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

Today’s shout-out goes to Marvin Steele from Garland, TX. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your support helps people have faith in Jesus. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 6:1-6:

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching. — Mark 6:1-6

Jesus returns to his hometown, Nazareth. This is where Jesus grew up, where he learned the trade of a carpenter, and where people watched him grow from a baby to a boy into a man.

And now he's back. But not as a carpenter. But as a Lord. He’s teaching with wisdom. He’s performing mighty works. He’s stepping fully into His divine calling.

And what’s the response? Listen to the skepticism:

“Isn’t this Mary’s son? The carpenter? The kid we used to know?”

They’re amazed—but not expectantly and excitedly. They simply can’t reconcile who Jesus is with who they remember he was.

Familiarity breeds unbelief.

They couldn’t see the Messiah standing before them—because how they remembered him and formerly knew him for so many years.

And because of that, Mark proclaims something staggering:

“He could do no mighty work there… and he marveled because of their unbelief.”

Let that sink in: Unbelief shut the door on what Jesus wanted to do.

Not because he lacked power—but because the people lacked faith.

Jesus doesn’t force his way upon us, and he doesn’t perform signs to show off to his skeptics. He responds to faith, not familiarity.

And the warning of this scripture is simple. You can grow up around Jesus. You can hear his teaching every Sunday.
You can know the stories, quote the verses, sing the songs—and still not have faith in him.

Familiarity is not faith.
Proximity is not surrender.

Faith is seeing Jesus for who he truly is—and responding with awe, trust, and obedience.

So today, the question isn’t: “Are you familiar with Jesus?”
The question is: “Do you have faith in Jesus?”

#FaithOverFamiliarity, #PowerOfUnbelief, #JesusInNazareth

ASK THIS:

1. Are you truly seeing Jesus for who he is, or just as someone you've always known?
2. How can familiarity with Jesus sometimes hinder your faith in Him?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to move from knowledge of Jesus to faith in Him?
4. What does it mean for you to respond with awe, trust, and obedience to Jesus?

DO THIS:

Take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life where familiarity with Jesus has replaced faith and trust. Ask God to reveal new aspects of His character to you today.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t want to merely know about You, I want to truly know You and trust You. Help me see You clearly and respond with faith, awe, and obedience today. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

King of Kings.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to Bob Smotherman from Temperance, MI. Bob, thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your support helps rewrite endings for so many. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:35-43:

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. — Mark 5:35-43

The crowd was still processing the healing of the woman. But before Jairus could take another step, his worst fear arrived:

“Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

It was over. Too late. Or so they thought. But Jesus hears the report and immediately speaks to Jairus:

“Do not fear. Only believe.”

That one sentence reframes everything. Jesus doesn’t explain. He simply calls Jairus to trust—beyond the news, beyond the evidence, beyond the grief, beyond the noise.

They arrive at the house, and the wailing has already begun. People mourning. People mocking.

Jesus says, “She’s not dead but sleeping,” and they laugh. But their laughter doesn’t stop him. He clears the room. He takes her hand. And He speaks the words only Jesus could say:

“Talitha cumi.”

And she does.

This is who Jesus is. He speaks life where others have accepted death. He walks into impossible rooms and rewrites the ending. He turns mourning into miracles.

If you're holding onto grief, fear, or finality today. Remember, Jesus can rewrite the ending of any story. Hear his words again:

“Do not fear. Only believe.”

#OnlyBelieve, #JesusHeals, #MarkFive

ASK THIS:

1. What fear are you facing that Jesus wants to replace with faith?
2. How do you respond when others mock your hope in Jesus?
3. What areas of your life feel like they’re beyond saving?
4. How might Jesus be rewriting a story you’ve already given up on?

DO THIS:

Speak aloud the words of Jesus today—“Do not fear. Only believe”—and let them confront one specific fear you're facing.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, when fear and doubt try to take over, help me hear Your voice above the noise. I choose to believe—even when others laugh, even when it seems too late. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Graves Into Gardens.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to Kevin Ontiveros from Sylmar, CA. Kevin, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver healing to people. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:30-34:

And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” — Mark 5:30-34

This woman thought she could slip away unnoticed by Jesus. She had reached for healing, and it worked. The bleeding stopped. Her body felt whole. But Jesus wasn’t finished.

“Who touched my garments?”

It’s a strange question in the middle of a crowd. People were pressing in from all sides. But Jesus knew. He felt power leave him—and he wanted to know who received it.

Not because he didn’t know. But because he wanted her to know she wasn’t invisible. She comes forward, trembling. She tells the truth. And Jesus doesn’t scold her. He doesn’t shame her. He gives her a name:

“Daughter!” Not “woman with the issue of blood.” Not “unclean.” Not “interruption.” Daughter.

That’s what Jesus does. He doesn’t just heal the body—he restores the soul. He gives a new name, a new identity, a new peace.

You may come to Jesus because of some issue—but he will always give you more than you came for.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unnoticed, or unworthy—hear this: Jesus sees you. Jesus knows you. And Jesus calls you daughter... son... his. And if you come to him, he will give you a new life, which is always more than expected.

Are you ready to come?

And if you’re ready to come—come all the way.

Don’t just reach for a quick fix or temporary relief.
Come for the deeper healing only Jesus offers.

Jesus, I come to you today. Heal me. Restore me. Make me whole, amen.

#FaithRestores, #JesusSeesYou, #HealingInChrist

ASK THIS:

1. What does Jesus' question “Who touched me?” reveal about his character?
2. Why do you think Jesus called her "Daughter"?
3. Have you ever tried to receive from God without being seen?
4. What healing do you need that only Jesus can provide?

DO THIS:

Today, tell Jesus the whole truth—come to him vulnerably, not just for healing, but for identity and peace.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for seeing me when I feel unseen. I come to you for healing, restoration, and the new name only you can give. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

You Say.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to Jay T Patterson from Verona, MO. Jay, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver healing to people. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:25-29:

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. — Mark 5:25-29

As Jesus walks with Jairus toward a dying daughter, another story unfolds in the crowd. A woman. Unnamed. Unnoticed. Twelve years of bleeding. Twelve years of suffering. Twelve years of disappointment. Twelve years of uncleanliness.

She’s spent everything she had—physically, financially, emotionally—and she’s only gotten worse.

By every account, she should have stayed home. She was considered physically and spiritually unclean. She wasn’t supposed to be there. But faith doesn’t wait for permission. She pushes through the crowd. Quietly. Carefully. She doesn’t shout. She doesn’t stop Jesus. She reaches out, thinking:

“If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”

And in that moment—she is. The bleeding stops. The suffering ends. The healing begins. That’s the power of quiet faith.

It’s not always loud or public. It doesn’t always make headlines or draw attention. But it moves. It reaches. It touches Jesus.

And Jesus responds.

Sometimes, all you’ve got left—is a reach. But if you reach for the right One, that’s all you’ll ever need. What if the issue you’re facing isn’t about trying harder. But finally, reaching for Jesus?

#FaithThatHeals, #TouchOfJesus, #Mark52529

ASK THIS:

1. What have you been suffering with in silence?
2. How have you reached for Jesus in your pain?
3. What keeps you from pushing through the crowd today?
4. Do you believe Jesus can respond to quiet faith?

DO THIS:

Push past the fear or shame today—pray boldly and reach out to Jesus with that one issue you’ve been hiding.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I come quietly but boldly, reaching for You with the pain I’ve carried far too long. Heal what doctors and efforts cannot—touch my life with Your power. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“He Knows My Name” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to Rick Morris from Bunnell, FL. Rick, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver God's Word to families across the globe. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:21-24:

And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And he went with him. — Mark 5:21-24

Jesus returns to the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee, and as usual, the crowds are already waiting. But this time, someone pushes through the crowd—not a leper, not a tax collector, not a fisherman. It’s a father. And a synagogue ruler.

His name is Jairus. He’s a respected man. A religious leader. A person of status in the community. But on this day, none of that matters to him. The only thing on his mind is the life of his daughter—sick and close to death.

Jairus doesn't send a servant. He leaves her bedside, falls at Jesus’ feet, and begs:

“My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

This is more than desperation—it’s faith. That’s what faith does. It moves into and through imperfect conditions. It walks into uncertainty. It reaches through desperation—toward the only one who holds hope and healing: Jesus.

Jairus didn’t know how his request would be received. But he had heard about Jesus. And he knew Jesus was the only one who could help. And Jesus responds with mercy—he goes with him.

Faith is often seen most clearly in our moments of desperation. The singular focus of our heart, mind, and soul in crisis directs everything toward the one object worthy of our trust. For Jairus, it wasn’t a physician. It was the Miracle Worker from Nazareth. He fell at His feet—believing He could heal and save.

Maybe today, you’re carrying a desperate burden. Maybe it’s not a daughter—but a decision. Maybe not a disease—but a disappointment. Don’t carry it alone. Bring it to Jesus. Run to Him. Fall before Him. Ask boldly. And trust—He still walks with those who cry out in faith.

#FaithInCrisis, #JesusHeals, #BoldBelief

ASK THIS:

1. What desperate burden are you carrying today?
2. How does Jairus’ faith challenge your own response to trials?
3. Who or what do you usually run to in crisis?
4. What might it look like to “fall at Jesus’ feet” in your life?

DO THIS:

Run to Jesus today with your burden—don’t delay. Speak to him out loud, laying your needs at his feet.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, in my desperation, I bring my burden to You, trusting You alone can save. Strengthen my faith as I wait for Your mercy. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to Cary Lemasters from Wellsville, OH. Cary, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver the Word where it’s needed most. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:14-20:

The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. — Mark 5:14-20

The people come running because they’ve heard what happened and want to see it for themselves. And what they see shocks them.

The same man who once lived naked in the tombs. The man who cried out night and day. The one who broke shackles and couldn’t be subdued is now sitting. Clothed. Calm. In his right mind.

It’s such a radical transformation the crowd doesn’t celebrate—they tremble in fear. The power of Jesus disturbs them more than the chaos of Legion. So they demand something tragic—they ask Jesus to leave.

But not the man who was freed. He doesn’t want Jesus to go without him. He begs to follow. But Jesus gives him a more important assignment:

“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

And the man obeys. He tells his story. And people marvel.

That’s the power of a testimony.

Theologians can argue. Skeptics can question. But no one can refute a changed life. This man didn’t go to seminary—he came out of the tombs. And now he’s a missionary to the very region that once feared him.

That’s what Jesus does.

So—what has Jesus done for you that someone else needs to hear? You may not have a “Legion” story. But you do have a mercy story.

Share it. Tell it. Live the mission. Don’t keep it to yourself.

God wants to use the story He’s given you to preach the good news to others. You are the mouth he wants to use to tell the world about his mercy.

#FromDarknessToLight, #MercyStory, #JesusSaves

ASK THIS:

1. What stands out most about the man’s transformation?
2. Why do you think the people were more afraid of Jesus than of Legion?
3. How has God’s mercy changed your life?
4. Who in your life might need to hear that story?

DO THIS:

Write down your story—one moment or season where Jesus met you with mercy. Then, ask God to show you who needs to hear it this week.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for the mercy you’ve shown me. Don’t let me keep it to myself. Use my story to point others to your love and power. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"My Story" by Big Daddy Weave.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to John & Cindy Brannum from Sioux Falls, SD. John & Cindy, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your support helps deliver the Word where it’s needed most. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:6-13:

And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. — Mark 5:6-13

Jesus steps onto the shore, and the man possessed by demons does something shocking—he runs toward Jesus.

But as soon as he gets close, the demons take over. They fall. They scream. They beg for mercy. This is how evil responds to the holy—it bows in the presence of God. There’s no battle. No contest. This isn’t two equal forces clashing—it’s total authority confronting total darkness.

Jesus commands the spirit to come out. Then he asks for the demon's identity: “What is your name?”

The answer is chilling: “My name is Legion, for we are many.”

Literally—thousands of demons. And still, Jesus doesn’t flinch, falter, or fear. It’s as if he’s handled situations like this a hundred times before.

Then Legion pleads with Jesus. He begs for mercy—because they know they’ve encountered the all-powerful God, something even the disciples have yet to fully understand. They plead for dispersion rather than destruction. They beg Jesus to send them into a field of swine.

There are all kinds of theories about why the pigs—but the simplest answer is this: The time for complete demonic defeat had not yet come. Jesus’s mission was first to redeem mankind from the bondage of sin—before destroying evil entirely.

So, Legion is cast into the pigs. And the entire herd rushes down the hillside and drowns in the sea.

I believe many people today feel overwhelmed by darkness—whether internal or external. And too often, we try to manage it, medicate it, or manipulate it. But Jesus doesn’t ask us to control the darkness. He asks us to surrender it—so He can confront it.

If Jesus can cast out thousands of demons with a single word, he can confront the darkness you face today.

So stop trying to manage the situation. Let Jesus confront it. Let him remove it. And let him cast it far from you—deep into the sea.

#JesusOverDarkness, #Mark5, #SpiritualWarfare

ASK THIS:

1. Where do you feel darkness creeping into your life?
2. Are you trying to manage what Jesus wants to remove?
3. What does Legion’s response reveal about Jesus’ authority?
4. How can you invite Jesus to confront your hidden struggles?

DO THIS:

Identify one area of darkness you’ve tried to manage and surrender it to Jesus in prayer today.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I confess the darkness I’ve tried to manage alone. I surrender it to You—cast it out and replace it with Your peace. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Break Every Chain” by Jesus Culture.

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

And today’s shout-out goes to Cory Baron from North Oaks, MN. Cory, thank you for standing with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping others step out of darkness and into the light. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 5:1-5:

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. — Mark 5:1-5

Jesus and his disciples land in Gentile territory—on the far side of the sea. And the moment they step out of the boat, they’re met by a man.

But not just any man.

He’s a strange man who lives among the dead. He’s naked. Bleeding. Tormented. Possessed by a legion of demons.
(A legion was about 6,000—so this was a case of extreme demonization.)

We read that no one could bind him. Not with ropes. Not even with chains. He had legion-like strength—and a soul consumed by suffering. So he lived alone. Crying out. Cutting himself. Unreachable. Unrestrained. Unhealed.

This is what evil does. When we give ourselves over to it, evil isolates. It dehumanizes. It pulls us away from people—and pushes us further from peace.

But notice—Jesus went out of his way to reach this far-out man. He crossed a violent sea to reach a violent man in a foreign land. To reach an outcast, everyone else had given up on.

Jesus doesn’t move away from the broken. He moves toward them.

Maybe today you feel like this man—alone, tormented, ashamed.
Or maybe you’ve written someone off, thinking they’re too far gone.

You’re wrong. No one is too far from Jesus—not you, not them. Because Jesus can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Today, if you’ve drifted—come back to Jesus, the one who came for you. And if you’ve given up on someone—don’t. Pray that God would send someone who represents Him to move close. Or ask Him if that someone is you.

#TheDaily #Mark5 #JesusHeals #NoOneTooFarGone #FreedomInChrist #ComeBackToJesus

ASK THIS:

1. What does this man's condition reveal about the power of evil?

2. How does Jesus' arrival in this scene reflect His character and mission?

3. Have you ever felt unreachable—or believed someone else was?

4. What would it look like for Jesus to step into that place today?

DO THIS:

Think of one person (maybe it's even you) who seems beyond hope—and pray specifically for Jesus to move toward them in power, just as He did for the man among the tombs.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for stepping into places no one else would. Help me believe you can reach anyone—including me. And help me not to give up on those who still need your touch. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Rescue" by Lauren Daigle.