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.
What Is 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.
I love Isaiah 53:4 in the reading: “surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Like He bore our sins, and we see Him as afflicted for doing so, and while He was, it was also His choice; He knowingly and willingly was pierced for our transgressions. What a freedom to embrace humility in my own life! Jesus paid it all, *knowingly* , so I don’t have to be defensive, or be right, or make sure I stay on top. He has already borne our griefs and sorrows, deep sorrows like death and loss, and daily sorrows like when my sister ignores me. I don’t have to fight those to stay on top bc Jesus already did that, and He says it’s ok to be the least of these bc THATS WHERE HE IS (Phil 2:5-11)!! Amen for Jesus showing me I can be a servant in my own home bc I have nothing to prove to Him. He’s already paid for me.
Amen!
Jesus comes to earth to be one of us. He teaches us how to be humble and obedient to God. Following him takes great obedience.
Being sanctified to be more Christ like, means serving more like Christ. We are not Christ, but made in his image. So we should serve and love as He did. Christ was just so amazing. His kindness, love and grace is unmatched. When I read the red letters so many times, I’m taken aback at his goodness.
This reading has shown me that God, despite having no reason to be, is humble. He sent Jesus here to model humility, love, and being a servant to all as the way he wished for us live. He didn’t send him to live in a mansion, be adored, or live as a wealthy man with servants. He sent him to be the son of a carpenter, a man who was rejected and looked down upon, and to live as we live, to feel what we feel, and to teach us that by living a humble life and being a servant to others is how God desired for us to live while here on Earth.
Jesus chose to take the form of a servant and come to walk this earth with us as a servant, when he could have chosen divinity; he wanted to be close to us and experience what we experience walking the earth. And he accepted the deceit, the humiliation, and the pain we put Him through, and accepted God’s will to be done on the cross FOR US. Humility is a great word to use, but also LOVE. Jesus is unconditional love. His patience and forgiveness time and time again, and He still loves.
God wants his people to be FOR his people, WITH his people, SERVE his people and CARE for his people – I think that’s what I understood ☺️
I unintentionally got in an argument last night. I was asking him why he didn’t let me know about something going on with him and ended up making the whole situation about me. I made it seem like he didn’t trust me or that he doesn’t want to talk to me about things that are bothering him and he exploded. “How is this all now suddenly about you?” I my intention wasn’t to make it about me but I guess it was more so to prove that I was right in that situation. And OF COURSE Mark 9:33-37 was about the disciples in an argument. I texted him and apologized. These couple of weeks have been hard on us and just now have started to let up some but my behavior has still been slightly hostile and less loving. This reading showed me the character of Jesus and how he forgives in our childishness and loves us to turn us to Him and see his example. I don’t know how we will get through this transition but I know and believe that if I keep looking to Christ as my example, I will be doing the best for my family, my marriage, and myself.