
2. What is most important to you?
3. Are there priorities that need to be restructured?
Read: Mark 9:30-37
Prior to the start of another journey, Jesus shared with His disciples what was to come. They were confused and did not seek clarity from Jesus. Instead, their pride consumed them as they argued over who was the greatest among them. Jesus used this moment to give insight into the kingdom of God. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.
Reflection:
1. What areas in your life do you find it hard to seek Jesus for answers?
2. What is one step you can take to become less dependent on yourself and more dependent on Jesus?
Read: Mark 10:17-31
The man who was seeking eternal life from Jesus was willing to do just about anything, until he found out what it would cost him: everything. The man chose something that is temporary over something that would not only change his life on earth but also his life after death. When our hearts are postured towards things of this world, the truths that the Good Shepherd wants to teach us can land on deaf ears.
Reflection:
1. If God takes “it” from you tomorrow, would you be okay?
2. If not, it has become an idol; the priority has been misplaced.
3. What are some ways you can realign what matters most to you?
Read: Mark 10:32-45
James and John wanted something from Jesus that they did not fully understand or comprehend. Instead, Jesus guided them towards focusing on how to serve instead of seeking status in a seat or position.
Reflection:
1. How often do we ask the Father for something we think we need or want, but later find out it was not the right timing?
2. What are ways you can begin focusing on serving as an active part of your daily life?
Read: Mark 11:1-11
Jesus asked two of His disciples to do something that seemed unusual: to get a donkey. Despite the oddness of the request, they obeyed Him without question. Jesus then did something equally unexpected: choosing to enter Jerusalem on that donkey. While He could have come with an army, riding on a white horse, He chose a humble donkey, the type of animal an average person would use.
Refection:
1. Is there something Jesus is calling you to do that feels strange or uncomfortable?
2. Are fear, insecurity, or the lack of full information causing you to hesitate?
3. When we remain neutral or passive in our obedience to Jesus, is that actually a form of disobedience?
Read: Mark 12:28-34
Loving God and our neighbor is not just a statement we are to believe but a call to action we must obey. Our God-given mind, body, and soul are what make us human. When one of these is not healthy, it can affect the other two. Without obeying the first commandment we cannot hope to obey the second.
Reflection:
1. Do you offer portions of yourself to the Lord or ALL of you?
2. What do you need to sacrifice to the Lord at this moment?
Read: Mark 13:1-13, 32-37
In this passage, Jesus foretells future events. Some will be terrible tragedies and some will be great, like the Gospel proclaimed to ALL nations. Later in the chapter He gives us a command: STAY AWAKE! Keep our eyes focused on the GREAT I AM, don’t get distracted by earthly things.
Reflection:
1. Write down one person you can share Jesus with this week and take positive steps to make it happen.
2. Are you awake?
Read: Mark 14:1-11
In this passage, we witness a significant moment leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus: the account of the woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. This act reveals a deep love and devotion. While some criticized the woman’s actions as wasteful, Jesus defended her, recognizing the spiritual significance of her sacrifice. This moment highlights the different ways people respond to Jesus, some with selfless love and others with selfish motives.
Reflection:
1. Are you willing to offer your best to Jesus, even if others might not understand or appreciate it?
2. Reflect on the motives behind your actions—are they driven by a genuine love for Christ, or are they influenced by external pressures or personal gain?
3. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts and choose to honor Jesus with our lives, just as the woman did, rather than being swayed by the opinions of others or our own selfish desires.
Read: Mark 14:12-26
Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, introducing a new covenant through His body and blood. As He shares the meal with His disciples, He demonstrates the depth of His sacrificial love and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. The Lord’s Supper serves as a vivid reminder of His redemptive work, pointing us to His grace and calling us to live in faithful obedience.
Reflection:
1. How do you respond to Jesus’ invitation to a personal relationship with Him?
2. Are you open to receiving His grace and love, even if it means confronting your own shortcomings?
3. This passage invites us to reflect on our own connection with Christ—are we willing to embrace His love and sacrifice fully, and extend that same love to others?
Read: Mark 14:32-42
Jesus, knowing exactly what was to come, chose to spend it communing with His Father. He knew of the agony that would occur over the next 24 hours and was still willing to obey the Father’s will.
Reflection:
What is something that might be uncomfortable for you but exactly what your heavenly Father wants you to do?
Read: Mark 15:1-15
Pilate gave the people an option, they could release one prisoner or release Jesus. The prisoner they were deciding on was named Barabbas. In Aramaic, “bar” means “son of,” and “abba” means “father.” In this moment the people had a choice, they could free the son of the father or the Son of the Father. In this moment they could choose to believe in themselves or believe that Jesus was who He truly said He was.
Reflection:
1. Who do you believe Jesus was?
2. Do you make decisions on Earth based on how it will benefit you, or if it aligns with what the Father wants for you?
Read: Mark 15:21-32
As Jesus hung on the cross many mocked Him for the life He lived on earth and the things He claimed to be. Although He had the power to save Himself from this temporary pain, He allowed the purpose of the Father’s will to unfold. His unwavering commitment to redeem humanity through His sacrifice and fulfilling the promise of salvation was demonstrated.
Reflection:
Take a couple of minutes and thank the Lord for His perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Read: Mark 15:33-47
The death of Jesus, the pinnacle of everything God has prepared before the world was created, has now happened. The veil that separated humans from being in the presence of God, is now torn from top to bottom, allowing people to now have full access to the Savior! Truly this man was the Son of God!
Reflection:
1. As we read scripture, we have to make a choice in what we believe about Jesus. Do we believe Jesus was a crazy person, do we believe He was a liar, or do we believe He truly was the Son of God?
2. If He truly was the Son of God, how does this change how you live your life?
3. How will it change how you love and lead your family?
4. How will you steward your time and treasures to honor and glorify Him?
Read: Mark 16:1-19
HE IS RISEN, HE IS NOT HERE! Jesus, after His death, was resurrected and spent another 40 days on Earth ministering to people.
Reflection:
1. Do you know Jesus as your Savior?
2. Once you have personally found Him, who will you share Him with?
3. What are ways you can spend time with Jesus each day?
Diving Deeper
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