Day 1: March 22, 2020
Mark’s gospel begins with an action-packed sequence of events!
In only 13 verses the narrative moves from the ministry of John the Baptist (v.1-8), and through Jesus’ baptism and temptation (v.9-13) to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.
Jesus proclaims that “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (v.15) and then demonstrates the nearness of the kingdom by preaching the gospel, performing miracles, and casting out demons throughout the region of Galilee (v.21-45).
In Jesus’ ministry we see a picture of God’s kingdom coming near to us: the sick are healed, the broken are made whole, and the forces of the enemy are defeated!
Mark 1
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism of Jesus
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
The Temptation of Jesus
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
Jesus Begins His Ministry
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many
29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
In what specific ways can you be praying for the healing, transforming, and mighty power of God’s kingdom to be manifested during this time?
Thank you for this Bible reading plan! We certainly need to be praying for the healing of all who are sick, to stay in God’s Word, and to lean on Jesus during this time. He is with us and will never leave us.
The passages underscore the fact that no ailments or situations are beyond our Savior’s ability to handle. Anyone who has been stricken by the coronavirus and believes in our Savior can rest assured that He will faithfully deliver healing to them.
Love the example in verse 35 where Jesus takes time in the morning to connect with the Father through prayer! Reminder that no matter what’s going on, that time with God is key!
It is evident in this chapter that Jesus is the great Physician who can heal all things. I noticed it was the ones who asked Him to heal them and he did. We do not have because we do not ask. And sometimes we ask with the wrong motives. We must have faith to believe.
So thankful for the assurance we have from God’s word. Praying for our people during this trying time, but if our people will humble themselves and call on the Lord, He will hear our prayers and heal us, 2Chronicle 7:14!
*Remember, God Loves us and He is for us and if He be for us, who can be against us, Rom. 8:31! “My Trust is in The Lord“
That we the church will extend the same gospel message as the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing His love and grace and mercy., especially now.
Amen!
“But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.”
As we talk freely about Jesus and spread the news of who He is, what He has done for us, what He is doing in our lives people will seek Him.
We need to spread the Good News of the gospel.
I’m praying for God to be manifested during this time and see His miracles of healing, in Jesus Name
I pray for the healing of those infected and sick with COVID-19. Healing not only of physical ailments, but also emotional/psychological ailments, broken relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children. Transform hearts through the power of your Spirit, healing relationships, leading to conviction, confession, repentance and reconciliation.
I’m continuing to pray for those on the front lines helping people – specifically my son-in-law who is a police officer and my daughter who answers calls on a domestic violence hotline. They both are only two servants but represent many others who like them are taking Jesus to so many in need.
I am praying that in this time of uncertainty, people’s hearts will be open. In this time where most activities are halted, people will be able to see and hear God through prayer and through every day occurrences. I pray that people will seek comfort by seeking the Lord. God is always near and He is always ready to meet us. I pray that this will be like our spontaneous baptism, but on a grander scale.