The Shadow of the Cross: 365 Devotionals from the Gospel of Mark

8:35

Day 2

PREPARE THE WAY

MARK 1:1-3

The Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begins with what the prophet Isaiah said would happen. Isaiah wrote: Listen! I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you. There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’

KEY THOUGHT

Where does the Gospel actually begin? Where does God's good news originate? Matthew and Luke begin their accounts of Jesus’ life with the stories surrounding his birth. John begins with the creation of the world where the Son of God was not only present, but also did the creating. Mark, with his focus on good news, chooses to begin at a different place. If folks are going to be open to God's good news, then someone is going to have to be a servant and prepare the way for Jesus to come and for his word to be heard. In many ways, the good news always begins in this place. The real question is whether we are willing to be used as servants like John the Baptizer—who is introduced in the next verse—and prepare the way for the good news about Jesus to be heard by our friends.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father in heaven, please use my life to prepare the way for Jesus to come with his good news into the lives of my friends, acquaintances, and family. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:1-11

RELATED PASSAGES: MARK 1:14-15; JOHN 3:26-30; MARK 8:35

Day 3

TURN FROM YOUR SINS!

MARK 1:4

So John the Baptizer came and was baptizing people in the desert area. He told them to be baptized to show they wanted to change their lives and then their sins would be forgiven.

KEY THOUGHT

God's messenger was John. He was called The Baptizer because he baptized people who came to him wanting to change their lives to align with the will of God. John's mission was to prepare people for the coming of the promised Christ. The purpose of this baptism was to demonstrate a person's turning away from sin to God and to receive God's forgiveness. What can we learn from John's mission for our lives today? First, God uses human messengers to reach the hearts of those who are seeking him. Someone is out there seeking for God and God can use you or me to be that messenger! Second, seeking God involves two things: we turn to God and we turn away from our sins. Third, everyone needs God's forgiveness; none of us is righteous and holy on our efforts. In other words, we need God's gracious forgiveness. Have I come to God to receive his forgiveness and grace? Have I truly turned to God and away from sin? And to whom will I be God's messenger?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father in heaven, you are holy and righteous. As I think about praying to you, I am humbled that you would hear me. Thank you for the gracious forgiveness you have given me through the gift of your Son. I turn my back on sin in an effort to flee its grip on me. As a recipient of your grace, please help me see the people for whom I can be your messenger. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:1-8

RELATED PASSAGES: ACTS 19:14; ACTS 3:17-21; ACTS 2:36-39

Day 4

FROM ALL OVER

MARK 1:5

All the people from Judea, including everyone from Jerusalem, came out to John. They confessed the bad things they had done, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

KEY THOUGHT

John didn't choose the most accessible location for his ministry. Instead, he was located in the wilderness. Yet people came long distances to hear him. Why? Because they were hungry for spiritual food. They longed to hear the voice of God through one of his servants, a true prophet. Distance was no barrier. Confession of their sins and baptism were not barriers. They were hungry for God. Are we hungry for God today? What barriers do we let keep us away from seeking God with all of our hearts?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, I hunger to know you better and to serve you more faithfully. Please help me destroy any barriers that I have put between your grace and my need for it. Please, dear Father, never let my pride keep me from hearing your call in my life. In Jesus’ gracious and powerful name I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:1-11

RELATED PASSAGES: MARK 3:7-8; MARK 11:27-32; LUKE 7:24-28

Day 5

A LIFE IN SERVICE

MARK 1:6-7

John wore clothes made from camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

This is what John told the people: There is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can. I am not good enough to be the slave who stoops down to untie his sandals.

KEY THOUGHT

John's whole life was defined by his service to God and to God's Son. His clothing, his food, and his tasks were all defined by his mission—to prepare the way for the Lord. How could he live his whole life for someone else? He defined himself as unworthy to even be the servant or slave of this coming one who was so much greater than he. Jesus comes to us and asks us in our day to let him define our lives as well. That's what it means to call Jesus Lord—we see ourselves as unworthy to be his servants and slaves; yet, because of his grace, we are called his brothers and sisters. For such blessings, we offer our lives in service to him and his kingdom.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for being so gracious to me. Please accept my life in service to you as my thanks and praise. I pray this in the name of Jesus, your Son and my Lord. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:1-8

RELATED PASSAGES: ROMANS 12:1-2; MATTHEW 7:21; MARK 3:31-35

Day 6

THE HOLY SPIRIT

MARK 1:8

I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus has the power and authority to send the Spirit and make us new. John could talk about the Holy Spirit and operate by the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as well as promise the coming of the Holy Spirit. However, he could not baptize in the Holy Spirit. It wasn't part of his baptism. Only Jesus can make us new by the power of the Holy Spirit. Each of us need to consider seriously whether we have let him make us truly new.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank you for the gift and power of the Holy Spirit that is at work in your children. Thank you for sending this Spirit into our lives. Holy Spirit, I pray that you will mold me and make me into the person I need to be to properly share God's grace with others. In the name of Jesus and through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:1-11

RELATED PASSAGES: JOHN 3:3-7; TITUS 3:3-7; ACTS 2:32-33

Day 7

BAPTIZED

MARK 1:9

About that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the place where John was. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus was a real person who came from a real place called Nazareth in the province of Galilee. He was baptized in a real river, the Jordan. In other words, Jesus story is more than a story; it is history. Yet more than history, it is Jesus’ saving history. A special part of that history is Jesus’ baptism. His baptism is important for a number of reasons. It is a signal of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It is an opportunity for God to affirm his Son, as we will see in subsequent verses. It is a way for Jesus to identify with people seeking to be ready for the coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. It is a way for Jesus to fulfill righteousness. For us, however, there is another great truth about Jesus’ baptism: it is something we can join him in doing if we truly turn our lives toward God as did those who came to John. God's saving history demonstrated in Jesus can intersect our lives. What a blessing of grace!

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share in the life of Jesus. Help me know your will more fully as I study Jesus’ life in the Gospel of Mark. Thank you for letting my life intersect the life of your Son through baptism. Dear Father, please conform me to the character of your Son through the Holy Spirit. In the holy name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: LUKE 1:1-4; JOHN 1:14-18; HEBREWS 1:1-3

Day 8

SPLIT OPEN

MARK 1:10

As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the sky torn open. The Spirit came down on him like a dove.

KEY THOUGHT

Something dramatic, earthshaking, and eternally significant happened in Jesus’ baptism. All who witnessed this event, and all of us who read about it, can't escape the power and significance of this moment. Heaven is opened. The distance between God in heaven and mortals is collapsed. The Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove on Jesus to show God's approval, blessing, and anointing as God's Son, the King. Jesus’ baptism is a turning point—not just for Jesus, but for us as well. Our baptism, though clearly not as dramatic as the Lord's, is a turning point, too. We need to think about the significance of both the Lord's baptism and our own.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, I thank you for a clear marker in my past that designates the turning point of my life. Jesus is my Lord. You are my Father. The power of the Holy Spirit lives in me. I praise you and thank you for a fresh start and the power to have a new beginning. Please help me share this freshness of your grace with others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; ACTS 22:6-16; GALATIANS 2:20

Day 9

FULLY PLEASED

MARK 1:11

A voice came from heaven and said: You are my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with you.

KEY THOUGHT

Isn't this what we all need to hear from the ones we love the most? Look at what is being said. I claim you as my child! I love you! I am completely pleased with you! God shared these incredible affirmations with his Son. In the subsequent verses, Jesus will face the temptations of Satan in the wilderness armed with the understanding that his Heavenly Father lovingly and proudly claims him as his child. When we were baptized, I can't help but believe that God said the same things about you and me!

TODAY'S PRAYER

Loving and adoring Father, I know I do not merit your love and grace. Yet, dear Father, I am overwhelmed with them and thankful for them. As your child, please know that I love and adore you—even in those times when I make wrong choices and when I succumb to temptation's power. Father, do not ever let the evil one strip my love for you from me or let him cloud my eyes to your love. I pray this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: ROMANS 8:15-16; GALATIANS 3:26-29; JOHN 3:1-8

Day 10

LED BY THE SPIRIT

MARK 1:12

Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert alone.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus was led and guided by the Holy Spirit—in both good times and bad times. Just as Jesus goes to face temptation in the wilderness immediately after his baptism, we too find ourselves facing powerful temptation after a major spiritual experience, a deepened spiritual commitment, or a special time of devotion. This does not mean the Holy Spirit has abandoned us. Rather, it means that the Spirit goes with us to lead us through the time of testing and temptation. The Spirit takes what Satan intended for our harm and turns it into something that can strengthen our faith and mature us in our discipleship.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, give me the courage to believe that your Holy Spirit leads and guides me. Help me believe that I am not alone—not in the good times when I feel strong and not in the tough times when I feel abandoned. Use all the events in my life to mature me more and more into the character, compassion, and commitment of Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: JOHN 4:30-36; ROMANS 8:14-17; 5:22-26

Day 11

CARE UNDER FIRE

MARK 1:13

He was there for 40 days, being tempted by Satan. During this time he was out among the wild animals. Then angels came and helped him.

KEY THOUGHT

When you feel alone, abandoned, and under attack, where do you turn for help? Jesus trusted in his relationship with his Father. He was being led by the Spirit. However, this passage reminds us of a truth we often forget: God does send his angels to help his faithful servants in times of trial. Jesus faced Satan in the wilderness and among the wild animals, but he was not alone. Angels attended to him. The question now is whether each one of us believes that God will bless us with the same kind of support when we experience wilderness times?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, I thank you that, as your child, I will never have to face the times of temptation and trial alone. I thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in me. Although I may not see them, I thank you for the angels I trust are sent to assist me. Most of all, dear God, I rely upon your promise never to abandon me. Please give me the faith to believe that I am never alone or abandoned as your child. In the name of Jesus, who victoriously faced temptation, I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: HEBREWS 1:14; ROMANS 8:14-17, 38-39; HEBREWS 13:5-6

Day 12

THE NEAR KINGDOM

MARK 1:14-15

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee and told people the Good News from God. He said, The right time is now here. God's kingdom is near. Change your hearts and lives, and believe the Good News!

KEY THOUGHT

Mark wants us to see that Jesus’ baptism by John, Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness, and John's arrest lead to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus goes to Galilee, the place of ministry in Mark's Gospel. He begins to preach God's Good News about the nearness of God's Kingdom. This nearness of the Kingdom and this presentation of Good News mean people must respond by turning away from their sins. God's will must reign in our hearts if we are to receive this Kingdom. So the question comes to you and to me: have I welcomed the Good News and turned away from my sins?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Holy and righteous Father, God of mercy and grace, I believe that your Son has brought me your Good News. I believe you want the power of your Kingdom to reign in my heart and be seen in the fruit of righteousness produced in my life. I gladly offer my heart, soul, strength, and mind to show my love for you and my desire to honor you. In the name of the one who is good news, Jesus of Nazareth, I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: ACTS 8:4-8, 12; GALATIANS 5:16-21; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:12

Day 13

A NEW KIND OF FISHING

MARK 1:16-18

Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee. He saw Simon and his brother, Andrew. These two men were fishermen, and they were throwing a net into the lake to catch fish. Jesus said to them, Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish. So they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus.

KEY THOUGHT

I don't know about you, but I love to fish. However, fishing is a hobby, not my livelihood. Jesus is saying to these fishermen that he is going to take their livelihood and transform it into a way to change people's lives for God. Now these fishermen completely left their fishing boats behind, at least for awhile. Most of us, however, he asks to stay in our vocations and let him show us how to bless others and bring God into their lives. If we are going to follow Jesus, then we should see his transforming power show up in our workplace and in our influence among those around us. Follow me! Jesus is asking you and me. Will we follow him . . . especially at work and school?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, give me the vision to see the opportunities you place before me to bless others and share your grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: MATTHEW 28:18-20; 1 PETER 3:13-16; ACTS 8:4-5

Day 14

LEFT BEHIND

MARK 1:19-20

Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat, preparing their nets to catch fish. Their father Zebedee and the men who worked for him were in the boat with the brothers. When Jesus saw the brothers, he told them to come. They left their father and followed Jesus.

KEY THOUGHT

There is a cost to following Jesus. Some people won't understand. Some of those who won't understand may even be in our own families. However, we are called to follow, knowing that others we love might not be willing to face the cost of that discipleship. Don't be fooled, dear friend, by preachers promising everything while implying there will not be heartbreak or hardship. Some we love will not follow with us. However, our hope and prayer is that their reluctance will be only temporary and that through us they will come to know the Jesus we follow. The first step, however, is to follow . . . no matter the cost!

TODAY'S PRAYER

Give me courage, dear Father, to follow Jesus as my Lord no matter the cost. Please use me to influence those I love to come to know Jesus as their Lord. In the name of Jesus, whom I follow. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:9-20

RELATED PASSAGES: LUKE 9:23-26, 62; 1 PETER 3:1-2; 1 PETER 4:3-4

Day 15

SABBATH TEACHING

MARK 1:21-22

Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. On the Sabbath day, Jesus went into the synagogue and taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching. He did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like someone with authority.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus went to church! Well, not exactly church as we know it, but he did go to the assembly of God's people at the synagogue. Weren't there hypocrites, sinners, and worse in those meetings? Yes! But Jesus went to the synagogue because these people were searching for God, despite their failures and problems. He used his visits as opportunities to teach the people. They recognized his authority. Do we? Are we responding to Jesus’ words of comfort, challenge, and conviction?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Holy God and righteous Father, thank you for Jesus’ example of going to meet with your people and blessing them with your truth. As I go to the assembly of people who honor your name and praise Jesus for his sacrifice, I pray that Jesus’ teaching and will are obeyed. In the authoritative name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:21-28

RELATED PASSAGES: 1 CORINTHIANS 4:20; LUKE 4:16-21; LUKE 3:7-9

Day 16

EVEN THE DEMONS CONFESS

MARK 1:23-24

While Jesus was in the synagogue, a man was there who had an evil spirit inside him. The man shouted, Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God's Holy One!

KEY THOUGHT

One of the things that we will see again and again in the Gospel of Mark is that the demons know who Jesus is: the Son of God. They know he is more powerful than they are: he casts them out and they obey his commands. Jesus is stronger than Satan and he can defeat Satan and his demonic cohorts. Even though the demons know who Jesus is, Jesus doesn't permit them to spread the news because he doesn't want the testimony of demons. Jesus will define his own identity by his life of service offered to others and given to honor God.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Holy God, guard my heart from desiring titles, accolades, and earthly notoriety. I know, dear Father, that Satan can use my pride to bring me to ruin. I also know, dear God, that the evil one can twist my reputation and use it to keep others from the Gospel. Holy Father, please protect my reputation and guard my heart so that my life can be used to bless others and help them know the truth about your Son. In Jesus’ name, your Holy One, I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:21-28

RELATED PASSAGES: MARK 3:22-27; MARK 1:35-39; JAMES 2:19

Day 17

POWER OVER EVIL

MARK 1:25-26

Jesus, his voice full of warning, said, Be quiet, and come out of him! The evil spirit made the man shake. Then the spirit made a loud noise and came out of him.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus had power over the evil one and the vile power he seeks to wield. He defeated him during the temptation in the wilderness. He defeated him in every encounter during his life. Most importantly, he defeated him in the place of Satan's greatest power—death. Jesus’ victory over Satan and death will be most gloriously realized when he comes again in glory with victory for all of his disciples.

TODAY'S PRAYER

O LORD, God Almighty, the Sovereign God of Israel, thank you for giving me victory through Jesus over Satan, sin, and death. I praise you for your grace that has saved me. I praise you for your Spirit that indwells me and gives me power. I praise you for the coming glorious return in which I will share. To you belongs all glory and honor, now and forevermore, in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:21-28

RELATED PASSAGES: HEBREWS 2:14-15; MARK 6:5-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:25-26, 56-58

Day 18

THE AUTHORITATIVE VOICE

MARK 1:27-28

The people were amazed. They asked each other, What is happening here? This man is teaching something new, and he teaches with authority! He even commands evil spirits, and they obey him. So the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the area of Galilee.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus has authority. Not just rank so he can give orders. Not just power so he can obliterate his enemies. No, Jesus has true authority—rank, power, and integrity so that he can authentically rule over and destroy evil. This authority should not just be admired. This authority should not leave us spell-bound. No, this authority should lead us to watch Jesus and learn from his actions, because they are gracious and compassionate as well as mighty. This authority should make us listen to what he says, because Jesus’ words are not only true, they are also life-giving and liberating. We should be excited. We should tell others about Jesus. Most importantly, we should obey him and follow his example of sacrificial service.

TODAY'S PRAYER

My dear and precious Father, the One True and Living God, please give me the courage to believe and obey the words of Jesus and to follow his example of sacrificial service. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:21-28

RELATED PASSAGES: MATTHEW 28:18-20; MARK 10:42-45; MARK 3:31-35

Day 19

GONE IN AN INSTANT

MARK 1:29-31

Jesus and the followers left the synagogue. They all went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother-in-law was very sick. She was in bed and had a fever. The people there told Jesus about her. So he went to her bed. Jesus held her hand and helped her stand up. The fever left her, and she was healed. Then she began serving them.

KEY THOUGHT

Jesus leaves no doubt about his power over illness; he sees the illness and cures it. It is gone in an instant. With the touch of Jesus’ hand and the power of his grace, Peter's mother-in-law goes from bedridden to healthy hostess preparing a meal. As impressive as this kind of miracle is, think about the change that same grace brings in our spiritual lives. Salvation is a great miracle in each life touched by God's grace and Jesus’ love. Our sin is gone in an instant. Our future is changed for the better in an instant. Our hopes are raised in an instant. While our own life as a disciple will be a gradual transformation to become more like Christ, God's view of us is changed in an instant. Such is the power, love, and grace of our Lord!

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank you for the life-changing power of your grace demonstrated to me in the sacrifice of Jesus and the work of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

CONTEXT: MARK 1:29-39

RELATED PASSAGES: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17-18; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11

Day 20

THE MAGNET OF GRACE

MARK 1:32-33

That night, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus many who were sick. They also brought those who had demons inside them. Everyone in the town gathered at the door of that house.

KEY THOUGHT

When people see the power of Jesus to change a person's life, they