Consistent daily infusions of energy from a biblical perspective R.T. KENDALL
WITH LUCAS APPLYING GOD’S WORD TODAY
JANUARY – MARCH 2023
Jesus in Mark’s Gospel
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A WORD FROM JEFF
JESUS IN MARK'S GOSPEL Mark’s gospel is a story of contrasts. Here we discover a fast-paced, exciting picture of Jesus, the man of miracles and power, His stunning authority evident in every chapter. The word ‘immediately’ is used no less than 42 times! But this is not just about power; we also see Jesus the servant, who calls us to walk humbly in His footsteps. Mark also shines the spotlight on the well-meaning bumbling of Jesus’ team, together with their flawed aspirations to being the greatest. Here we can all find encouragement. Most scholars believe Mark was actually John Mark, the young man rejected by Paul the apostle after he had abandoned the team during Paul’s first missionary journey. Despite protests from fellow teammate Barnabas, Paul had insisted that John Mark could not go with them: Some time later Paul spoke to Barnabas. ‘Let’s go back to all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord,’ he said. ‘Let’s visit the believers and see how they are doing.’ Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them. But Paul didn’t think it was wise to take him. Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. He hadn’t continued with them in their work. Barnabas and Paul strongly disagreed with each other. So they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas. (Acts 15:36-40) Mark, like the disciples, knew the bitter taste of failure, and his writing draws all of us flawed souls into the story, in the knowledge that our Jesus is able to take us in our weaknesses, and empower and enable us to truly be a blessing to the world. And it is that most famous failure, Peter, who was Mark’s source for his writing. So, as we turn to this, the oldest of the gospels, let’s be strengthened and encouraged in our journeys. And as always, thank you so very much for joining me.
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INTRODUCTION
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH LUCAS! CHOOSE A TIME Find the best time that works for you, ideally the same time, same place every day, when you can concentrate and have the least number of distractions. PAUSE AND TALK TO GOD Take a moment to focus on God and ask Him to speak to you as you read and reflect on His word. READ GOD’S WORD Read the daily passage from your Bible. Don’t be tempted just to skip this part. It’s important: who knows how the Holy Spirit might speak to you as you read the actual text? MAKE NOTES
ONLINE VIDEO INTRODUCTIONS, AND GOING DEEPER When you see the video icon this points you to a brief Video Introduction to the subject. Make the most of the occasional Going Deeper resources when you see this icon. They will help you delve further into the passage. GIVE YOUR DAY TO GOD Thank God for what you’ve learned and ask for help if the day’s notes brought to light anything especially applicable to your life at the moment.
Writing slows you down and helps you focus. Write in your Bible, a notebook, or in the white space in the devotions. Don’t hesitate to underline, write in the margins, or circle words. 5
SUN 01 JAN
TURNING FROM, TURNING TO
READ
Mark 1:1-8 Luke 3:1-20
VIDEO INTRODUCTION lifewithlucas.co.uk /intros
As I write today, Kay and I are getting ready for yet another transatlantic flight. Even in these days when Covid restrictions are waning, there’s much to be done before we get onboard that plane. There are documents to be checked, transport to the airport to be arranged. Before a journey can take place, preparations have to be made. Some commentators have likened the ministry of John the Baptist to a warm-up act before a main event, preparing the way for Jesus. John’s preaching seems harsh as he confronted the false notion that nationality and nominal faith made the people of Israel part of God’s incrowd. His preaching was more like a drama. As the people went out to the wilderness to hear him, and then went down into the waters of baptism, they remembered the Exodus, where wilderness people began a new life as they passed through the Red Sea. A new life was beckoning. John preached a message of repentance. The word used is not just about a change in our behaviour, but describes a radical, total change of mind about everything pertaining to life. The word he used is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew shub, which means ‘turn around’. This was far more than a demand to change a worldview or even religious belief: it was a call to turn to the person who was about to arrive – Jesus Himself. Walking away from sin, turning to, and walking with Christ in the newness of life – may we experience that as we journey through Mark’s gospel. To ponder: Where are ‘turnarounds’ needed in your life as you begin this new year?
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MON 02 JAN
I LOVE YOU
I was born a decade after the last world war, and so never experienced the traumas of that terrible time. But as a parent, I have often pondered what it would have felt like to hug a soldier son goodbye at the railway station, wondering if I would ever see his face again. What parting words would you choose to sustain someone for such a long, difficult journey – a voyage that might ultimately lead to excruciating pain and even death? Surely the message that you would want left lingering in their hearts would be obvious: ‘I love you.’ So it was with God. Mark, typical evangelist that he is, gets right to what he sees as the main point as Jesus, without fanfare, sweeps into the story. No details of His birth or childhood are included: He is simply ‘from Nazareth’ (Mark 1:9).
READ
Mark 1:9-13 John 15:9-11
FOCUS
A voice spoke to him from heaven. It said, ‘You are my Son, and I love you. I am very pleased with you.’ Mark 1:11
There will be a baptism, and then battle will commence in the wilderness of temptation. And so the heavens are torn open, the Spirit descends, and a voice speaks words that will carry Christ through the awesome and awful days to come: ‘I am very pleased with you.’ And this is said before any demons have been scattered, any epic sermons preached, or any sicknesses healed. The Father’s love – a theme that Jesus frequently celebrated – is the reason for, and not the result of, what we do. Perhaps it feels like you’re in the Saharan heat right now, and devils seem more real than angels, or worse – it is just eerily quiet, and the spiritual world seems irrelevant. Know this, and be strengthened: you are loved. Prayer: Father, keep the knowledge of Your love for me before me. Help me to accept, enjoy, and share that love. Amen. 7