What Jesus Did! 'Leaving it Behind' — Mark 2:13-14

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Jesus went to the lake again. Many people followed him there. So Jesus taught them. Jesus was walking beside the lake, and he saw a man named Levi, son of Alphaeus. Levi was sitting at his place for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Then Levi stood up and followed Jesus.
— Mark 2:13-14 NLT
Illustration of Mark 2:13-14 NLT — "Follow me."

Key Thought

Two exciting things happen in these two short verses. First, Jesus shows that the call to follow him should be offered to all kinds of different people: many we may think wouldn't follow him are actually open to his call. Second, the call to follow Jesus means we are willing to leave all of our bases of security behind and follow him. Levi was willing; are we?

Today's Prayer

Father, please increase my courage and open the hidden places in my heart that I have not fully offered to the Lordship of your Son and my Savior. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 9:34-38
  • Mark 10:17-22
  • Luke 14:27

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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