Today's Verse: Mark 9:30-31

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise."
— Mark 9:30-31
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We often seek to attract large crowds to our churches, crusades, and rallies. Jesus also ministered to large crowds. However, the Lord's most passionate teaching on discipleship occurs away from the crowds when he is alone with his disciples. What the crowds can accept is not enough to call people to mature discipleship - to that next level in their walk with the Savior. But Jesus withdrew for intensive teaching with a small group of committed disciples to mature and prepare them for future challenges, even as great as his Passion.

My Prayer...

Holy God, please bless the people in my Bible study group and everywhere seeking to follow you no matter the cost. Please lead me to a small group of believers with whom I can share my life and through whom you will challenge me to grow in my surrender to the Lordship of Christ so I can follow him in the way of the Cross. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Inspirational illustration of Mark 9:30-31 -- Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three day
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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:30-31 — Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise."

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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