Day 74/260: Read Mark 6

In Matthew 8, a centurion came to Jesus pleading for his servant to be healed. It is written that Jesus “marveled” at this man’s faith. “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:10).

In contrast to this event, we have the faith of those of “His own country” in Mark 6. The people heard His teaching and witnessed His mighty works, but “were offended at Him.” He was nothing special; He was just a carpenter. They knew His family.

“A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” The Savior’s miraculous work was limited in this area; “He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.”

Mark writes, “And He marveled because of their unbelief.”

In one instance, He marveled because of faith; in another, because of the lack of faith.

How would He react to you? Have you put your full trust in Him, obeying Him, believing both the promises and warnings He has issued? Would Jesus marvel at your faith, or the lack thereof?

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 4:25. “For whoever has, to him more will be ___________; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be ___________ ___________ from him.”

Pray

Pray for a faith that would make the Savior marvel. Pray for the wisdom to trust and obey His Word.

Day 73/260: Read Mark 5

The power of Christ is shown in three ways in this chapter: power over the spiritual realm, power over physical maladies, and even power over death itself. Notice how people viewed His power.

The people who saw the demons depart the man and enter the swine wanted no part of Jesus. “Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.” The formerly possessed man wanted to join Jesus.

The ruler of the synagogue and the woman with a flow of blood both had faith that Jesus could heal; the ruler requested His assistance, while the woman wanted only to touch the hem of His garment.

Jesus went with the ruler of the synagogue, even though they had been informed of his daughter’s death. He said, “The child is not dead, but sleeping,” and He was ridiculed in response.

How do we react to the power of Jesus? Are we ashamed and want to send Him away, or do we want to go with Him? Do we truly believe, or do we ridicule?

How do we view the gospel? Paul tells us that the gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Are you ashamed, or do you believe?

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 4:25. “For whoever ___________, to him more will be given; but whoever does ___________ ___________, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Pray

Pray for stronger faith in the power of Christ; pray for opportunities to see and tell of His power.

Day 72/260: Read Mark 4

Are you ever afraid because of your circumstances? That’s what happened to the disciples in the boat. They knew that Jesus was in the boat with them, but they didn’t consider His power to overcome the great windstorm.

The storms of life are different for everyone. For some it is the loss of a loved one. For others it is a change in careers. Many face health struggles, while many others deal with financial woes. For some, the very thought of getting out of bed in the morning is an obstacle to overcome.

God has given us so much, and has blessed us with many tools to deal with these struggles. Do not ignore the power of prayer; neither should we discount medical and mental health professionals that are equipped to help us through physical and emotional struggles.

“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Strengthen your faith in Christ: read His book (Romans 10:17), pray (James 1:5), and utilize the help He provides through the church and the world.

Do not be ashamed to ask for help. Do not be afraid to seek guidance from medical and mental health providers. The professionals in those fields are blessings from God.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Mark 4:25. “For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Pray

Pray for strength in the face of struggles, and for help from those blessed by God who provide guidance.

Day 71/260: Read Mark 3

Have you ever thought about how your outlook colors your opinion? If you look for the bad in someone, you’re going to find it. But if you look for the good, you can usually find it.

The Jewish leaders of the first century had a negative opinion of anyone who challenged their power, and were always on the lookout for reasons to reject a person who drew attention away from their authority and leadership.

The scribes and Pharisees were very interested in what Jesus said and did, but not for the right reasons. They weren’t seeking truth; they wanted to diminish his popularity among the people. “So they watched Him closely…so that they might accuse Him.”

Jesus turned the situation around on them, asking, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” They couldn’t answer His question without revealing their evil intentions. The Lord did what needed to be done—He healed the man.

Notice the Savior’s attitude toward the hard-hearted Pharisees. He “looked around at them with anger,” but also He was “grieved.” Anger because they should have known better, and grief because He knew the end result of their attitude.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Mark 4:25. “For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Pray

Pray for a proper attitude, thinking the best of others and giving them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.

Day 70/260: Read Mark 2

Do you realize how much you need Jesus?

I cannot do it on my own. I cannot be good enough to get into heaven on my own merits. I cannot be strong enough to resist temptation. I need God.

It is through the cleansing blood of Jesus that covers my sins that gives me hope for eternal life. It is through the knowledge and application of the Spirit-inspired Word that I can escape Satan’s enticements.

I need Jesus, and He left heaven, walked among His creation, and died on the cross because I need Him. That’s how much He loves me.

He came, not because I’m good enough, but because I’m not and never could be. He is the Great Physician who came to heal spiritual sickness.

The Great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Mark 2:17. When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Pray

Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the great sacrifice Jesus made when He left heaven for you. Pray for patience and compassion with those who have not yet realized their need for the Lord.

Day 69/260: Read Mark 1

The life of a leper was a lonely life; they lived outside the general population. They were not permitted to rejoin society until a priest declared them clean.

Jesus demonstrated His power over this dreaded disease when He healed lepers. He told the man in this chapter, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

What did the leper do? “He went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter.” He was healed! This was good news! He couldn’t contain himself, but had to tell everyone!

Friends, we have received something much greater than healing from a physical disease. Through the blood of Christ, we have access to God’s grace! We can be healed from spiritual sickness!

Are we as joyful as the leper? Do we show that joy? When we truly understand what Christ has given us, we shouldn’t be able to contain ourselves! Let us spread the good news that Jesus can and will forgive sins!

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 2:17. When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a ___________, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the ___________, but sinners, to ___________.”

Pray

Pray for forgiveness and for joyful boldness to share the good news with your friends and neighbors.