< Back

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

[Jesus] said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” Mark 9:31b

Read: Mark 9:30–32
Listen: Mark 9

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Death on a cross is humiliating. Hanging at eye level, people walk up, spit on and mock you. Jesus accepted this humiliating death that led to resurrection life. It wasn’t only his life, but an offer of eternal life to anyone who would accept. The people wanted rescue from Rome. Jesus is doing something much more—he’s rescuing them from sin. His humiliation and sacrifice brings life. It also provides an example of a new way to live.

Jesus is our model for life. Yet, we often fail to follow. He showed us the way of humility and sacrifice, but we do our own thing. If we treat the people at work in a demanding and domineering way, how can we expect God’s resurrection life to flow through us? If we treat our friends as a means to an end or a way into the next social circle, how can we expect God’s resurrection power to influence our friendships? If we are arrogant, prideful and selfish in our marriage, how can we expect God’s resurrection power to transform it? Jesus shows us the way to true life, and it requires humility and sacrifice.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Open your journal to page 86 and write down one person you want to practice being humble around the rest of the week. If you would like to focus on humility in your life, friend of Ada Bible and Australian Pastor John Dickson has written a book on humility called Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love and Leadership. Consider reading it and focusing on humility this holiday season.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.