Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Chuck Peter from Roseville, MN. Thank you for standing with us throughout Project 23. You’re helping people move from the appearance of faith to the fruit of it. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 11:12-14:

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. — Mark 11:12-14

At first glance, this seems like one of the most confusing moments in the Gospels. Jesus is hungry. He sees a fig tree full of leaves, promising the possibility of fruit. But when he gets close, there’s nothing. So he curses it.

Why?

Because it looked fruitful from a distance, but had nothing to offer up close. This wasn’t just about a tree. It was a parable in real time. An enacted warning. Jesus was making a point about empty religion.

You see, the fig tree had the appearance of being healthy and vital. But no fruit. Just like the temple he was about to walk into. The temple was full of religious activity, rituals, and noise, but no repentance. No faith. No spiritual nourishment. It was all leaves, no fruit.

Jesus sees through the façade. And he still does.

From a distance, your life could look spiritual. Church attendance. Polite behavior. Christian language. Even Bible reading. But up close and intimate, does your life bear real fruit?

Jesus doesn’t curse the fig tree out of irritation. He curses it to make a statement. He’s not fooled by appearances. Neither is he interested in performance that has no power behind it.

So, stop focusing on looking spiritual. Start cultivating what actually matters—humility, repentance, love, truth, obedience, surrender. Because Jesus doesn’t just want your leaves. He wants your life. And he wants it to be full of fruit.

#RealFaith, #SpiritualFruit, #Mark11

ASK THIS:

1. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?
2. What’s the danger of outward appearances without spiritual depth?
3. Where in your life are you tempted to “fake” fruit?
4. What does real spiritual fruit look like for you this season?

DO THIS:

Ask someone who knows you well: “What kind of fruit do you see in my life?” And really listen.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t want to just look the part. I want to bear real fruit. Expose anything in me that’s all appearance and no substance. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Clear the Stage” by Jimmy Needham.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Mark Hardison from Murfreesboro, TN. Thank you for standing with us in Project23. You're helping lead people into the Word, one day at a time. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 11:1-11:

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. — Mark 11:1-11

If Jesus wanted to signal war, he would've come on a stallion. But he chose a donkey.

Why?

Because the King had come, but not to conquer Rome. He came to conquer sin. This wasn’t weakness. It was fulfillment. Zechariah 9:9 had prophesied it: “Behold, your king is coming… humble and mounted on a donkey.”

Everything Jesus did was intentional. A war horse meant judgment. A donkey meant peace. That’s the kind of King he is. Powerful enough to destroy, but humble enough to save. The people were shouting “Hosanna!”—but most of them missed what Jesus was really doing. They wanted political rescue. He came for spiritual rescue.

Presently, they cheered him in as a hero. Days later, many would cry, “Crucify him.”

Why?

Because he didn’t meet their expectations. He didn’t take their side. He took over.

But most still want "war horse" Jesus.

We want him to charge in and fix our culture, correct our problems, defend our comfort, and affirm our plans. But he comes on a donkey—lowly, interrupting our assumptions and calling us to die to ourselves. He’s not interested in sharing the throne of your heart with your politics, your preferences, or your personal agenda.

Jesus doesn’t just want a place in your life—he demands preeminence over it.

So here’s the call to action today: Are you cheering Jesus on Sunday but living for yourself by Monday? Are you praising the King with your lips but resisting his rule in your habits, finances, relationships, or priorities? Don’t settle for a “safe” Savior who never challenges your comfort. That’s not the real Jesus. Submit to the Lord of Lords, and bow to the King of Kings.

#HumbleKing, #JesusIsKing, #Mark11

ASK THIS:

1. Why is Jesus' choice of a donkey so surprising?
2. What kind of King were the people expecting?
3. Where are you tempted to treat Jesus like a helper, not a ruler?
4. What would it look like to welcome him on his terms?

DO THIS:

Where am I expecting Jesus to ride in and fix something—when he’s actually calling me to surrender something?

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, you came in humility when I expected force. Forgive me for trying to use you instead of following you. I welcome you as my King. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“King of Kings.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Tom Ludy from Tutle Lake, WI. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You’re helping spread God’s Word to hearts that are hungry for truth. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:46-52:

And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. — Mark 10:46-52

Bartimaeus had one shot. One moment. He couldn’t see Jesus—but he had heard the stories. So he cried out:

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

And what did the crowd do? They told him to shut up. That’s how the world responds to visible, verbal faith. They don’t mind if you stay quiet about your beliefs. But start crying out to Jesus—start declaring your need for him—and people get uncomfortable. They’ll try to shame you. Silence you. Pressure you to tone it down.

But Bartimaeus wouldn’t be silenced. He cried out even louder. Because real faith breaks through cultural pressure. Real faith speaks when others say, “Be quiet.” Real faith refuses to blend in.

And here’s what’s beautiful: Jesus stops. Right there in the noise, the crowd, the pressure. He hears the cry of faith and calls Bartimaeus forward. Then he asks:

“What do you want me to do for you?”

It’s not a trick question. Bartimaeus doesn’t hesitate.

“Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

And Jesus heals him. But more than that, he makes him a follower. Bartimaeus leaves the roadside and joins Jesus on the road to Jerusalem.

Faith in Jesus will set you apart. And that will make people uncomfortable. And good! The world will tell you to stay quiet. Stay polite. Stay private. But Jesus isn’t looking for silent believers. He’s calling out to those who cry out.

So don’t let the world mute your worship, your convictions, or your witness. Speak up. Cry out. Follow boldly. Because Jesus stops for those who won’t stay silent.

#BoldFaith, #SpeakUpForJesus, #Mark10

ASK THIS:

1. When have you felt pressured to keep your faith quiet?
2. What would “crying out” look like for you this week?
3. Who in your life needs to see bold, unapologetic faith?
4. What’s keeping you from following Jesus fully, like Bartimaeus?

DO THIS:

This week, speak openly about your faith at least once. Don’t hide it—declare it.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, give me the courage to speak up when the world wants me to be silent. Let my faith be louder than fear or pressure. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Gratitude."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Mike Howells from Lakeville, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You’re helping spread God’s Word to hearts that are hungry for truth. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:35-45:

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:35-45

They asked for thrones. Jesus pointed them to a cross.

James and John want glory seats. They want to have status next to Jesus in His kingdom. But they don’t understand what kind of King he is—or what kind of kingdom he’s bringing.

Jesus gently pushes back. “You don’t know what you’re asking.” He speaks of a cup of suffering. A baptism of pain. He’s not headed for a throne just yet. First, he’ll serve. Then, he’ll bleed. Last, he’ll give his life. And then Jesus delivers one of the most explicit mission statements in all of Scripture. His mission. One worth pursuing that's better than a seat on the right and left of the throne:

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In a world obsessed with climbing the ladder, Jesus sees his mission differently. The path to true greatness is not up—it’s down.

Down into humility.
Down into service.
Down into sacrifice.

And here’s the irony: the greatest person in the room is telling the secret to descending into greatness.

So, stop chasing a name for yourself and start serving the Name above all names. Don’t ask, “How high can I rise?” Instead ask, “How low can I go—for Jesus?”

#ServeLikeJesus, #TrueGreatness, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. What are some subtle ways you chase status or recognition?
2. Why do you think Jesus connects suffering with greatness?
3. How does Jesus redefine leadership and authority in this passage?
4. What is one practical way you can serve someone today?

DO THIS:

Serve someone today without needing thanks. Just do it—for Jesus.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I confess that I chase status and recognition. Help me embrace true greatness—humble, sacrificial, and patterned after you. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Jesus, Son of God” by Chris Tomlin.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Daniel Guertin from Stillwater, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You're helping get God's Word to people in every season of life. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:32-34:

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise." — Mark 10:32-34

Jesus is leading the way up to Jerusalem—and he knows exactly what's waiting there. Condemnation. Betrayal. Mocking. Beatings. Crucifixion. And yet, he keeps walking ahead of the others.

Burn that image into your minds. Most people run from pain. We try to escape it and remove it. Jesus walks steadily toward it, knowing it all, and endures to the end. He doesn't avoid the cross. He embraces it because love leads him forward. His pace isn't reluctant. It's resolved.

This is the third time in Mark's Gospel that Jesus predicts his suffering and death. But this time, the details are even more vivid. He doesn't sugarcoat it. He doesn't leave it vague. He tells his followers plainly what's about to happen. And still, we see they don't fully get it.

But Jesus does!

He's not caught off guard. He's not a victim of circumstance. He's the Son of God on a mission. He is determined to redeem. Jesus knew—and still went. He knew the cost. He knew the pain. But he went… for you.

Following Jesus means walking toward discomfort, not away from it. But that's the way of Christ. It's what we are called to do. To follow him anywhere and everywhere. Even though we don't know the suffering that lies ahead, we still follow. But we don't walk alone. We follow the One who went first—and who walked through death to bring us life.

So, when you feel afraid of what lies ahead, remember this: Jesus has already walked that road—and He walks it with you now. God, the road we travel today is tough. It's filled with confusion, pain, and suffering. Some of it results from our sin, and some from the sins of others in this world. It's difficult to walk through it and keep following you. But we trust you and your guidance through the pain. In your name, we pray. Amen.

#JesusLedTheWay, #CourageToFollow, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. What emotions does the image of Jesus “walking ahead” stir in you?
2. Why do we sometimes hesitate to follow Jesus when the road looks difficult?
3. How does knowing Jesus faced the cross change how you face your fears?
4. What’s one step of obedience you’ve been avoiding?

DO THIS:

Write down one area where you feel afraid to follow Jesus. Then ask Him to lead you forward with courage.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, you knew the cross was coming—and you still chose to walk toward it. Help me trust you when obedience feels hard or costly. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Lead Me to the Cross."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to David Freeman from Palm Coast, FL. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You're helping people everywhere live with authentic faith. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:23-31:

And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”— Mark 10:23-31

Jesus speaks a sobering fact: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Not because riches are wrong. But because riches are deceptive. Wealth, comfort, and success—all can offer an illusion. An illusion of control, security, and self-made power. But these are shadows, not substance. And many of us, even those without great wealth, fall for the same illusions. We often cling to:

• Titles for identity.
• Relationships for validation.
• Savings for security.
• Performance for peace.

And yet, when these things are threatened, we freak out, because what we thought was firm was faulty, what was solid was shifting sand. And Jesus wants to set us free from this illusion. Not to take away our joy, but to free us from the illusion so we can experience the freedom of greater joy.

Then Peter exclaims as he beats his chest, “We’ve left everything for you!” And Jesus reassures his statement, even though he knows his own words will test him. Peter has not left everything because a rooster is yet to crow. He was still clinging to his ideas about Jesus and his security, safety, and significance, which is why Jesus explained again, "The first will be last. And the last will be first."

Stop clinging to things that pretend to be saviors. Your status, your stuff, your success—none of them can save you; only Jesus can. Let go of the illusions, and grab hold of what’s real. True security is never found in what you secure, but in the One who saves and secures your salvation.

#LetGoAndTrust, #FaithOverComfort, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. What illusion of control are you tempted to believe?
2. Why do comfort and success often feel more trustworthy than faith?
3. Where is God asking you to trust Him more deeply today?
4. What’s something you need to release so you can follow Jesus more fully?

DO THIS:

Identify one illusion you’re tempted to trust—then name it in prayer and replace it with faith in Jesus.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, open my eyes to the things I rely on instead of you. Help me let go of what’s false so I can live by true faith. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“More Than Anything” by Natalie Grant.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to James Oliver Cox from Cherry Log, GA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You're helping us call people to deeper surrender. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:17-22:

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. — Mark 10:17-22

He runs. He kneels. He asks. He's moral. He's successful. He's hungry for something more. And Jesus sees it. But Jesus also sees deeper into the one thing he lacks.

The rich young man is seeking one more thing to add to his list of accomplishments. He wants to complete the checklist. But Jesus invites a different question that leads to an unexpected answer: "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone."

It's a subtle signal toward a loftier reflection—there is no "level of goodness" that reaches the extent of God's goodness.

Then comes his invitation. Not to do more, but to let go. Sell it. Give it. Follow him alone. This has nothing to do with poverty—it's about priority. His wealth wasn't the problem. It was his grip on his wealth that was the problem. And when Jesus touches on this sensitive area, the man walks away sad.

Jesus always comes after the thing we grip onto that keeps us from gripping onto him. This is because he's not interested in our level of spiritual goodness or religious checklists. He wants surrendered hearts, fully willing to let go of their grip on things and grip onto him. For this man, it was his money. For you, it may be something different or more specific, such as success, approval, comfort, or a sense of control.

But Jesus doesn't care about these things, unless you are going to loosen your grip on them and sacrifice them to him to grip fully on him. Because the call to "follow me" always means we have to "unfollow" something else.

#SurrenderEverything, #FollowJesus, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. What good things are you tempted to use as spiritual credentials?
2. Why do you think Jesus loved the rich man even before he responded?
3. What’s one thing you’re afraid Jesus might ask you to surrender?
4. How does this story reshape your view of “success”?

DO THIS:

Ask yourself, “What’s the one thing Jesus might ask me to unfollow?” Then ask him for the courage to surrender it.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, show me what I’m still clinging to. I want to follow you without hesitation—help me let go of whatever stands in the way. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“I Surrender.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Chris Belyew from Stark, FL. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You're helping build a legacy of truth that reaches the next generation. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:13-16:

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. — Mark 10:13-16

Jesus just finished teaching about marriage and the seriousness of covenant—and now, in a powerful contrast, we see children being brought to him. But the disciples see it as a distraction. A nuisance. Not worth the time of the Messiah. They rebuke the parents, shoo the kids away, and try to protect Jesus from this "waste of time".

But Jesus' response is surprising—it's indignant with them.

He says, "Stop shooing them away. Let the kids come. The kingdom belongs to those as willing and vulnerable as these."

In a culture that often overlooked or undervalued children, Jesus says they're the model citizens of the kingdom. Not because of their performance or power. But because of their posture. Their dependence. Their willingness. Their all in faith. Jesus is calling children and correcting the disciples. He's reminding them (and us) that greatness in the kingdom is not about status. It's about surrender.

Are you still "childlike" in your approach with Jesus, dependent, trusting, eager? Or have you "outgrown" this and become too busy, important, reserved, and protective?

We are all prone to outgrow the blessings of our childlike faith and develop a spiritual pretentiousness. We only do this because we wrongly believe that our intellect, education, doctrine, good works, experience, or notoriety is earned by effort or maturity. But Jesus teaches something different. It's not only about rejecting childishness. It's about embracing certain aspects of childlikeness.

So, where do you need to reject childishness? And then, where do you need to embrace childlikeness again in your relationship with Jesus?

#ChildlikeFaith, #LetThemCome, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. When was the last time you approached God with childlike trust?
2. What distractions keep you from depending fully on Jesus?
3. How do we sometimes hinder others from coming to Jesus?
4. What would it look like to welcome and bless the "little ones" in your life?

DO THIS:

Pause today. Slow down. Say this simple prayer: "Jesus, I come to you with nothing but need. Hold me, bless me, lead me."

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for seeing me, not for what I can do, but for who I am. Teach me to trust you like a child again.

PLAY THIS:

"Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes.