Listen

Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.

Mark 6:1-3

Think

In most of the Gospel of Mark, the identity of who Jesus truly is as the Messiah is hidden from the people Jesus is ministering to. Here in the synagogue, the people hearing Jesus’s teaching are unsure of who he is and where his teaching comes from. Jesus is inviting them to hear the story, but they question his identity and what he is sharing with them. Have you ever questioned who Jesus is? Have you been unsure of what Jesus is teaching you?

Often, we might hear a voice in our life, and we aren’t quite sure where it is coming from. Is it God? What is God saying? We need the power of the Spirit to help us discern God’s calling. But first, we must simply stop and listen. When we truly listen, we can hear God’s calling more clearly and become more certain of who Jesus is and what Jesus is calling us to do.

Anna Beth Mann

Pray

God who calls me, help me to listen for your voice today. Guide me to recognize your voice and what you are calling me to do. Empower me to remove any distractions that may be hindering me from knowing who you are. Amen.

Go

Go today with eyes to see God, ears to hear God, and a heart to answer God’s call.

Know your story matters and you are a part of the greater story written by the Author of Life.