Growing D eeply

a daily scripture guide

Week of March 20- 26
MONDAY: Mark 12:28-34 All
The great commandment is a doozey. It is a call to complete surrender to God.
All heart, soul, mind, and strength is a tall order. When were faced with a large
project or call, taking small, consistent steps or actions is one way to approach it.
ACTION: What is one thing you can do daily to offer your ALL to God?.
TUESDAY: Mark 12:28-34 Love Yourself
In the same way we love ourselves, love our neighbors.
CONSIDER: How do you live this out? Do you love your neighbors better than
yourself? Why do you think that it is so? Do you love yourself better than your
neighbors? Why do you think that is so?
WEDNESDAY: Mark 12:28-34 Relationship
Greater than sacrifices and burnt offerings is this all-encompassing love for God.
Of most importance is the love relationship with God, then self, and others.
REFLECT: How would you describe your relationship with Christ? Go back to
Mondays action and consider how to strengthen your relationship.
Giving to God What is Gods - March 19
Scripture: Mark 12:28-34 (NRSV)
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and
seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, Which commandment is the
first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the
Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your
soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You
shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater
than these. Then the scribe said to him, You are right, Teacher; you have truly
said that he is one, and besides him there is no other; and to love him with all
the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love
ones neighbor as oneself,this is much more important than all whole burnt
offerings and sacrifices. When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him,
You are not far from the kingdom of God. After that no one dared to ask him any
question.

THURSDAY: Mark 14:1-11 Plotting

While crafting a plan to kill Jesus, its noted that there was a fear of upsetting his
followers and others gathered for Passover.
CONFESSION: Forgive me Lord, when I plot: a conversation, an action, my
reaction.

FRIDAY: Mark 14:1-11 Preparation

In between the plot and betrayal is the story of preparation. The woman with the
alabaster box filled with nard breaks it open and perfumes Jesus and the entire
room. Jesus spoke of this anointing as preparation for his impending burial.
REFLECT: The role of women in preparing Jesus body and the role of women in
the coming of the resurrection/empty tomb.

SATURDAY: Mark 14:1-11 Pieces of Silver

Judas takes the initiative to betray Jesus by going to the scribes. What motivates
us to betrayal? What part of Judas ego/self was fed by this action?
PRAYER: Create in me a clean heart O God. Make me aware of and lessen my bent
to betrayal. I want to be above Judas but I fear I, too, might have a cost at
which I would betray you, or others I care deeply for. Receive this prayer, receive
me and shape me into your likeness. Read or subscribe to the weekly guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.