Daily Bible Plan - Mark 1

14. October 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Kingdom of God / Mark 1:1–20

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

💬 Introduction

Beloved, welcome to a new journey through the Gospel of Mark!

We are stepping into the vivid, fast-paced story of Jesus’ life and ministry. Mark wastes no time — he launches straight into action, revealing Jesus as the Son of God and unveiling the Kingdom of God in motion.

I decided to go through the book of Mark so that many of us can rediscover the foundation of where the Kingdom truly began — and how it now continues through us. As I’m writing this devotion at exactly 11:11 p.m., my heart is stirred with our next prophetic theme:

“Unleashed to Advance the Kingdom of God.”

If Jesus tarries, that will be our November theme. So, get ready, Church! We’re going to explore the Kingdom deeply — in context, in revelation, and in power.

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📜 The Message of Preparation (Mark 1:1–8)

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,

Who will prepare Your way before You,

The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”

Here we see John the Baptist, the prophetic forerunner of Jesus Christ. Like the prophets before him — Isaiah, Jeremiah, even Moses — John’s message was one of repentance and returning to God. Every true prophet of God has always echoed one call: turn back to God and align with His will.

But John’s mission was unique. He wasn’t only calling people to repentance; he was preparing hearts for the arrival of the King. His baptism symbolized cleansing, but it pointed toward something greater — the spiritual baptism Jesus would later bring through the Holy Spirit.

“I indeed baptize you with water,

but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” — Mark 1:8

John’s humility reflects the posture of the Kingdom:

“After me comes One mightier than I,

whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.”

The Kingdom of God begins with humility and repentance — not pride or self-promotion.

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🕊️ The Baptism and Affirmation of Jesus (Mark 1:9–11)

Then Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As He came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Then came the voice from heaven:

“You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This was not just a baptism; it was a heavenly coronation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all revealed in one moment — the divine unity of the Kingdom. Before any miracle or public ministry, Jesus was affirmed by His Father.

💡 Kingdom lesson: Before you do anything for God, you must first know who you are in Him.

Kingdom identity comes before Kingdom assignment.

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⚔️ The Testing of the King (Mark 1:12–13)

Immediately after His baptism, “the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.” For forty days, He was tempted by Satan, surrounded by wild beasts, and ministered to by angels.

Notice: the Spirit that empowered Him also led Him into testing.

This tells us that temptation and testing are not signs of spiritual failure; they are part of spiritual formation.

When you rise in grace, temptation also rises in resistance.

After every divine affirmation comes a wilderness confrontation.

But take courage — even in the wilderness, angels still minister

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📣 The Message of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15)

After John was imprisoned, Jesus came preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, saying:

“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent and believe in the gospel.”

Here, Jesus didn’t preach about wealth, success, or self-fulfillment — He preached the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is not a future dream; it is a present reality wherever Jesus reigns.

Repentance and faith are the two keys that unlock Kingdom citizenship.

Repentance turns you away from sin; faith draws you toward God.

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🎣 The Call to Follow (Mark 1:16–20)

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew casting their nets. He said:

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

Then He called James and John, who left their father Zebedee and followed as well.

The Kingdom call is radical. It requires leaving something behind — whether it’s sin, pride, or comfort — in order to follow Jesus fully.

They didn’t delay, negotiate, or excuse themselves. They immediately left their nets.

What are the “nets” Jesus is asking you to leave today?

Your net might be an addiction, fear, ungodly relationship, or attitude. To follow Him, something must be released.

Jesus does not call us to fish for money, fame, or partners — He calls us to fish for souls.

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💭 Reflection Questions

1. What “nets” is Jesus asking you to leave behind?

2. Have you responded immediately to His call, or are you still holding on?

3. How can you live daily as a true citizen of the Kingdom?

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🙏 Kingdom Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,

We thank You for revealing the Kingdom through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Thank You for John’s obedience, for Jesus’ humility, and for the gift of the Holy Spirit that now empowers us.

Lord, help us to repent genuinely, follow You wholeheartedly, and leave behind everything that hinders our walk.

Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in our lives as it is in heaven.

Strengthen us to fish for souls and not for selfish gain.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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📖 Chair Time

Now open your physical Bible, find a quiet space, and read Mark 1:1–20 again slowly.

Ask the Holy Spirit:

• What is He asking you to leave behind?

• Where is He calling you to follow?

• How can you live as a faithful Kingdom ambassador today?

May the God of love and peace always be with me.

In Jesus’ mighty name — Amen! 🙏

Blessings,

Reverend Joseph Antwi