JANUARY 9 | Mark 9:30-32

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DAILY READING

Mark 9:30-32

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REFLECTION

One True Way

by Judy Webb

"They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know they were there because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him and after three days He will rise.” But they did not understand what He meant and were afraid to ask Him about it." (Mark 9:30-32)

Have you ever needed to have an important conversation with someone only to be interrupted? What do you do? How do you excuse yourself from the intrusion gracefully? Jesus wanted to avoid a situation like this. He had something very serious to tell his disciples and was determined to speak with them alone. We have spent the last 4 weeks preparing for Jesus during the season of Advent. We read the stories of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zachariah; all to get our minds and hearts prepared and open to embrace Jesus.

In today’s text, Jesus is a grown man, teaching his disciples the reason he came to earth. His focus needed to be on these 12 men, and that required seclusion so they could concentrate on what he was telling them. So, He took his disciples to a quiet place, avoiding crowds, to have their undivided attention. He had important things to say to them and he needed to get them ready for the next chapter. He does the same for us when he encourages us to practice solitude; to get alone with God. We might label it our daily quiet time, or our morning devotions, but whatever we call this precious time, it is like the time Jesus took his12 devoted followers away from the crowds.

Let us also prepare what's next. We need to get our affairs in order (as they say) and be ready to step into our future. We know just how quickly time passes; how one day we are children and how just like that (snap of your fingers) our deathbed looms. Jesus wants us to be prepared for this. He uses His Word to teach us when we get lost and need to know the way home. He wants us to understand that “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for always wanting the best for us, and we know you are the BEST. Your Word teaches us how to love you and each other. Just as the Star guided the shepherds to your side that wonderful night, so too does Scripture guide us to your side.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group. I love to study my Bible and share new things I learn and experience by writing these devotions.

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