What Jesus Did! 'Are You Able!' — Mark 10:37-38

Thursday, July 28, 2016

The sons answered, "You will have glory {in your kingdom}. Let one of us sit at your right, and let one of us sit at your left." Jesus said, "You don't understand what you are asking. Can you accept the kind of suffering that I must have? Can you be baptized with the same kind of baptism that I must have?"
— Mark 10:37-38 NLT
Illustration of Mark 10:37-38 NLT — "You will have glory {in your kingdom}. Let one of us sit at your right, and let one of us sit at your left."

Key Thought

Before we overestimate what we would actually do to serve the Lord, we had better look at some who failed him miserably. This is not to discourage us, but to humble us and remind us of how difficult it is to let faith triumph over fear and trust win over trial. We will not make it on our own, but with the help of the Lord and the encouragement of each other, by God's grace we can remain faithful even unto the point of death.

Today's Prayer

O God, I confess that I cannot do it alone. My strength is not sufficient. Even looking at the great heroes of faith who have paid the ultimate price before me, I'm sure that I don't have the strength to pay the ultimate price on my own. So, dear Father, I turn to you and the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain me. I ask that the encouragement and support of your people can uphold me. I promise to do my best, but I also know that without your grace, my best is not sufficient. So please strengthen my courage and inspire my strength. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 14:37-39
  • 1 Peter 5:6-11
  • Joshua 2:11

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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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