Read: Mark 3-4
Right away in these chapters, we see a lot of red letters, words spoken directly by Jesus. At the beginning of Mark, we are called to repent, to change, and to be ready.
Chapter 3 starts with the Sabbath. We know that the Sabbath is meant to be kept holy, but Jesus heals on the Sabbath and challenges the people who are judging Him.
“Then Jesus asked them, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent.” -Mark 3:4
Jesus looks at them with anger and grief because of their hardened hearts (Mark 3:5). They were so focused on the rules that they missed the heart behind them. God calls us to love, to care for people, and to do good in and through Him. If you were hurt or in danger on the Sabbath, you would not ignore it. You would take care of yourself or get help. Same way that I would care for my children. That is not dishonoring God, that honors Him. I’m not going to watch my ill or injured children suffer as I do “nothing” because it is the Sabbath. Loving others, caring for people, even caring for yourself, that reflects Him.
Later in chapter 3, Jesus shifts what family looks like.
“Who are my mother and my brothers? Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” -Mark 3:33-35
We are family through Christ. And if I am being honest, even our own families can feel heavy at times, so the idea of extending that even wider can feel like a lot. Not everyone in my family believes the same way that I do. Some do not want to hear about God. Some do not agree with how I live or how I am raising my kids in church. And while that can be hard, it is not something that I can ultimately control. What I can do is love them well. I can pray for them. I can keep showing up with grace, extending an invitation, and leaving the door open. Even if the answer is no right now, it does not mean that it will always be no.
In chapter 4, Jesus teaches in parables. He explains everything clearly to His disciples, but to others, He teaches through stories. I think that there is something really intentional about that. Parables make you think. They invite you to reflect and apply it to your own life, not just hear it and move on.
“… ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.’” -Mark 4:9
“If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” -Mark 4:23
God wants everyone to hear the truth, but we have to be willing to actually listen. Our ears, hearts, and minds need to be open to Him.
One of the most powerful parables here in chapter 4 is the mustard seed.
“What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants…” -Mark 4:30-32
That tiny seed holds so much potential. It reminds me that it does not take much. When we are praying for someone, loving someone, or trying to point them to God, it can feel small. But small is enough! We plant the seed, and God is the one who grows it.
Even the smallest bit of faith matters. But hold onto that faith, no matter how small, always. Even in the midst of a storm. At the end of chapter 4, we see Jesus calm the storm. The storm obeys Him in all of His power.
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” -Mark 4:39
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” -Mark 4:40
When our faith starts to waver, fear and doubt creep in. We start focusing more on the storm than on the One who controls it. Whatever you are facing right now, Jesus has the power to calm it. But even if the storm does not stop right away, He is still there in it with you. He is steady, even when everything else feels out of control.
As a mom, this is something that I want my children to see in me. Not perfect faith, but real faith. Faith that trusts God in the middle of the storm. Faith that keeps planting seeds, even when I do not see growth yet. Faith that listens and acts, not just hears. At the end of the day what matters is a heart, mind, and soul that hear Him, trust Him, and follow Him.
Discussion Question
- How does it feel to know in the most difficult of times, when you may be wavering, all you need is a mustard seed faith?
- Where might God be asking you to plant a small seed of faith in someone’s life? What does that honestly look like?
- What storm are you facing right now, and what would it look like to fully trust Jesus in it?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
Leave a comment