Mark 3:7-12

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Read Mark 3:7-12 imagining that you are one who has heard about this man who has the power to heal.

The crowds coming to find Jesus now include religious outcasts and half-breeds as well as ordinary Jewish folks, and Jesus welcomes them all and sets things right in their bodies and spirits one after another. The kingdom of God has broken into the world, and shalom is spreading far and wide at the touch of his hand and the sound of his voice. 

This is the beginning of a new story of hope and inclusion and welcome.

What do you need Jesus to set right in your body, spirit or mind today? Speak to him about that for a moment.

Read Mark 3:7-12 again imagining Jesus’ point of view.

Jesus actions seem to indicate that he is seeing a much bigger story than the one unfolding by the lake. He is keenly aware of the deep needs of people, but he knows the limitations of his physical body, so he prepares an escape from the crushing crowd. He is completely at ease in his identity, but he commands the fleeing evil spirits to keep it to themselves.

Though he is fully present, Jesus is not caught up in the moment. He seems to be led by a force beyond himself and he never forgets where he is ultimately headed.

Do you have a sense of where you are ultimately headed? Talk to Jesus about this for a moment, or if you have no idea, ask him to begin revealing his purpose for your life.

The Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, lives in everyone who has acknowledged Jesus as Lord over their lives, so Jesus presence is always with us. How aware are you during the day and in your everyday circumstances of the presence of Jesus with you?

What physical reminders could you put in place so that you become more aware of Jesus with you throughout the day? If possible, put a few of these in place just after you finish this time of reflection. If that’s not possible, make a plan for setting reminders.

End this time by expressing gratitude to Jesus.

If these meditations are helpful to you, please forward them to couple of friends.

Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.