[The companions of Jesus] said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns….” (Mark 1:37-38).

In this juncture of his ministry, Jesus shifts from giving himself to his immediate neighborhood–his family and friends–to meeting the needs of people who are essentially strangers.

In what ways are you being called to give yourself to your immediate neighbors–those closest to you? The answer might be relatively easy. Now, consider what ways you are being called to give yourself to others, even if it means having to neglect loved ones in some ways? Where can we look to find discernment in such matters?

–Mark Galli
This is part of Mark Galli’s guided journal, “Discovering the Untamable God,” a 12-week journey through the Gospel of Mark. Twice a week, you’ll receive a new journaling prompt encouraging you encounter the wild, untamable Jesus of the Gospel of Mark and let his radical sayings and actions transform your life. Use these prompts in your own journal or in group discussion. If you’re joining this journal mid-way through, you can start journaling at any time, and stay subscribed at the end, when the journal will restart and you can receive the prompts that you missed.