Lenten Devotion: Day 2 (2/19/2026)
February 19, 2026 by admin
February 19, 2026
“[A]nd he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.” — Mark 1:34b
(Please read the scripture passage before moving on to the devotional: Mark 1:16-34)
Today’s passage opens with the calling of the first disciples, followed immediately by a rapid-fire report of the miraculous works Jesus performed. Mark moves with a certain speed, showing us the power of God in action.
It’s striking that while the crowds were still scratching their heads about who Jesus was, the demons—the very things tormenting the people—knew His identity instantly. Yet, Jesus rebuked them and refused to let them speak. Why would He do that?
I’ve pondered this since I was a child first reading the Bible for myself. I used to think, “Wouldn’t a supernatural testimony from a demon be powerful evidence? Wouldn’t that prove His identity even faster?” But dear brothers and sisters, if Jesus is the Messiah who bears witness to the Truth—if He is truly the Son of God—He does not need the “help” of demons to validate who He is. Truth testifies to itself through His own life and authority. Furthermore, had He allowed the demons to speak, it would have only fueled the fire for His enemies, who later tried to claim He was “casting out demons by the prince of demons.”
Because we live on the other side of the story—knowing the “spoilers” of the death and resurrection—we often read these accounts from an omniscient perspective and miss the sheer drama of the moment. Jesus was announcing the arrival of the Kingdom of God through His teachings and miracles, yet He was intentionally secretive about His full identity.
Why was He so hesitant to reveal Himself? As you go about your day, I invite you to sit with that question and meditate on the humility and timing of Jesus’ life.
Prayer
As we shared during our Ash Wednesday service, let us resolve to pray faithfully during these 40 days. Let us come before the Lord with a renewed commitment “to reform the nation, particularly the Church; and to spread scriptural holiness over the land.” We pray that we may be filled with the fullness of this holiness as we seek to follow You.