Today we read Mark. Here we have the beautiful event of Jesus raising the 12-year old girl from the dead. In the same way, He will raise all of us from the grave at the Last Day. How amazing…Jesus conquered over sin, death, and the devil–for you! Thank you, Jesus!

Today we read Mark 4. In this chapter, our Lord gives us several parables, that is, wonderful lessons about the Kingdom of God, in which he uses simple illustrations from everyday life. In verse 8 and also in verses 31-32, He teaches how the Good News of Jesus Christ spreads throughout the world, even in regions in which some people want to smother it. How amazing that His Word grows despite all human obstacles!

Today we read Mark 3. What does Jesus mean in verse 29? To “blaspheme against the Holy Spirit” means to reject Jesus and to want nothing more to do with Him. May God protect us from ever doing that! Rather, we thank God the Father for all that Jesus has done for us–that He has forgiven us all our sins and promises us eternal life with Him and all other Christians throughout the ages!

Today we read Mark chapter 2. In verse 17 we learn that Jesus calls us, even though we are sinners. How wonderful that He forgives us all our sins. That is a feature of Christianity that no other religion has–that our sins are forgiven… In all other religions you have to work your way *up* to God and hope that you are good enough–but you are never certain. In Christianity, God comes *down* to us–as Jesus Christ–and forgives our sins. And He guarantees this with his blood, shed on the cross!