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

Today’s shout-out goes to Matt Krapoviky from Auburn, ME. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:47:

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. — Mark 15:47

In a world that turned away, two women stayed: Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses. While others fled in sorrow or fear, these faithful hearts watched where Jesus’ body was laid.

Why does Mark single them out?

First | Their Presence Speaks Faithfulness
They weren’t curious onlookers. They were devoted followers—present in grief, refusing to abandon their Lord.

Second | They Precede the Resurrection
Their careful observation set the stage for the empty tomb. They would be the first witnesses of new life.

Third | They Model Courageous Love
In a culture that marginalized women, Jesus honored their devotion by entrusting them with the first word of His victory.

These two Marys remind us that hope often starts with those who stay when everyone else walks away. Their eyes saw the sealed stone, but their hearts believed a stone wouldn't keep him forever. Who are the “Marys” in your life? Who sits with you in grief, refuses to give up, and points you toward hope? Be there for someone in pain. Watch closely for where God is working, even when there’s no visible sign. Trust that new life comes after the darkest hours. Just as these women held on, you can hold hope for yourself and others.

#WitnessesOfHope, #Mark15, #FaithfulPresence

ASK THIS:

1. What does the faithful presence of these two women teach you about loyalty?
2. How might you be called to watch and wait for God’s work in someone’s life?
3. In what areas have you been tempted to walk away instead of standing by?
4. How can you cultivate hope when circumstances look hopeless?

DO THIS:

Today, reach out to someone who’s struggling. Send a simple message: “I’m here, and I’m not leaving.”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for those who stay when all seems lost. Give me a heart like Mary’s—to remain present, hopeful, and faithful—even in the shadow of the tomb. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"II Will Wait For You (Psalm 130)."

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Bill Rowekamp from Winona, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:42–47:

And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. — Mark 15:42–47

As the sun set on Preparation Day, most hurried home to observe the Sabbath. But Joseph of Arimathea paused. A respected council member and secret follower of Jesus, he summoned the courage to approach Pilate. He simply asked: “May I have the body of Jesus?”

Pilate, surprised that Jesus was already dead, confirmed with the centurion before granting the request. Joseph then wrapped Jesus’ body in fine linen and laid him in his own new tomb, carved from solid rock. Two women, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, watched quietly, memorizing each detail.

Grief often hides in the shadows of ordinary life. Yet Joseph’s example reminds us that faith sometimes calls us out of our comfort zones. He treated Jesus’ body with dignity, even when others averted their eyes.

In moments of loss—whether a friend’s pain, a broken dream, or personal suffering—we can step forward with acts of compassion. Here are three things everyone can do:

1. Offer a listening ear.
2. Bring a meal or a kind note.
3. Sit in silence and presence.

These small gestures honor the heartache of others and point them to hope beyond sorrow. I have watched these seemingly insignificant actions bear much fruit. So do not hesitate to make a simple, bold move today.

#BurialOfHonor, #Mark15, #CompassionInAction

ASK THIS:

1. What might have kept Joseph from going to Pilate—and what gave him courage?
2. How does honoring Jesus in death shape our view of His sacrifice?
3. Who in your life needs your presence most right now?
4. What simple act of compassion can you offer this week?

DO THIS:

Think of someone in your life who’s grieving or struggling. Reach out today—send a text, make a call, or drop off a small gift—and simply say, “I’m here with you.”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for your tender care even in death. Give me courage to step into others’ pain and offer compassion that points them back to You. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found)."

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Randy Niemeyer from Burnsville, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:33-41:

And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. — Mark 15:33-41

At midday, an ominous darkness falls—three hours of suffocating blackness, a death-shroud over the land. Then, at the climax, Jesus raises his voice in the ancient Psalm:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

In that moment, all sin’s penalty crushes him. He bears your guilt, your shame, your exile from God. Yet this is not defeat. It is not the cry of the weak. It’s the call of the prelude to the greatest dawn. When he breathes his last, the temple curtain rips—God’s presence is unleashed. And a hardened centurion, face-to-face with divine love poured out, confesses:

“Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Darkness gives way to revelation. Death leads to faith.

Your darkest seasons may feel like a time of God’s absence. You may cry, “Why, Lord?”—and that’s okay. Jesus did, too. But remember: your forsaken moment can become the gateway to deeper faith. When you hit your blackest pit, God’s curtain tears. His presence rushes in.

So when darkness comes—spiritual, emotional, relational—don’t turn away. Stand at the foot of the cross. Remember his words. Watch for the tearing of the veil. And like the centurion, let your trial become the moment you say:

“Truly, Jesus is the Son of God.”

#DarknessBeforeDawn, #Mark15, #SonOfGod

ASK THIS:

1. Why did darkness cover the land at midday?
2. What does the tearing of the temple curtain signify for you today?
3. When have you felt forsaken—and how did God meet you there?
4. How can your darkest trial deepen your worship?

DO THIS:

In your next dark moment, sit quietly and whisper, “My God, my God.” Ask Him to reveal Himself through the shadows.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, in my darkest hour, help me cling to your presence. Remind me that you bore my forsaken cry so I can know your nearness forever. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Tear The Veil."