This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Mark: The Gospel of Mark is a fast-paced narrative about the ministry of Jesus. Likely written by John Mark, who knew both Peter and Paul, this Gospel emphasizes Jesus as both the Son of Man and the Son of God. It also shows Jesus as a humble servant leader, willing to suffer and die on the cross.
How Mark Fits Into the Story: The Gospel of Mark clarifies the nature of the promised Messiah. Though many individuals in Jesus’s day tried to claim the title, Mark redefined it in light of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Jesus, the one, true Messiah, was a suffering servant, both fully human and fully divine. Mark’s Gospel shows us how Jesus’s authority, in both teaching and miracles, is present alongside His humanity.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do today’s readings about Jesus’s character and demeanor change your understanding of God’s posture toward His people?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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81 thoughts on "Mark"
Jesus could have lived in luxury because He is the son of God, instead, He lived His life as a servant to God’s people. God sent His only son to not only live as a humble man but to also be crucified like a criminal for us, His people. Jesus’s character and humbleness is truly shown by Mark and honestly if I think about it hard it brings me to my knees with gratitude for how he suffered for a sinner like me.
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God loves us so much
Even though I already knew how humble Jesus is, this is reminding me! I know I don’t deserve redemption. However, I am so thankful that God loves me so much that he sent Jesus to cover my sins. I want to value and appreciate this more than I ever have. So thankful that I found this community to help me start a more committed spiritual chapter in my life.
JEsus came to serve and that is the heart he wants us to have too! It’s not about us, but about others!
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Mark 9:33 In this passage God is asking us to have childlike faith in Him. To trust Him like a child trusts their parents to discern what is right and wrong. To see the world and faith through a childlike sense of wonder of all His glory. May we reflect today and everyday of his creation
The ego is so subtle sometimes. Specifically in certain areas of our lives that are so focused on worldly things such as in the workplace or just business dealings in our communities but he calls us to humility in all things. So walking the line of God required humilityand not being a doormat are sometimes
Jesus served with such humble authority and a willingness to truly welcome snd meet people whare they were at. His ability to connect with and relate to people, to draw them in is such an example. Living a life of such faithful obedience is what my desire should be and what I need to pursue. Lord show me your heart and your ways and lead me to showing others the ways you can redeem and change their lives. Anen
The results from my CT scan came up on MyChart from the hospital. According to the measurements shown, the tumor has not grown since my last scan five months ago. Praise God! I will be talking with my doctor tomorrow, and expect him to say we’ll wait another six months and do another scan.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Praise the Lord! In the realm of watch and wait, this is great news.❤️
Amen! Prayers for wisdom today! ❤
Praising with you!!
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Reflection Questions:
1. How do today’s readings about Jesus’s character and demeanor change your understanding of God’s posture toward His people? I see His absolute strength and power hidden beneath the absolute submission to the Will of the Father. His silence (the servant’s demeanor) is his refusal to defend Himself. He demonstrated such incredible restraint/ self-control (Lord help us to be like you with great self control, mouth control). What stood out to me was “deeply acquainted with grief”. He was despised, rejected by mankind. His heart posture is one of great empathy, not one of critical look like the religious elite. And He is willing to bear the emotional and physical weight of our brokenness, not despising our struggling with impatience, but with understanding. He led an example of sacrifice, so that we too can sacrifice for others, without demanding a payback, free of malice, deception and violence. “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:9).
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? Redemption from GOD is not writing a cheque to buy back from a distance. It is HIS own Son whom He loved so dearly came down, entering into the heaviest depths of human emotion and suffering, to purchase human brokenness, rather than just to erase the spiritual debt (which GOD is totally capable of this option).
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Thank you shes for your prayers over Mya (the child in the social system). Last night I cried out to GOD for this child and all the children in the social system, who have been left in their demise, and may GOD touch them and remove all the demonic oppression (even the legion that occupies them and torments them). The Lord showed me the deep root of fear that causes them such violence. Today my husband took her with other kids to the zoo as part of the program. It was forecasted to be very hot (90 plus), and I prayed for an overcast and huge surprise, the Lord sent clouds in abundance and it was cool today. I had to tell you. And it was reported that Mya behaved well today at the zoo. Thank you shes. And what we read today in Mark reminded me of Mya, “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but him who sent me” Mark 9:37.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
Praising God for answered prayers for Mya and others. I’m so glad they had a good day at the zoo.
Dear Mercy
I have never posted on here before, although read daily. However, today I felt too exhausted and unwell to gather my thoughts and respond privately to the refelction questions (Also I am a day beind!)So, I decided to quickly skim thourhg the comments ins earch of some inspiration. And there was your post. Insightful, Edifying, Arituclate. And,a wonderful tesitomony, which I can imagine is merely skimming the surface of the work you are diong, to encourage. You end ‘Be blessed dear sisters’…well, I have been. Thank you. Praying for an overflow of God’s love, favour and power in your life and work today. Amen
(heart)
Although Jesus was fully God. He didn’t taken advantage of that. He took on the form of humanity, a sinless lamb to be sin in our place. He didn’t see himself above others.
He gave his life a ransom for many, so many could have life everlasting.
Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus. Look at each person we encounter as a person Jesus died for. Thank you Jesus for dying for me so I can have life with You! He came to serve, not be served!
Jesus is a great example for us all!
Jesus humbly and faithfully served His people to the glory of God. May we follow his example and humbly and faithfully serve each other to glorify God.
1. I’m reminded over over how humble Jesus’ character and demeanor were, very humble.
He did not push his way through to be the first. He led by example.
2. His story of redemption shows me that I too, even though it’s hard need to take that character of humility. The other day, my son pointed out to me how “rude” I can be on the phone when it comes to talking to a stranger. I was a little upset with Amazon about a much needed item that needed to come, and I had to cancel it. OUCH!! As I mentioned we are in San Luis Obispo (Beach town). Joining you this morning from one of our favorite coffee shops. It was so cool as I had my Bible out, and this sweet lady came up to me and said, “ I love to see people reading the WORD” in public”. It’s all Jesus! I love this!
My daughter tells me I’m much more polite when I speak Spanish. Well, duh, I really don’t know how to swear in Spanish! And even if I manage to refrain from swearing (which I usually do outside the family), let’s face it, I have a much bigger vocabulary in my native language. And parents who didn’t always set such a good example of grace with people who displeased them. Ok, I guess that was a confession, but it was also a fascinating observation from the one child of mine who I have never heard utter a single bad word.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do today’s readings about Jesus’s character and demeanor change your understanding of God’s posture toward His people?
Just how wise He was. Even when His followers were urging Him to give them power, He put them back on the right path instead he of cutting them lose. He is a wonderful counselor and teacher.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Our God is a wise and compassionate God.
God in His great love for man sent Jesus, His Son, God in form of man. That is love to step down from heaven knowing you will die for all!
May the Lord give me a heart to serve like Jesus!
Praying for all!
Jesus came to serve and save! We are called to serve, as he did, to show others his love through our actions.
Jesus came to serve not be served. And like Him we must be willing to humble ourselves and serve, so we may advance the kingdom of God.
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Hey Michelle. Miss you much sister.
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Philippians 2:8-
“…being found in human form, he humbled himself by vbecoming obedient to the point of death,”
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From Enduring Word NKJV Study Bible-
“Jesus declared that true greatness is shown not by how many serve you but by how many you serve.”
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Jesus’ life showed that humility trumps pride.
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SONG SHARE:
I Surrender All (hymn)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Christ is humble and those that surrounded him were so dense, exactly like us. Praise Jesus who died for our sins.
Today’s reading reinforced Christ’s humility and endurance, born of love for us.
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Jesus really was ‘all that’ and beyond, we definitely are not.
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And the little boy Jesus brought into the group, and then put His arms around him – teary eyed just thinking of how that must have felt.
I serve, but do I serve with HUMILITY?
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Nope.
Every time we have talked about the humble and serving servant I have mentioned my sister. She is the epitome of kind, and patient, serving and helping. I have seen it for the last 2 weeks, as she has her own horrific loss, she serves everyone around her. (To the point where I go insane watching!)
There are kind and caring people though, that aren’t Christ-followers. We want our love and humbleness to point to Christ. To show we follow his example. That our beliefs are in Him. To exemplify Him by serving in a way, that makes people go “what is different in their life that they can turn the other cheek? Forgive when they are wronged? Say kind words when insulted.”
I do think we need healthy boundaries, but that’s another conversation.
We don’t have to “act” or behave ANY WAY for God to love us. His love is fierce for all his creation. And we can’t do anything bad enough that he can’t love us. His love is unconditional except to RECEIVE his offering to give us a New life, a NEW SPIRIT, a NEW WAY.
Makes me think of the song by Phil Wickham “The Jesus Way.”
“I choose surrender
I choose to love
Oh God my Savior
You’ll always be enough
I choose forgiveness
I choose grace
I choose to worship
No matter what I face”
I leave today to go home. Please pray for my back it is so out of whack and hurting from holding my little niece baby for hours yesterday. (she is only 5 weeks, so cute!) Continue please to lift up my sister as the house will be quiet now.
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Done! ❤❤❤
Note: I posted before seeing you share that song. I shared I surrender all. ☺
Praying for you and your family Rhonda.❤️
Praying for you, your sister and family. ❤️
Jesus descending to human status to come to this earth to endure the cross, being spat upon and reviled is worthy of some deep contemplation time.
Jesus washing feet of his disciples and just suffering on this earth to bring us back into a right relationship with God makes me more than grateful.
While we were yet sinners;he died for us.
All the saints and angels
They bow before Your throne
All the elders cast their crowns
Before the Lamb of God and sing
… You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory
… All the saints and angels
Bow before Your throne
All the elders cast their crowns
Before the Lamb of God and sing
… You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory
… You are worthy, You are worthy
(You are worthy of it all)
You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory
… Lord, You’re worthy
From the rising of the sun to the going down of the Sun
… Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Come on (day and night) cry out (night and day, let incense arise) You’re holy
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day
… You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all, Jesus
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory
You are worthy, You are worthy
… , yes, You are
(You are worthy of it all), we owe everything to You, yes, we do
(For from You are all things), from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory.
Yes, I love this song and have it on my list for tomorrow’s Jail ministry! Love CeeCee Winans! :)
OH HE IS WORTHY of it ALL. Do we lay down everything for our faith? For Jesus, that came to give us ETERNAL LIFE with Him?? I am for sure working on it and count the cost. I want to live and serve…wanting everyone to know his Mercy, Grace, Redemption, Restoration, Rest, Peace, Joy, and LOVE! Lord, give us each a fire, an earnest need, to speak the name Jesus for every lost sheep…and for the lukewarm, and prodigals! Let his name be ever on our lips. Let’s make Him our priority everyday, not just Sundays. Lets have a REAL Bible on our tables, our knees down in prayer, speaking out loud to our Lord and Savior! Our hands clapping and praising boldly to songs of Worship and Praise!! Lets mentor baby Christians, walking and teaching them. Serving the sick, imprisoned, and houseless, the unlovable.
Jesus is worthy of it all. ❤️
Beautiful song, can’t you just picture the crowns being cast before Jesus?
I love that song too ❤️
Good morning! Yes! Jesus understands us! I appreciate and am grateful for the times when I know that I should have been seriously scolded for my actions and correction was provided through the Holy Spirit gently. Haven’t we all seen the behavior of the disciples in ourselves at least once?
Definitely more than once! Lol. More like daily!
Q1 – today’s reading doesn’t really change anything for me. It just reinforces what I know about Jesus. He came as a suffering servant, to give his life for me/us.
Q2 – this is the culmination of what we studied all throughout the OT. God kept his promise and sent us a savior.
Mark was a beautiful read today of God becoming human yet being Jesus.
Please pray as our church kids leave for camp tomorrow. That they will encounter the living God and be forever changed. All 4 of my loves will be going and I am begging God to touch them
I just prayed for God to move in their lives.
Praying your children and all the others will be touched by God’s word and turn to Him, and that the staff will draw closer to Jesus as they teach and supervise.
The children at our church left Sunday for camp too. my children are now in their 50’s and cherish their church camp memories. May the Holy Spirit fall on these children and open their hearts and minds to see and know their Saviour personally and may all the Mom’s make the most of their quieter time without kiddos around and Father, we pray for wisdom for those in authority over these Littles, we ask in Jesus Name.
Echoing these prayers and adding the same for all kids going to/have gone to camp/VBS etc this summer. Seeds being planted, watered, coming to Christ and also for safety/protection in this sometimes scary world we live in.
Amen.
I wouldn’t say it necessarily changes it, but to read Isaiah 53 and Philippians 2 side by side, it is amazing and humbling. We are *so* blessed to have a God Who loves us SO MUCH.
He gave us Jesus as a example but also as our substitutionary sacrifice! We could never do enough, and we will never be enough!
Amen❤️
Jesus despite His divine status set an example of humility and welcoming those of lowly status. Jesus’ leadership is radically loving. He responds to the disciples’ self serving angling for power with gentle correction. He understands how we think but doesn’t use fear to admonish us. He always models the loving way we are to guide others to Him.
You summarized this so well Abigail. It was what I was thinking but just couldn’t put into words. He is so gentle with us when we mess us!
Jesus came to serve. It’s a simple truth, but profound. Oh how this ought to inform and direct our lives! The Son of God came as man to offer redemption through His perfect life, death, and resurrection—the ultimate act of service. May we, out of an overflowing thankfulness for the grace and life given to us, willingly lay down our lives for those around us and in obedience to the Lord!
Amen ❤️
It’s easy to sit and judge the disciples about them jockeying to be the ‘greatest’ but in examination of my own heart, my motives, though seemingly humble, have the same endgame. Lord, empty me of myself.
Yes, this story makes me chuckle and reminds me that the disciples were human and so young and I am just like them at times.
Jesus truly appeared as though He was a normal man to those in society at the time. He could have come as the most handsome, wealthy individual and yet, He was born in a manger. He came to serve and be demonstrate the goodness of God the Father not to gain glory for Himself.
What stuck out to me in all of the readings was the word, humility.
•The first shall be last.
•Welcome the little children.
•To become great you must be the least.
•To become great you must serve.
•To gain anything you must give everything.
•Humble yourself and you will be exalted.
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This is so opposite of what the world teaches. But our goal is to be more like Jesus. To do so I must die daily to self so that Jesus can live in me and through me.
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I am reminded of this praise chorus by Maranatha Music from years back…
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today
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Father God, help me to live a life each day that is humble. Forgive any pride in my life. Help me to live to bring glory to You alone. Remind me of Your daily presence. In Jesus Name.
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Happy Tuesday She’s – Have a blessed day!
So true, “ I must die daily so that Jesus can live in me and through me”. Help us to die daily to You, Lord Jesus
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Anen
To serve for God’s glory!
Today’s readings about Jesus’ character and demeanor reinforced the OT’s picture of God being a Father and Shepherd to His people. Jesus’ humbly submitted as a servant to God’s salvation plan.
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Today’s reading also reinforced the extent of Jesus’ sacrifice for our redemption.
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MERCY – praying the Lord brings wisdom and peace to your husband and his coworkers in working with the troubled youth, especially Mya. May His Spirit manifest presence come and change the atmosphere of the situation.
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TERESA – agreeing with you in prayer for a clear scan and understanding for your doctor about next steps.
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Praying for your other requests as well.
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May the Lord fill y’all with His peace today.♥️
Thank you sister ♥️
The greatest love was demonstrated so we can fulfill the greatest commands to love Jesus and love others like Jesus
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I can and do serve but sometimes I am more interested in being useful in other peoples lives and feeling appreciated. I like to feel needed, it gives me a little endorphine boost. It hurts when i go out of my way to help someone and it goes unnoticed. Jesus I pray that I can serve and serve alone, that the thoughts of others fade into the background. Let me be more like you!
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I get that Jessica. I can be the same way so I am echoing your prayer.
In today’s verses we see Jesus’ humility and servant leadership clearly. From the example of a little child to His death on the cross, He is encouraging His disciples to ‘have this same mind’.
So grateful He paid the price I could not pay to build that bridge back to God!
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The Son of man came to serve
Amen!