5 Day Devotional: Following Christ is Treasuring Christ
5-Day Devotional: The Magnitude of Discipleship
Based on Mark 1:16–20
Day 1: Discipleship is More Than Attendance
Scripture Readings:
Teaching:
Jesus never said, “Attend me.” He said, “Follow me.” Their lives changed because they didn’t just add Jesus to their schedule—they reordered everything around Him.
Jesus' call to Simon and Andrew was more than an invitation—it was a divine summons that changed the course of their lives. As we read about their immediate response, we're challenged to examine our own willingness to follow Christ. Are we ready to "leave our nets" — the comforts, securities, and distractions of our daily lives — to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly? Today, reflect on what it means to be fully committed to Christ. What might you need to let go of to follow Him more closely? Remember, Jesus doesn't just call us to follow; He promises to transform us in the process, making us "fishers of men." Pray for the courage to say yes to Jesus' call, trusting that He will equip you for the journey ahead.
Reflective Questions:
Response to the Lord:
This week, dedicate a time in your schedule that is fully surrendered to Him—prayer, Scripture, or serving others—and guard it as sacred.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to follow You with my whole life. Help me to see discipleship as a surrender of all things, not just Sunday mornings. Amen.
Day 2: The Only Prerequisite is Willingness
Scripture Readings:
Teaching:
The call to follow Jesus is not about ability—it’s about availability. He uses ordinary people who simply say “yes.”
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew, He didn’t hand them an entrance exam or a list of requirements. He didn’t demand that they clean themselves up first or prove their worthiness. He simply said, “Follow Me.” This shows us that discipleship begins not with our ability, but with our availability. We often disqualify ourselves because we feel unworthy, unprepared, or unequipped. But Jesus doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Notice also how in Matthew 11 He invites the weary and burdened, not the strong and put-together. He welcomes those who know they are weak and in need of Him. Peter understood this when he declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” True discipleship begins with a heart that recognizes Jesus is the only way, and all He asks is a willing “yes.” You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to be willing to take the next step.
Reflective Questions:
Response to the Lord:
Pray a prayer of surrender each morning: “Jesus, I don’t have it all together, but I’m willing. Lead me today.”
Prayer:
Lord, here I am. I may not feel qualified, but I am willing. Take my weakness and make it a place where Your strength is displayed. Amen.
Day 3: Jesus Does the Transforming
Scripture Readings:
Teaching:
Transformation is Jesus’ work, not ours. Our role is to follow; His role is to form us. The Spirit of God works in ordinary, daily obedience to make us new.
Jesus' teaching astonished people because He spoke with authority. His words had power—not just to inform, but to transform. As disciples, we're called to immerse ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Reflect on how you approach Scripture: Do you see it as a life-giving force, capable of bringing radical change? Or has familiarity dulled its impact? Today, choose a verse or passage that has particularly spoken to you and meditate on it throughout the day. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's truth and to empower you to live it out. Remember, as we align ourselves with God's Word, we position ourselves to experience His transformative power in our lives.
Reflective Questions:
Response to the Lord:
Identify one area of your life where you feel stuck. Instead of striving harder, bring it to Jesus in prayer and trust His Spirit to work.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your promise to make me new. I confess I cannot transform myself. Do the work in me that only You can do. Amen.
Day 4: Treasuring Christ Above All Else
Scripture Readings:
Teaching:
Discipleship requires letting go of lesser treasures to gain the greatest treasure—Jesus Himself. If we treasure Him rightly, everything else finds its place.
The parable of the hidden treasure illustrates the surpassing worth of the kingdom of God. Like the man who joyfully sells everything to buy the field with the treasure, we're called to value Christ above all else. This echoes the rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus, where his attachment to worldly possessions prevented him from following Christ. Today, examine your heart: What do you treasure most? Are there areas of your life where you're holding back from fully surrendering to God? Remember, true discipleship isn't about reluctantly giving up things for Jesus, but joyfully embracing Him as our greatest treasure. Ask God to help you see Christ's incomparable worth and to align your heart's affections with His.
Reflective Questions:
Response to the Lord:
Fast from something this week (media, food, habit, etc.) to remind your heart that Jesus is your greatest treasure.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the treasure worth losing everything else to gain. Break the grip of lesser loves in my heart so that I may treasure You above all. Amen.
Day 5: Joining Jesus in His Mission
Scripture Readings:
Teaching:
To follow Jesus is to join His mission. Every disciple is called to be a witness—to share His love in word and deed. Mission is not for a few; it’s the heartbeat of discipleship.
The call to follow Jesus is inseparable from the call to join His mission. From the very beginning, Jesus made it clear: following Him meant becoming a fisher of men. This is not an optional extra for the “super-spiritual”—it is the heartbeat of discipleship. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is not given to a select few but to all who call Him Lord. Acts 1:8 reminds us that this mission is not in our own strength; it is empowered by the Spirit. Too often we reduce Christianity to personal comfort, but the call of Christ compels us outward—to our neighbors, our workplaces, our families, and even to the nations. Every disciple is a missionary, and every place we go is a mission field. Sharing Christ may feel intimidating, but remember this: Jesus has all authority, the Spirit gives us power, and God Himself goes with us. Our role is simply to be faithful witnesses, pointing people to the One who changed our lives.
Reflective Questions:
Response to the Lord:
Pray daily for one person who doesn’t know Christ and look for an opportunity to serve, bless, or share with them this week.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for saving me and sending me. Open my eyes to see the people around me who need Jesus. Give me boldness and compassion to join You in Your mission. Amen.
Based on Mark 1:16–20
Day 1: Discipleship is More Than Attendance
Scripture Readings:
- Mark 1:16–20 – Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him.
- Luke 14:25–33 – The cost of discipleship.
Teaching:
Jesus never said, “Attend me.” He said, “Follow me.” Their lives changed because they didn’t just add Jesus to their schedule—they reordered everything around Him.
Jesus' call to Simon and Andrew was more than an invitation—it was a divine summons that changed the course of their lives. As we read about their immediate response, we're challenged to examine our own willingness to follow Christ. Are we ready to "leave our nets" — the comforts, securities, and distractions of our daily lives — to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly? Today, reflect on what it means to be fully committed to Christ. What might you need to let go of to follow Him more closely? Remember, Jesus doesn't just call us to follow; He promises to transform us in the process, making us "fishers of men." Pray for the courage to say yes to Jesus' call, trusting that He will equip you for the journey ahead.
Reflective Questions:
- Have I treated discipleship as an add-on instead of a total reorientation?
- What would it look like to love Jesus more than anything else in my life?
Response to the Lord:
This week, dedicate a time in your schedule that is fully surrendered to Him—prayer, Scripture, or serving others—and guard it as sacred.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to follow You with my whole life. Help me to see discipleship as a surrender of all things, not just Sunday mornings. Amen.
Day 2: The Only Prerequisite is Willingness
Scripture Readings:
- Mark 1:17 – “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
- Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus’ invitation to the weary. He doesn’t require perfection. He invites those who are tired, burdened, and in need of rest.
- John 6:66–69 – Many turn away, but Peter says, “Lord, to whom shall we go?" Discipleship is not about having it all figured out; it’s about knowing that Jesus is the only way.
Teaching:
The call to follow Jesus is not about ability—it’s about availability. He uses ordinary people who simply say “yes.”
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew, He didn’t hand them an entrance exam or a list of requirements. He didn’t demand that they clean themselves up first or prove their worthiness. He simply said, “Follow Me.” This shows us that discipleship begins not with our ability, but with our availability. We often disqualify ourselves because we feel unworthy, unprepared, or unequipped. But Jesus doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Notice also how in Matthew 11 He invites the weary and burdened, not the strong and put-together. He welcomes those who know they are weak and in need of Him. Peter understood this when he declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” True discipleship begins with a heart that recognizes Jesus is the only way, and all He asks is a willing “yes.” You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to be willing to take the next step.
Reflective Questions:
- Where do I feel like I don’t measure up in following Jesus?
- How can I show willingness to Him even when I feel weak?
Response to the Lord:
Pray a prayer of surrender each morning: “Jesus, I don’t have it all together, but I’m willing. Lead me today.”
Prayer:
Lord, here I am. I may not feel qualified, but I am willing. Take my weakness and make it a place where Your strength is displayed. Amen.
Day 3: Jesus Does the Transforming
Scripture Readings:
- Mark 1:17 – “I will make you become.”
- Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 – Being transformed into His image.
Teaching:
Transformation is Jesus’ work, not ours. Our role is to follow; His role is to form us. The Spirit of God works in ordinary, daily obedience to make us new.
Jesus' teaching astonished people because He spoke with authority. His words had power—not just to inform, but to transform. As disciples, we're called to immerse ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Reflect on how you approach Scripture: Do you see it as a life-giving force, capable of bringing radical change? Or has familiarity dulled its impact? Today, choose a verse or passage that has particularly spoken to you and meditate on it throughout the day. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's truth and to empower you to live it out. Remember, as we align ourselves with God's Word, we position ourselves to experience His transformative power in our lives.
Reflective Questions:
- Where am I trying to change myself instead of trusting Jesus to transform me?
- How does knowing God is faithful to finish His work give me hope today?
Response to the Lord:
Identify one area of your life where you feel stuck. Instead of striving harder, bring it to Jesus in prayer and trust His Spirit to work.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your promise to make me new. I confess I cannot transform myself. Do the work in me that only You can do. Amen.
Day 4: Treasuring Christ Above All Else
Scripture Readings:
- Mark 10:17–22 – The rich young ruler.
- Matthew 13:44–46 – The treasure in the field and the pearl of great price.
- Philippians 3:7–8 – Paul counts all things loss compared to knowing Christ.
Teaching:
Discipleship requires letting go of lesser treasures to gain the greatest treasure—Jesus Himself. If we treasure Him rightly, everything else finds its place.
The parable of the hidden treasure illustrates the surpassing worth of the kingdom of God. Like the man who joyfully sells everything to buy the field with the treasure, we're called to value Christ above all else. This echoes the rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus, where his attachment to worldly possessions prevented him from following Christ. Today, examine your heart: What do you treasure most? Are there areas of your life where you're holding back from fully surrendering to God? Remember, true discipleship isn't about reluctantly giving up things for Jesus, but joyfully embracing Him as our greatest treasure. Ask God to help you see Christ's incomparable worth and to align your heart's affections with His.
Reflective Questions:
- What competes with Christ for my heart’s deepest affections?
- Where is God asking me to lay something down so I can take hold of Him more fully?
Response to the Lord:
Fast from something this week (media, food, habit, etc.) to remind your heart that Jesus is your greatest treasure.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the treasure worth losing everything else to gain. Break the grip of lesser loves in my heart so that I may treasure You above all. Amen.
Day 5: Joining Jesus in His Mission
Scripture Readings:
- Mark 1:17 – “I will make you become fishers of men.”
- Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission.
- Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you… and you will be my witnesses.”
Teaching:
To follow Jesus is to join His mission. Every disciple is called to be a witness—to share His love in word and deed. Mission is not for a few; it’s the heartbeat of discipleship.
The call to follow Jesus is inseparable from the call to join His mission. From the very beginning, Jesus made it clear: following Him meant becoming a fisher of men. This is not an optional extra for the “super-spiritual”—it is the heartbeat of discipleship. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is not given to a select few but to all who call Him Lord. Acts 1:8 reminds us that this mission is not in our own strength; it is empowered by the Spirit. Too often we reduce Christianity to personal comfort, but the call of Christ compels us outward—to our neighbors, our workplaces, our families, and even to the nations. Every disciple is a missionary, and every place we go is a mission field. Sharing Christ may feel intimidating, but remember this: Jesus has all authority, the Spirit gives us power, and God Himself goes with us. Our role is simply to be faithful witnesses, pointing people to the One who changed our lives.
Reflective Questions:
- Who in my life needs to experience Jesus’ love this week?
- How can I use my everyday routines (work, hobbies, friendships) as opportunities for mission?
Response to the Lord:
Pray daily for one person who doesn’t know Christ and look for an opportunity to serve, bless, or share with them this week.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for saving me and sending me. Open my eyes to see the people around me who need Jesus. Give me boldness and compassion to join You in Your mission. Amen.
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