LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
MARK 16:1-20

Stressed, traumatized from watching their Lord die a terrible death, the women came. A giant stone, a Roman seal and Roman guards did not deter them, only a question: who will roll away the stone? But the stone was moved, he was not there and an angel said he was alive! Go and tell his disciples and Peter he directed them. They did not.

Jesus met Mary of Magdala. He told her to tell his followers he was alive. She did, they did not believe her. Much has been written about how unlikely it was that Jesus would choose Mary to be the first to bear the message that he was alive. Well, God chose another Mary to bear his son. Both were fearless, faithful, and obedient.

Later, when Jesus appeared to his disciples, he rebuked them for their lack of faith and unbelief. He did not criticize their desertion or Peter’s denials. After they met the risen Lord, the fearful became fearless and faithful. With a boldness unimaginable they changed the world.

As believers, we have also met the risen Lord! May his appearance to us and presence in us make us bold witnesses to his suffering sacrifice, resurrection and grace.

Claire Cours

The first time I heard about “Silent Saturday” I wasn’t sure what to think. Good Friday? Yep. Easter Sunday? Yep. But what of Saturday? What of Jesus’ transition into the tomb? Mark highlights that through the care of a man named Joseph who was himself waiting for the Kingdom of God. Believing this was a key step, he took responsibility for Jesus’ body, buried him in the tomb, and rolled the stone. God is still looking for that kind of care for His coming kingdom today! It is one we all can partner in as we share the already love that ran red down the cross in the silence of the not yet. Together we usher in Easter Sunday with investment and intentionality as we should God’s kingdom.

-Larke

I remember running to my boys’ rooms when they were younger. Something had scared them in the night. Each time, I would reassure them, “God is here with you.” I wanted them to know that from the smallest childhood fear to the biggest life trial, there is one thing they can always count on...God is with you.

When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom. God tore the veil. Through Jesus, forgiveness of sins and access to God were made possible. He would do anything to be with us, even death on a cross.

So the real question for me is this: do I live like I actually have that kind of access? Do I bring my burdens straight to Him? Do I look to Him for comfort, peace, and reassurance when life feels scary and uncertain? Or do I forget the very thing I once reminded my children? "God is with us."

Angela Smith

Mark 14:66-15:15

Peter denies Jesus three times. It is interesting to study these verses and reflect on his gradual drift into denial. It begins subtly: “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about.” Then Peter moves into the entryway, as though hoping to get lost in the crowd. Eventually, his denial becomes stronger and more forceful, marked by a clear disassociation from Jesus. It’s easy to judge Peter, but his story feels uncomfortably familiar. Rarely do we openly reject Jesus; more often, we drift. We stay silent when faith feels inconvenient. We choose the easy path over the obedient one. We soften our convictions so we don’t stand out. Small compromises, made in the name of comfort, can slowly create a widening gap between us and our Father. Pretty soon, our lives barely resemble who and whose we are.
And yet, this moment did not surprise Jesus. He saw Peter’s denial coming and still loved him. Jesus offers the same grace to us when we find ourselves drifting, and invites us to return to him.

Angela Smith

Mark 14:43-65, March 31

“You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss… ‘Rabbi!’ he (Judas) exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.”

The crucifixion of Christ is triggered by the betrayal of one of his closest followers Judas. Allowing sin to enter his heart through greed led Judas to sacrifice his relationship with Jesus for worldly pleasures that ultimately didn’t live up to the joy that was previously provided by a relationship with the Lord. We can learn from this to be active in guarding ourselves against Satan and being genuine with our Lord, for true discipleship demands integrity.

Maddy Wilson

Mark 14: 27-42

Jesus has been trying to prepare his disciples for the fulfillment of the scriptures, culminating in His death and resurrection. In these passages we see His sense of urgency and frustration with the disciples lack of understanding of what is to come. Jesus is not only speaking to those in the garden but also to us, we too deny, disown and fall asleep when we should be focused on the message that Christ brings to us. Let us feel the same sense of urgency that Jesus felt. Let us be committed to sharing God's message and His desire to be in relationship with his children, knowing that His grace is assured when we remain faithful.

Blessings,
Liz Michael

Mark 14:1-26

“Surely not I?”  The Last Supper for me is one of the most powerful moments of Jesus’ ministry with his disciples.  The Passover meal had been celebrated since the first meal during the Exodus, but this time Jesus reinterprets this meal in the context of himself.  While eating the paschal lamb that was slain, Jesus turns the meal on its head by speaking of his body and his blood that will be broken and shed for them.  Jesus insists that one of them will betray him.  All of them looked at him and said, “Surely not I?”  While we know it is Judas, the following verses remind us that even Peter, “the rock”, is told by Jesus that he will disown him three times before the rooster crows twice.  

The story is radical because Jesus participates in this life-giving symbolic meal with the very disciples who will betray him, disown him, and will run away when he needs them the most.  “Surely not I?”  Jesus tells us the truth, and we are reminded that we too are his disciples and that we too betray, disown, and run away from him.  Thanks be to God for his unfailing love for us; that you and I may also sit at the table with Jesus and participate in this life-giving meal despite our failures!

Jeff Smith

Mark 13:32-37

Timing. What exactly is timing?

As we read the scripture, Jesus is teaching us of Christ’s second return.

While we don’t know the day or the hour we do know that He is coming again.
God is the only one that knows.

Jesus wants us to prepare for His return.

How do we prepare?

Stay awake and keep watch. Turn away from complacency and be active and steadfast in our faith.

Be disciplined and prepare through prayer, fasting and giving.

Lent is a time to re-evaluate our relationship with God, our family and our service to others.

Timing--“no one knows the day or the hour”. There is a sense of urgency. Christians are urged and encouraged not to worry about the signs of the end but to live every day as the day Christ returns.

The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared” and ours should be, too.

 Jane Butler

Read: Mark 13:1-31
 
What has destruction looked like in your life? The loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship? For those who experienced Hurricane Helene, this passage may feel eerily familiar. Mark 13 speaks honestly about chaos and fear. Yet at its center is Jesus’ call: “Stand firm to the end” (v.13).
 
Christ does not deny the shaking; He calls us to endure, grounded in His sovereignty. Philippians 4:8 urges us to dwell on what is true and worthy of praise. These truths are embodied in Christ, who walks with us through every storm.
 
Challenge: Name three truths of God that steady you.
 
Prayer: Faithful God, help me stand firm in Your love. Amen.

Chris & Marie Reny

March 25 - Lenten Devotion
Mark 12:35-44

Mark 12:35-44 is best known for the scene where Jesus observes a group of people entering the Temple to give an offering, among them a poor widow who drops in two small coins. After witnessing this, Jesus gathers his disciples and says “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on”

I wonder about the mindset of the widow in this story as she approached the Temple. In that split second before she let go of the two coins, did she hesitate, not knowing where her next meal would come from? I have to assume that she did. And rightfully so!

This Lenten Season, I urge us all to stop and prayerfully consider whether or not we actually have to take a pause before we drop our coins in the bucket. Let our offerings - be it our time, talent or financial resources - cause us a little initial discomfort, and let us all learn to lean into that discomfort. God’s richest blessings await on the other side.

Patrick Moree

Lenten Devotion
March 24, 2026
Mark 12: 13-34

In our society, we have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be.  This happens in all areas of our life, including our faith.  That is one of the reasons I love this scripture for today’s devotion.  Jesus is asked which commandment is first or greatest.  His response is very straight forward: Love God and Love Your Neighbor!

We can show our love for God by spending time with him in prayer and reading the Bible.  We can demonstrate love for our neighbors by simply being kind – even to those we disagree with.  My prayer for this Lenten season is that we focus on Jesus’s straight forward direction:

Love God and Love Your Neighbor!

Frank Mayberry

Mark 12:1-12
The Parable of the Tenants

I coached high school basketball, and I was notorious to implement full court presses.  I had at least four my players knew by heart.  We spent more time on defensive pressure than offense, because if you run the press correctly, you’ll get a turnover and an easy bucket.  As soon as we’d get a couple of turnovers, the opposing coach would call a time out to show his players how to break the press.  I was already one step ahead.  I told my players in the huddle that we would come out in a different press.  It worked every time.  There were games where we’d be up 17-0 in just the early part of a game from turnovers.  The game was already over.

Consider the Pharisees running a full court press on Jesus.  It’s Passover Week (Holy Week) and Jesus knows what will soon happen to him.  The Pharisees are literally pressing in on him, because they want him gone.  They are mad at his actions in the temple, they now question his authority, and they are planning a way to kill him.  Even though the press is on, Jesus knows their every move, and he shares this parable to reveal what he already knows.
 
Israel is the vineyard, the farmers are Israel’s officials, and the messengers are the prophets.  God is the owner of the vineyard and the one who tries over and over again to get them to respond appropriately, but they refuse.  He finally sends his beloved son and they kill him.  They put on the full court press and the game is over.
 
But it’s really not; God is in control despite the wicked actions of the tenants.  Jesus will give his life up not because of their pressure, but because he goes on the offensive to defeat their sin and our sin once and for all.  He calls out their wicked intentions and this time they know exactly what he’s talking about.  The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone – the stone that holds everything together.  They’ll continue to press him until the game is over, but they will soon discover that the game has just begun.  God will right their wrongs, and will raise up new leadership who will be faithful servants of his vineyard.  

 Jeff Smith

Mark 11 11:33
 
God Is telling us about his authority, His ability to love us but he also shows us how he can destroy us when we disobey him.   He asks us to check our hearts and make sure they are right with GOD.  When we are struggling, he is the first person we turn to asking for help or forgiveness.  Do you truly believe in Jesus’ authority? Do you trust him and follow him.  Jesus was unhappy with the people and what they were using the Temple for.  He cleansed the Temple and drove the people out. He then reminded them that that this was his house and a house of prayer for all nations.  Jesus wants us to give forgiveness and pray for those having done anything against us.   God wants us to seek his love, honesty and word and to live our lives for him.

David Kesler

"What do you want me to do for you?” How would you answer Jesus? As a blind man heard Jesus passing by, he shouted for mercy. I always thought this odd. Surely, he knew what Jesus could do. Surely, he heard what Jesus had done. Why not ask instantly to see? He does get there eventually. Why not immediately? I think this speaks to how we are to answer as well. When Jesus asks what we want we have a choice to make. Do we desire worldly things or WORDly things? Do we desire what will activate our faith? Maybe it is sight. Maybe it is mercy. Whatever it is, the Lord has need of us and will provide all we need to serve Him. Will we ask for it?

Larke

Mark 10:32-45
In Mark 10: 32-34, Jesus tells the disciples again that He will be tortured, mocked and killed in Jerusalem but that on the third day He will rise again.  The disciples were both amazed and afraid.  

What amazed them?  Perhaps they were still in awe of Jesus’ teachings, His miracles and especially His courage as his continued toward Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaited HIm.  
What frightened them?  I would think they feared for themselves.  If this was Jesus’ fate, what would happen to them?  The cost of discipleship was becoming very clear.  

Yet despite their fear and uncertainty, they kept walking with Him.  Can we say that we stand with Jesus—when it is uncomfortable, when it is unpopular, and even when we are afraid?

Cheryl Anderson

Lenten Devotion for 3/18/2026
Mark 10:17-31


This section of scripture includes a well-known biblical story. There is the rich man who asks Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells the man to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven, only to have the man walk away sadly due to the fact that he had many possessions. This story is a challenge to me – what do I hold to that keeps me from experiencing and doing what is best in God’s eyes, to have treasure in heaven?  However, there is hope in this scripture! For even while Jesus was talking to the rich man, verse 21 (NLV) states, “Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.” Therefore, while Jesus’ response was a challenge, it did not separate the man from Jesus’ love. Verse 27 includes “everything is possible with God.” While scripture challenges us to live better lives and grow as Christians, we are also reminded that Jesus’ love is always here for us. And there is always hope, because “everything is possible with God.”

Heather Langdon

Devotional  - Mark 10:1-16

Mark 10:14-15 (NIV) – “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”

In Mark 10:1-16, Jesus shows us how much He loves and values children. When the disciples tried to send them away, Jesus welcomed them, saying the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children. Children have a special trust and belief in Jesus, and He calls us to receive Him with the same openness and faith.

As the church, we are called to remember that we don’t need to understand everything to trust God completely. We need to have the kind of faith that children have a faith that is simple, pure, and ready to believe in God’s love for us. Just as children run to Jesus without holding back, the church is called to do the same, trusting in Him wholeheartedly.

Lord, help us believe in You with the pure trust of children.

Middle School Class:  Morgan Brown, Catie Grace Hultelmyer, and Lila Liljestrand

Mark 9:33-50

In Mark 9:33–50, the disciples argue about who is the greatest, but Jesus completely reframes greatness. He places a child among them and says, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” In Jesus’ time, children had no status or power. By lifting up a child, Jesus teaches that true discipleship is marked by humility and radical welcome. When we receive those who are overlooked, vulnerable, or different from us, we are receiving Christ himself and the One who sent him. Jesus calls us to set aside pride, remove whatever causes us to stumble, and live in peace with one another.
Dear Lord, we come to you in a time of fear and division. You see the anxiety of families, the pain of separation, and the turmoil in our communities.  Help us to welcome others with humility, compassion and courage, remembering that every person bears your image. Teach us to receive one another as we would receive Christ himself. Amen.

“The Lord requires of you to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Beth Savage

Lenten Devotion
March 14, 2026
Mark 9: 14 – 32

The title of the first part of this scripture in NIV is “Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit”.  The focus of this passage is on the boy with an impure spirit and Jesus who removes the spirit after his disciples failed to do so.  There is also something to be learned from the boy’s father who tells Jesus: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief”.

It is easy to talk with Jesus about what we believe in. It is more difficult to talk with Jesus about those parts of our faith that we struggle with.  This passage makes it clear that Jesus invites us to talk about our struggles.  Through his patience, love and grace he will help us to understand and strengthen in faith!

Frank Mayberry

Mark 9:2-13

Together on this mountain top Jesus, Moses and Elijah, are talking, likely preparing for the most significant event in the history of the universe. At the same time we experience Peter, John and James; overcome with panic, as they struggle to comprehend what they see. It is not until we hear the voice of God intervene, “This is my beloved son, Listen to him” that a sense of calm returns to the passage. So often in our lives we fail to hear God's voice when he calls us to stop and listen. Like this moment on the mountain, the truth of God's grace is incomprehensible. Our salvation lies in whether we choose to stop, listen and receive it.

Brean Wilkes

Mark 8:22-9:1

"He spoke clearly about this..." - Mark 8:32a-9

How many times have I felt that I communicated clearly to the children in my care, to my kids, to my husband? Often -- but it is not understood.

The disciples had just witnessed many Jesus miracles but Peter didn't understand the true purpose in Jesus coming to earth--to die for us.

Lent brings an opportunity for new things to be revealed to us through Him. Understanding Jesus, His word, His purpose requires a humble heart that is seeking, seeking, seeking. Don't be discouraged when things are unclear. Continue to read your Bible and call on the Holy Spirit to reveal His word that is hidden for us to comprehend (in His perfect time) and not from us.

Dear Lord, 
I praise you for sending Jesus to show us your way. May the Holy relationships with You of those reading this prayer, be clearly deepened during this Season. We love you. 
In His name we pray,
Amen

Mark 8:1-21

Despite the concerns of his disciples, Jesus compassionately fed thousands utilizing a few loaves and fish, —first in a region primarily of Jews and later at a gathering of Gentiles. Afterwards, when the Pharisees demanded more signs, Jesus was frustrated by their lack of faith. His teachings are for everyone, reminding us that doubt is natural, but genuine faith means trusting God even when outcomes seem unlikely. This passage challenges us to move beyond skepticism and believe that God meets our needs in his own way, offering us the true bread of life when we place our trust in him.

Jerri Mayberry

Mark 7:24-37
Sometimes we wait for a big miracle, but this passage shows that “crumb” from Jesus is enough. The Syrophoenician woman didn’t care about her status; she wanted her daughter healed. She trusted that even the leftover power of Jesus was superior to anything else. Are you persisting in prayer? Don’t let your ego or fear keep you from falling at his feet. Jesus does all things well!
 
Let us pray:

Lord Jesus thank you that you are not limited by my past. Thank you that even a “crumb” of your mercy is enough to change my life. When I am desperate , help me to cling to you. Please open my ears to hear your voice and my mouth to speak your praise. You have done all things well. Amen

 Carrie Merschat

Mark 7:1-23

Reflections from the Senior High Sunday School class members: Abby Talton, Solomon Hutelmyer, Will Leist, and Porter Liljestrand

In this chapter, Jesus says that the Ten Commandments still apply in the New Covenant, while the many man-made rules ( from the Pharisees) are not important.   He also explains that it is not the  food you put into your body that can make you unclean.   Jesus tells us that sometimes we worry about the wrong things.  Jesus’ disciples were criticized and accused of sin for not washing properly before eating.   Instead of focusing on our foods and rituals, we should focus on our thoughts and what’s in our hearts.  A clean heart and pure thoughts are pleasing to God.

Devotional for March 7


Mark 6: 45-56


Fear and Forgetfulness.

In this passage Jesus’ disciples illustrate these two aspects of our human frailty.  The same evening that they had observed Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of himself in a boat.  Telling them that He will follow, Jesus went up into the hills to pray.  Jesus repeatedly told and demonstrated to his followers that He was totally dependent upon His Father for all that He did and said to them.

As Jesus prayed to the Father, the disciples were caught in a sudden storm on the sea of Galilee.  They didn’t see Jesus as they struggled against the wind and the waves because He was not in the boat.  Verse 48 however tells us that Jesus saw them.  In the storms of life, sometimes we also fail to see Jesus.  Because Jesus saw the disciples, He came to them in their stormy sea.  Not expecting to witness another miracle, they were terrified when they saw Jesus approaching them on the water.  The disciples forgot about the loaves and God’s awesome power to feed the five thousand because their hearts were hardened.  Jesus did not berate the disciples for their forgetfulness or their fear.  Rather, His immediate words to them were words of comfort, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”

When we face life’s storms, we need to remind ourselves and remind each other of God’s awesome power.  We also need to remember that Jesus sees us, and that He speaks to us “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”


Peter Haibach