After sternly warning [the healed leper], he sent him away at once (Mark 1:43).

Jesus often spoke sternly to people–see Mark 5:40, 43; 8:32-33; and 9:19 for three other examples.

Even though we have these instances of Jesus speaking sternly, we tend to call harsh words “unchristian.” Why do we do that? When is such harshness inappropriate? When might it be appropriate? Where do you feel you are called to speak sternly to someone? How might you do that in a way that communicates not impatience or judgmentalism, but genuine concern?

–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.