We often seek to attract large crowds to our churches, crusades, and rallies. Jesus also ministered to large crowds. However, the Lord‘s most passionate teaching on discipleship occurs away from the crowds when he is alone with his disciples. What the crowds can accept is not enough to call people to mature discipleship — to that next level in their walk with the Savior. But Jesus withdrew for intensive teaching with a small group of committed disciples to mature and prepare them for future challenges, even as great as his Passion. “Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” Mark 9:30-31.
January 3
January 3, 2025
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires… —Ephesians 4:22. Today, Paul reminds
