Reading Plan for Jan. 1 - 7

January 1, 2026 | Mark 1:1-8
Reflection:
As we begin this journey of reading the gospels through in a year, notice where Mark begins the story: at the turning of the ages. Jesus appears at the point that John the baptizer is doing his work of announcing forgiveness of sins through repentance and baptism. John’s name,  Yochanan, means, “God is gracious.” How is God’s grace active in these opening scenes from Mark’s gospel?

January 2, 2026 | Mark 1:9-15
Reflection:
Notice how succinctly Mark tells of Jesus’ baptism and how Mark mentions that the heavens were “torn apart.” What must it have been like, Jesus’ coming forward like everyone else there to be baptized, but suddenly the heavens are ripped open, and something like a dove in spirit form descends upon him. Who hears this voice? Notice how quickly Jesus is driven out into the wilderness. This is the first time Mark uses the word “immediately,” but it won’t be his last. Mark's storytelling pace is quick. We are compelled into Jesus’ story…heading headlong to the cross. Notice what Jesus’ first sermon actually is; it’s short and to the point!

January 3, 2026 | Mark 1:16-20
Reflection:
Have you ever tried to imagine the Sea of Galilee? It’s about the size of Lake Tahoe, which means that it’s not very big. All of this ministry of Jesus happens along its shores, and the “foreigners” who live on the opposite side are really very close. As you read about Jesus’ calling his disciples, think about how his influence would very soon overrun these fertile shores.

January 4, 2026 | Mark 1:21-28
Reflection:
In the first translations of the gospels into Old English, Jesus’ name is actually translated as “Haelend.” This word can mean both “Healer” and “Savior.” So central was Jesus’ healing/saving ministry that it’s embedded in his name. Yehoshua (Jesus) means something like, “God save,” and “God makes whole.” Notice how quickly into his ministry, Jesus reveals who he is by healing those who needed restoration.

January 5, 2026 | Mark 1:29-34
Reflection:
Jesus heals in many ways. He has compassion for those who have fevers, and he has the authority to drive out “evil spirits” from the many who showed signs of possession. Who would think that healing would be a threat to the status quo, and yet it’s one of the main ways Jesus gets himself in trouble.

January 6, 2026 | Mark 1:35-45
Reflection:
Notice how, at the beginning of this passage, Jesus seeks refuge from the crowds so that he can pray and regain strength for his mission. By the end of the passage, Jesus is “not able to go about openly,” because the need was great. How much did it cost Jesus to do the ministry for which he came?

January 7, 2026 | Mark 2:1-12
Reflection:
Whose faith is operative in the healing of the man lowered down through the roof? It says, “Jesus saw their faith, he turned to the paralyzed man and said, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’” This is an instance of others’ faith/trust/belief being effective for another. Read the story carefully, and you’ll see it. Notice too that this is the first time we read about “faith” in the Gospel of Mark. Whenever you see the word “faith,” you can substitute or add two other English words: trust & belief. These three words are used to convey the meaning of one Greek word, pistis. A translator has made decisions for you with regard to this word. Each of them says something slightly different. Using all three helps to broaden our understanding of the importance of faith/trust/belief in the gospel story.