Mark has set out to demonstrate that the true good news ("gospel") is about Jesus, not Caesar. Right away, we see the crowds react with amazement at his authority displayed in wisdom and spiritual power. They even acknowledge his unique authority. But amazement and acknowledgement are not the same as accepting the authority of Jesus. It is one thing to say "Jesus is Lord"; it is far greater to say "Jesus is my Lord!" Amazement must move beyond acknowledgement to acceptance.

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Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- How have you experienced Jesus' authority in your life? Have you felt the power in his teachings? Have you experienced his power in creating spiritual freedom?

- The reaction of the evil spirit shows that acknowledgement of Jesus' authority is much less important than acceptance of Jesus' authority in your life. Are there areas where you need to submit more fully to Jesus’ authority?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase my faith in your authority and deliver me from anything that opposes your will in my life.

Mark opens by announcing the “good news”, of gospel, of Jesus Christ. "Gospel" literally means good news, but it could also be a political proclamation of a coming kingdom. By declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, Mark is directly challenging Rome's "good news" about Caesar. Unlike Caesar, Jesus is the true king who brings real peace. As Jesus begins his ministry, he calls us to "believe the Good News" (v15), to believe in the true king and the arrival of God's kingdom.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What stands out to you about Mark's introduction to Jesus and his mission?

- Why might repentance be such a central part of preparing for the kingdom of God?

- Where might Jesus be calling you to repent and believe more deeply today?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, prepare my heart to repent, believe the good news, and follow you as the true ruler.

As Matthew brings his gospel to a close, the risen Jesus meets his disciples and declares that all authority in heaven and on earth now belongs to him. He commands them to make disciples of all nations by going, baptizing, and teaching others to obey everything he has taught them, a Great Commission that falls to us, today! Along with this clear mission comes a promise just as clear: that Jesus will be with us, always.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- How does Jesus respond to the disciples’ mix of worship and doubt, and what does that teach you?

- What does “making disciples” look like in your current relationships and community?

- What fears or hesitations keep you from living more missionally?

- How does Jesus’ promise of His constant presence encourage you?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, shape me into a disciple-maker and remind me that you are always with me.

In this painful scene, Peter denies three times that he even knows Jesus, despite his earlier bold promises of loyalty. As the rooster crows, Peter remembers Jesus’ words and realizes the depth of his failure, and he breaks down in bitter tears. But Jesus' warning was not meant to condemn Peter; it was intended to let Peter know that his worst moment would not be the end of the story. Our lowest moments and worst failures can become turning points in Jesus' loving hands.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What fears or pressures do you think drove Peter to deny Jesus?

- How might Peter's faith benefit from having this experience?

- How does Jesus’ foreknowledge of Peter’s denial shape your understanding of grace?

- Is there an area of failure or compromise you need to bring honestly to God?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my failures and strengthen my faith.

After the Last Supper, Jesus warns his disciples that they will all fall away. Peter then insists he will never abandon Jesus — only for Jesus to predict Peter’s denial. When Jesus invites his closest disciples to pray with him, Peter's resolve fades into weary sleep, leaving Jesus alone in prayer. Unlike the bravado of the disciples, Jesus demonstrates true courage in the quiet of the garden; he fully expresses his own desires yet unreservedly surrenders to the will of his Father.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What stands out to you about Jesus’ struggle in Gethsemane?

- Where in your life do you relate to the disciples' weakness? Where do you relate to Jesus’ surrender?

- What does Jesus’ prayer teach you about the kind of prayers that honor God?

- How might God be inviting you to watch and pray more intentionally in this season?

- Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me enough courage and trust to surrender to your will like Jesus did.

As Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for his imminent arrest, trial, and execution, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume as an act of extravagant love and devotion. The disciples criticize her for “wasting” it. Jesus defends her, revealing that her act points toward his burial and will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Meanwhile, Judas responds in completely opposite fashion — rather than devotion, he elevates himself over Jesus; rather than sacrifice, he chooses personal gain. The contrast invites us to see the choice we face each day.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What contrasts do you notice between the woman’s devotion and Judas’ betrayal?

- Why do you think the disciples struggled to see the value of the woman’s worship?

- Where might you be tempted to treat worship as impractical or unnecessary?

- Are there ways you might be “close” to Jesus outwardly while drifting inwardly, like Judas?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to love you with wholehearted, costly devotion.

Jesus describes the final judgment when the Son of Man returns in glory and separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The dividing line is revealed through compassionate action — feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the poor, and caring for the sick and imprisoned. Jesus teaches that love for him is demonstrated by loving those we are tempted to dismiss as “the least of these".

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What emotions does this passage stir in you — comfort, conviction, fear, hope? Why?

- Who are “the least of these” in your community or daily life?

- Where do you see opportunities to serve that you often overlook or ignore?

- How might Jesus’ identification with the marginalized shape your view of compassion and ministry?

- Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to see you in those in need and give me a heart that loves through action.

In the parable of the talents, Jesus describes a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of resources before leaving on a journey. Two servants faithfully invest what they are given and are celebrated for their dedication, while a third servant, driven by fear and laziness, hides his talent. Jesus invites us to be faithful with everything that has been entrusted to us by God.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What “talents” (resources, opportunities, gifts, influence, etc.) has God entrusted to you?

- How does it feel to know that God celebrates your faithfulness?

- What practical step could you take this week to steward what God has given you more faithfully?

- Prayer: Lord, free me from fear and help me faithfully use what you’ve entrusted to me for your loving purposes.

“Don’t worry” can feel like impossible advice in an anxious world. Yet Jesus insists that freedom from fear is possible not because life is safe but because God is faithful. What might change if trust, rather than fear, had the final word? And how do we get there?

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Jesus now addresses the Pharisee religious leaders directly, condemning their hypocrisy. While they obsess over relatively minor religious details, they neglect the more important aspects of God's law — justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Despite that harsh assessment, Jesus has no desire to condemn them. In fact, he finishes by lamenting the fact that they continually reject him and refuse to be loved.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- Jesus mentions the "more important" or “weightier matters” of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Where do you see growth or struggle in those areas of your life?

- When are you tempted to appear more spiritual than you are? What helps you to be more honest with others and yourself?

- What does Jesus’ grief over Jerusalem reveal about God’s heart toward the spiritually resistant?

- Prayer: Jesus, cleanse my heart from hypocrisy and grow in me justice, mercy, and faithfulness.