What Jesus Did! 'Under Scrutiny' — Mark 2:18

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Once when John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, "Why don't your disciples fast like John's disciples and the Pharisees do?"
— Mark 2:18 NLT

Key Thought

As today's passage, the preceding verses, and verses later in the chapter [1] indicate, Jesus was in a time of close scrutiny. Some people were trying to understand the Lord and his message; but, even at this early stage of his ministry, many of their leaders' questions were attempts to try to trap him. Other questions carried an accusation that Jesus' teaching and expectations were soft and lax on holiness and dedication. While the critical questions of others should make us go back and re-examine our positions and practices, we do not need to compromise our commitments and values. We must remember that truth and genuine commitment have always been criticized.

[1] Mark 2:23-24.

Today's Prayer

Lord God Almighty, give me the courage not to turn back from my convictions when I am doubted, questioned, or criticized. Help me to know your truth and put it into practice each day of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 8:31-32
  • Galatians 1:10
  • John 7:14-18

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Not a Patch, but a Whole New World
Article by Phil Ware
Pursue Jesus. Completely pursue him. You will notice that while you are not religious, you are being drawn to a holy character and gracious compassion that religion longs to impart, but cannot! Phil Ware continues looking at the gospel of Mark and reminds us that Jesus isn't a patch on religion or a new joy to infuse old and stale religion; he is an altogether all new thing.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 2:18 NLT — Once when John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, "Why don't your disciples fast like John's disciples and the Pharisees do?"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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