The Healing Jesus: An Advent Devotional to Encourage Anybody and EverybodySample

JOHN MARK: THE ONE WHO QUIT

I'm John Mark, missionary and author of the gospel of Mark. I wasn't an eyewitness, but I based my writings on Peter. He spoke so vividly that I felt as if I had been there. I'm still amazed that God would use my writing to spread the Good News to the world. You see, I haven't always been faithful.

I have a terrible habit of giving up when things get tough. I was born into a wealthy family with an influential mother who was generous to Jesus's ministry. Life was generally pretty easy for me, and I was used to having doors opened for me. I was unaware of the challenges I would face.

My first missionary journey was not what I thought it would be. I was so excited to be asked to go along on my first missionary journey, but it was brutal. After Paul and Barnabus finished Cyprus, I had enough and returned home. Think, high on enthusiasm, low on grit.

At first, I defended myself. At least I went on a missionary journey! But I knew what the Scripture said about being faithful through hardship, sticking with others when it gets hard, and encouraging the faint.

When Paul and Barnabus were getting ready for another missionary journey, Paul didn't want me to come because of what happened when I quit last time. Barnabus, my cousin, wanted to give me another chance. Both men were so adamant about being right that they parted ways. I felt terrible because I had contributed to a disagreement. Barnabus ended up taking me, and Paul left and went with Silas. I thought I had ruined the friendship. After separating, Paul referred to Barnabas as a fellow worker who shares his life and labor. They healed the broken relationship.

I learned through Peter that even when we quit on Jesus, he never quit on us. As I grew in my faith, Jesus gave me the bravery and faithfulness to stick with a project through to the end. I may have learned that lesson the hard way, but I am thankful I am counted as a missionary for Jesus!

Jesus is healing lack of faith, even when we quit on him.

Questions for Talk it Over:

1. What book of the Bible did John Mark write?

2. What's something you felt like you quit on? Was it good you quit?

3. How can you remind yourself of Jesus's faithfulness?