Daily Bible Plan - Mark 12 (Pt.2)

22. November 2025

Devotion by Dcns. Sarah

Theme: Unleashed for Kingdom Advancement - Mark 12:28 - 44

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global Prayer Family

A scribe asks Jesus a seemingly simple yet profound question: “Which commandment is the most important?” (Mark 12:28) Jesus answers clearly and directly: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your devotion, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is more important.” (vv. 29–31)

With this, Jesus gets to the heart of what truly matters in life: Everything God wants from us begins in the heart—love for Him and for our fellow human beings. Paul reminds us: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

Later in this chapter, Jesus points out that a true relationship with God comes from within. He warns against the hypocrisy of some religious leaders (vv. 38–40). What counts cannot be bought: power, prestige, or possessions cannot replace a heart that is faithful to God. What matters is what happens inside us—our intentions and our love for God: “For the LORD does not look at what man looks at; man looks at outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Thus Jesus calls us to live not according to outward standards, but to open our hearts to God and align our decisions with His truth. Our relationship with God is the center of our lives.

Jesus makes this especially clear when He observes the poor widow who places only two small coins into the offering box (vv. 41–44). To others it may seem insignificant, yet Jesus says: “This woman has given more than all the others. She gave everything she had.”

Here we see: What counts is not the size of our gifts, but the devotion of our hearts. God sees our inner striving, our trust, and our faithfulness.

Thought to take with you:

It is not outward perfection or social recognition that makes us great in God’s eyes, but a heart that is faithful to Him. No matter how great or small our means may be—God sees our heart, and He values our devotion.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to love You with all my heart and to love my neighbor as myself. Teach me to shape my life according to Your love, and to offer You my devotion and faithfulness. Amen.