Beyond the Weekend

March 22 | Do Not Be Deceived

March 22, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. Mark 13:5-6

Read: Mark 13:1-6
Listen:
Mark 13

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus sits with his disciples on a hill overlooking the temple. He knows that they will face personal and national trials in the coming decades. Their world will feel like it’s ending, and life will get really difficult. Emotions will run high as things they hold most dear—people, places and ideals—will face destruction. Jesus warns that people will offer false hope and answers as situations escalate. Some will even claim to be the Messiah and deceive faithful Christ-followers. He warns they’ll need to look out for and guard against this deception. It will require intentionality and effort.

Jesus’s warning to not be deceived rings true for us today. We can easily be distracted by all that’s happening around us and veer from the path of following Jesus. Maybe we look to politics, other people or even possessions to fix what’s broken or fill the holes in our hearts. But only Jesus can fix what’s broken to bring healing and wholeness. The best way to not be deceived is to know God’s Word more deeply and thereby know God better.

Jesus reminds us that his words are eternal (Mark 13:31). Situations, people and trials come and go. Only his words last forever and provide a solid foundation in the fiercest storms. As we commit God’s Word to memory, the Holy Spirit reveals these truths when something sounds a little like faith but isn’t truly from Scripture.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Where do you see any of the chief priests’ attitudes in your heart? Examine if you are open to truly listening to God’s authority in your life. Make a list and then determine 1-3 steps to open your heart to recognize God’s authority and learn more.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

GALATIANS 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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