This summer, during “Our Next Guest Is” series, the Daily Bible Readings will take you on a journey through the book of Mark. We’ll take an in-depth look at the life of Jesus, introducing you to all of the different guests, themes, and spiritual disciplines Jesus interacted with and practiced throughout the book. Our hope and prayer is that you’ll meet Jesus in new and fresh ways as we journey together through the Gospel according to Mark.
Day Four Mark 1:35-39
35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. 36 Later Simon and the others went out to find him. 37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” 39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons. – Mark 1:35-39 (NLT)
Discover
1. After a full day of teaching and healing, what does Jesus do first thing the next day?
2. What kinds of things do you think Jesus prayed for? What has He possibly learned in His prayer time according to verse 38?
3. What are Jesus’ priorities?
Respond
Jesus prioritized early morning solitude and prayer, even after a very full day of teaching and healing. Do you have a set time and place to go and be with God? Jesus was God in His very nature, and He still needed time to be with His Father. Take a few minutes now to step into the presence of God. Spend a few minutes praising Him (use Psalm 145 if you need some help getting started), confessing things to Him, and then ask Him for the wisdom, discernment, and heart to follow His will for your life, whatever it may be.
For Further Reading: The Purpose of Jesus’ Ministry
For Families with Kids at Home
Read these verses to your kids, and emphasize that even Jesus prayed. Set aside time before everyone departs for the day to pray for today’s activities. Pray that God would use each of you to bring the light of Jesus, whether at school, the practice field, or at work.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.