What Jesus Did! 'Gathering His Courage' — Mark 15:42-43

Thursday, December 19, 2024

[Jesus' crucifixion] happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.
— Mark 15:42-43 NLT

Key Thought

If we love Jesus and remember his suffering and humiliation on the cross, we too can gather our courage and stand up for him - even when there is much to lose and there appears to be nothing to gain. However, we need to remember that there is always something to be gained because God can do great things from our faithfulness even in the smallest things.

Today's Prayer

O God Almighty, stir my courage and empower me to stand for Jesus even when things do not look promising and many enemies surround me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Day of Preparation
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus' crucifixion] happened on* the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. * The NLT translators added "Friday" to the text here...."
Surely!
Article by Phil Ware
A hardened elite soldier in Rome's army comes face-to-face with the Son of God. Phil Ware looks at the Centurions in the New Testament and reminds us that they often believed in Jesus, and one in particular, can lead us to Jesus, the cross, and our salvation.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:42-43 NLT — (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.

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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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