The One Year New Testament

March 25

Mark 2:13-17

Mark 2:13-17

13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Reflection

Jesus boldly challenges the cultural and religious standards of his day by intentionally associating with tax collectors and outcasts (“sinners”). In this way Jesus fulfills the Old Testament hopes that God would one day heal the broken and forgive his sinful people (Isa. 61:1–2; Joel 2:26–29).

God’s pursuit of his people is not based on our merit. It is based on our need and is motivated by his graciousness. Jesus’ entire mission assumes that human beings are not capable of restoring their broken relationship with God. Our only hope is to depend upon God for his grace in Christ. When we trust in God’s forgiveness and loving commitment to us, it will impact us so that we blossom into transformed people. Changed hearts result in changed lives. Christ’s example guides his followers on the paths we should now walk. This desire to follow Christ is motivated by the realization of the undeserved grace he has shown us.

True followers of Christ are called to reflect Christ’s compassion and holiness to other human beings, regardless of their race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or anything else. This is the same grace that Christ has shown to us.

1 Corinthians 15:20-34

1 Corinthians 15:20-34

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

Reflection

In the previous paragraph, Paul said that if Christ had not risen from the dead, the Christian faith would be destroyed (1 Cor. 15:12–19). However, since Christ did rise from the dead, there are great blessings for those who belong to him (v. 20). Since believers are united to Christ, they will share in every benefit of his work. The resurrection of Christ is like the “firstfruits” of a harvest (vv. 20, 23), and someday the remainder of that harvest will be gathered, when we are raised to life with him (cf. Lev. 23:10; Neh. 10:35–37; Col. 1:18). In this final resurrection of his followers, Jesus will demonstrate his complete power over death, the “last enemy” (1 Cor. 15:20–26); and he will display God’s glory by delivering “the kingdom to God the Father” (v. 24).

Rather than devoting our energy to the temporary pleasures of “this life” (vv. 19, 32), we must cherish the promise that we will share in Christ’s glory. When we embrace this resurrection hope we will find strength to endure hardship (vv. 30–32) and battle against sin (vv. 33–34).

Psalm 59:8-10

Psalm 59:8-10

But you, O Lord, laugh at them;
you hold all the nations in derision.
O my Strength, I will watch for you,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.

Thoughts For Prayer

The promise of Christ’s victory over the enemy of death strengthens us to live differently. We can battle against sinful and destructive desires knowing that the greatest joys await us at the resurrection. Ask God to help you hope in the promises of the resurrection so that you will be able to resist the temptations of the “fleeting pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25).

Missions Prayer Requests More

  • March 25, 2025

    Supported Workers: Johannes (& Mathapelo) Thaele

    Country: South Africa

    ESI classes have started for the pastors currently in the equipping program. They are preparing to hold ESI Facilitator Training conferences in South Africa and Lesotho in April. Pray for Johannes as he makes preparations for the training—specifically for the accommodations needed. Pray that the pastors will implement what they learn from the training. Praise the Lord that people are coming to the new church plant and are giving their lives to Jesus Christ. It was launched with the help of the funds raised at Parkside’s VBC 2024. Pray for these new believers to be rooted in Christ and to become committed followers. As Johannes and his helpers continue to minister to children in the schools, pray for God to soften the hearts of the children to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Rwanda (Africa). Population: 14,414,910 Believers: 26.9%. Rwanda made great progress since the tragic events of 1994, when Hutu extremists seized power and began the genocide of the Tutsi minority and Hutu moderates. Eight hundred thousand perished in 100 days. Over 1 million fled, and more violence followed. Political stability since 2000 allows Rwandans a chance to rebuild. Rwanda’s economy is now one of the fastest growing in Africa. The government banned ethnic identification. People are called Rwandans, and only Rwandans. Give praise for the people’s commitment to reconcile and build peace. Praise God that churches help lead this movement. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org