Friday, February 5
Read Mark 3
Think About It:
- In Mark 3:7-12 we see that multitudes are coming to Jesus. Yet it seems that this crowd was attracted to Jesus more because of His miraculous works than because of His message (when they heard how many things He was doing). It is wonderful for people to be attracted to Jesus. But if their focus is on what He can do for them instead of Who He is, they will not follow Him for long. Think back, what first attracted you to Jesus, has that changed as your relationship with Him has matured? What difference do you see?
- Mark 3:13-19 describes Jesus calling His followers to Him and then choosing 12 to be His disciples. In this short paragraph we are told how the men were chosen and who (except Judas) would go on to preach the Gospel and build the early church. Think about it, this life changing, monumental event is reduced to six verses. The first job of the disciples was simply to be with Jesus, to learn from being around Him. Then, in a secondary sense He chose them that He might send them out to preach. We are all called to be followers of Jesus, He has chosen all of us to be ministers. But we will only be useful to Jesus to the extent that we have “been with” Jesus. There is little done for the Kingdom of God by those who minister without having a real, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How much time do you set aside to be with Jesus?
- In Mark 3:22-27 Jesus speaks in a parable in response to the accusation of the scribes. In this parable Satan is the strong man, who guards what belongs to him. Jesus’ ministry is defeating this strong man. Jesus looks at every life delivered from Satan’s domination and says, “I’m plundering the kingdom of Satan one life at a time.” There is nothing in our life that must stay under Satan’s domination. The one who binds the strong man and will plunder his house is our risen LORD. Is there an area of your life that is under Satan’s domination? There is never a reason for us to remain under Satan’s control. Colossians 1:13 (Amplified Bible) says, “[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
Family Time:
- Why were the people following Jesus? What was He doing for them? (verses 7-11)
- Whose power did the scribes say Jesus used to cast out demons? (verse 22) Does this make sense? What did Jesus say? (verses 23-26) Explain.
- What sin did Jesus say would not be forgiven? (verses 28-29)
