Laying it all on the line, that's the focus of our discussion this morning. In a few days, we will be marking Easter. However, I want you to mark this one with a different meaning in your heart by understanding Jesus' sacrifice in choosing to die a shameful death. Easter is a day we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus from the grave. To do that, we should all remember that in Jesus' day, dying on the cross was one of the worst way anyone could die. To be nailed and shamed publicly on a cross was a fate reserved for the most vilest criminals. Jesus chose that. I am careful with my words, he chose a criminals death, he wasn't force to or outwitted to, no, he chose the form of his death because he understood the process and outcome were linked; mankind restored back to God and with every single stripe he received, he paid for healing form every sickness and disease. Halleluyah. As we gradually approach Easter, today might be a good day to say; thank you Jesus for laying it all on the line and giving up so much for me.

Our emphasis in today's devotional is; WATCH. Jesus said; "You must keep WATCH, because you don't know when the master of the household will return." Again, Jesus tells his disciples; "Keep WATCH and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. In both instance, Jesus seemed to be referring to a sense of alertness and preparedness. In my research as a counsellor speaking with individuals and families, it is evident that the one reason most people fall into temptation is because they never prepare. The reason why most will miss the rapture is the lack of that sense of alertness. My word to you today is; WATCH, be prepared for every temptation. Be alert, stand guard for Jesus' return.

The most important commandment is to love; love for God expressed in worship and love for other people expressed in giving and forgiveness. Jesus said; "No other commandment is greater than these." It is by far more important than trying to keep the dictates and requirements of the law.

I don't know why we do it but we tend to remember people better with their problems; blind Bartimaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, etc. What an individual Bartimaeus was! Despite his handicap, despite his blindness, he insisted he was going to see Jesus and he did see Jesus and was healed. I take these important lessons from his story. One, never allow anything or anyone stop you coming to and living for Jesus. Whatever people have to say, at best, it is their opinion. Two, your voice has to be louder than the crowd, than the opposition and naysayers. Bartimaeus refused to be shouted down even though he was facing a crowd alone. He refused to cower just because the majority were against him. The majority is not always right. Thirdly, the very people who had tried to stop him became his ushers to Jesus. Fourth, Bartimaeus knew what he wanted. It is strange Jesus asked what he wanted when he could obviously see he was blind. Most people don't know what they want from God. At best, most people are only interested for using God for what they think is the right things for them. Lastly, Bartimaeus was ready to go at a moments call. The moment Jesus said, come! Despite his blindness, he leapt forward. Do you want to see miracles today, follow and apply the lessons from Bartimaeus.

We draw out two vital lessons from today's devotional; replacing God's word with the traditions of men and carrying your cross. Traditions are important and they have their place, but when they are used to negate the word of God, then that's a whole different issue. Someone once told me; "traditions will eat the word (the anointing, grace, etc.) for lunch. In other words, tradition destroys the power in the word, it negates its intention and gradually move us away like it had done to the Pharisees, from God's plan for us. Jesus said their tradition was a farce. My question is, what traditions have you used to replace the word of God? Today, going to Church has become a tradition, kneeling down to pray can become a tradition. Can you pick out others? Secondly, carrying your cross daily and following Jesus. It is amazing to note that Jesus shared this particular truth with his disciples after satan just finished tempting him using Peter. Peter said innocently that he would not die. Jesus not only said; get behind me satan, he also said; you can only become my follower by carrying your cross and following him. The disciples understood what he meant and you need to. Those who carried crosses were those who had been sentenced to death, and a gruesome one at that, on the same cross they were carrying. To carry your cross means to die, to be ready to lay it all down for Jesus. Are you ready?

Today we read and learn about the importance of faith in receiving from God; a woman without anyone needing to pray for her receives her healing, Jairus receives his daughter back from the dead. However as important as the subject of faith is, we also learn the important lesson about unbelief, fear, and becoming too familiar with God, we see that empowering as faith is, these qualities can cut you off from receiving from God. As anointed as Jesus was and even though he wanted to, he could only heal a few sick folk in his hometown Nazareth because of their unbelief. My charge this morning is to encourage us to constantly examine our hearts to be sure what is there is faith and not unbelief or fear.

Is Jesus in your boat? Jesus taught about the parable of the farmer sowing seeds, about the mustard seed, about the parable of talents, he taught the people many times with stories because it was one way to separate between those who were simply following him because of the actions, and those who were listening to make changes in their lives. It is so easy to be around Jesus so much and not listen to him, and not even have him in the boat of our lives. My charge today is to consciously makes an effort to follow Jesus, why? The storms of life tends to prove whether he is in our boat or not, and whether we are listening to him or not.

Mark's account of the gospel of Jesus is so special, it is brief but rapid. It omits discussing the genealogy of Jesus of Jesus but focuses instead on what Jesus did. Mark has more miracles recorded than even teachings and parables. However, in chapter 2, Jesus says he is here not for those who think themselves good and righteous but for those who know they need God. I need you Jesus!

The Great Commission. The disciples who had just witnessed the death and crucifixion of Jesus were elated to hear that he was back from the dead, just as he promised. Would you have believed he was back if you were one of those who witnessed his crucifixion? Jesus gives his disciples, all his disciples, everyone that would come to believe in him, this matching order; "Go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all the commands I have given you". When you read or hear that, you realise that there was a personal touch to the commission. Only those who have received from him, have encountered him, can carry it out. Our commission is to make disciples of all nation. Our commission is not just to preach but to make. Our commission is to share our own encounters with Jesus, understanding that Jesus himself is with us always, even to the end. Will you answer the Call today?

Today, we read about the actions of two groups of people; the disciples who were forced to deny Jesus and the mob together with the pharisees who did everything to kill him. One group had no choice, the other plotted and skimmed until they got what they wanted. As Jesus' followers, the day might come when we are tested and have to stand up for our faith. All over the world, sometimes in nations that prohibit the preaching of the gospel of Jesus, his followers are hounded and persecuted. Usually it will take some courage to do so. My prayer for you is that you would find the courage to stand and not deny your Lord and saviour even till the very end.