READING: Mark 1-4
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, as Mark 1 reminds us. In verse 1, the author tells us Jesus is the Son of God. In verse 11, the Father confirms His pleasure with Jesus’ sonship. In verse 24, even the evil spirit knows who Jesus is (cf. Mark 3:11, also). Because that is the case, these responses to the commands of Jesus shouldn’t surprise us:
- When Jesus ordered an evil spirit out of a man, the demon came out.
- When He commanded a leper to be clean, the leprosy left him immediately.
- When Jesus ordered a man with a withered hand to stretch out that hand, the hand was restored.
- When Jesus commanded the waves and wind to halt, nature obeyed the voice of the Creator.
Likewise, the early disciples obeyed him and left their boats behind. A paralytic got up and walked at His command.
At the same time, though, we know opposition to Jesus was mounting as early as Mark 2. Even Jesus’ family didn’t always fully recognize who He was. The healed leper in Mark 1 did not do what Jesus required. Nor did the same disciples who followed Jesus early always do so with equal obedience in the years to come.
Here’s my question today: do I follow the Son of God without reservation or hesitation, or do I sometimes choose otherwise? When Jesus speaks, I want to listen and obey.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you following Jesus with all your being?
PRAYER: “Son of God, guide me. Strengthen me. Forgive me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Mark 5-7
