Gospel Truth in Mark 3 (Oct 15)

Put the Lord In Top Priority

Mark begins his gospel without
genealogy, birth narrative or any
prologue. He begins with the
ministry of John the Baptist, the
forerunner who would prepare
the way for Jesus’ ministry of
Servanthood. Mark’s emphasis
throughout is on Christ’s works
rather than His words, as befitting
a Servant. Numerous miracles
of healing and exorcism precede
the personal calls of five disciples
– Andrew, Peter, James, John
and Matthew – and His choosing
of the seven other disciples.

Lord Jesus, You did not come
as a conquering king but as a
Servant. May Your example cause
us be willing to serve God & others.
Lord, we note worthy examples
in Mark 3 to be God Seeking
and putting you first & foremost.
Help us Prioritise Helping People.
Help us Prioritise Time With You.
Help us Prioritise You over others.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord,we’ll Prioritise Helping People:
Jesus went into the synagogue & a
man with shrivelled hand was there
Some were looking for a reason to
accuse Jesus,so they watched him
closely to see if he would heal him
on a Sabbath. Jesus asked them:
Which is lawful on the Sabbath:
to do good or to do evil? He then
said to the man: Stretch out your
hand. He stretched it out and his
hand was completely restored.
Then the Pharisees began to plot
how they might kill Jesus (M3:1-6).
Lord, help us not to get caught up
in legalism but instead to focus
on helping someone in distress.
Help us to do what You would do.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we’ll Prioritise Time with You:
And He went up on the mountain
& called to Him those He Himself
wanted. And they came to Him.
Then He appointed twelve,
that they might Be With Him and
that He might send them out
to preach, and to have power
to heal sickness and to cast
out demons (Mark 3:13-15).
Lord, we note that the twelve
were chosen not because of
their abilities but their willingness
to follow Jesus and obey You.
We also note the twelve were
chosen to Be With You which
is priority and all good things
are built upon this foundation.
Thank You Lord Jesus that You
have chosen me to Be With You.
Help me to stay close to You. Amen

Lord, we will Put You as Priority:
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers
arrived. Standing outside they
sent someone in to call Him.
A crowd was sitting around Him
and they told Him: Your mother
and brothers are outside looking
for You… Then he looked up at
those seated in a circle and said:
Here are my mother and brothers!
Whoever does God’s will is my
brother, sister & mother (v31-35)
Lord, we learn that we need to
Put You God first, even before
our loved ones, including our
spouse and children; so that
it will free us from the bondage
of idolising them. Help us Lord
to worship only You, our creator
and to love our families with
Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.