READING: Mark 1-3
In one of the ironies of Mark’s Gospel, the demons of hell have a better understanding of who Jesus is than the religious leaders do. The leaders should have recognized the coming of their promised Messiah, but they refused to see Jesus as such a person. In fact, they’re already stressed at Jesus by Mark 2:1-12 when He forgives the sins of a paralyzed man — an act that only God could do. By Mark 3, the Pharisees are already allying with the Herodians to “plot . . . how they might kill Jesus” (Mark 3:6). In the meantime, the people are amazed by Jesus’ teaching and healing powers.
The demons, though, recognize Jesus for who He is. The demon in the man in the Capernaum synagogue knew that Jesus was “the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24). Apparently, all the spirits who saw Him “fell down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God’” (Mark 3:11). He demanded that they be quiet, but they nevertheless knew Jesus’ power and position. In that sense, they echoed the writer of Mark and the Father in heaven, both who declared Jesus to be the Son of God (Mark 1:1, 11). Jesus, the mighty Son of God who had bound the strongman (Mark 3:27), was on the scene.
I realize that we, too, declare Jesus to be the Son of God, and we intellectually believe that truth. I am not certain we live accordingly, though. If we truly saw Jesus as the Son of God, we would at least:
- fight harder against sin
- pray more
- want to read His Word more
- turn from bitterness and anger more speedily
- tell others about Him more regularly.
The question for this day is a simple one: do I just say I believe Jesus is the Son of God, or do I live like I really believe that truth?
ACTION STEPS:
- Make one choice today that clearly shows you believe Jesus is the Son of God. Regardless of what He asks, obey Him.
- If you’re physically able, spend some time on your face before God today. Declare Jesus the Son of God before the demons do.
PRAYER: “Jesus, You are the Son of God, the Holy One. I praise You, and I want to live my life for You today.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Mark 4-5