TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 9:13-50
If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. - Mark 9:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the animal kingdom—and in modern corporations—there is something known as “the pecking order.” The idea comes from chickens. It seems that chickens, like most animals, feel the need to determine which hen is dominant in the group. They accomplish this by pecking with their beaks. Once the hens determine who is the most aggressive and who is the least, the others fall into line.

In offices and social groups, people rarely literally peck each other! But often people try to assert their dominance. In today's passage, the disciples were pecking away, trying to determine who would be the greatest.

The disciples had just seen another miracle. Jesus was asked to cast demons out of a young boy whose life had been persecuted by spirits. The father came to Jesus for help, saying that the disciples were unable to perform this miracle. He had doubt, even with Jesus, that his son could be healed: “If you can do anything . . .” (v. 22). Jesus repeated his question, emphasizing his doubt: “If you can?” When confronted with his own hesitation, the father responded honestly: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (v. 24).

Jesus cast out the evil spirit, then used the opportunity to instruct His disciples in who He was and what would happen. Not only did the disciples not understand, they began to squabble among themselves. They wanted to determine who was the greatest out of their number. They seemed to forget that they had been unable to cast out the evil spirit from the boy, and they seemed to ignore the teaching from Jesus.

Kingdom life turns the natural order upside down. First would be last? Death would mean victory? Insignificant children are valuable? Jesus taught that embracing a pecking-order mentality makes no sense for His followers, for the first will be last. In fact, it would be better to sacrifice this world's sense of accomplishment in order to be a servant of Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It is our natural instinct to want to be first. Try this simple experiment today: Let someone else go first. It may be in line at a hamburger place or at the grocery store. It may mean letting someone merge smoothly ahead of you into traffic. You might step aside at the bank or at the school lunch line. Expect nothing in return. Instead, ask the Lord if there are other ways in which you need to surrender your rights or desire to be at the top of the heap. Pray that God will mold your heart to be a servant of all.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 10:1-31
All things are possible with God. - Mark 10:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, features a main character with a unique challenge—he is born old and grows younger throughout his life. As he ages backwards, his dreams and relationships are tested because he does not fit the natural order of things. His life works in reverse.

In God's kingdom, everything seems to work in reverse. The disciples were learning that achieving great things in God's eyes cannot be done in the ways of men; to succeed means to serve; to gain means to lose; to be greater means to become lesser.

In our passage, themes are continued from yesterday. When children approached Jesus, the disciples shooed them away. Jesus was too important to be bothered by young, squirming children with sticky hands and loud voices. Children were little better than slaves or servants in that culture. Jesus responded indignantly, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (v. 14).

Though the disciples had worried about who was the greatest, Jesus showed them that He wants us to approach Him like a child. We should recognize that we have little to offer; we are the spiritual equivalent of squirming, sticky, insignificant children. Then we are in a position to receive the blessing of God (v. 16).

The opposite approach is demonstrated in the next verses. The rich young man, likely someone with a leadership position, approached Jesus; he wanted to inherit eternal life, and this might have been the only thing that had ever been out of his reach. He conveyed an air of entitlement—look who he was! Look what he had done!

Jesus challenged him at his true vulnerability: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor. . . . Then come, follow me” (v. 21). Jesus' command cut to the heart of his identity. He had chosen to identify himself with wealth, and he could not give up the core of his being in order to follow Jesus. He was a man of status, unwilling to come to Christ like a lowly child.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
On what is your identity based? Is it the status of your bank account or the level of your education? Is it how hard you work, or the success of your children? None of these things may be bad in and of themselves, but they are a problem if they define us and determine our worth. Our identity should first and foremost be shaped as a child of God. Our worth comes from His love for us. Following Him is more important than any earthly claim to pride or possessions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 10:32-52
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45
TODAY IN THE WORD
Florence Nightingale was born in Italy to an upper-class family. In 1837, not long before her seventeenth birthday, Florence became convinced that God intended her for a life of service. Already interested in medicine, she decided to become a nurse. Her family was greatly disappointed; they hoped for a successful marriage to a wealthy suitor, and nursing at that time was considered disreputable and little better than prostitution.

Despite her family's protest, Florence Nightingale became a nurse and almost singlehandedly revolutionized the profession. Her books on nursing are still read today, and her influence on the care of wounded soldiers and the poor who are sick remains significant. Her life of service impacted untold numbers of people.

Jesus had told His disciples repeatedly that He was called to serve and to die, but they did not understand. In today's passage, He told them more details about His coming suffering and death. He told them about the location and who would accuse Him. He mentioned that He would be spat upon and killed and would three days later rise from the dead.

The Bible does not record any response by His followers to this news. It would seem appropriate that their next words would be ones of comfort or question. Instead, they ask him a favor. James and John wanted to sit at His right and left side—in positions of honor—in glory. Here they are, in the days before Jesus' suffering and death, and they are concerned not with their Savior, but with their own positions of honor. Jesus asks them a question in return: Are you willing to suffer with me? To die with me?

The other disciples were indignant at the request of James and John, once again more concerned that they wouldn't get what they deserved than at the distressing news of Jesus' death. Jesus again patiently explained His mission to their reluctant hearts (v. 45).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Prestige versus service—in our society, the answer is easy. We admire those who get ahead, achieve success, and end up on the top of the heap. Even when we consider service, we might factor in how it will make us look—like James and John, we want to get some glory out of the deal! Mark's Gospel challenges our notions of success. Pray today that your life would be a success according to God's standards. If you are led to serve others, do it for His glory alone.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 11:1-33
They feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. - Mark 11:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
The phrase “speak softly and carry a big stick” is a West African proverb popularized by former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. He used the phrase to describe foreign relations policy, in which diplomats had no need to harangue other countries if they were backed by great military power.

In today's passage, Jesus is seen “speaking softly and carrying a big stick.” Everyone who met Jesus was struck by His authority. In this chapter, Jesus entered Jerusalem, cleared the temple, and withered a fig tree. The chapter ends with the chief priests wondering at His authority: who was this Jesus?

Before Jesus entered Jerusalem, He sent His disciples to get a colt. He gave them specific instructions, and said if anyone questioned them, they were to answer, “The Lord needs it” (v. 3). As they entered Jerusalem, people crowded around shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v. 9).

This was a man of authority! Following His entry, Jesus stunned onlookers at the temple. He was so displeased that He “overturned the tables,” disrupting business and sending the merchants home (v. 15). His anger was provoked by the greed that had replaced prayer and worship. Notice the possessive “my” in verse 17 to describe the temple. He called attention to His position and ownership. The chief priests were outraged. Jesus posed a direct threat to their positions of leadership, and He undermined their status. Yet they still didn't understand who He was or the nature of His mission. They interpreted Jesus according to their notion of earthly power, and feared Him because He was popular—not because He was God.

Jesus' actions toward the fig tree were symbolic. The miracle of the withered tree certainly displayed His power and authority. It was also a warning that those who would not be ready for Him and bear fruit would be cut off.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
American Express claims that its card members have great authority. Do you know that as a follower of the Most High you have even greater power? Because of who you serve, your prayers are answered, your steps are directed, and your ways are protected. When you are tempted to minimize your faith, to keep your praise to yourself, or to hide behind your insecurities, remember who has authority in your life. The Jesus you love commanded respect and honor! As His followers, we can hold our heads high as we walk with Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 12:1-27
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. - Mark 12:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the popular game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” contestants must answer a series of increasingly difficult questions. As they sit in the spotlight, the host provides four possible answers, and the stakes to be correct grow higher as the game goes on. One false answer, and the entire prize money could be lost. If contestants do not know the answer, they can always use a “life line.” One such life line is to phone a friend, who they hope will have the knowledge they desperately need.

Today, we find Jesus at center stage. All eyes are now focused on this man who was making extraordinary claims. The chief priests and leaders were watching His every move, waiting for Him to slip up, to make a mistake, to give a wrong answer. Over and over again, they were disappointed.

They posed these questions to Jesus: “Is it right to pay taxes?,” “At the resurrection, who will we be married to?,” and “What is the greatest commandment?”

The Pharisees and Herodians wanted “to catch him in his words” (v. 13). This was a trap. Each question had no good or simple answer. Notice that they asked these questions publicly. Their goal was not to hear and to understand Jesus' teaching, but to take Him down, to expose Him as a fraud. Like the workers in the vineyard, they were bent upon Jesus' destruction. Yet, again and again, He foiled their efforts.

To the question of taxes, Jesus pointed to the authority given by God to those in government. To the question of marriage, Jesus used His knowledge of Scripture to point out the errors in their reasoning. He noted, “When the dead rise, they will neither marry or be given in marriage” (v. 25).

Jesus then turned to His accusers and rebuked the Pharisees for their mistakes: “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (v. 24). He repeated His reprimand saying, “You are badly mistaken!” (v. 27). Those who wanted to trip up Jesus end up making serious mistakes themselves.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you baffle others with Old Testament trivia? Can you quote obscure verses to impress people or win arguments? While we know Bible study is invaluable, we can also misuse it. Jesus said that teachers of the law will be judged most harshly. Thank God today for the gift you have been given to study His Word. Ask Him to guide your study of Scripture. Rely on the Holy Spirit to make you not just a carrier of trivia, but one whose life is changed by the Word of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 12:38-44
I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. - Mark 12:43
TODAY IN THE WORD
A church decided to undertake a capital campaign to raise funds for a new building. Church leaders were asked to visit members of the congregation to tell them about the campaign and gain their support. During one such visit, a man named Mike visited a single mother who was going to school and also supporting her child by working at McDonald's. After hearing about the project, the woman said she would like to help. She told Mike she would pledge her lunch money for the next three years. While she could only afford one item from the dollar menu for lunch, she would donate that dollar each day to the church.

The man was stunned at her willingness to give from the little she had. Overwhelmed, he shared this experience with his wife, and they immediately decided to make a sacrificial gift to their church.

That woman gave not from her surplus, but from what she did not have. She understood the meaning of today's passage.

Once again, Jesus challenged the way things went according to the natural order. He had harsh words here for the teachers of the law (v. 38). He critiqued leaders who would walk around proudly in flowing robes and take places of honor, yet had no compassion. He specifically chastised their practice of taking advantages of widows and the showy nature of their prayers. He said, “Such men will be punished most severely” (v. 40).

Note the immediate contrast in Jesus' story that follows this warning. Here he described a poor widow whose contribution to the temple treasury was very small—only two small coins. Her gift seemed insignificant, most likely completely unnoticed by the long lines of people that filled the temple. Yet, Jesus said that her gift amounted to more than all the others (v. 43). Why? Because her generosity came out of her poverty. Once again, people may be captivated by position and outward action, but God sees straight through exterior qualities and looks at the heart.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What does it mean to sacrifice? What would it mean for you to give in an extraordinary way? Is there someone who needs your help? Is there something you can do in a quiet, unnoticed way to make a difference in someone's life? Try to plan such a gift today. It may be monetary, but it might also be a helpful deed, the gift of time, a letter or phone call to a lonely person. Such a gift will please the heart of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 13:1-37
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. - Mark 13:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
GPS systems have revolutionized the way we drive. Drivers whose cars are equipped with high-tech navigation no longer have to rely on bulky maps or unfamiliar road signs—they can use a computer with a voice giving them step-by-step instructions. And most of the time, it's helpful. But a new problem has developed in which people blindly follow GPS even when it is clearly wrong. One village in England had to put up a road sign stating, “Ignore your satellite navigation!” after truck drivers kept getting stuck on a road that narrowed to six feet wide. GPS is not always a trustworthy guide.

In today's passage, Jesus prepared His followers for what was to come. He talked to His disciples, warning them of difficult times that were ahead. His words in this passage may make some people uncomfortable or even frightened.

But it is important for us to note the specific instructions of action that Jesus is giving, as well as the words of comfort that come at the end of this passage. First, He said, “Watch out that no one deceives you” (v. 5). He noted that in the end times, many false teachers will arise; believers of Christ must be discriminating of whom they choose to trust and to follow.

Second, “You must be on your guard” (vv. 9, 23, 33). He warned of the cost of following Him, and that some will suffer for His name. Regardless, He promised to be with those who are persecuted: “do not worry beforehand” (v. 11).

Third, “Keep watch” (v. 35). This is not the time for caution. It is not the time for blind trust—we must be on alert, ready to see the signs.

After warnings about suffering ahead, Jesus also assures those He loves: “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (v. 26). Christ will appear, and He will reign supreme. We know that His promise is sure, for “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (v. 31).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Make a list of the things you most treasure. Now, cross out those things that, while valued, are temporary. What is eternal? What will last? When Jesus talked about the end of the age, He put things into perspective for His disciples. All of this will pass away, “but my words will never pass away” (v. 31). Memorize this verse today, and commit again to the study of God's Word. Seek to fill your list with eternal treasures (see Matt. 6:19-21, 33).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 14:1-26
The poor you will always have with you . . . But you will not always have me. - Mark 14:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some people love a daily routine. They like to sleep on the same bed. They use the same type of toothpaste. They eat the same brand of cereal, in the same bowl, and take the same route to work. In fact, our daily routine can become so embedded that we can go through it without really paying attention. It is not until something unusual happens that we stop, look around, and notice what is going on.

The disciples had gotten comfortable in their routine. They were used to having Jesus around, used to following Him through large crowds, used to hearing Him teach things that were hard to understand. So, they didn't seem to find it particularly unusual when a woman approached Jesus to anoint Him with perfume. But some in the crowd were upset by the extravagance of the action, declaring that it was a wasteful gesture.

Jesus used this moment to point out that they were entering a new stage in His ministry. He would not be with them on earth for much longer. In some ways, perhaps not known to her, this perfume-bearing woman was anointing our Savior, preparing Him for his final act of sacrifice, for His death. But the generosity and significance of her action was missed on the practical, earthly- minded observers. Notice Jesus' response in today's key verse. There is a time to worry about dollars and cents, and there is a time to embrace extravagant worship. We need wisdom to know what time it is.

This episode set the stage for Judas Iscariot to confirm his plot to betray Jesus. His love of money was greater than his love for Jesus, and in all his time with the Lord he had never absorbed the reality of who Jesus really was.

As you read through the passage on the Lord's Supper and Judas' betrayal, note the difference between the disciples' perspective and that of Jesus. The disciples felt like things would never change, that this was an ordinary meal. Jesus viewed it as a sober blessing, a final supper in preparation for the suffering to come.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our earthly perspective is so different from an eternal one. Like the disciples, we tend to get embedded in our daily routine and focus on the here and now: our next meal, problems at our job, raising our children, cleaning the house. If it is not your usual practice, take time before you eat dinner tonight to read again through the passage of the Lord's Supper. Pray that God will keep your heart and mind open to see His truths and keep your heart set on things above.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 14:32-52
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. - Mark 14:38
TODAY IN THE WORD
The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year. For those in the northern hemisphere, the solstice occurs in December; for those in the south, it happens in June. During the solstice, daylight reaches its minimum for about three days. After that, the sun begins its rise again into the northern sky and the days begin to grow longer. Many cultures interpret this as a symbol of hope and rebirth and plan festivals around the time of the solstice.

In today's passage, having just observed the Lord's Supper, Jesus and His disciples faced the longest night of preparation and prayer. Notice that Jesus anticipated the response of His disciples (v. 27). They would be unable to endure even one long night of prayer with Him.

They had gone to a place called Gethsemane, where He made a simple request: “Sit here while I pray” (v. 32). He shared His overwhelming burden with those closest to Him: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” again requesting that the disciples stay and keep watch (v. 34).

The story is familiar. We know that when Jesus returned from praying, He found His followers not keeping watch, but fast asleep. Jesus approached Peter, who had been so quick earlier to jump into action, asking, “Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (v. 37).

Note, however, that His concern was not for Himself, but for them and their spiritual faithfulness (v. 38). He knew what trials were ahead, and how their faith would be tested. If the disciples could not obey this one simple command, if they could not stay awake for even an hour, how could they face the challenges that were in front of them?

When Jesus was betrayed, the disciples rushed to His defense in a physical way. When they saw that their earthly methods were not successful, “everyone deserted him and fled” (v. 50). On this longest night, those nearest him were nowhere to be found.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One comfort we can take from today's passage is that Jesus knows us and loves us despite our weakness and failings. The success of Christ does not rest on our shoulders. Yet, He asks us to participate in His work with Him, to stay and watch. When you pray today, try to extend the time you spend with God. You might not use words. You might just kneel and be quiet in His presence. Ask Him to help you be faithful. Ask Him to give you the persistence to stay and to watch and to serve.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 14:53-15:15
The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Courtroom dramas have always been popular with Americans. From classic movies like To Kill a Mockingbird or Twelve Angry Men, to more contemporary television series like Law & Order, we enjoy observing the dramatized struggle for justice. We watch as the judge and jury evaluate the words of men and women: Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Who can be trusted? Who has committed a crime? Even then, the suspense does not stop. If someone has committed the crime, if the jury finds him guilty, what penalty will be assessed?

Today in our passage we are swept into the most important trial of all time—the trial of Jesus. Before His crucifixion Jesus faced two trials: one before the Sanhedrin, or religious high court; the other before Pilate, the political governor.

First, Jesus appeared before the high priest. Many began to make false accusations against Jesus. Witness after witness came forward, but Jesus did not say a word in defense. It was not until the high priest challenged Him directly that He replied. The priest asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am” (vv. 61-62). His answer was intentionally evocative of the name of God so as to leave no doubt about His identity (see Ex. 3:14).

That declaration was enough. He was sentenced and beaten, and turned over to Pilate for His second trial. Again, Jesus acknowledged Himself as king of the Jews, then fell silent. Pilate seemed less than satisfied with the charges against Jesus, but he preferred to satisfy the crowd. His job depended on crowd control and avoiding any destabilizing disturbance, so he handed Jesus over to be crucified.

As Jesus was being tried, His own disciple disowned Him. In the midst of beatings, and torture, and mockery, Peter denied Jesus three times, just as was predicted (v. 72). Unlike the response of Judas when confronted with what he had done, though, Peter wept in shame and remorse.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We often wear crosses around our neck or display them in our homes as symbols of our faith. But the actual cross of the crucifixion was not as beautiful or as polished as these symbols. It was the place of great suffering, humiliation, torture, and pain. We have already celebrated Christ's resurrection this month, but today take time to thank God for this great sacrifice of His Son who bore our iniquities and shame on the cross.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 15:16-32
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Semper Fidelis, the official motto of the United States Marine Corps, was adopted in 1883. The phrase is adopted from the Latin, and it means, “Always Faithful.” The Marines use an abbreviated verbal version, “Semper Fi,” to voice loyalty and commitment to their comrades-in-arms. Semper Fi holds the promise to be faithful to the end. They will serve, and even die, with honor: to the corps, to one another, and to themselves.

No one exemplified faithful service more than Jesus. Jesus was marked by dignity even in the midst of extraordinary suffering, humiliation, and torture. If you have an opportunity, read this passage aloud. Notice the incredible number of indignities Jesus faced, yet He did not utter even one word of defense. While everyone deserted Him, Jesus remained steadfast and faithful.

The soldiers put a purple robe and crown of thorns on Him to mock Him, “Hail, king of the Jews” (v. 18). They struck Him and spit on Him. When they were done, they led Him off to be crucified. They divided up His clothes. Even those passing by hurled insults at Him. The priests and teachers mocked Him. Sadly, those who were being crucified next to Him “heaped insults on him” (v. 32).

The religious leaders taunted Jesus, telling Him to “save himself.” This is not the first time Jesus was tempted in this way. In Matthew 4, Jesus was tempted by Satan. The Devil took Jesus to a high mountain and said, “If you are the Son of God . . . throw yourself down.” To this, Jesus answered, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (vv. 6-7).

Jesus could have saved Himself from the cross. He could have called on angels to rescue him. But He did not. He knew that this suffering would pass. He had been sent to perform a mission. His death would redeem the world that crucified Him. He was faithful to the end.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Pray that God will enable you to stand strong and be faithful to serve Him until the end. This type of faithfulness requires steadfast obedience, day by day. Pray the words of this old hymn, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus / Stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you / Ye dare not trust your own. Put on the gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer, Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 15:33-47; John 19:38-42
These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled. - John 19:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
Old graveyards can be fascinating. The tombstones bear descriptions of relationships: “Beloved Mother” or “Devoted Husband.” Others are inscribed with a brief description or motto known as an epitaph. The epitaph of Marshall Fields, buried in Chicago, reads: “Equity-Integrity.” Poet Emily Dickinson wrote her own: “Called Back.” Actress Rita Hayworth's epitaph reads: “To Yesterday's Companionship and Tomorrow's Reunion.”

There was no epitaph on the tomb of Jesus. After He was crucified and died, Scripture tells us that two men (only one is noted in this passage) requested His body for burial (v. 43 and John 19:38-42). The first man was Joseph of Arimathea, who we are told was a prominent member of the council. The man who accompanied him was none other than Nicodemus, who had met with Jesus secretly (see John 3).

These men are referred to by some commentators as “secret disciples.” Perhaps they had not come forward on Jesus' behalf while He was popular, but now that He was dead, they took the initiative to step up, claim the body, and give it a proper burial before the Sabbath.

Unger's Bible Handbook mentions two theories for the location of Jesus' tomb. One is under the dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Stone boxes holding the bones of the deceased were found under the church dating back to the era of Jesus. Another popular site for Jesus' tomb is known as the Garden Tomb, which has been verified as a Jewish tomb from that time period. The exact location remains a guess, perhaps by divine providence. We are not called to gather at a tomb, because Jesus did not remain in it for long. Yes, He died and was buried, but, as we will quickly see in the next and final chapter of this Gospel, Jesus rose from the dead, left the tomb, and ascended into heaven.

His epitaph certainly came from the words of His Father: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (1:11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What epitaph could be written upon your gravestone? What words would be used to describe your life? It is a sobering thought. We often hear that we are to make our lives count. While we know that our eternal reward lies in the life to come, we also want to be faithful on earth. Try an unusual experiment today: write your own epitaph. Tuck it in the pages of your Bible, near today's passage. Pray that God will enable you to live a life worthy of those words.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 16:1-20
You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. - Mark 16:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Illinois pastor Mike Klamecki and his wife Carol made national headlines when they suffered unthinkable tragedy. Their five-year-old daughter Hannah was out fishing and swimming with Mike's dad on the Kankakee River. Shortly afterward, they learned that their father had drowned in the river's current. His body was recovered, but their daughter was missing.

Local volunteers combed the area. Then, after 48 long hours, Hannah came walking out of the woods alive! News was quickly sent to the family, whose tears turned to screams of joy. The family's sorrow over the loss of their father was mixed with jubilation that their daughter was found alive.

The fire chief upon hearing the news said, “I can't tell you how excited and enthused I was . . . I got on the air and screamed, ”˜Boy, she's alive! She's alive!'”

After the passages detailing Jesus' trial, death, and burial, today's verses send shock waves of joy to our hearts. As believers, we know Jesus' life did not end in a tomb. Two women, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, went to anoint the body. They found “a young man dressed in a white robe” (v. 5) sitting on the side of the tomb. The huge stone blocking the entrance had been rolled away. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She ran quickly to tell the others, but “they did not believe it” (v. 11).

Jesus appeared again to the two believers on the road, and later to the Eleven (note that Judas Iscariot was now dead; cf. Matt. 27:1-10). The Savior whom they loved, served, betrayed, and seen crucified, was not dead but alive! Even though they had been told it would be true, they had to see, touch, and hear Him to know that He was alive.

Jesus did not stay with them for long. He “was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God” (v. 19). His disciples now responded in faith and joy, spreading the word about Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When you have amazing news—exciting, unbelievable news—who is the first person you tell? Do you text or e-mail or call? When we are thrilled to our very soul, it is hard to keep it a secret; we just have to share it. Notice that immediately after this great news, the disciples went out and “preached everywhere.” We must do the same! This news, this unbelievably great news of Jesus, is too wonderful to keep to ourselves. Share it with someone today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 3:16
Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christians know it as the gospel in a nutshell. Fans of pop culture know it as a sign they see at sporting events. It's the verse everyone seems to know, even those who don't believe it. But for those who do believe, John 3:16 can become familiar to the point of being ignored. Many of us have heard and recited it so many times that we rarely pause to reflect on its indelible truth. Each of the verse's four phrases is monumental on its own and nothing short of life-changing on the whole. We'll begin our study of salvation by examining this profound summary of God's plan for our redemption.

Salvation begins with God's love, and the opening statement of this verse doesn't confine His love to any one class, sect, religion, era, or race. He loves the entire world, and He loves you. We often take God's love for granted; or perhaps just as often, we forget altogether that He loves us. Lest we make either mistake, the magnitude of that love is articulated by the second phrase.

In the creative sense, Adam was fathered by God (Luke 3:38). And by faith, all those who believe in Christ's name are called children of God (John 1:12-13). But Jesus is unique. He is one with God, not just in message or communion, but in His very essence (John 10:30). God loved the world so much that He gave this unique, holy, beloved Son . . . an unthinkable sacrifice.

The third phrase shows salvation as an opportunity presented to us—whoever accepts the gift by believing in Christ may have it. And belief is no small word. It involves mental acceptance and willful trust. To believe in Jesus is to believe that He is the Son of God given as the means for salvation, a salvation described in the verse's final phrase.

Death or life: that is the tragic end or glorious result of our decision to believe. This one verse describes the intersection of immeasurable divine love and simple human decision.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We'll conclude each day this month with variations on a simple question: do you believe? The question for today is this: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If you have never professed to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we invite you to do so today. Eternal life with God could begin for you right now. If you are a believer, look at this verse afresh. Do you believe in God's love? Are you trusting in the gift of His one and only Son? Live out that belief throughout this day.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 3:1-24
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Chicken Little, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey, and their friends were so afraid of the sky's imminent collapse that they became Foxy Loxy's lunch. The fable warns that irrational fears of unseen dangers can lead to disastrous results of their own. So before we get too far into our study of salvation, we need to address this question: From what or whom are we being saved? To answer it, we'll look back at the very first people to feel the need for salvation after the effects of sin cascaded down upon them.

One of the first results of Adam's and Eve's sin came when they first heard the Lord approaching in the Garden (how they heard Him, or in what manner He appeared in the Garden, we can't know because their relationship with God and their standing in Eden were forever altered by their sin and never duplicated). For the first time, Adam and Eve felt fear. According to His Word, the penalty for eating from the Tree of Knowledge was certain death.

Adam and Eve first attempted to save themselves. They made clothes out of leaves. They hid from God. They attempted to shift the blame of their sins onto anyone but themselves. Not surprisingly, none of their attempts were effective.

Sin destroyed man's every relationship. His relationship with animals (specifically snakes) became hateful. The husband-wife relationship was marked by contention instead of completion. His relationship to the ground and its fruit became an arduous struggle.

Most severely damaged, however, was his relationship with God. Gone are the references to the image of God and His breath of life when verse 19 sums up the essence of man's sinful existence: “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” The path of life was reversed. Adam's destiny, and that of all of his descendants, became the same as his origin—lifelessness in the ground. And now that mankind knew of good and evil, the tree offering eternal life was removed as an option.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you believe in the effects of sin? Before you answer, consider ways that we ignore the existence of sin and its deadly results: We excuse our sins as issues, weaknesses, or bad habits. We live as though we're invincible. We blame God, instead of sin, for death and suffering. We offer our own solutions for sin's problems—we hide from them, cover them up, blame others for them, or any number of other cures destined to be ineffective. Only through Christ are we able to seek—and find—salvation from sin and its effects.