TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11
Read: Mark 1:1-15
Listen: Mark 1
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The gospel of Mark is attributed to John Mark, a close associate of Peter. Peter lives with and learns from Jesus for three years. It’s likely, as John Mark traveled with Peter, he heard him recount the stories of Jesus’s life over and over. The Gospel of Mark shows Jesus on the move. It’s fast-paced and full of action. Jesus moves from place to place, performing miracles and facing opposition.
One of Mark’s key themes is that following Jesus won’t always be easy. Mark presents to his readers a Jesus that knows he will suffer for them. Mark also helps them see that Jesus calls his followers to a life of service and, likely, suffering as they love like Jesus. We learn a good deal about who Jesus is and what it means to follow him.
Mark’s audience needed this message, and so do we. We need to be reminded Jesus knew he would suffer before he ever decided to come to earth. Yet his love for us compelled him to do it anyway. We also need to realize that following Jesus isn’t about demanding our rights or having a smooth life. The way of Jesus is a life of service and suffering.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider what it looks like to serve and perhaps even be willing to suffer this holiday season. How might your expectations for family gatherings or even Christmas morning change as you re-orient yourself to the way of Jesus?
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Revelation 14.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
