Day 2: Who Is This Jesus Guy, Anyway?
7 DAYS OF GETTING TO KNOW GOD
DAY 2 OF 7 · Estimated time: 8–10 minutes
Your progress: 2 of 7 days
Who Is This Jesus Guy, Anyway?
All right, so you've probably heard of Jesus.
Maybe you grew up going to church.
Maybe you've seen people wearing crosses.
Or maybe you've only heard His name when somebody's mad about something.
But have you ever wondered who Jesus actually was?
Was He just a good teacher?
Someone who helped people?
Or was there something more going on?
Instead of taking somebody else's word for it, let's see what the Bible actually says.
Today's Reading
Mark 2
Read the entire chapter.
If you have a physical Bible, I recommend using it. It's easier to focus without notifications and other distractions. If you don't have one nearby, no worries. Use the link below.
As you're reading, pay attention to how Jesus treats people and why the religious leaders keep questioning Him.
Let's Talk About It
Mark 2 starts with four guys carrying their friend who can't walk.
They want to get him to Jesus, but the house is packed. So they climb onto the roof, make an opening, and lower their friend down.
Can you imagine being the homeowner?
You're listening to Jesus and suddenly somebody starts taking apart your roof.
Anyway.
Jesus sees their faith, but instead of immediately healing the man, He tells him his sins are forgiven.
The religious teachers have a problem with that because they believe only God has the authority to forgive sins.
Jesus is making a pretty serious claim.
Then He heals the man to demonstrate that He has that authority.
Later, Jesus meets a tax collector named Levi.
Tax collectors weren't exactly popular. Many had reputations for taking advantage of people.
But Jesus invites Levi to follow Him, and then He eats with people the religious crowd looked down on.
When the religious leaders question Him, Jesus compares Himself to a doctor. Healthy people don't need a doctor. Sick people do.
Jesus explains that He came to call sinners. People who need forgiveness. People who don't have everything figured out.
Then people question Jesus about fasting.
Fasting means temporarily going without food for a spiritual purpose.
And later they question Him about the Sabbath.
The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship established in Jewish law.
Throughout the chapter, Jesus keeps challenging people's religious expectations.
He even calls Himself Lord of the Sabbath, which is another significant claim.
So what do we see?
Jesus welcomes people others look down on. He challenges religious expectations. And He claims authority that goes beyond simply being a good teacher.
The question is, what do you make of those claims?
Think About It
What surprised you about Jesus in this chapter?
And what's one thing that makes you curious?
You don't need a perfect answer. Just be honest.
Today's Challenge
Think about somebody who tends to get overlooked.
Maybe someone at school. Someone people make fun of. Someone who doesn't really fit in.
Do one intentional act of kindness for them today.
Include them. Talk to them. Encourage them. Nothing huge. Just something intentional.
If you're willing, try praying:
God, I'm still figuring out who Jesus is. Help me understand what His life and teachings reveal about You. And help me treat people with the same kindness He showed.
Before You Go
Jesus didn't always fit people's expectations.
So keep reading. Keep asking questions. And find out for yourself who He claimed to be.
Don't just take somebody else's word for it. Find out what the Bible actually says.
DAY 2 COMPLETE
UP NEXT: Day 3: Why Am I Here? (Ephesians 2)
Please Rebel Responsibly.