Daily Bible Plan - Mark 6

05. November 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Unleashed for Kingdom Advancement - Mark 6:14-44

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

🕊 Introduction

Hello Church,

I’m so excited to take us back to the book of Mark as we continue through this powerful Kingdom Advancement theme. Remember, Mark has so much to offer when it comes to Kingdom principles which Jesus came to reveal.

Today, we continue our journey from verse 14 to verse 44.

I want you to have your chair time — if you can, sit quietly in your room, or even in your bathroom, and read this short passage aloud. As you read, align your heart with what speaks to you personally, because every verse here carries a Kingdom truth that will strengthen your walk.

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⿡ Verses 14–29 — The Cost of Kingdom Commitment

“For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” (Mark 6:20)

This passage begins with the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom — a sobering reminder that Kingdom advancement comes at a price.

John was bold enough to confront Herod’s sin, declaring God’s truth even when it was unpopular. His obedience cost him his life, but his voice still echoes through history.

Many times, the Kingdom moves forward through the sacrifice of those who refuse to compromise. Herod admired John’s integrity, but admiration without repentance is not transformation. Herodias, consumed with offense, sought to silence the prophet — and succeeded in taking his head, but not his message.

You know, sometimes even in school, when you dare to speak the truth, others begin to hate you for it. Those who wanted John the Baptist’s head represent people today who try to silence those who carry truth. As we do the work of God, there are many in our cities and regions who dislike us, misunderstand us, and speak evil against us — simply because they cannot stand the truth we carry.

In our generation, nobody may literally behead you — but people still “behead” others with their words, their hate, and their insults. Yet, we must continue to stand boldly and proclaim that there is a cost to carrying the gospel.

John’s example also reminds us that there are different ways to confront truth. John addressed the religious and political authorities head-on, boldly calling out sin without fear. Jesus, on the other hand, handled such matters with divine wisdom, knowing when to speak and when to stay silent. Both had their roles in God’s plan — John was sent to prepare the way, and once Jesus arrived, John’s mission was fulfilled.

It’s painful that his ministry ended through death, but even that served a divine purpose: the way was prepared for the Messiah to shine.

Let’s pray that none of our missions will be prematurely terminated — not through discouragement, compromise, or opposition.

Please, I encourage you — pray for your pastors, your leaders, and your YCLs who stand daily to teach and uphold truth. It is not easy to stand for righteousness in a world that mocks it.

💭 Reflection:

• Am I willing to obey God even when it costs me?

• How do I respond when I’m attacked for speaking the truth?

• Do I pray for those who boldly proclaim the Word of God?

💬 Prayer:

Lord, give me courage like John the Baptist — to stand for righteousness and truth no matter the cost. Strengthen every leader and servant who carries Your message. May our mission never end prematurely, and may Your Kingdom advance through our obedience.

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⿢ Verses 30–34 — The Compassion of Kingdom Servants

“Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things… And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’” (Mark 6:30–31)

After a season of ministry, the disciples returned tired. Jesus recognized their need for rest — a reminder that rest is not rebellion; it’s part of Kingdom rhythm. Yet, when the multitudes followed, Jesus’ compassion outweighed His fatigue.

He looked at the crowd and saw not a nuisance, but a need — “sheep without a shepherd.” So, He began to teach them many things.

That’s the heartbeat of Kingdom advancement — compassion that moves to action.

True ministry flows from compassion, not convenience.

When we are moved by love, miracles begin to happen.

💭 Reflection:

• Am I serving out of love or obligation?

• Do I see interruptions as burdens or as opportunities to show compassion?

💬 Prayer:

Lord, fill me with Your compassion. Let my heart break for what breaks Yours, and teach me to serve with love, not fatigue.

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⿣ Verses 35–44 — The Multiplication of Kingdom Resources

“You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:37)

The disciples saw the need — 5,000 hungry people — and their immediate response was to send them away. But Jesus turned the responsibility back to them: “You give them something to eat.”

They looked at what they had — just five loaves and two fish — and saw insufficiency. But Jesus looked to heaven and saw divine sufficiency.

He took what they had, blessed it, broke it, and multiplied it until everyone was fed, and twelve baskets remained.

This is the principle of Kingdom advancement:

👉 Whatever you place in Jesus’ hands multiplies.

Your time, your gift, your little acts of obedience — when surrendered — can become someone’s miracle.

The disciples thought it wasn’t enough, but in Jesus’ hands, not enough became more than enough.

💭 Reflection:

• Am I withholding what I have because I think it’s too small?

• Do I trust God to multiply my obedience for His purpose?

💬 Prayer:

Lord, I surrender my loaves and fishes — my time, my strength, and my resources. Take them, bless them, and multiply them for Your Kingdom’s sake.

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🪔 Summary Reflection

Mark 6:14–44 teaches us three keys to Kingdom advancement:

1. Courage — to stand for truth even when it costs us (John the Baptist).

2. Compassion — to serve people out of love, not convenience (Jesus).

3. Consecration — to place what we have in God’s hands (the disciples).

Kingdom advancement begins not with crowds, but with commitment, compassion, and consecration.

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🙏 Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for teaching us through Your Word that Kingdom advancement carries both cost and reward. Give us courage like John, compassion like Jesus, and faith like the disciples. Multiply every seed of obedience we sow — in our families, our church, and our city.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.