What Jesus Did! 'Facing the Adversary' — Mark 4:15

Saturday, March 2, 2024

[Continuing the explanation of his parable, Jesus said,] "The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away."
— Mark 4:15 NLT

Key Thought

Our efforts to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God don't happen in a vacuum. We must realize that Satan is an active adversary. He opposes and seeks to dilute, distort, and derail every effort made to advance the Kingdom of God in people's hearts. Let's not forget that we have an adversary. This situation shouldn't make us afraid or discouraged, but it should motivate us to feel the urgency of God for the lost individuals around us. It should remind us that those who come to Christ will face difficult challenges as they try to begin their new walk with the Lord. It should move us with compassion as we see people battle in their hearts between the influences of Satan and the invitation extended by Jesus. Satan will try to steal God's message from them. We must do all we can to help them hear and respond to God's message and to help them in their battle with Satan!

Today's Prayer

O Father, how you must grieve for those who struggle to receive your grace. How it must anger you to see the evil one come in and steal away the Good News from the hearts of those who so much need it. Use me as one of your messengers to help those who are battling Satan. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:1-2
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
  • Ephesians 6:12

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:15 NLT — [Continuing the explanation of his parable, Jesus said,] "The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away."

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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