When someone is skilled at caring for the needs of the sick or dying, we say they have the “healing touch.” But no one has ever shown the power to heal like Jesus. In his Gospel, Mark records Jesus’ power over many areas of life. First, in Mark 4:35-41, Jesus demonstrated His power over nature when He calmed the “furious squall” that arose on the water (v. 37). Then, in Mark 5:1–20, Jesus restored a demon-possessed man to health, displaying His power over the darkness. In today’s passage, Jesus exhibits authority over sickness and death. The two stories within Mark 5:21–43 are meant to be compared and contrasted. At the same time, Jairus’s daughter was born, a woman began hemorrhaging and could find no answer to her pain. According to the custom, this woman would have been considered unclean. She was a social outcast, unable to worship at the temple courts (vv. 25–26). Jairus’s daughter, by contrast, grew up happy and healthy, seeing her father come and go regularly to the synagogue as one of the leaders (v. 22). Even though they came from different social standings, both Jairus and the woman showed a similar faith in Jesus. They both believed He had the healing touch. It probably took courage for both individuals to reach out to Jesus for help. No doubt, a bit of timidity was running through their veins. However, they realized that nothing and no one else would be able to help them in their desperate time of need. Through their courageous act of reaching out, their faith in Jesus healed them (vv. 34, 36). Mark makes it clear that these narratives prove that the only one who has authority over nature, the powers of darkness, sickness, and death itself is God Himself. >> Are you struggling with a discouraging health issue? Do you have a loved one in need of healing? Don’t be afraid to reach out to the One with the healing touch. He will always hear you and receive you.

Today in the Word Devotional

Daily Devotional | A Healing Touch

Imagine the scene: a woman is being forcibly dragged into the temple courts, shoved in front of this man who many were calling the Great Teacher. Jesus gazed at her, knowing she had been accused of adultery and also knowing everything else about her. Her life mattered. Jesus was also aware that the teachers of the law and the Pharisees were trying to trap Him. We can be sure that the woman felt shame and embarrassment for being caught in adultery and dragged in front of Jesus. What she thought she was doing in secret had now been exposed to the whole community. Her family would disown her and the religious leaders would turn their backs on her. Probably like most of her life, she was simply being used. This time, she was a pawn in the Pharisees’ chess game with Jesus (v. 6). If He called for her stoning, He would be defying the Roman government. And if He let her go, He would be disobeying the Mosaic law. However, unlike the Pharisees, Jesus saw her for who she truly was: someone who mattered. His response to the crowd was simple, yet convicting: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7). One by one, the crowd disappeared. According to the law, a person could be sentenced to death only with two or more witnesses, but now there were none. Jesus could now release her and still obey the Mosaic law. She was now free and walked away knowing her life mattered to Jesus. >> What about you? Do you feel shame at the thought of airing your private acts before a holy God? Regardless of the missteps and sin in your life, you matter to God. Just as Jesus declared to the woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin” (v. 11), He is reaching in the same way to us.

Daily Devotional | You Matter to Jesus

In today’s world, we have nearly instant communication with anyone, anywhere. Phones that fit in the palm of our hand let us connect with others quickly, easily, and accurately. That wasn’t always the case. If you’ve ever seen depictions of early American small-town life, a local phone operator would manually push and pull cable plugs to connect callers to receivers. The operator was an important mediator, without whom communication would become impossible. How do you and I connect with God? In his letter to Timothy, Paul gives the assurance that believers are given open access to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul begins by encouraging believers to pray for all people (v. 1). Notice that he includes kings and those in authority in this list. Paul gives a reason: so that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (v. 2) and because God “wants all people to be saved” (v. 4). The purpose is for the gospel to go forward! Second, Paul reminds us that Jesus acts as the mediator between individuals and God. Our requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings go directly to Him. Paul details Jesus’ work of mediation through the selfless and sacrificial act of giving of His own life as a “ransom for all people” (v. 6). A price was paid so we may be released from the bondage of sin, paid through the death of our mediator, Christ Jesus. Hebrews 4 calls Jesus our “great high priest who has ascended into heaven,” giving us full access to God (v. 14). “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (v. 16) >> In some faith traditions, people do not speak directly to God, they depend on the intercession of a mediator—someone holier than themselves who addresses God on their behalf. Today, celebrate the fact that Jesus is your mediator, and you can speak to God any time you’d like.

Daily Devotional | A New Mediator

Does doubting feel like part of your DNA? We all have doubts when an infomercial makes promises that seem too good to be true. We may doubt the commitments made by others and even by us. So it should not surprise us that we entertain doubts about God. It has been the enemy’s plan from day one to plant seeds of doubts in our minds about our Creator (see Genesis 3). In today’s Scripture, Thomas was fighting a logical and a supernatural battle. He wondered: How is it possible that a person could die and return to life? Thomas wanted hard evidence to believe the claim of Jesus’ resurrection. John tells us Thomas’ struggle with unbelief lasted for days (v. 26). Jesus could have easily appeared to Thomas, but it is interesting that He allows Thomas to wrestle with unbelief. After some time, the resurrected Jesus did appear to Thomas, through a locked door, and implored him to believe (v. 27). Notice that Thomas didn’t even need to put his hands in Jesus’ scars. Seeing the resurrected Jesus was all he needed, and he called Christ “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). Jesus recognized that Thomas needed to see before he would believe. But then Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (v. 29). Jesus is talking about you and me. Shortly after this encounter with Thomas, Jesus ascended to heaven. The next time we see our Lord and Savior will be at His imminent return, but in the meantime, we have Thomas’s encounter as one of the many reasons to believe in Jesus’ bodily resurrection. I have a feeling many of us can relate to Thomas. We need to see it to believe it. Thankfully, Jesus revealed Himself to doubters. Stop doubting and believe. >> Perhaps you believe in Jesus’ resurrection, but still have doubts about God. I encourage you to dive into God’s Word and get involved in a good Bible-based church as you continue on your journey for truth.

Daily Devotional | A New Type of Belief

Martin Luther King Jr. often gave this advice, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” For the woman in today’s narrative, her first step must have seemed like a giant leap. The Pharisees referred to her as a “sinner,” and so it was likely that she was one of the town’s known prostitutes (vv. 37, 39). While she may have felt unwelcome in this gathering of the religious elites and Jesus, she did not let a lack of an invitation stop her. Nothing could prevent her from worshiping at the feet of Jesus. For most of her life, she had found her value from men who took advantage of her, using and abusing her. But now, perhaps for the first time ever, she found someone who showed her that she was valuable to God. Our text doesn’t record a word she says, but her actions speak volumes (vv. 37, 38). The appearance and bold actions of this woman frustrated Simon the Pharisee. However, Jesus used the situation as a teaching moment for both Simon and the woman—and for us. He clearly demonstrated that all people are valuable to God. Therefore, our lives ought to be an outpouring of appreciation and service to Jesus (vv. 44–47) because only He is able to forgive us our sins (v. 48). Regardless of your past, Jesus has the power to forgive you. We are all sinners saved by grace. The apostle Paul even says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Tim. 1:15). We are all in need of forgiveness and to be reminded that we are valuable to God. >> Where do you put your value and self-worth? Next time you look in the mirror, remind yourself that you are looking at someone who is valuable to God.

Daily Devotional | You Are Valuable

Do you have a hard time throwing away old shoes? I do. Whether it is hiking boots, dress shoes, or sandals, I usually feel a bit apprehensive about letting go of what is familiar and comfortable. Getting rid of the past is hard for many of us. The past is where we used to live and where our memories reside. But our Scripture today reminds us that while we remember and even treasure the past, when we become a follower of Christ, we have a new identity in Him. Paul reminds the Christians in Colossae that Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. Because Christ was raised, those who believe in Him have a new life and new identity. Paul urges followers to set their hearts and minds on things above and not on earthly desires and passions (vv. 1–2). Paul is obviously not referring to physical death in verse three when he states, “For you died,” but rather the fact that they have put their old life and former ways behind them. Their new life is now concealed or “hidden” with Christ (v. 3). Paul repeats this truth in verse four by stating that when Christ appears, believers will also appear with Him in glory which is only possible by being found in Him. In the original language, Paul begins verse five with the word “therefore,” but the active imperative Paul stresses is “put to death” anything and everything that belongs to worldly ways. Because of their new identity in Christ, believers are to abandon their old lives and be renewed into the image and likeness of God our Creator (v. 10). Holding on to the past is easy, but living for Christ is so much better. >> What are some old ways of living that have either crept back into your life or have been hiding from sight and need to be renewed? Even though it is hard to fully get rid of the past, your new identity in Christ is worth it.

Daily Devotional | A New Identity

One of the most interesting characters in the Bible has to be John the Baptist. This hairy man, wearing camel’s skin and eating locust and honey, had a very important job. His focus was never on himself, but rather he strived to shine the spotlight on Christ. God gave this man the responsibility to prepare the way for Jesus. In today’s text, the curious Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites on a mission to discover more about this man in the wilderness who was teaching people something new about God. When questioned about his identity, at first, John was reluctant to say much. Perhaps he was still wondering what his role would be in the coming of the Messiah. However, when pressed, John unequivocally stated that he was not the Messiah, but rather a “voice of one calling in the wilderness” (v. 23). John was a messenger who would help people prepare their hearts and lives for something brand new. Some Pharisees pushed back and questioned John about why he was baptizing people at all (v. 25). But John responded by stating that he was simply preparing people for not just someone, but the One. The one, “whose sandals I am not worthy to untie,” John says (v. 27). His dedication to the Lord and his new task consumed him. John’s new task was getting everything, and everyone, ready for someone they had long-awaited. As followers of Christ, our new task is similar to John’s mission. We are called to turn the spotlight off ourselves and shine it on Christ. We have been called to be a voice in our own wilderness and help people prepare themselves for an encounter with the Lord. >> What areas are you in that seem like a wilderness and are in desperate need of Christ? Begin praying for opportunities, wisdom, and the courage for your new task of being a voice pointing people to Him.

Daily Devotional | A New Task

Several years ago, my friend called with a frantic voice. Muddy water was coming out of his faucets. Upon further inspection from professionals, he discovered that an underground pipe had cracked and dirt was seeping its way into his house. Workers needed to dig up large sections of his yard to fix the problem. As believers, we can be guilty of allowing filth to come out of our mouths because it has unconsciously seeped into our hearts. Thankfully, God is in the business of digging into our lives to fix our damaged hearts. In our text, the Pharisees were reaching a boiling point. The masses were beginning to follow Jesus, listen to His teachings, and experience healing by His power. In an attempt to undermine this rapidly growing movement, they sent a delegation from Jerusalem to expose Jesus as a heretic (vv. 1–2). For the Pharisees and teachers of the law, tradition was their mission. So when they tried to call out Jesus’ disciples on a technicality of living defiled lives because they were not washing their hands before meals, Jesus responded in brilliant fashion. He argued that they were honoring God only by their mouths and not by their lives (vv. 3–9). The Pharisees were obsessed with keeping rituals. However, when Jesus stepped onto the scene, He began teaching something altogether different. He said that what makes you unclean comes from within. For Him, it was not a mouth issue as much as it was a heart issue. What comes out of the mouth is actually coming from the heart (v. 19). Jesus’ new message required them, and us, to check not only their mouths but also their hearts. >> Do you ever find yourself saying something that later you are ashamed of? Perhaps a comment to a friend or even a subtle remark under your breath? Allow the Lord to work on your heart so that you can honor Him with both your mouth and your life.

A New Heart and Mouth

True thankfulness can stop us in our tracks and motivate us to action. That’s what happened to a leper whose life was forever changed by Jesus. On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee, an ethnically diverse and tense region (v. 11). After hearing cries from a group of men with leprosy, Jesus instructed them to go show themselves to the priests (vv. 12–14). Once the priests declared them healed, they would be allowed to rejoin society. While on the journey to receive medical clearance, the lepers began to notice that evidence of their skin disease was supernaturally disappearing. We can imagine their pace quickening as their hopes of being reunited with loved ones intensified. Suddenly, one of them stopped and turned around, deciding to take a moment to thank Jesus. The actions of this one leper should teach us something as well. When Jesus gives us new life, He also gives us a message of profound thankfulness. A detail often overlooked in this narrative is that this man was a Samaritan, a foreigner (vv. 16, 18). Not only was he an outsider because of his leprosy, but he was also an outcast to the outcasts because he was from Samaria. Nonetheless, because of what Jesus did, he was drastically moved to an attitude of thankfulness. This man was healed both physically and, more importantly, spiritually. His faith in Christ’s authority over the powers of this world made him well (v. 19). This thankfulness to God would travel with him for the rest of his life. And thankfulness is a part of our new life in Christ also. This new message of thankfulness for what the Lord has done in our lives ought to travel with us wherever we go. Be someone who is quick to thank God, even if you are standing alone. >> When you thank the Lord for His work in your life, don’t forget to thank those around you who have helped and supported you along the way

Message of Thankfulness

Nine years ago today, a cruise ship ran aground after hitting rocks and a sandbar off a small Italian island. According to the vessel’s owner, the captain “made an unapproved, unauthorized deviation in course.” Sadly, many people lost their lives, and the captain was found guilty of manslaughter because of his negligence. While it may seem obvious to us that the captain was at fault, we too often fail to see the dangers in front of us. We can all benefit from a new way to see. Our text today is a parable we often learn as children in Sunday School. Jesus was teaching His listeners that they are to look to the Lord for direction and not to one another (v. 39). Then he tackled a sticky issue that is also prevalent today: hypocrisy. How do we judge others? To illustrate His point, Jesus used first-century humor, painting a picture of someone who points out a small piece of sawdust in another person’s eye, while having a large plank in his own eye (v. 41). In other words, we are far more tolerant and accepting of our own sin than we are of others. When we dismiss our own sins and are quick to call out the sins in other people, Jesus calls us a “hypocrite” (v. 42). While it can be good to help our neighbor recognize the sin in his or her life, Jesus challenges us to deal with our sin first. This calls for a time of self-examination, confessing our own sins before God. When we are able to see clearly, it will help us traverse the waters of this world, and help us save other lost souls along the way. >> Spend some time today examining your life. Do you have a “plank” in your eye that you are disregarding? Ask God to give you the strength to see your own sins clearly so you can help others.

Message of Perspective

If you were a believer in the first century you would be faced with many difficult experiences. We know that these men and women, who publicly followed Christ, were challenged and tested. In one of Paul’s last letters to the believers in Thessalonica, he gave them some advice and encouragement on how to handle difficult times. Paul begins today’s text by giving thanks for the work God had already done in their lives. Their lives were a testament to God! Anything they had done or accomplished was evidence that God had brought them to this point (vv. 13–14). As a result, Paul encouraged them to “stand firm and hold to the teachings” they had received (v. 15). He knew that in difficult times it is easy to allow the Word of God to slip out of our lives. It is crucial that we hold firm so we can withstand the roller coasters life can bring. Finally, Paul prays for the Thessalonians by first recalling what God had done for them (v. 16). The Lord’s encouragement and comfort in the past reassured them of the promise that He would be faithful and comfort them in the future. He does the same for us today.  When we remember what God has done for us it gives us strength and encouragement for the future. The word Paul uses for encouragement could also be translated as comfort. Paul’s big idea is that during difficult times, the God of eternal comfort and encouragement comes alongside us and gives us exactly what we need. The result of God’s eternal encouragement is that we can glorify Him through “every good deed and word” (v. 17). This message is one that everyone in 2021 needs. >> This New Year may be a difficult start for you. However, instead of dwelling on the negative, remember what God has done for you in the past. Let Him strengthen and encourage you to stand firm regardless of what comes your way.

Eternal Encouragement

Most sports fans hope their favorite team will win the championship. But they also realize that only one team can actually bring home the trophy. The word hope can be a  noun or a verb. When fans “verb- hope” for their team to win, they want something to happen. However, when we have “noun-hope,” we have the assured expectation that something will happen. For Christians, the hope Christ gives us through His resurrection is not a wanting or wishful hope, but an assured expectation of what we know is to come. Peter explains that believers in Christ are given a “new birth into a living hope” (v. 3). It’s similar to Paul’s idea in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that when one trusts in Jesus, he or she becomes a “new creature.” We are given a new life and a new identity. In verse three, Peter uses hope as a noun. This message of hope is more than just a want or a desire. Peter assures us that this living hope is a joyful and confident expectation. Peter continues in verse four to say that the new birth also gives us an eternal inheritance. This assures us that we will be united with Christ forever. Unlike any earthly inheritance, we might receive, this eternal inheritance can “never perish, spoil or fade” because of God’s omnipotence and supremacy (vv. 4–7). Christ’s resurrection from the dead gives us complete confidence that this hope will last for all eternity. The idea of a living hope and inheritance was a brand-new message for those early believers (vv. 8–9). Now, we have the honor of receiving that same hope and sharing our living hope with others. Remember, that your hope in Christ is not wishful thinking, but an assured expectation of what is to come. >> When we place hope in things and people, we are often disappointed. How does your “noun- hope” in Christ compare to your “verb-hope” for things in this world?

Message of Hope

If you were given life-changing news, how would you share it? Would you post on Facebook or perhaps text a friend? Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His bodily resurrection, we have a wonderful and important message to share. It is a message of hope, encouragement, thankfulness, and love. It is the simple message that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (v. 6). How will you share this message? Last week, we focused on the new ways we live because of Christ’s transformative work in us. This week we’ll study the new message we have to share with a world that desperately needs Him. Hours before His arrest, Jesus prepared His friends for what was going to happen. It must have been difficult for them to fully grasp. They were worried on His behalf, and probably concerned about their own welfare too. In the midst of this uncertainty, Jesus comforted them, saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (v. 1). How could they not be distressed?! Not only were the authorities looking for Jesus and His friends, but Jesus had just told Peter that the disciple would disown Him three times before sunrise (John 13:38). Jesus described His return to His Father and His mission to prepare a place for all who believe. Then, He dropped a bombshell of a message that continues to shake the world today. After Thomas’s inquiry as to where Jesus was going and how they could follow Him there, Jesus proclaims, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (v. 6). What was only pictured in the Old Testament sacrifices of the law was now revealed in flesh and blood. Eternal life comes through Jesus Christ alone. >> Is there someone in your life who needs to hear this message? Begin to pray that God will create opportunities for you and others to share this good news with them.

A New Message

Not too long ago, I had a conversation with a friend about God and Heaven. In the midst of our conversation, he told me he believed that everyone is a “child of God.” I explained that while it is true that we are all created by God and made in His image (Gen. 1:26–27), being part of God’s family is different. In John’s account of Jesus’ life, he states that the world did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, nor did they receive Him as their Rescuer (John 1:10–11). However, to those who do believe in Jesus and His resurrection, “he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). When God the Father looked at a depraved humanity, it would have been astounding if He only had pity or charitable compassion for the lost souls. It would have been extremely generous if He merely set forth a plan to save them from eternal punishment. But God went well beyond that. He called them His children. Our text highlights that it is only because of God’s love that believers can be called His children (v. 1). The word for “love” John used here is agape, a never-ending, unconditional love. He states that God “lavished” or “bestowed as a gift” this love on us (v. 1) and therefore we are included as part of His family. When you and I believe in Jesus, we become part of a new family, the family of God. As His children, we bear His name and His reputation. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we carry the name of Christ. Being in Him makes us part of a new family. >> Do people know you are part of God’s family? The early believers did not keep it a secret they were part of the household of God. Their lives were testimonies of who they belonged to and the same should be known about us.

A New Family

One of the problems with social media is that many people feel free to say whatever they think about everything. And, because they are posting online, they often express their opinions in harsher language than they would if they were talking to their opponent face to face. As believers, we may feel pulled into these conflicts and return harsh words to those who oppose us, but God’s Word reminds us that we are to “show proper respect to everyone” (v. 17). Peter reminds his readers in our text today that while we may have some say in the affairs of this world, we must remember that we are really just foreigners, passing through (v. 11). Even though our sinful desires push and pull us in directions that oppose God, Peter says we are to live such radical lives that when the outside world sees us, God will be glorified because of our good deeds (v. 12). One of the most drastic ways, our lives can stand out among nonbelievers is by submitting ourselves to “every human authority” (v. 13). Peter says it is the Lord’s will that “by doing good” we would put to silence the talk of those who are contrary to the gospel (v. 15). However, this begs the question, “How does one do good?” Where does one even start to do good when there seems to be so much conflict and division among people? Peter says it starts with showing “proper respect” (v. 17). In the original language, this phrase is actually the same as “honor,” like honoring a king. According to Peter, we are to treat everyone as if they have extreme value. The reality is that they do have value in God’s eyes, a tremendous amount of worth. Treating others with respect and dignity will help us navigate the waters of this world. >> How can you show Christ’s love by demonstrating proper respect to others? Examine your own words and actions on social media. How can you better reflect the One you serve?

A New Respect

Today in the Word is a daily audio devotional available via podcast. Today in the Word features solid biblical content and study that models the mission and values of Moody Bible Institute.

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Today in the Word Devotional

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