What Jesus Did! 'Hitting the Mark' — Mark 12:12

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story [about the vineyard and the tenant farmers] against them — they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.
— Mark 12:12 NLT

Key Thought

Sadly, rather than repenting when they heard Jesus' story, the leaders resolved more intently to arrest and kill Jesus. [1] Their problem, however, was that Jesus was incredibly well-liked among the people. So the leaders left Jesus and went away. How sad! Salvation, redemption, love, grace, and power were within their grasp, and they turned away. Unfortunately, many people do the same thing today.

[1] Mark 3:6, 11:18.

Today's Prayer

God, my Abba Father, please help me never to leave Jesus. Please help me never to move away from him because I don't want to change my lifestyle, my beliefs, or my comforts to follow him. Give me a heart that seeks after you and your truth no matter the costs. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 12:12 NLT — But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.

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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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