September 26, 2025 | Be God's Family
The Marks of Jesus
Scripture: Galatians 6:17-18(NIV)
17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Devotional
For Paul, bearing the marks of Christ was more than metaphor. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-25 he boasts about what he has endured saying, “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea…”
While severe persecution and martyrdom still take place throughout the world, most of us reading this devotion have never experienced anything like this. For us, what does it mean to bear the marks of Jesus? Look at the following verses. How do these apply to your life?
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24).
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Gal. 5:13)
“This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus” (1 John 4:17).
“I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17).
As you reflect on these and other passages, give thanks to Jesus for His work in your life. Next, we will turn our attention to the book of James for practical wisdom on how to live our Christian lives in the world.
Poem
My Life Be Marked
Psalm 150
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:6
My life be marked
By songs of praise
By courage battles
Banners raised
By calloused knees
From nights of prayer
By scars on heart
From arrows’ tears
By wise answers to
Mocking voice
By staying true
To holy choice
By holding down
A lifelong fort
By speaking truth
Loving exhort
By reined in tongue
Gentle reply
By open hands
Gen’rous supply
