What Jesus Did! 'More Than a Title' — Mark 3:9-12

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him. And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, "You are the Son of God!" But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.
— Mark 3:9-12 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is more than a miracle worker and is never a title seeker. Instead, Jesus ministers to show God's love and compassion, yet does not want his ministry of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom thwarted, even by those who know who he is. So often today, as Christian insiders, we know Jesus by his titles. In times of distress, we want him to be our miracle worker. Jesus, however, is Lord and Master. We come to him and receive his grace, mercy, salvation, comfort, life, and Spirit. Yet Jesus is still Lord. He is not our servant boy, and he is much more than any title. He defines who he is by what he does; he defines what it means to be Son of God and the Christ (the Messiah) by going to the cross. In the process, he also sets us an example for how we should live — we should live a life of sacrificial service to bring others to God. So if Jesus is to be more than a title for us, then his life must be seen in us!

Today's Prayer

Holy and loving God, my Abba Father, let the beauty, passion, conviction, love, commitment, and obedience of your Son be seen in my life. Teach me what it means for Jesus to be not only my Savior, but also my Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 6:40-46
  • John 13:12-17
  • John 8:32

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:9-12 NLT — "You are the Son of God!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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