What Jesus Did! 'Fearful Following' — Mark 10:32

Thursday, July 25, 2024

[Jesus and the disciples] were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him.
— Mark 10:32 NLT

Key Thought

Two things strike me powerfully about these verses and the people they describe. First, despite their great fear, Jesus' followers still went with him even though they knew danger awaited them since they were with Jesus. This situation is a great reminder that faith can help lead us on to face life's biggest challenges even when we can't understand exactly what is going on and when we're not really ready for the challenges. Second, Jesus knew what lay ahead for himself, but rather than looking after his own needs, he was busy trying to prepare his followers for what lay ahead. Jesus was a servant to his followers even to the very end when he displayed the ultimate act of service and gave his life for them and also for us.

Today's Prayer

O God, give those of us who follow Jesus faith that can inspire our courage and keep us following even when we can't understand. To face life's biggest challenges with question marks and confusion is very difficult for us, but we do trust that you will lead us through. We ask that our faith not fail us! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

I Wonder What I Don't Get?
Article by Phil Ware
There's a lot the disciples missed about Jesus, I wonder what I am not getting? Phil Ware thinks about the disciples not getting Jesus' repeated statements about going to Jerusalem, being rejected, being crucified, and being raised from the dead.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:32 NLT — The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear.

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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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