Daily Bible Plan - Mark 3

20. October 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Kingdom of God / Authority, Discipleship, and Power - Mark 3:1-19

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

Introduction

The Kingdom of God operates through those who are close to the King. Jesus’ ministry demonstrates that true authority, influence, and power flow from intimacy with Him. Today’s passage highlights three Kingdom principles: Jesus’ authority, the drawing power of the Kingdom, and the calling of disciples who carry the Kingdom forward.

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Verses 1–6: Authority Over the Sabbath and Healing

Then He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. And they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come here.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. When He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Jesus demonstrates Kingdom authority by healing on the Sabbath. The Kingdom prioritizes life, compassion, and doing good over strict ritual. True power in the Kingdom is rooted in action aligned with God’s will, not human expectations or criticism.

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Verses 7–12: The Kingdom Draws the Multitude

Then Jesus went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. And He healed those who had need of healing, and the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.” But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.

The Kingdom attracts people naturally. When the King appears, multitudes are drawn—not because of the preacher, but because of His Spirit and power.

• This reminds us that preaching, praying, healing, and delivering are ways the Kingdom draws people.

• Churches or believers who remain isolated or inactive cannot fully demonstrate the Kingdom, because Kingdom influence flows outward.

• Like Jesus, we are called to move, minister, and make Him known—both to the crowds and to individuals who need transformation.

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Verses 13–15: Called to Be With Him

Then He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.

Here, we notice the order of the Kingdom: relationship before responsibility. Jesus called the twelve to be with Him first—to observe His life, understand His heart, and learn the principles of the Kingdom. Only after this intimacy were they empowered to preach, heal, and cast out demons.

This reminds us that in the Kingdom, true ministry begins with discipleship. Without being formed by Christ, attempts to minister can be shallow or misguided. Jesus’ example shows that power flows from relationship, not mere position or enthusiasm.

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Verses 16–19: Sent with Authority and Called to Kingdom Work

Simon, whom He also named Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, whom He also surnamed Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

• Called and named: Jesus gave identity and purpose to each disciple. Kingdom work includes personal calling, empowerment, and alignment with God’s mission.

• Empowered for Kingdom activity: They were given authority to preach, heal, and deliver, showing that the Kingdom functions through those trained and sent by the King.

• Disciples first, multitudes second: While crowds witness miracles, disciples carry the Kingdom forward. The foundation of Kingdom ministry is spiritual formation before public ministry.

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Chair Time

Now open your Bibles and read Mark 3:1–19. Find a quiet space, and let the Holy Spirit guide you to see:

1. How does the Kingdom of God demonstrate power and authority through Jesus?

2. In what ways does the Kingdom draw multitudes, and how are we called to participate?

3. How does discipleship prepare us to preach, heal, and deliver in alignment with the King’s mission?

Reflect this week on your personal relationship with Jesus and how He is preparing you to carry the Kingdom to others.

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Prayer

Father, we thank You for revealing the principles of Your Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Help us to walk closely with the King, learning from Him, and growing in intimacy before responsibility. Give us the courage and power to preach, heal, and deliver as we minister in Your Name. Draw multitudes to Your Kingdom through our lives, and may we always honor You in obedience, humility, and faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.