Mark Reading – W1D2
Week 1 | Day 2 | Mark 1:9-13
Pray
Thank God for something in your life and ask Him to speak to you through your reading and reflection today.
Bible Reading (read these verses three times slowly)
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Reflection & Questions
In yesterday’s reading, Mark claimed his book was about “the Son of God.” Today, he backs up that claim, writing that God the Father said to Jesus, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The Father is absolutely delighted in his Son and He wants everyone to know! Consider this: The Father sent his pride and joy to rescue us. How much the Father must love us! Strange as it would seem, after such a high of hearing his Father’s love, Jesus is sent by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. But it is through this test, that Jesus shows He is greater than Adam, not giving into the devil’s schemes. He is more than worthy of being our rescuer!
- What words or phrase(s) strike you in today’s passage? Why?
- Do you ever struggle with whether God loves you? If so, does today’s passage help with that?
Pray
Write or say a prayer in response to what Jesus has done. Ask for His strength in rising to the trials you face today.
Worship Song
To respond in worship to who Jesus is, you could use this song, Jesus, Son of God, by Chris Tomlin.
Bible Reading
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Reflection & Questions
In yesterday’s reading, Mark claimed his book was about “the Son of God.” Do you think that it would be hard for some people to believe that? Have you ever heard something that was hard to believe? Well, what if a big voice from the sky came down and TOLD you that you should believe it? In our reading today, that’s exactly what happens! God says to Jesus, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” God is letting everyone know that this man, Jesus, is the one true Son of God! So if God sent His Son down to Earth, and He wanted everyone to know it, how much do you think God loves us? If He didn’t, would He have sent us Jesus? No way! God sending us Jesus shows how much He loves us!
- What have you ever heard that was unbelievable? What made you believe it or not believe it?
- Do you know that God loves you? How do you know that He does, and how does it feel?
Prayer
Say a prayer thanking God for always loving us, and for all that He has done for us!
Bible Reading
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Devo Focus
Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Question
Doing what your parents tell you to do can be lame…
But think about it, living out the life that they want us to can have its benefits too. No punishments, no getting grounded and the best part is when they say how pleased they are with you for obeying. That’s not easy but it can feel good.
God is pleased with Jesus for getting baptized. Not only that but He is also pleased with Jesus because He came down to earth, to put on human flesh so that Jesus could go on a journey told in the book of Mark to save the world. The story of Jesus is told to billions of people a year. For the last 2000 years people’s lives were going to be transformed because of the journey Jesus was starting with doing what pleased God, being Baptized. Side note, with an impact like that it’s no wonder that Satan would want to derail it from the beginning by tempting Jesus.
How about you?
- Do you ever find it hard to listen to your parents? What are the benefits for your future?
- What are some things that tempt you from listening to others?
- Ask your parents how you might better listen to them.
- Talk to God about what things you think tempt you from obeying God.
