What Jesus Did! 'Through Stories' — Mark 12:1

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: ...
— Mark 12:1 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus knew the power of special stories — often called parables. He used them frequently to help convey deep messages that he wanted his followers to remember. These stories would lodge in the minds of the people who heard them. Jesus' lessons would be recalled as they saw the images from the stories in everyday life. We must never underestimate the importance of stories to convey the truth of God. Not only did Jesus use them, but much of the Bible contains them. Let's ask God to help us hear his voice in the stories of Jesus and in the other stories of the Bible. Let's thank God for giving so much of his message in stories so we can easily remember them and then put them to use in everyday life.

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you for the variety of ways you have communicated your message to us. While I know that Jesus is your ultimate message, I also know that you spoke through prophetic oracles, through laws, through wisdom messages, through the Psalms, through stories, and through your actions in history interpreted by your messengers. Please be with me as I open your Scriptures and seek your will. Thank you for speaking to us, your human children, in so many ways. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 4:2
  • John 1:1-4
  • Hebrews 1:1-3

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 12:1 NLT — Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: ...

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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