Daily Reading Week 34
Sunday
Mark 5 (Scripture Focus 1–20)
Discover:
This week we are looking at several passages that will help us see that people matter to Jesus. Mark 5 is a great place to start, as this story helps us see that no one is so far gone that Jesus cannot rescue them. While Jesus primarily ministered among the Jewish people in Galilee and Judea, His compassion extended far beyond. He healed Gentiles like the centurion’s paralyzed servant (Matt. 8:5–13) and the Syrophoenician woman’s possessed daughter (Mark 7:24–30), but His visit to the Gerasenes—a Gentile region in the Decapolis—shows His relentless love for all people, no matter how lost they seem.
The Gerasenes was a place where no devout Jew would linger. Home to a majority Gentile population, it was marked by practices foreign to Jewish law, like the "great herd of pigs" feeding near the tombs where the demoniac lived (Mark 5:11). Pigs were unclean to Jews (Lev. 11:7–8), and no Jewish region would tolerate two thousand swine (Mark 5:13). Yet Jesus crossed cultural and spiritual boundaries to reach a man so tormented by demons—called Legion, for their numbers—that he seemed beyond hope, living among tombs, untamed and broken.
When Jesus met the demoniac, He didn’t hesitate. He cast out the legion of evil spirits, allowing them to enter the nearby herd of pigs, which then rushed into the sea and drowned. This act revealed the destructive nature of the demons—out to steal, kill, and destroy. By permitting their chaos to consume the pigs, Jesus exposed their malice, showing the Gerasenes what was at stake when evil holds sway. But more importantly, He showed that no darkness is too deep for His power to overcome.
The rescue of the Gerasene demoniac underscores Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost, no matter how far gone they appear. The man, once chained and outcast, was restored to his right mind, a living testament to Christ’s redeeming love. This story foreshadows the broader mission to the Gentiles, later carried out by Paul and Peter (Acts 9–10), proving that Jesus’ reach extends to every corner of humanity—Jew or Gentile, clean or unclean, near or far.
The loss of two thousand pigs for one man’s salvation also reveals the incomparable value of a single human life. As Dr. R.C. Sproul notes in his commentary Mark, Jesus’ compassion drove Him to prioritize one person’s redemption over a herd of animals. Made in God’s image, every soul is precious to Him, and no one is beyond His ability to save. The Gerasene demoniac, possessed and forsaken, was not too far gone for Jesus—and neither is anyone else.
Respond:
1. Who have you assumed is “too far gone”?
2. How do you see Jesus’ compassion in this story?
3. Do you believe Jesus could use your story like He used this man’s?
4. Where is God calling you to go to reach someone?
Monday
Luke 19 (Scripture Focus 19:10)
Discover:
When we lose something dear to us, we often go to great lengths to find it. If a wedding ring slips down the kitchen drain, we’ll crawl under the sink and take apart the pipes to recover it. If a beloved pet goes missing, we’ll spend hours searching the neighborhood, putting up flyers, and posting online, hoping for their safe return with a reward offered.
Yet, when it comes to reaching people who are lost without Jesus, we don’t always show the same urgency. Fear of rejection, the busyness of life, or the daunting task of sharing the Gospel can make us hesitant, leaving the mission of making disciples (Matt. 28:18–20) to others. Our reluctance isn’t usually out of malice—it’s often just human nature, where sin turns our focus inward, causing us to overlook the desperate need others have for Christ. We might attend church regularly, hoping people will simply show up, drawn by our presence. While that can happen, if we’re not actively seeking out those who are lost, we shouldn’t be surprised when they don’t come.
If we want to reflect God’s heart in missions and evangelism, we need to pursue the lost with at least as much effort as we’d give to finding a lost possession or pet—and honestly, even more. To God, every person is infinitely valuable, worth more than anything else in creation. His passion is to seek and save the lost—that’s why Jesus came (Luke 19:1–10). And when even one person turns to Him, heaven rejoices (Luke 15).
We were all once lost in sin ourselves (Eph. 2:11–12). Someone—perhaps a parent, a friend, or a church community—played a role in bringing us to Christ. Now it’s our turn to be used by God in His mission. Let’s commit to seeking and saving those who need Him, knowing that no one is beyond His reach.
Respond:
1. How does this verse challenge your view of Jesus’ mission?
2. Who around you is spiritually lost right now?
3. What step can you take to seek them out in love?
4. What stops you from pursuing people who seem far from God?
tuesday
Psalm 139 (Scripture Focus 7–10)
Discover:
Without question, Augustine of Hippo stands as the most influential of the Western church fathers. His profound insights have shaped not only Western theology but also philosophy, psychology, and beyond. Through God’s redeeming grace, Augustine emerged as a brilliant thinker and pastor, offering timeless wisdom that continues to guide believers.
Born in AD 354, Augustine’s extensive writings delve into critical topics such as sin, free will, the Trinity, and the sacraments. His reflections on sin are particularly striking, as seen in his account of stealing pears in his youth. He noted that a starving person might steal food out of necessity, a rational if not excusable act. Yet Augustine’s theft was different—he was neither hungry nor fond of pears. He stole for the sheer thrill of doing wrong, revealing the irrational depth of human sinfulness.
Augustine’s insights extend to the interplay of knowing God and knowing ourselves, a concept later echoed by John Calvin. He taught that true self-knowledge comes only through knowing God, and vice versa. This reciprocal relationship reveals our creaturely nature, confronting us with our limitations and pointing us to the transcendent majesty of our Creator. For the Christian, this truth is deeply comforting: God’s sovereignty and transcendence assure us that He is above all, unchanging, and in control, offering peace amid our human frailty. By studying God’s character, we gain a clearer understanding of our own potential for excellence and our propensity for depravity, all while resting in the certainty of His divine governance.
Augustine emphasized that all knowledge hinges on an ultimate standard of truth—God Himself. We recognize our sinfulness and potential only by measuring ourselves against His perfect holiness. Similarly, all learning relies on this ultimate truth as its foundation. For believers, this anchors our pursuit of knowledge in the comforting reality of God’s unchanging nature, ensuring that our understanding is grounded in His eternal sovereignty.
Respond:
1. Have you ever felt like you were beyond God’s reach?
2. Who do you know that needs to hear this truth?
3. What does it mean to you that God is always present?
4. How should this affect your approach to evangelism?
Wednesday
Luke 15 (Scripture Focus 4–7)
Discover:
In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus reveals God’s heart for those who are lost, showing a love that relentlessly pursues even a single wandering soul. This story invites us to reflect on how we embody that same love in our own lives. Consider the people around you—perhaps a family member, coworker, or neighbor who feels overlooked or distant from God. Notice them with compassion, extending intentional care to those who might feel like they don’t belong. Pause and pray, asking God to bring to mind someone specific He is calling you to reach out to, whether it’s a friend struggling with doubt or a stranger needing encouragement. Write their name down and commit to praying for them daily, trusting God to guide your steps. Following the shepherd’s example means stepping out of your comfort zone, perhaps through a difficult conversation, an invitation to church, or simply listening without judgment. This kind of pursuit requires effort and faith, but it reflects the heart of Jesus, who values every single person deeply. Heaven rejoices over one repentant soul, challenging us to prioritize those who are lost and to celebrate their return, no matter the cost. As you reflect, let your heart align with Jesus’ love, seeking to mirror His joy in pursuing those who need Him most.
Respond:
1. How do you treat the “one” in your life?
2. Who has God placed on your heart that needs pursuit?
3. What would it look like to leave your comfort zone for them?
4. Do you value people the way Jesus does?
THursday
Isaiah 61 (Scripture Focus 1–3)
Discover:
In Isaiah 61:1-3, we see the heart of God’s mission to redeem and restore, a promise fulfilled in Jesus, who quoted this passage at the start of His ministry (Luke 4:18-19). Jesus declared that He came to heal the brokenhearted, free the captives, and bring light to those in darkness. This is vividly illustrated in the story of the man in Mark 5, who was tormented by demons, isolated from community, and enslaved by spiritual oppression. In a single encounter, Jesus restored him completely, bringing dignity where there was shame, order where there was chaos, and peace where there was despair. Isaiah’s words paint a picture of radical reversal—God exchanges ashes for beauty, mourning for joy, and despair for praise. This is not a God who rejects or discards but One who renews and redeems. Today, God still offers this restoration to us and those around us. Reflect on areas in your life where you feel broken, trapped, or weighed down by despair. How might Jesus be inviting you to receive His healing and freedom? Consider also someone in your life who needs this hope—perhaps a friend battling grief or a loved one struggling with shame. God’s heart is to transform their ashes into beauty, just as He did for the man in Mark 5. As you meditate on this passage, let it inspire you to trust in God’s restoring power and to share His hope with others, becoming a vessel of His redemptive love.
Respond:
1. What broken part of your life needs restoration?
2. Do you trust that Jesus can bring beauty from your ashes?
3. How can you be part of someone else’s healing journey?
4. What would it look like to bring this hope into your community?
Friday
1 Corinthians 1 (Scripture Focus 27–29)
Discover:
From the earliest days of the Christian church, believers have faced the temptation to pursue God’s work using worldly methods. In 1 Corinthians 1:10–17, we see this in the Corinthian church, where some sought influence by boasting about their connections to prominent figures like the Apostles. This reflects a worldly mindset that equates significance with knowing the “right” people or exalting certain individuals. Yet, the cross of Christ reveals a different way. True power lies not in human connections or worldly wisdom but in the humble, sacrificial death of Jesus, which the world might see as weakness (vv. 18–25; Phil. 2:5–11). As followers of Christ, we are called to seek authority in the church through humble service, not through status or influence.
Paul further illustrates God’s unique approach by pointing to the Corinthian believers themselves. Most were not wise, powerful, or of noble birth by the world’s standards (1 Cor. 1:26–27). God deliberately chose those the world might overlook to demonstrate that His power, not human achievement, brings salvation. This echoes God’s pattern throughout history, such as choosing Jacob over his older brother Esau, defying cultural norms (Gen. 25:23; Rom. 9:10–13). While wisdom, wealth, or influence are not inherently wrong—some Corinthians possessed these qualities—they are irrelevant to salvation. God’s choice of the lowly ensures that no one can boast except in Him (1 Cor. 1:28–29). When we rely on our associations or accomplishments, we shift our focus from God to ourselves, missing the opportunity to glorify Him alone. Let us instead fix our eyes on Christ, celebrating His grace as the source of our redemption.
Respond:
1. Have you ever felt unusable by God?
2. How does this verse encourage you about your story?
3. Who do you know that needs to hear they can still be used?
4. What’s one way you can make yourself more available to God this week?
Saturday
2 Corinthians 5 (Scripture Focus 18–20)
Discover:
Have you ever thought about what it means to represent something bigger than yourself? In our daily lives, we might not hold official titles, but as Christians, we carry a calling: we are ambassadors for Christ. Through faith in Him, we’ve been given a treasure—the gospel of reconciliation—and we’re invited to share, display, and live it out (2 Cor. 5:20). This isn’t just a role; it’s a transformation. When we place our trust in Jesus, we become new creations. The old life of sin and separation is gone, replaced by the righteousness of God through Christ’s sacrifice. What an incredible gift! God, in His amazing grace, took our sin and gave us His righteousness, reconciling us to Himself. This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude.
This reality changes everything. Christ’s love compels us to live differently—not out of duty, but because His love transforms how we see the world and others. As ambassadors, we’re called to share this message of reconciliation, to view others through the lens of the Spirit, not the flesh. But let’s be honest: living as Christ’s ambassadors isn’t always easy. We live in a broken world, and our own struggles tempt us to shrink back in fear, hold onto bitterness, or rely on our own strength. Sometimes, we fall short of representing Christ well. Yet, the beauty of the gospel is that God’s reconciliation doesn’t stop at our salvation. When we stumble, we can call out for His mercy and strength, knowing He equips us to live out this calling. Our role as ambassadors flows from Christ’s love, not our perfection, and it’s His grace that empowers us to share His hope with others.
Respond:
1. Are you living like an ambassador of Christ?
2. Who in your life needs to be reconciled to God?
3. How can you boldly share your story this week?
4. What’s stopping you from living on mission right now?