And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
—Mark 9:30-31 (KJV)
We often seek to attract large crowds to our churches, crusades, and rallies. Jesus also ministered to large crowds. However, the LORD's most passionate teaching on discipleship occurs away from the crowds when he is alone with his disciples. What the crowds can accept is not enough to call people to mature discipleship — to that next level in their walk with the Savior. But Jesus withdrew for intensive teaching with a small group of committed disciples to mature and prepare them for future challenges, even as great as his Passion.
Holy God, please bless the people in my Bible study group and everywhere seeking to follow you no matter the cost. Please lead me to a small group of believers with whom I can share my life and through whom you will challenge me to grow in my surrender to the Lordship of Christ so I can follow him in the way of the Cross. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Mark 9:30-31 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We often seek to attract large crowds to our churches, crusades, and rallies. Jesus also ministered to large crowds. However, the LORD's most passionate teaching on discipleship occurs away from the crowds when he is alone with his disciples. What the crowds can accept is not enough to call people to mature discipleship — to that next level in their walk with the Savior. But Jesus withdrew for intensive teaching with a small group of committed disciples to mature and prepare them for future challenges, even as great as his Passion.
My Prayer...
Holy God, please bless the people in my Bible study group and everywhere seeking to follow you no matter the cost. Please lead me to a small group of believers with whom I can share my life and through whom you will challenge me to grow in my surrender to the Lordship of Christ so I can follow him in the way of the Cross. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
