Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 14:43-52

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The world by nature is in conflict with Jesus and anybody and anything that stands with him. Sometimes that world in conflict will be violent, using not just physical weapons but harsh words, belittling attitudes and devious means as well. But even more saddening is when religious people unwittingly join the rest of the world and think they are actually working for God! And that’s what was happening at the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas Iscariot and the religious anti-Jesus group came armed, and under the cloak of darkness and betrayal to capture Jesus. Jesus knew who it was and why they were coming – and didn’t stop them! He didn’t even put up a struggle; because that was what God intended in order for His Will to be accomplished. Jesus knew something that his opponents did not. God is in control; He was about to do a great work of Grace; God would win in the end. Jesus just submitted to God’s way of working.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I let those who are so set on their own agendas to upset me. Especially if that “agenda” includes trying to undermine or cause harm to your children. Remind me at such times that you indeed are God, and that you are in control. Remind me of those words in the hymn “This is my Father’s World” – “O let me never forget, that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” Teach me to be strong through being gentle, submissive through being obedient. May the world see you through whatever happens to me. Amen.

Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 14:32-42

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Gethsemane is one of the most personal moments of Jesus that is revealed to us. It is here that we see Jesus in such deep emotional and spiritual anguish that it affected him physically (Luke 22:44). He yearned for his Father’s Presence and he depended on his close friends’ prayer support. But as he struggled with what lay ahead he knew that only he had to face the destiny that awaited him. No one could do it for him. Ever been there before? You may or may not have human support (he didn’t – his friends were asleep!), you will have God’s Presence in your most dire need (an angel was sent to strengthen him, Luke 22:43); but only you can fulfill the Purpose that your Maker and Redeemer has fashioned you for. Jesus did his Father’s will because finally that’s what he wanted to do. What will yours and my desire be?

Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus that even though the decision was far from easy, your desire was always to be obedient to your Father’s will. You wanted to do what the Father had planned not only because you loved Him, but also because you loved me. There was no other way I could be saved except that you “drank that cup”! And you were vindicated by being raised from the dead. Give me the courage and strength to do the same. Not only because I love you, but also because of my love for those you have placed me among. I want to be obedient to your will even in the face of affliction and touch others’ lives in a way that will bring you pleasure and glory. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 14:27-31

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

How confident are we of our relationships? Can we ever say with finality that we will never disappoint – or hurt – those closest to us? And how would it feel when that loved one knows that we will fall short when they need us most, and disappoint them? Jesus knew that all his disciples would desert him as he got closer to the Cross, and even told Peter that he (Peter) would deny him. And it did happen despite their refusal to agree with him. Two points: First, it is good to have self-esteem, but I believe that it is even better to live with a knowledge of our own weaknesses. We should accept the reality that in our sin-weakened humanness we are in danger of falling especially when we think we are at our strongest (in our own strength). Second, be encouraged that Jesus knows our every weakness (that’s why he predicts it to Peter). But he still sticks with us – never giving up on us!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me what Paul learned – that when I know and accept that I am weak, that is when I am really strong…in You (2 Corinthians 12:10). You are, and have always promised me to be my strength. Forgive me for my foolishness when I trust in my own strength and abilities. True, it is you that have given them to me, but I unconsciously begin trusting in the gifts rather than the Giver. Thank you, that like you did Peter, you never give up on me, even when I fail and disappoint you – as long as I turn back to you. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 14:12-26

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion as it’s called in many churches, is one of the most meaningful acts of worship in Christianity. But there are two things about this passage that never grow “old” on me. The first is Jesus’ statement that one of his own disciples eating with him at this deeply significant Jewish meal – the Passover – would betray him (v.18). And then (Jesus) goes on to serve that betrayer the bread and wine (which would become the components of the Lord’s Supper) as well, as if to show that the betrayal did not change how much Jesus loved him. (Most probably the washing of the Disciples’ feet was also done at this same event, so Jesus washed the betrayer’s feet as well!) The second is when he gives the bread and the wine to those same disciples (betrayer included), and he says, “This is my body… This is my blood.” It was a complete giving of himself – for/to his disciples. Paul would later give deeper meaning to this: this was God giving His forgiveness, His righteousness to us – completely (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Prayer: My Lord, what love is this that pays so dearly, that I, the guilty one may go free! Amazing love, O what sacrifice; the Son of God given for me. My debt He pays, and my death He dies. That I might live, that I might live … (from “Amazing Love” by Graham Kendrick).

May I never forget O loving Lord Jesus that you died for me even when you knew I would desert you, deny you, betray you. By giving your whole life for my sake, for each of humanity’s sake, you showed that you value each of us as you would yourself. My sin and brokenness made me worthless; your love made me priceless, a treasure. Thank you for your sacrifice, Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your all for me. I cannot live without you. May you always, only, be my life. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 13:28-37

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Children do this well – keeping watch for a parent to come home after a period of time. The parent’s return is anticipated and celebrated, all because of the love relationship between that parent and child. (The exception is when that parent makes such a habit of being away and shows no reciprocal yearning; their coming or going makes little difference!) Jesus wants his return (what we normally call “the second coming”) to be as anticipated. The only difference is that we will not know when. It will be a surprise, but is meant to be a pleasing and welcome surprise. Unless we are not prepared for him – then it will come as a shock! Jesus actually encourages us about being prepared. In the first place he lets us know that as a disciple he entrusts us with Kingdom responsibility that involves other souls. And secondly he gives us the wisdom (if we ask) to be able to see the signs of his coming that will, in turn encourage us to be faithful. The question is: how prepared are you?

Prayer: Your Word says that if anyone lacks wisdom they should ask in faith, and you will give it. I need your wisdom, Lord, to be able to see the times and where our world is heading. I know this is not to feel sorry for ourselves or find fault with the world. It is to feel excited about your coming back, so that we will be with the One that loves us more than anyone in all creation. It is also to move us to fulfil our responsibilities as your disciples to a world of lost and neglected souls – to care for them and bring them into your Kingdom. I’m learning to watch for you Lord Jesus; teach me to wait faithfully. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 13:9-27

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

This is a passage that is either bypassed or explained away as something in the future that will not affect God’s people. But please pause at this reading. Understand that even now there are some places in the world that Christ-followers experience the catastrophic events and persecution that are mentioned. Go to www.persecution.com or www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution and you will read how real what Jesus said is happening even now. But Jesus also promises that he will come back to rescue those that are suffering for his name. It may not be immediate. And it may come after an anti-Jesus sentiment has risen to very high levels; but he will return. The question is whether adverse circumstances, unpopularity because of belief in Jesus, or danger will shake our faith, and our faithfulness to God’s Kingdom. How do we respond now?

Prayer: Forgive me Lord, when I grumble about little discomforts and when I don’t get my way. The truth is that I enjoy a freedom to know you and worship you that I rarely take full advantage of. Help me to understand that there are sisters and brothers around the world that have given their lives to you, Jesus, and are paying a bitter price for it. I know that only you can and have given them the power to remain faithful, and therefore I pray that you will do so. Give me a desire to want your Kingdom to grow beginning at where I live – even if it costs me. I look forward to your return, Lord Jesus, but not before many in the world come to a saving knowledge of you. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 13:1-8

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

We humans tend to have an “edifice complex”, i.e. we love to put our faith in the grandeur of the architecture of our buildings, like churches, cathedrals, temples… The disciples were no different. Jesus wasn’t being a “party-pooper” when he prophesied the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. On the one hand that really was going to happen, primarily because the Jewish nation gave more importance to the Temple than the God it stood for and was to be worshiped. But he was also pointing to the time when “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). This destruction of the religious place would also happen because there would come a time when the world would reach such a stage of political, social and spiritual unrest that physical representations of religion like church buildings would no longer be so important. People instead needed to be looking for the transformation that God was going to bring about in individual lives, and in society. Where do we put our trust in? What do we look forward to God transforming?

Prayer: I love my buildings, Lord; my church, my house, my workplace… Maybe love them too much. They are, after all, given by you. And they are temporary; at best for a life-time. But you are eternal, O God our Creator. And you are doing something in our world to prepare us for that eternity. Help me to keep my eyes on what you are doing that prepares us for eternity instead of being satisfied with the immediate present. Yes, Lord, I realize that you want us to care for what you have entrusted to us. But you are going to “make all things new”. May I yearn for that with all my heart so that I will not get discouraged when I have to “let go” of those things that are “old”. May you be praised in all things. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 12:41-44

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

I love the fourth verse of the Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter”: What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can, I give him: give my heart. The attitude is reflective of the widow’s – she gave with her whole heart. Jesus showed the disciples what really pleased the heart of God – it wasn’t the “bigness” of the gifts that are given to him. And usually they were either the surplus of one’s possessions, or a very small percentage of it – what one could “spare”. What Jesus saw was the actual “smallness” (in God’s eyes) of those huge amounts of money the rich gave; and the “bigness” of that widow’s almost negligible amount – because it just wasn’t her giving everything she had, she had given all of herself. I wonder, how will you give to God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you remind me again and again that you did not keep back any of yourself; when you gave, you gave yourself completely, without holding back. How could you be sure that I was/am a “worthy investment”? But that didn’t matter to you, did it Lord? You gave yourself because you loved me, whether or not I would love you in return. Forgive me for my distracted, half-hearted worship. Lord, I give you my heart, soul, mind… everything, especially during difficult time. Amen.

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 Mark Devotionals

Go to Mark 12:35-40

[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion]

It is Jesus’ turn now to be the one who asks the questions of those so-called religious teachers. Did they really know and understand who this “Messiah” that they were expecting was? Did they really think him to be a human descendant of David, or was he somebody much, much more? I think we can understand what Jesus was trying to say in this way: The way we behave (act) as followers of Jesus is proportional to the way we actually perceive how great and awesome Jesus is. If our perception of Jesus is small then our behavior is likewise small minded. Like the religious teachers’ perception of the Messiah was small – they thought he would be a human descendant of David. They definitely didn’t believe he would be divine (as Jesus was). And so their behavior was likewise so much less than divine – they craved attention and took advantage of the weak; what earthly leaders often tend to do. The person who knows (and experiences) Jesus as He truly is – awesome, almighty, amazing – will behave in like manner. Their thoughts, desires, actions will be far higher and more meaningful than those religious teachers in Jesus’ day. In fact it is such people who are witnesses for Christ, and bring Him pleasure. How big is your perception of your Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for often perceiving you as no greater than a remarkable human. But you are much more than that. You are God; awesome, almighty, glorious. And you have given me the privilege of calling myself your child – a child of the King! I want to represent you in every way O Lord. Teach me to act worthy of my Parentage. I want my desires, thoughts, actions/behavior to show that I belong to a Great God – the God who loves unconditionally, who acts on behalf of the voice-less, who identifies Himself with the marginalized and out-caste, who forgives again, and again, and again… Amen.

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