Day 1: Jesus on the Move – The Power of the King
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God… ‘Prepare the
way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Mark 1:1-3)
Devotional Thought:
Mark’s Gospel wastes no time. There’s no long introduction—Jesus bursts onto the scene.
Mark portrays Jesus as a King on the move, performing miracles, healing the sick, casting out
demons, and announcing the arrival of the Kingdom of God. Yet this King is different: He
comes humbly, proclaiming good news, not political power.
This first part of Mark is action-packed, but the miracles aren’t random—they’re signs
pointing to the breaking in of God’s Kingdom.
Practical Application:
Think about your own life. Do you follow Jesus as a passive observer, or are you “on the
move” with Him? Faith is not about comfort or status—it’s about action and obedience.
Reflection Questions:
• Where do you see evidence of God’s Kingdom breaking into your life or the world
around you?
• How can you actively partner with Jesus today to serve someone or bring hope?
Day 2: Who Do You Say I Am? – The Purpose of the Kingdom
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the
Messiah.” Mark 8:27-29
Devotional Thought:
This is the turning point in Mark’s Gospel. Jesus asks His disciples the most important
question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers correctly, but he misunderstands what kind
of Messiah Jesus came to be. He expected a conquering King, not a suffering servant.
Jesus redefines greatness, teaching that to follow Him is to take up a cross, serve others, and
surrender self-interest.
Practical Application:
Reflect on your expectations of God. Do you follow Jesus for what He can do for you, or
because He is worthy regardless of your circumstances? True discipleship is not about
personal gain—it’s about surrender.
Reflection Questions:
• Who is Jesus to you—truly?
• Are you prepared to follow a Servant King, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient?
Day 3: The Mountaintop and the Cross – Glory Redefined
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” – Mark 9:2-7
Devotional Thought:
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus gives a glimpse of His divine glory. Yet immediately
afterward, He speaks again of His coming suffering. Mark ties the mountain and the cross
together—glory is not about dominance but about sacrifice.
We live in a world obsessed with “winning,” but Jesus shows us that the true path to
greatness is humility and love.
Practical Application:
We all crave mountaintop moments, but real discipleship often happens in the valleys—when
we serve quietly, love sacrificially, and choose obedience in the ordinary moments.
Reflection Questions:
• How do you define “success” in your spiritual life?
• Are you willing to serve when no one is watching, trusting God with both the
mountain and the valley?
Day 4: The Cross and the Crown – The Passion of the King
“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last… And when the centurion… saw how he died, he
said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” – Mark 15:37-39
Devotional Thought:
The climax of Mark’s Gospel is not a throne but a cross. Jesus dies as the ultimate Servant
King, giving His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The Roman centurion—an
outsider—becomes the first person to declare Jesus as the Son of God at the moment of His
death.
This is the heart of the gospel: Love expressed through sacrifice.
Practical Application:
We’re called to carry our own crosses—not to earn God’s love but to respond to it. Are there
areas in your life where you need to lay something down or serve sacrificially?
Reflection Questions:
• What part of the cross are you tempted to avoid?
• How can you serve like Jesus this week, even when it costs you something?
Day 5: Go and Act – The Servant’s Call
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15-16
Devotional Thought:
Mark’s Gospel ends with a call to action. The story leaves you hanging—not because the
story is unfinished, but because you are now part of it. Jesus rose from the dead and sends His
followers to continue His work.
Faith is not a spectator sport. It’s not about just knowing who Jesus is; it’s about making Him
known.
Practical Application:
Who in your life needs to hear about the Servant King? You don’t have to be a preacher—
just share your story, live out love, and invite others into the Kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
• Who can you encourage or share the gospel with this week?
• What small step can you take today to live out the message of Mark?
Closing Encouragement:
Mark’s Gospel is fast-paced because life with Jesus is not about sitting still. It’s about
following the Servant King—declaring with your life:
“Surely this man is the Son of God!”