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

Today’s shout-out goes to Jim from his wife, Christy Davis-Theis, from Chaska, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 16:1-4:

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. — Mark 16:1-4

Before dawn, grief still weighed heavily. Three women rose in the quiet hour to tend to a lifeless body. They carried spices—small jars of costly ointment—and hearts full of sorrow.

But when they arrived at the tomb, they found the impossible: the stone, the heavy barrier, already moved. No guard, just an empty entrance waiting for them.

At sunrise, the world seemed unchanged on the outside, yet everything was different. Death had been defeated and overcome. The women came expecting to mourn—but they encountered a mystery that would change history.

Their courage to go early, their devotion to care for their Lord, set the stage for joy. And their questions—“Who will roll away the stone?”—became the first notes in the great song of resurrection.

Before you rush into your day, pause this morning and thank Jesus for the new beginning His resurrection brings.

Then, identify one “stone” in your life—a worry, a habit, or a fear—that needs rolling away.

• Write it down in your journal.
• Share it in the comments below.
• Pray and hand it to Jesus.

Trust him to move it and remove it, just as he has removed your sin. And then consider the fact that God can do anything at any time—from defeating sin to moving large stones. What's to say he won't move the immovable stone you are thinking about today?

#EmptyTomb #Mark16 #NewBeginnings

ASK THIS:

1. What burdens am I carrying into this new day?
2. How can I invite Jesus to remove the stones blocking my hope?
3. Who in my life needs to hear that the tomb is empty?
4. What devotion will I offer Jesus today in response to His rising?

DO THIS:

Before you rush into your day, pause at sunrise and thank Jesus for the new beginning His resurrection brings.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, thank you that you roll away every obstacle that keeps me from you. Meet me at the break of dawn with your life and light. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Resurrection Power."

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."

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Jim Kuhn from Sun City West, AZ. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:21–32:

And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. — Mark 15:21–32

Jesus is weak beneath the weight of the cross. He stumbles. The soldiers seize a bystander, Simon of Cyrene, and thrust the heavy wood onto his back. Simon carries a burden not his own—step by step—toward Golgotha.

This is more than a historical detail. It’s a vivid picture: God himself, bowed under sin’s weight, and a stranger pressed into service to share that load. Then the mockery continues:

The crowd taunts, “Save yourself!”
The religious leaders scoff, “He can’t even save himself.”
The criminals beside him jeer in scorn.

And yet, Simon, an unwilling participant, bears the cross so that Jesus can advance toward Calvary, where every sin would be nailed away. Simon's forced compassion begs a question for us:

Whose burden should we willingly bear?
The lonely neighbor?
The struggling friend?
The newcomer in church?
The oppressed, the overlooked, the rejected?

We’re not called to carry Christ’s cross—that’s done. We’re called to carry one another’s burdens as he carried ours (Gal. 6:2). When you see someone bowed under life’s weight, don’t pass by. Step in. Accept the unexpected call. Shoulder their load—if only for a moment. Because in that act, you reflect the One who bore the world’s sin. So, who will it be today?

#CarryBurdens, #Mark15, #CompassionInAction

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think Simon was compelled rather than volunteered?
2. What keeps us from stepping in to share another’s burden?
3. Who in your life needs you to “carry their cross” today?
4. How does bearing burdens reflect Christ’s love?

DO THIS:

Reach out today to someone under pressure—send a text, make a call, offer a meal, or simply say, “I see your burden. How can I help carry it?”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, you carried the cross for me. Show me who around me needs someone to bear their burden. Give me willing hands and a compassionate heart. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Burdens."

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

Today’s shout-out goes to Pat & Lori Kinney from St. Paul, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Mark 15:16-20:

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.— Mark 15:16-20

Imagine the governor’s courtyard, a legion of soldiers gathered. They strip the King of his robes—only to dress him in a cruel mockery of royalty. They crown him with thorns—pain woven into every spike. They salute him with disdainful words: “Hail, King of the Jews!” They beat him, spit on him, and kneel in fraudulent tribute.

And through it all, Jesus endures.

He stands unmoved by mockery because he came to bear our shame and absorb our scorn. Every insult hurled at him echoes the sins he carried. Every strike echoes the curse we deserved.

This is the cost of our redemption: mocked yet unmoved.

When the world mocks your faith—when Jesus’ name is taunted—remember he faced far worse for you. He was humbled, so you could be honored. He bore the blow so you could bear his name without fear.

So when you face ridicule:

• Don’t respond in anger.
• Don’t hide your faith.
• Stand unmoved.

Your confidence isn’t in your strength—it’s in his. His mockery turned to victory on the third day. And your scars of ridicule can become stamps of his grace.

#MockedYetUnmoved, #Mark15, #ChristOurKing

ASK THIS:

1. Why did the soldiers mock Jesus as “King”?
2. How does knowing Jesus endured scorn change your view of suffering?
3. When have you felt mocked for your faith, and how did you respond?
4. What would it look like to stand unmoved by the world’s scorn?

DO THIS:

The next time you sense mocking or rejection because of Jesus, quietly pray: “Jesus, You endured more for me—help me stand unmoved.”

PRAY THIS:

Lord Jesus, you endured mockery and pain to save me. When I face ridicule, give me courage to stand firm in your name, trusting in your victory. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Man of Sorrows."

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

And today's shout-out goes to Ken Lewis from Bluffton, SC. Ken, your support through Project23 helps others see the depth of Jesus' mercy. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:6-15:

Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.— Mark 15:6-15

Picture the scene: a festive crowd at Passover, power in Pilate’s hands, two men before them.
One—Barabbas—guilty of murder and insurrection.
The other—Jesus—innocent of any crime.

And they choose to release the criminal while crucifying the innocent.

It’s no mistake. It’s the core of the gospel: The innocent suffers the judgment you deserve so the guilty can go free.
Barabbas walks out with chains removed. Jesus enters bearing a crown of thorns and a heavy wooden beam.
This is substitution. This is a scandalous act of grace, enough to shatter every expectation.

We are Barabbas. We are guilty—rebels deserving punishment. Yet Jesus takes our place.

Don’t let this moment pass as just history. Let it break you and rebuild you.
Ask yourself: Do I truly understand the freedom I’ve received? Am I living like someone set free, or still chained by shame and self-effort?

You are the guilty set free. Free to worship, not work, for your acceptance from God.

Right now, write down one area where you still try to earn God’s approval by your effort. Then, pray: “Jesus, I accept that you took my place. I leave this striving at the cross and embrace your grace today.”

#ScandalousGrace, #Mark15, #Substitution

ASK THIS:

1. What surprises you most about Barabbas going free?
2. How does knowing Jesus took your punishment reshape your daily choices?
3. Where do you still feel chained by guilt or self-effort?
4. How can you live out your freedom in worship and humility this week?

DO THIS:

Right now, write down one area where you still try to earn God’s approval by your effort. Then, pray: “Jesus, I accept that you took my place. I leave this striving at the cross and embrace your grace today.”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for standing in my place. I was guilty; you were innocent. Today I leave my striving behind and rest in the freedom you won for me. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Jesus Paid It All."

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

Today’s shout-out goes to John Cray from Miramar Beach, FL. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you. Read more about it here: PROJECT23

Our text today is Mark 15:1-5:

And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. — Mark 15:1-5

Jesus stands accused.

Dragged from an illegal trial at night to a Roman governor by morning, He’s now bound and surrounded by religious leaders intent on His death. The question Pilate asks is critical: "Are you the King of the Jews?"

Jesus doesn’t plead, argue, or retaliate. He simply responds, "You have said so." It’s an acknowledgment, not a defense. Then, as the religious leaders throw charge after charge, Jesus says nothing. Not a word.

And Pilate is stunned.

Jesus’ silence is not weakness—it’s strength under control. He knows he’s innocent. He knows the accusations are false. But more than that, he knows the cross is his assignment. So he stays quiet, surrendering to the will of the Father.

We live in a world where being misunderstood feels unbearable. Where clearing your name is a reflex. But Jesus shows us something higher—He trusted his Father more than he feared false accusations and negative tweets.

Sometimes God calls us to speak. But other times, he calls us to stand in silence, not in defeat, but in trust. There will be moments when defending yourself isn't the point—displaying trust is. And in those moments, Christ's example gives you courage.

When misunderstood or unfairly accused today or this week, pause and reflect. Before defending yourself, ask God if he’s calling you to speak—or to trust him silently like Jesus did.

#SilentStrength, #Mark15, #TrustGod

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose silence instead of defense?
2. When are you most tempted to justify yourself?
3. How does Jesus’ calmness before Pilate challenge your own reactions?
4. In what current situation might God be calling you to trust, not react?

DO THIS:

When misunderstood or unfairly accused, pause. Before defending yourself, ask God if He’s calling you to speak—or to trust Him silently like Jesus did.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, help me to trust You more than I crave approval or defense. Teach me to walk in humility and strength, just as You did before Pilate. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"I Will Trust My Savior Jesus."