Reading Plan for Feb. 1 - 7
February 1, 2026 | Mark 6:23-29
Reflection:
Always pay attention when the gospel writers record a story in great detail. Mark is known for being sparse on those details, so it’s a genuine surprise that we learn so much about the death of John the Baptist. Jesus and John both had sizable followings in the days of the early Christian movement. Maybe this text wants us to know that John was really dead, not like Jesus, who was raised from death, just in case someone might ask, “What’s the difference between John and Jesus?” We also learn a lot about those “machinations” the political leaders deal in…and whom they are willing to manipulate to satisfy their egos. God’s plans are always greater.
February 2, 2026 | Mark 6:30-34
Reflection:
When the crowds come to Jesus, the first thing he does is teach them. They probably wanted something else, though. Maybe they came for food or healing or some word that he might be ready to overthrow bad political leaders. Jesus, however, slowed the pace of change. He taught them. What he taught them, he knew, was what their souls longed for: a reminder of what the kingdom of heaven could look like from an earthly perspective. They were sheep that needed to be well-tended, protected, and guided.
February 3, 2026 | Mark 6:35-44
Reflection:
Jesus must have been teaching all day, because it says, “When it grew late…” Imagine listening to Jesus all day with over 5000 others sitting around. No TV or internet to distract, just listening to life-giving words. When we read this story, we might think, “Oh, I’ve heard this one before,” but take another look at it, and ask yourself, “After a whole day hearing Jesus’ teachings, what will you retain? What moved you most?” Long before you get the miraculous meal of bread and fish, you’ve already received a sumptuous meal. How does Jesus’ teaching sustain you?
February 4, 2026 | Mark 6:45-46
Reflection:
Notice the word “Immediately.” That’s our English equivalent for Mark’s euthus. It’s Mark’s distinctive storytelling device. There is an immediacy of everything that happens in his telling of the Jesus story. There is an urgency that drives the story. But counter to this urgency, we hear in this text that Jesus went up a mountain to pray. There is no hurry in prayer. Prayer is about waiting for and spending time with God. It’s about listening. If the urgency of life is haunting you, stop for prayer. It’s what readies us for what’s coming up immediately!
February 5, 2026 | Mark 6:47-52
Reflection:
What would have to happen in your life for you to be “utterly astounded”? Jesus’ walking on water was a reality-shaking event for the disciples. They couldn’t believe their eyes, and well, they shouldn’t have. What they saw didn’t fit with everything they’d known. But, you know who wasn’t utterly astounded? Jesus. Jesus was completely nonplused. He was who he was. He clearly had something else in mind other than impressing his dim-sighted disciples. Yet, he stops and enters their boat, calmly embodying God’s kingdom.
February 6, 2026 | Mark 6:53-56
Reflection:
Jesus’ presence causes quite a stir. Remember in this story that Gennesaret was across the Sea of Galilee. If you’ve even been to the Sea, you’d know that you can easily see one side from the other. Yet, the folks on the other side of the sea were clearly seen as “other.” They weren't only unknown strangers; there was something shady about them. They were not to be trusted. And that’s where Jesus goes. Word about him had gotten ahead of him, though, and all came, bringing their sick to him. And healing poured forth, to those strangers just as much as those back at home. God’s love reaches beyond borders.
February 7, 2026 | Mark 7:1-5
Reflection:
The Hebrew word halakha signifies the collective body of Jewish religious laws. It comes from the verb halakh, which means “to walk.” Jewish law basically says, “These are the ways one should walk.” “Walk” is a metaphor for living one’s life. We might say, “You gotta walk the talk” or “Walk in the ways of the Lord.” Living rightly and justly involves the whole person. It’s not just about what one thinks is right. We must act justly too. But the Pharisees here are characterized as being so focused on the letter of the law, they seem to forget that there’s a bigger picture to “walking humbly with the Lord their God.” Jesus gets himself in trouble for reminding them of this.