What Jesus Did! 'Don't Get Caught Sleeping' — Mark 13:34-36

Friday, October 4, 2024

The Spring Emerges: JESUShaped

JESUShaped is a discipleship and church planting work born from this ministry.

 Learn More
[Jesus continued,] "The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return — in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning."
— Mark 13:34-36 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' preferred title for himself is the "Son of Man." Taken from both Ezekiel and Daniel, Jesus plays on the human emphasis (Ezekiel) and messianic emphasis (Daniel) of this title to link his two "comings" together. His first coming, the incarnation, involved his earthly ministry as a human being who was God living among us. The second coming will be when he comes in his glory with the angels of heaven. The real issue is not if or when he will return; the issue is whether or not his followers will be ready for his return. Will we be doing his work in the world? Will we be found faithful at his return? Will we be longing and expecting his return? When Jesus left earth, he gave his followers, including us, a mission - they are to be his representatives, his bodily presence, in the world until his return. Let's be vigilantly living out our mission until the day of his return or our departure from this earth.

Today's Prayer

O Father, wake us up and stir us to action. I confess that I sometimes get lethargic in my service to the Kingdom. There are times when I get discouraged and don't long for Jesus' return like I should. Encourage, convict, and motivate me through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:34-36 NLT — "The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, October 4, 2024

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Earthly Relationships' (1 Co. 7:36-40)
"Dear Father, head of our one enduring spiritual family, We live in our bodies and in families and we have strong needs for these very human things......"
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 18:35
"The words are capable of being translated, "thy goodness hath made me great." David gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God’s Deliverers Are People like Us'
"[Stephen continued his defense before the council by quoting what God said to Moses when calling him back to Egypt to save God's people:] "'I have..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!