Download GETTING THE MOST FROM 40 DAYS WITH JESUS

GETTING THE MOST FROM 40 DAYS WITH JESUS
We created this booklet to help you prepare your heart for a deeper, richer
experience as we approach this year’s celebration of the greatest event in
history: the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Following a roughly chronological path, the short texts from Scripture will
help you read and meditate on the amazing life and work of Jesus as He
moved toward the climactic moment of His crucifixion. As you think of Him
day after day, it might seem as if you are walking with the Master through
His life and years of ministry.
So what’s the best way to use this booklet?
Think ahead of time about the incredible person, life, and ministry of Jesus—
all aimed at bringing you into right relationship with God.
•
Read this booklet when you are fasting. Fasting can help enhance
your awareness of God’s presence or work in your life. See Dave’s
excellent article on fasting and its benefits for those who do so.
•
Be sure to read Beth Knox’s encouragement on a creative way to
think about the time you’ll spend in prayer with your Father.
•
If you decide not to fast, use the readings to help start your day or to
prepare for bed.
•
Be intentional about your reading. Pick the best time in your
schedule where you can invest 5-10 minutes (or more) daily.
•
Pray for a moment before you read, asking Jesus to open your eyes
to anything He might want you to know.
•
Read one day’s devotional at a time. (If you fall behind, don’t worry
about it. Just pick up where your next day begins.)
•
When you have finished each day’s devotional, if you have time, read
the whole chapter from which the text comes. If your time is limited
in the morning, just read the verse and devotional. Then if you wish,
read the chapter that evening.
•
Take at least one minute to pray, asking Jesus to guide your thoughts
about what you’ve seen or learned from Him. Then listen.
Write your response in the space provided. Enjoy your 40 days with Jesus
and prepare to celebrate at Easter!
1
PRAYER
Beth Knox
I have learned a lot about prayer from my four-year-old grandson, Henry.
Here is what I mean: Henry comes to me (or Grandpa Rick, or mom, or
dad) without hesitation because he trusts me. He knows I love him. And he
knows that I will welcome him and listen to him.
He asks for anything, from a cookie, to a trip to the park, to helping him
find something he has lost. He tells me all about his life­—school, what he
saw at the store, or a joke he has learned. When he is hurt or frightened, it
is my arms and words of comfort he seeks. He asks me to come and play,
or even asks me to leave him alone if he is angry with me. (But he doesn’t
want me to go too far away!)
I listen and respond. I love to share his life—all of it.
This is prayer. It is going to your Father and telling Him all about your life.
It is asking for anything from “a cookie” to wisdom. It is being so sure of
His love that you can talk about anything—even hurts, confusion, and
complaints.
Prayer is all about sharing a love relationship that thrives on honest, open
communication and is based on love and trust. So come to your Father,
your Dad, and lean into Him. Talk to Him about your heart and your life.
Then rest quietly and listen. Be like Henry, and live in His love.
FASTING
Dave Mudd
In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says, “And when
you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look
miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting.”
One word in particular has always stood out to me—when. “And when
you fast….” Jesus expected His followers to fast as He did. Fasting was
practiced by God’s people in both the Old and New Testament eras. What
did Jesus and the people of faith, then and now, know about fasting that
we don’t?
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Here are some examples of how fasting can impact our lives spiritually:
•
Often our love for this world and the things it offers takes priority over
God in our lives. Fasting and prayer can restore God’s place as our
“first love” and bring about a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
•
Our lives are often marked by pride more than humility. Fasting is a
biblical way to humble ourselves in the presence of God. King David
humbled himself through fasting.
•
It can be hard for us to recognize the spiritual condition of our heart,
yet we long to be shaped into God’s image. Fasting allows the Holy
Spirit to reveal the true nature of our heart. That experience can bring
repentance, even brokenness, and ultimately, a transformed life.
•
Fasting can bring the Word of God to life, and His truth becomes
more meaningful to us.
•
Often our prayer life can become routine, a mere ritual, or even
nonexistent. Fasting can transform our prayer life.
Fasting allows a revival to take place in your heart. Your spirit is revived in a
way that doesn’t just impact you, but also those around you. I have never
felt closer to God, never felt more humbled by a process, never seen my
own heart more clearly, never had God’s Word be more alive, and never
enjoyed God’s presence more than when I have fasted.
You will discover more time to pray. As He leads you to recognize and
repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.
Whether it’s fasting from food—and that can be one meal a day, a full
day’s food, or multiple weeks—or eliminating something else of value that
tends to rob your time and thoughts of God—fasting can be a great tool in
helping you mature spiritually.
Don’t miss this opportunity to go on a spiritual journey and discover who
God is as He reveals who you are: a child of God being shaped into the
likeness of His Son, Jesus.
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DAY 1
Matthew 1:21-22
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because
he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the
Lord had said through the prophet….
THE LAMB OF GOD
Beth Knox
Even though we celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 each year,
many scholars think He was actually born in late winter or early spring. This
is the time the lambs are born. We experienced this first hand while living
in Wales a few years ago. Come February and March, the farmers and
shepherds would bring their ewes in close to the farm so they could be
watched over during birthing. Soon the hills were covered with tiny, fluffy,
snow white lambs. How like our Father to time the birth of his Son, the
Lamb of God, to be born at lambing time.
Thirty-three years after His birth, just at the time of Passover, when the
lambs were being sacrificed for the sins of the people, the Lamb of God
was being sacrificed for all the sins, of all of humanity, for all of time. “…you
are to name him Jesus (’the Lord saves’) for he will save His people from
their sins,” the angel told Joseph. This tiny baby had a profound destiny
ahead.
There is a song I love at Christmas time by Chris Rice. Some of the lyrics
say:
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorns
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that You came to take away our sins forever. Fill
our hearts and minds with awe and love for You. We remember today Your
sacrifice, Lamb of God.
MY RESPONSE
4
DAY 2
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb
of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
THE LAMB OF GOD INTRODUCED
Terry Kaul
The Israelites were in bondage. They were slaves in the land of Egypt.
The Lord sent Moses and his brother Aaron to plead with the emperor,
Pharaoh: “Let my people go so they may worship and serve me.” But
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. God sent down nine plagues on Egypt to
demonstrate His absolute power, yet Pharaoh refused to give them their
freedom.
Then God instructed each Israelite family to sacrifice an unblemished lamb
and place its blood on the door posts and lintels of their homes. As they
slept, God passed through the land of Egypt, killing the firstborn of every
man and animal in the land. But when He came to the homes smeared
with the blood of the lambs, He passed over them, sparing those lives.
Each year, our Jewish friends commemorate that first Passover. God saved
them from bondage, and His judgment passed over them because of the
blood of the lamb.
We live in a world where evil still reigns. Many are still trapped in bondage
to our sinful natures, and God’s justice demands satisfaction. So when
John the Baptist saw Jesus, John recognized the ultimate Lamb of
God—the unique one who was sent to be the final sacrifice for the sin of
all mankind. Like those first lambs, Jesus was unblemished by sin. At the
perfect time, He would sacrifice His life to forever free us from the bondage
of sin and spare us from God’s perfect judgment.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 3
John 3:14-15
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must
be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
JUST ONE LOOK
Scott Dever
I recall a song from high school that went like this. “Just one look and I fell
so hard in love with you. I found out how good it feels to have your love.
Say you will be mine forever and always. Just one look, that’s all it took.”
Matthew tells the story of Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler who came to Jesus
under the cover of night. He must have been enamored with Jesus to be
willing to risk his authority and social standing. Jesus told Nicodemus that
he must be born again, and explained the difference between physical
and spiritual birth. Then, Jesus referred to an Old Testament story, “Just as
Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted
up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”
Jesus was speaking of a time when God sent poisonous snakes, which
bit the Israelites and caused many to die, because the Israelites were
complaining about the food God had given them on their long journey to
the Promised Land. But God, in His mercy, told Moses to fashion a bronze
snake and put it on a pole. Anyone bitten could be saved simply by looking
at the snake! So it is with Jesus. By focusing our gaze on Christ crucified,
we can see the depth of our sin and the greatness of God’s mercy. The
snake and the cross, both instruments of death, became the means of
healing and salvation. Just one look of faith toward Jesus can bring healing
and eternal life.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 4
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his
Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
CHOOSE CHRIST
Teresa Dever
John 3:16, perhaps the most familiar verse in the Bible, portrays a
wonderful gift: that God would sacrifice His only Son to give us eternal life
because He loves you and me so much. What kind of love is that? Cherish
it and believe it! But there is even more. His love holds a promise and
assurance that should give us a “peace that transcends all understanding.”
(Philippians 4:7)
In a world that preaches tolerance, we can feel judged and condemned
quickly these days. Just look at social media. Though some paint
Christians as intolerant and judgmental, we follow the One who offered
complete acceptance. His goal was to throw a lifeline to us all so that we
might bypass judgment.
Do you seek tolerance? Come to Jesus Christ, who said, “Come to me,
all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
You don’t want judgment? “God did not send His son into the world to
condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17) His
lifeline is freely available to you. No social media post will blast you out of
the water. There is only the hand of Christ, and His eyes are filled with the
deepest and truest love you will ever experience. Choose to be loved by
Him, the only One who loves perfectly. Choose to be released from the fear
of judgment. Choose Christ and live.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 5
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
THE SHOCKING MISSION OF JESUS
Charley Dever
“Traitor!” “Thief!” “Sinner!” I imagine those were the more forgiving words
whispered among the crowd as Jesus left with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was
a tax collector, a Jewish businessman who collected taxes from his people
for the Roman Empire. He was a sellout—a traitor. He collected far more
than what was due to Rome and was wealthier than the rest of the Jews.
Imagine hearing stories of Jesus healing the sick and the blind, defending
the oppressed and the poor, and then watching Him leave with Zacchaeus.
The crowd was shocked and appalled.
Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “I came to seek and save the lost.” Who are “the
lost?” We see in this story that Jesus did not just come for the oppressed,
the marginalized, and the poor. He also came for the oppressor. Jesus’
hands open the eyes of the physically blind as well as those blinded by
greed. He heals bodies corrupted by disease and hearts corrupted by sin.
He frees those enslaved by men as well as those enslaved by selfishness.
Jesus did the latter for Zacchaeus, who was immediately transformed,
giving all of his wealth away and returning all he had stolen with substantial
interest.
We all need to be saved. Whether you are the oppressed or the oppressor,
the offended or the offender, the harmed or the harmful: Jesus came to
seek and save you. Take some time to reflect on your need for Jesus’
saving power and pray for radical transformation and healing in your life.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 6
Mark 1:14-15
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel
of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the gospel.”
THE KING ANNOUNCES THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Nicole Dever
There had been four centuries of silence since God spoke to His people.
The tales of God working miracles in Egypt, leading the Israelites through
the desert, and speaking through the prophets were distant stories. Some
may have wondered if God was even there, or if He had forgotten about
them.
Then Jesus came, and God broke the silence. God was once again
with His people. Not only was Jesus God’s presence with man, but He
displayed God’s authority over all things. It seems significant that Jesus
began His ministry by proclaiming, “the kingdom of God is at hand.” But
what does this kingdom look like? We have the opportunity to read about
Jesus’ ministry—how He healed, loved, taught, prayed, served, and
sacrificed. We have countless examples of what the kingdom looked like
while Jesus walked the Earth. Many were transformed by Jesus’ work and
the appropriate response was always to “repent and believe.”
What does this kingdom look like now? Jesus sent his disciples out to
“proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” He intended to continue His
work through His followers. God was with them as they went out, and He
is with us now as we go out into our world.
Think about the ways that God is at work in the world around you—in your
neighborhood, your family, or your workplace. Remember that you have
been sent out, and you are not alone. God is with you and He has authority
over all.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 7
Luke 6:12-13
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the
night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and
chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.
THE WAY JESUS PRAYED
Jan Carlson
Some versions read, “Jesus went out into a mountain to pray.” Nature’s
prayer closet. Just think about going into a mountain to spend an entire
night in fervent prayer. It would be cool, damp, very dark, and very private.
This is where Jesus spent the night “praying to God.” If Jesus thought He
could spend the night praying in a temple or other common place for this
prayer, I think He would have done so. Jesus needed a setting without
distractions because He had a very important task the next day.
He was demonstrating for us how to spend quality “UP” time with our
Heavenly Father. Jesus spent the night crying out to God before choosing
twelve of His disciples to be called apostles, the very ones He would later
send “OUT” into the world.
If you feel the Lord calling you “OUT” (which I believe He calls each of us to
do), be assured He is calling you “UP” first. Time spent talking privately with
our Heavenly Father is what teaches us how to be good listeners to the
Holy Spirit. I’ve learned that I don’t want to go “OUT” into the world without
proper directions. It’s way too easy to get lost!
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 8
Mark 6:34
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them,
because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching
them many things.
GOD’S COMPASSIONATE SHEPHERD
Alex Gowler
Moses’ time was almost up. Once a caretaker for his father-in-law’s
sheep, he had been appointed as the first shepherd of God’s people.
Now he prayed that God would raise up another to take his place so that
the Israelites would not be like “sheep without a shepherd.” (Numbers
27:15-17) God raised up Joshua to take up the role of shepherd. Years
passed. Priests, judges, prophets, and kings were likewise appointed to
be caretakers of God’s people. But each group eventually turned away
from God’s call to care for others. Instead, they cared only for themselves.
Finally, God condemned these false shepherds and promised that He
himself would gather the scattered flock of Israel and care for them as only
a perfect shepherd could. (Ezekiel 34)
Nearly six centuries later, a small boat drifted across the Sea of Galilee.
Tired and weary from the days prior, Jesus and his disciples were looking
for a solitary place where they could finally get some rest. But as they
approached the shoreline, the disciples saw them: scores of people on
the sand and grassy hillside, waiting to see Jesus. And Jesus saw them.
They were scattered and helpless, like “sheep without a shepherd.” And
the heart of God ached inside Him. Rest could wait. These people could
not. He would care for them. He would lead them. He would heal, protect,
and provide for them. And ultimately, He would give His life for them so that
they would never be separated from God again.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 9
Matthew 9:20-21
Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came
up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I
only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
DISCERNING OPPORTUNITIES
Patrick Speidel
Last Wednesday, I was leaving the pool after a tough workout when a
fellow swimmer said he found out we had common friends. It turns out
they were from Alpine. When I told him that, he curiously asked where the
church was and I answered him, also letting him know I was late getting
there for morning prayer, so I rushed out. As soon as I got in the car, I
realized I missed my chance. What an opportunity to invite someone to
church.
Jesus wouldn’t have missed that. He notices those moments; those
chances don’t pass Him by. We see this in the story of the bleeding
woman. Jesus made His way through the pressing crowd, on His way
to revive the synagogue leader’s daughter. He had a mission, a task to
complete; some would argue a very honorable and important one. Yet
He was fully aware of this woman’s desperate faith to be healed. He had
compassion for her, just as His own family.
If that swim mate was my unbelieving brother or my best friend, would I
have given the conversation another five minutes? Would I have put aside
my comfort, schedule, and goals to help guide him towards Jesus? To
be honest, I would. So how do I get better? To see like God sees? Look
at what this woman did: she chased after Jesus, risking judgment from
the entire town in order to be close to Him. How can we become more
desperate for God?
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 10
Matthew 4:24
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who
were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demonpossessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
MASTER OVER DEMONS, DISEASE AND DEATH
Donna Riemer
I love when “good news” spreads. These days, “bad news” seems to be
the popular news to spread. We are inundated with bad news via social
media, television, and casual conversations. In verse 23, Matthew’s Gospel
says that Jesus was traveling throughout Galilee, announcing the “Good
News” of the kingdom of heaven, and healing many diseases. No wonder
this news spread all the way to Syria.
his verse challenges me. Am I spreading the “Good News” of the kingdom
of heaven and the ways in which Jesus has healed me and others around
me?
Because the truth is, He has. He has brought the life-transformational
“Good News” of Jesus, reconciling us to our Creator. Jesus has healed my
relationship with God and offered me His kingdom here on earth. I need to
be spreading this “Good News” to all who will listen. Help me in spreading
the “Good News” of our risen Savior.
He’s Risen! He’s Risen Indeed.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 11
John 5:39-40
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have
eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse
to come to me to have life.”
REJECTING JESUS IS COSTLY
Kerry Riemer
I once worked with a woman who had studied and researched all of the
major religions of the world. Her motivation was to ensure that she was
going to heaven when she died. I asked her if those studies and research
had included the Bible. She said that they had. However, in her opinion,
it seemed too simple an idea to just put her faith in Jesus and have
everlasting life.
She had concluded that eternal life involved much more than just believing
in Jesus and asking Him to be her Lord and Savior. She was certain that
it was going to take a lot more work than that to get to heaven. So, she
decided to reject Jesus, combine all of the other religious ideas she had
studied, and live her life in accordance with all of them. It was her view that
followers of Jesus were narrow-minded in their belief that Jesus was the
only way to eternal life. What a costly conclusion.
During this Easter season, we need to pray for those who have similar
views. Pray that their hearts, minds, and souls will not reject Jesus: that
they will not have such a difficult time believing that Jesus is God’s Son and
that the Scriptures prove that God’s Son is the only way to eternal life.
MY RESPONSE
14
DAY 12
Luke 9:30-31
Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.
They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at
Jerusalem.
TRANSFIGURED
Dawn Zeller
This is one of my favorite passages. As if just being with Jesus is not
amazing enough, you find yourself walking alongside Him when He stops,
starts praying, and before you know it, right before your eyes Jesus is
transformed. You are witnessing His splendor and glory! His clothes a
dazzling white, the entire area where He is standing is shimmering from
His presence. It is enough to take your breath away. When praying, I often
think about how magnificent it must have been to witness Jesus talking
with Moses and Elijah as they discussed His death, resurrection, and return
to heaven.
Jesus had His disciples John, Peter, and James with Him. They must have
been completely awestruck, to be in such company. Could they even
comprehend what was happening? Probably not, at least not then. For
unfolding right before their eyes, Jesus the Messiah was revealed, and the
realization of salvation for all mankind was about to happen.
Jesus asked His disciples to walk with Him that night; He asks us to walk
with Him now. Jesus stopped and prayed; He asks us to stop and pray
with Him. That evening, Jesus showed His disciples a stunning preview of
the gift of eternal life. He still offers that life to us today.
MY RESPONSE
15
DAY 13
Luke 19:5-7
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus,
come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down
at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to
mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
MEETING ZACCHAEUS
Laurie Thomas
When you read today’s passage, did you see yourself as Zacchaeus
or as part of the crowd? The crowd is quick to grumble and judge, but
Zacchaeus is excited and joyful that Jesus offers him an invitation to spend
time together.
Do you judge those around you, bring up past grievances, or grumble that
others are getting what you think you deserve? Not all the time, I’m sure.
Yet most of us struggle with one or more of these sins. It’s hard to put our
human egos aside and follow Jesus’ example.
I’d imagine Zacchaeus was over the moon that Jesus gave him a glance,
not to mention inviting Himself over to his home. As the rich (and cheating)
chief tax collector, he probably didn’t get many warm looks and invitations.
He likely received looks of disdain everywhere he went. But Jesus wants all
people reconciled to Him. He sees through our past and into our potential.
Even when all we see is someone’s past, Jesus sees who they actually
are—a potential child of God. We need to treat them like one!
Let’s be Zacchaeus and meet Jesus where we are, repent, and follow
Him. Then let’s turn our eyes off of ourselves. If you read further to verse
10, it says that Jesus came to “seek and save those who are lost.” His aim
should be our aim. His purpose, our purpose. Jesus spent His life seeking
to save the lost; and so should we—no matter who they are.
MY RESPONSE
16
DAY 14
Luke 19:8-9
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now
I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody
out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him,
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of
Abraham.”
HOW JESUS APPROACHED SINNERS
Heidi Nichols
Has anyone ever put a label on you, whether deserved or not?
As a despised tax collector, Zacchaeus was labeled by his countrymen as
a “sinner,” a cheat, and a traitor. Jewish agents like Zacchaeus collected
taxes for Rome, the pagan government which had conquered their nation.
In the process, the tax collectors became wealthy, frequently by defrauding
their own people.
It’s no surprise that the people who knew Zacchaeus might have written
him off as “beyond redemption,” “unworthy,” “a waste of Jesus’ time.”
But Jesus saw beyond the label, beyond Zacchaeus’ past. He saw into
Zacchaeus’ heart and the surrender that was taking place. Jesus ripped
the labels off Zacchaeus and declared him saved—a son of Abraham,
reconciled to the Father through faith.
Jesus himself, in Luke 19:10, explains that “The Son of Man came to
seek and save what was lost.” If you’ve ever felt like your past or present
sins have placed you beyond redemption, or if you’ve ever thought of
another person in that way, these verses offer hope and a new perspective.
Redeeming what appears from the outside to be irredeemable is Jesus’
purpose and specialty.
MY RESPONSE
17
DAY 15
Matthew 16:15-16
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter
answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
Alexia Mudd, 13
Peter told Jesus that He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. God
was basically showing Peter who Jesus was. To me, Jesus is my King. Our
King. Kings are rulers, full of power. Kings have control over all things in
their kingdom. I feel safe knowing there’s a King above all kings, a person
who is more powerful than we know. The main reason I think Jesus is like a
King is because of the things He’s done in my life and others’ lives.
I see Him as King in the prayers He has responded to, the cries He hears,
and the messages He helps me to process. For example, my grandma had
cancer and she prayed night and day, day and night, and God healed and
answered both our and her prayers. Another example is my closest friend,
whose parents were fighting. She prayed night and day, and her prayer
was answered. Other examples are when I’m in a service at church or at
worship night and I see God working through people who didn’t even know
Him, and even those who already did.
I sense that God is like a King because He’s in control, and even if
something horrible happens, it happens for a reason, and something good
will come out of it. A blessing could occur. We need to ask ourselves what
comes into our mind when someone says, “Who is Jesus to you?” I see
Jesus working in and through people all the time—like a king—or maybe
even something bigger.
MY RESPONSE
18
DAY 16
Mark 16:21
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to
Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests
and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day
raised to life.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Skye Ziemke
Despite lovely quotes often scrawled on crafty chalkboard signs, life isn’t
always beautiful. Following Jesus doesn’t mean the roads of your life
become easy. Not for His disciples then, nor for His followers now.
“…must go…to suffer…to die….”
If you’re thinking this glimpse of things ahead produced fear among the
disciples, I’d have to agree. So why did they forge ahead? If I walked into
my office, pronounced to my team, “let’s go out to be mocked, ridiculed,
and killed,” they’d never follow me. Yet this passage doesn’t name
defectors, nor does it contain the words, “and then there were 11.”
They walked to Jerusalem. Why? Because Jesus didn’t describe the
dangers and then just wave them off in a general direction. He went with
them.
There will be roads for us to walk where it just won’t be easy. Your heart
might break, you’ll be exhausted, bumped, or bruised. Know what you
won’t be? Alone. Jesus never abandons. When we’re called to do the
difficult, I wonder if fear comes because we forget who goes with us?
Today, you may be in a place where you feel God has given you a glimpse
of what lies ahead of you, and it looks like the road will steepen for miles
before leveling out. Cling to the promise that Jesus journeys with you. Trust
in the truth that strength gained through perseverance is more valuable
than anything ever acquired along the “easy way.”
MY RESPONSE
19
DAY 17
Matthew 17:22-23
When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is
going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third
day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.
JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH AGAIN
Jana Dudley
In the previous verse, Jesus had just told His disciples that they only
needed faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain. Yet here they
are, lacking in their faith once again. This is the second of five times that
Jesus warns the disciples of His betrayal, death, and resurrection. It seems
as if the disciples only took notice of Jesus’ betrayal and death, because
they were “filled with grief.” Did they even hear Him say that on the third
day He would rise from the dead? Or were they too afraid to ask Jesus
what He meant?
Jewish tradition claimed that the soul separated from the body after
three days, so they were probably “hearing” this in their minds. Sure, the
disciples followed Him and listened to His teachings, but they were clearly
lacking faith in what Jesus really said He would do—on the third day, rise
from the grave!
Jesus was so patient with them—and He is still patient with us today. Are
we honestly any different than these disciples? We read the Bible and
listen to our pastors’ teachings on Sundays, and maybe even on the radio
throughout the week. But do we believe all that the Word of God and His
truth tells us? Do we always listen well enough to really hear His voice
when He is speaking to us? Do we always do what He tells us to do? Lord,
give us ears to hear.
MY RESPONSE
20
DAY 18
John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know
that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father
has taught me.”
TRUSTING WHAT THE SON OF MAN SAYS
Keaton Buster
Despite having witnessed Jesus’ divine power through His teaching and
miracles, the Pharisees refused to acknowledge that He was the Messiah.
They repeatedly questioned Jesus about who He was, but no matter how
many times He told them, they wouldn’t believe.
The Pharisees were so stuck in their old ways and blinded by pride that
their hearts refused to accept the truth. They wouldn’t realize Jesus was
the Christ until after they had “lifted” Him up—crucified Him. It took killing
Him for any Pharisees to finally believe that Jesus had been telling the truth.
Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? Do you trust everything He
says?
Maybe He is saying that you can trust Him to be your Lord and Savior.
Maybe you have listened to what the world says about you for too long.
Maybe it’s time to believe what Jesus says about you: you are precious
and of great value to Him and nothing you’ve done is too big for Him to
forgive. Or maybe you are facing a scary situation and it’s time to live out
your belief that, with God, nothing is impossible.
Wherever you are in your walk with Jesus, ask Him to reveal any unbelief
and doubt in your life—whether it’s about His identity or the things He has
said and promised to you. Then, ask Jesus what it would look like to truly
believe Him in that area, and ask Him to help you take a step forward.
MY RESPONSE
21
DAY 19
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Melissa Poisl
What comes to mind when you think of Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
The Bible refers to Jesus as our shepherd more than once, so it’s important
to understand what that actually means. A shepherd wasn’t simply a
caretaker. He was a leader, a guide, a defender, and ultimately made
sure the sheep had all they needed. He was kind but firm in his guidance
because he knew where his sheep needed to go and just how easily they
could be led astray.
A shepherd’s whole life was devoted to his flock, just as Jesus’ life is
devoted to us as His sheep. What a beautiful image that we are given
of Jesus as our gentle but firm guide and caregiver! Ultimately our Good
Shepherd even laid down His own life in order to save ours.
Jesus has a genuine and loving investment in your life. In what ways have
you experienced Jesus as your good shepherd? How has that changed
the way that you approach Him?
MY RESPONSE
22
DAY 20
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me
will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never
die. Do you believe this?”
THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
TJ Poisl
Have you ever lost someone so close to you that the pain felt like more
than you could bear? As you fought back tears, you tried to find comfort by
telling yourself, “It’ll be okay, I’ll get to see them again someday.” But that
was quickly followed by an even deeper despair at the thought of how long
it may take to get to “someday.” In that moment, you found yourself stuck
in this place between hope and hopelessness, gasping for air, wondering if
you would ever be able to live again.
That is exactly where Martha was. Her brother Lazarus, one of Jesus’ close
friends, was dead at a young age. She was in excruciating pain, thinking
that if only Jesus had been there, things would be different. That Lazarus
would still be alive, and she would be experiencing joy instead of sorrow.
She tried telling herself that she would see him again someday, but was
unable to come to grips with her present devastation.
It was in that moment that Jesus provided her with these comforting words,
“I am the resurrection and the life.” He tells her not to worry because as
long as you believe in Him, death is not an option. That with Him, you can
find comfort again. With Him, you can find hope again. With Him, you can
breathe again. And with Him, you can live again. Now the question for you
is, “Do you believe this?”
MY RESPONSE
23
DAY 21
John 11:51-52
He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that
Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for
the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.
CAIAPHAS PREDICTS JESUS’ DEATH
Dawn Zeller
Have you ever wondered, doubted, or questioned if God is really in control
and knows everything? In this passage, can you visualize Caiaphas—the
great High Priest, dressed in his highly adorned robe, a smug expression
on his face, looking down on all those around him? He did not regard
Jesus as the Son of God, yet he was used by the Holy Spirit to prophesy
that Jesus’ death would be for the good of the Jewish nation. Without
realizing it, Caiaphas was delivering incredible, extraordinary, great news to
all the nations!
Since the beginning of time, Father, you knew you would send your Son
to save all of mankind. Since the beginning of time, You, Lord Jesus, the
Son of God, knew You would come into this world. You came with such
compassion and mercy that You willingly went to the cross. Lord Jesus,
You sent many prophets before You to declare Your coming, yet Caiaphas,
having the true Messiah in his midst, did not see You and instead thought
he could destroy You.
I give praise to You, God, for nothing can defeat You. Mankind is at Your
mercy, and it is mercy that You have given us through the death and
resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.
MY RESPONSE
24
DAY 22
John 12:31-32
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will
be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to
myself.”
LIFTED UP TO DIE
Patrick Speidel
During the Lenten season, we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
How discouraging it must have been for the disciples to see their leader,
friend, and Savior stretched out on that wooden beam. This passage in
Matthew’s gospel was not the only time Jesus alluded to His sacrifice. But
His blood wasn’t merely spilled as a sacrifice; it was also a great invitation—
the culmination of God’s mission to reconcile the world to Himself.
The crucifixion was the fulfillment of prophecy, an earth-shaking historical
event, and a calling for all those who believe to be welcomed as brothers
and sisters of Christ. Not in-laws, not half-siblings, not friends, but blood
relatives. As believers, we are co-heirs to the throne! Jesus’ ultimate
sacrifice on Calvary was a mighty declaration of the family fortune: eternal
salvation.
And if that wasn’t enough, in the same instant, Jesus put sin and Satan
in their rightful places under the foot of God. As Jesus breathed His last,
the war was won. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no
more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)
Every day we get to encounter our champion, our Savior, Jesus. And for all
eternity we will enjoy the riches of Heaven. Even when we struggle with our
sin, He sees us as perfect and unblemished, as white as snow. He loves us
still, without judgment, and beyond comprehension. Praise God.
MY RESPONSE
25
DAY 23
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread
will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
BREAD OF LIFE
Rick Knox
Freshly baked bread is one of my favorite foods. But while bread might
keep me alive from day to day, it always has to be replenished. Jesus used
this well-known reality to highlight a spiritual truth to those who followed
Him.
He had recently turned a few loaves of bread into a meal for well over
5,000 people. The next day, however, they were hungry again. Some of
them tracked him down to the synagogue in Capernaum. It hadn’t dawned
on them yet that He had done something only God could do. When they
began comparing His miracle to how Moses had provided manna to the
Israelites in the desert, Jesus reminded them that Moses hadn’t provided
the bread from heaven; God did.
Then Jesus said, “I am the living bread that has come down from heaven.”
He claimed to be uniquely sent by God to offer never-ending life to those
who would make Him their daily sustenance through faith. Jesus Himself,
not more bread, was what they really needed. And He could satisfy their
needs forever! He would willingly give His flesh for the life of the world so
that all who came to Him and believed in Him would never die.
This is true of us as well. Just as we need more food each day to keep us
healthy and growing, so too we need a daily infusion of Jesus, the Bread of
Life, to remain spiritually vital and growing.
MY RESPONSE
26
DAY 24
John 15:9-10
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If
you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my
Father’s commands and in in his love.”
LOVING OBEDIENCE LEADS TO JOY
Bethany Geschke
My friend’s two-year-old son, MJ, is lying on the floor screaming. He’s not
hurt or anything; he just slipped my hair tie loosely over his wrist and can’t
figure out how to get it off. “Come here,” I tell him, “Let me take it off.” But
MJ just buries his face in the floor and cries louder.
I love MJ. He isn’t even my son, yet I still want the absolute best for him.
The things I ask him to do are for his own good, to keep him safe and
direct him towards things that he will enjoy. But right now, he doesn’t want
to obey me. He wants to scream. MJ is not going to come to me—this is
clear now—so I get down on the floor next to him and save him from the
dreaded hair tie. He stops crying and returns to life in my love, all smiles.
Jesus loves us so much more than we even love our children. He has
given us commands, but they aren’t meant to be a burden. He wants the
absolute best for us. They are meant to keep us safe and full of joy—living
in His love for us. Yet how often do we respond just like little toddlers who
don’t want to listen? We kick and scream and cut ourselves off from life in
Jesus’ love. Thankfully, Jesus loved us enough that He came to us despite
our disobedience, to save us from ourselves.
MY RESPONSE
27
DAY 25
John 17:4-5
“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you
before the world began.”
THE CHOICE TO HONOR GOD
Kim Evans
I don’t know about you, but it seems that my prayers center more on me,
about my needs, requests, and wants. “Jesus, please keep my family
safe, bless them, provide for them, protect them.” Or “please give me the
wisdom that I need for this particular situation,” or “help me to play great
tennis today and win my match!”
But in this passage, part of His longest recorded prayer, Jesus was not
self-centered, but rather emphasized the supreme place of the Father.
Everything that Jesus did, thought, and prayed for was oriented toward
giving God the Father glory on earth. He was singularly determined,
focused on completing the work of His Father. That was Jesus’ mission, to
fulfill God’s plan for Him during His time on earth.
Jesus then asked something very specific. He requested that He would
return to His previous glory: “Father, glorify me in your presence….”
Because of His humiliation on the cross, Jesus asked that He would be
exalted to sit in honor at God’s right hand. Jesus is not only God incarnate,
but He is also God’s son, and is sitting at God’s right hand today. He
chose to honor God the Father in this prayer, and submitted himself to Him.
Jesus knew that He would return to His Father’s right hand, yet asked for it
anyway for the benefit of His disciples. Even in that moment, knowing His
time on earth was short, Jesus honored the authority of God his Father.
MY RESPONSE
28
DAY 26
John 17:11
“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am
coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the
name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
JESUS’ PRAYER FOR YOU
Jan Carlson
As you read this verse, try to picture Jesus. He knows that soon He will
“no longer be in the world” but back in Heaven with the Father. Here Jesus
calls on His Heavenly Father to keep them, His followers, by His power and
for His glory. Jesus doesn’t ask God to make His apostles great in the eyes
of man, or rich in wealth and possessions.
Jesus prays that God would protect them by the power of His name so
that they may be one as He and the Father are one. One in purpose and
direction, free from the enemy’s traps and snares, so they may go out
in the power of Jesus’ name into all the world. It is through the apostles,
who were set apart by Christ, that you and I have heard the message of
salvation. We are not called to a life like the enemy plans; we are called to
glorify the Lord and to be one with Him.
As believers, we too are set apart to go OUT into the world to share the
Good News of Jesus Christ. Just as the disciples were set apart and
sent out, so are we. Be encouraged today to share your story of God’s
redeeming love and salvation with anyone you know who does not know
Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Go out in the power of Jesus name.
MY RESPONSE
29
DAY 27
Matthew 26:1-2
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As
you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be
handed over to be crucified.”
GOD’S PERFECT TIMING
Scott Dever
After Jesus had gone into great detail about the signs of His second
coming, He told His disciples a fourth time that He would soon suffer and
die. The disciples were starting to finally understand what that might mean.
In just two days, God’s people would celebrate the Passover. This was
the time that God had appointed for Jesus to die because that celebration
pointed to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John
1:29)
Attempts had been made to kill Jesus ever since his birth. But only God
could choose the right time. As always, His timing was perfect. All the Old
Testament references to the sacrificing of animals pointed to the ultimate
and final sacrifice—Jesus.
Consider the account of Abraham, ready to sacrifice his only son. “The
fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt
offering?”
Abraham answered in faith, “God Himself will provide the Lamb, my son.”
God did! As always, His timing was perfect. A minute earlier and Abraham’s
faith would not have been fully tested. A minute later and Isaac, the father
of Israel, would have been killed.
Have you ever experienced the miracle of God’s perfect timing? Can
you think of an instance when you thought there was no hope, and God
showed His love and power just in time? Without Jesus, there is no hope.
But He became the perfect sacrifice, given at the perfect time—for you.
MY RESPONSE
30
DAY 28
Matthew 26:12-13
“When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what
she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
A GIFT TO REMEMBER
Kim Evans
Has anyone done something to you, or for you, that was so thoughtful, so
compassionate, so selfless, so purely beautiful that the memory lasted for
decades? You could feel the love in it—love that is pure and costly. The
“woman” in this passage is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, and she
was showing her deep devotion to, and love for Jesus.
Mary anointed Jesus’ head; she literally broke open a flask of expensive
perfume made from aromatic oil and poured it on His head. What a bold
gesture! The disciples who witnessed this act were “indignant” over her
extravagance. But Jesus responded, “She has done a beautiful thing to
me.”
He understood. He felt the love and devotion in her actions. Jesus was
so profoundly touched by her gift that He promised that she would be
remembered and talked about “throughout the world” whenever the gospel
story was told.
I don’t know if Mary understood that she was preparing Christ for His burial,
but Jesus did. He knew His time on earth was coming to an end. Jesus
was deeply impacted by Mary’s daring and loving action. Do we give Jesus
the devotion that He deserves? Consider doing something bold for Jesus
today in loving devotion to who He is.
MY RESPONSE
31
DAY 29
Matthew 26:14-15
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief
priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to
you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.
BETRAYED
Josh Blick
Traitor! Any time an organization or an individual discovers a traitor is
among them, there is pain, anger, and inevitable damage to the work that
has been done. Here we see perhaps one of the darkest moments in
history, when Jesus is betrayed by one of His own followers.
The twelve were Christ’s chosen friends. They were His constant followers
who had access to the most intimate conversations. They were the ones
He made His associates, qualified and sent to preach the Gospel. They all
had reason to love Him and be true to Him, yet one of them betrayed Him.
But why?
Judas, like most of us, had his struggles. But Judas was zealous for his
faith and his people. He passionately embraced the promise of God’s
kingdom that Jesus talked so often about. But somewhere along the line,
he realized that Jesus’ kingdom and the one of which he dreamed were
not the same. It wasn’t his hate for Jesus that drove him to ask, “What will
you give me?” It was his love for something else that made him the traitor.
Are we that different? Maybe, but maybe not. What are we willingly or
unknowingly trading every day for Jesus? What do we love and seek
more than Him? The answers to those questions could be self-indicting.
Nevertheless, Jesus chose, and still chooses, to show love and grace for
all mankind.
MY RESPONSE
32
DAY 30
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying,
“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU
Robbyn Blick
Have you ever gathered at the table with family or friends and recalled the
years of your friendship? “Remember that one time” or reciting the words
to hilarious conversations that take you right back to that time and place?
Memories keep us connected to people, places, and events that have
influenced and shaped our lives. Memories are a treasure from the past
that we carry through our present and future. But not all memories hold
laughter and joy. Some memories are from years of heartache when we
found ourselves desperate and broken. We may wish we could forget
those unpleasantries and only remember the good ol’ days, but often life’s
greatest lessons are learned through adversity.
Jesus sat with His closest friends and served more than bread at this table.
He had prepared more than a meal—a moment to remember. To remember
His life that was lived and broken for us. To remember His suffering and
sacrifice, yes, but also His resurrection and power over sin and death.
We see an exchange of thoughts and feelings at the table and Jesus brings
us to an intimate moment together. He breaks bread to symbolize His
body being broken for us. He reveals God’s plan for reconciliation with all
mankind and asks us to remember. Remember my sacrifice, my love for
you. This is my body, given for you.
MY RESPONSE
33
DAY 31
Luke 22:20
In the same way, after the supper, He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the
new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
THE NEW COVENANT
Lorrie Witt
One of my favorite moments of a family dinner is the sitting around the
table at the end of the meal. You’re basking in the glow of good food
and the company of people you care about. There’s probably infectious
laughter, talk of past-shared experiences, and lots of catching up.
You can feel the love around that table.
Picture the table at the Last Supper. Jesus was imparting His last
impressions on those He had ministered with for the past three years. This
meal was the final sharing of a fellowship that began with a calling, was
strengthened in service together, empowered with miracles, and now
sealed with a promise. Only the future banquet in heaven would unite Him
with these special friends again.
He took the cup, gave thanks for it, and told His beloved disciples about
the new covenant He was making with them. An unbreakable promise,
made with the perfect blood atonement. He was willingly offering himself
to be the unblemished Passover Lamb, the complete fulfillment of a blood
sacrifice for humankind.
That is a table full of love.
MY RESPONSE
34
DAY 32
Mark 14:29-30
Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster
crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”
THE BEST INTENTIONS
Alex Hartmann
Isn’t this just like all of us? Peter is full of good intentions, promising to
remain at Jesus’ side even if all others fall away. In his humanness, Peter
fails to keep his word and denies Jesus three times—just as Jesus predicts.
Although Peter has the best intentions, backing up his promise proves
difficult.
The fact that you picked up this devotional today says that you have good
intentions, too. You want to pursue and follow Jesus. However, for many of
us, that’s where we stop. We come up with a new plan or a fresh approach
to our relationship with Jesus thinking, “Now every thing’s going to be
great!” Then we continue living just the same as we did yesterday. We
may be full of good intentions, but often have the hardest time keeping our
word.
Jesus, wasn’t just full of good intentions—His words were backed
by action. He lived intentionally. He sought out the hurting, initiated
conversation with outcasts, and spent time with those who didn’t belong.
His love wasn’t just theoretical. Likewise, Jesus’ love for the Father was
shaped by intentional effort to spend time in prayer, seeking His heart—
often for hours on end.
What if we acted out our love for God and our neighbor just like Jesus did?
Imagine what our lives would look like if we started living with intentionality.
Today, let your commitment to Jesus and His mission be backed by action.
Choose to love Him, choose to love others, and do it now.
MY RESPONSE
35
DAY 33
Luke 22:41-42
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be
done.”
SURRENDER TO THE FATHER’S WILL
Chris Bos
From this short passage, we see the humanity of Jesus along with the
divinity of Jesus.
In His humanity, he asks, “If you are willing, take this cup from me.” He
knew what He was about to endure, and He asked if there was any
possible way to remove that burden. Nevertheless, in His divinity, Jesus
clearly knew His purpose: to do the will of His Father. (John 4:34, John
6:38)
Jesus knew that regardless of what lay before him, God’s will and God’s
ways always surpass anything we can comprehend. No matter what we
may be asking for, whatever God is asking of us is always superior.
Today we need to pause and ask ourselves if we are okay with giving up
our desires for what God asks of us. Ultimately, it means submitting our will
to His will, just as Jesus did.
May our prayers today echo the words of Jesus: “not my will, but yours
be done.” At home, at work, at school, in the car, at the store; in my
community, my marriage, my family, and my relationships; let your will be
done, God.
And then as we head out into the world, may our hearts sing with joy the
words of the Psalmist, “I take joy in doing your will, my God.” (Psalm 40:8)
MY RESPONSE
36
DAY 34
John 18:12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and
bound him….
BOUND TO DIE
Paul Lanci
In Genesis 22, we have the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. God
commanded Abraham to “…go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him
[Isaac] there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” “When they
reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there
and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the
altar….” (Genesis 22:2,9)
The same God who gave the command to bind Isaac as a sacrifice,
commanded His own Son, Jesus, to be bound.
God rescued Isaac with a sacrificial ram. Abraham trusted God to do this—
in Genesis 22:8 he said, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt
offering.”
Jesus, also trusting in God, His Father, allowed Himself to be bound,
knowing God’s larger plan and purpose. As we comprehend the
magnitude of Jesus allowing Himself to be bound, consider the fact that,
as God in the flesh, He could have ripped off His ropes and stormed out of
the garden. He allowed Himself to be bound so that, through the sacrifice
(which was required for sin) we—all of mankind—could be declared “not
guilty” once and for all. (Hebrews 10:8‑10)
Thank you Jesus, for giving your earthly life for us so that we can be
declared “not guilty” before our Heavenly Father.
MY RESPONSE
37
DAY 35
Mark 14:55
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against
Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.
HIGH LEVEL INJUSTICE
Jana Dudley
Pure. Righteous. Faultless. These are just a few of the many wonderful
characteristics of Jesus and the manner in which He lived His life. Yet the
priests and the entire High Council were trying to find evidence against
Him so they could put Him to death! What a daunting challenge for
these high-ranking officials. This job would certainly involve lying, since
they had nothing factual with which to accuse Jesus. How ironic that
these murderous “keepers of the law” were clearly disobeying one of the
commands from Moses: “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.”
Jesus was repeatedly lied about; the very men who needed Him the most
would conspire to kill Him, their lies following Him to the grave. Still, He
only did good in this world, giving up His life to purchase salvation for those
who were full of sin. Jesus endured a great deal more than any of us will
ever face. It seems increasingly obvious that we, his followers, should not
expect better treatment from this world than He received.
Lord, help us to remember that Jesus willingly went to the cross to endure
excruciating suffering on our behalf. He stood trial in our place, falsely
accused, yet composed and peaceful. May we all emulate His character in
our daily living, especially when we are lied about and slandered. Help us to
react with Christ-likeness.
MY RESPONSE
38
DAY 36
Luke 22:60-62
Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was
speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.
Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the
rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside &
wept bitterly.
PETER’S DEFINING MOMENT
Terry Kaul
“Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter.” How ashamed Peter must
have felt when he saw the wounded look in his friend’s eyes. Peter denied
Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. Jesus was accused of being a
criminal. How could Peter, who had been so certain of his spiritual strength
and loyalty, deny his friend like that? Overwhelmed with his guilt and shame,
Peter “went outside and wept bitterly.”
This painful incident became a defining moment in Peter’s life. Satan
probably wanted Peter to believe he was a poor excuse for a disciple.
Peter could have gone back home, married a nice local girl, and lived a
quiet life as a fisherman. But Jesus did not allow him to believe the lies of
Satan. Instead, Jesus offered Peter mercy.
In John 21:15-17, the resurrected Christ asked Peter if he loved Him, not
once, not twice, but three times:
“Do you love me Peter?”
“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
“Then feed my sheep.”
Through the power of the resurrection, Peter was forgiven. Their
relationship was restored. And by the grace of God, Peter went on to lead
the early church, preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus wherever
he went. When you experience a moment of brokenness, listen for Jesus’
voice. “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Accept his merciful gift of
forgiveness. Then ask Him how He wants to use you. Through His grace
you will become a powerful disciple of Jesus.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 37
Matthew 26:53-54
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal
more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be
fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
JESUS COULD HAVE CALLED ANGELS
Dawn Zeller
All is quiet. It’s late at night, and you can imagine the moon is high in the
sky. Jesus has been praying, crying out to Abba Father, asking if the cup
could pass him. Yet while praying Jesus submits to the Father’s will. Then
suddenly, there is noise and confusion all around. What’s happening?
There in the distance, soldiers are coming closer, and someone He loves
identifies Him to the guards. They grab Him, and people around him either
flee or want to fight. Things are getting out of control—but wait! What’s
this?
He is not afraid. He is in control of the mob. He calmly tells the soldiers to
let His friends go—and they do. His disciples scatter immediately.
What love, what compassion, what mercy—to be betrayed by someone
you love, to know your path is leading you to the torture of the Cross. You
could call on the powers from Heaven to help, angels would swoop down
and take you away, you could save yourself. Yet what does Jesus do? This
is His chance to flee, but Jesus does not cry for help, He does not fight.
Jesus does the amazing—He remains. He calms the crowd. Moments
before, in prayer, He cried out to the Father. Now Jesus is standing in His
love for the Father, His love for the world. He heals a soldier’s ear that was
cut off, and is willingly led away, knowing He is going to the cross. What
amazing love!
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 38
Luke 23:13-14
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said
to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to
rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for
your charges against him.”
FAULTLESS BEFORE PILATE
Melissa Poisl
What if Jesus’ life and death took place today? Can you imagine Jesus
walking the streets of Chicago, healing the diseased and disabled?
Picture the crowds of people gathered around this seemingly plain man
who spoke with such passion and conviction—his presence so magnetic
that the crowds of people were coming from miles away. Think of his
inconveniencing the everyday lives of so many—traffic stalled, businesses
closed, life on pause—just to hear the words of this man who offered
radical hope and love to all.
Jesus was, after all, radical and controversial, turning all previous religious
notions upside down. He was charged with inciting the people to rebellion.
However, He wasn’t a threat to anyone except the Pharisees, who had
taken and twisted religion to benefit themselves.
Jesus was truly innocent, and it was His radical love for each of us that
propelled Him towards the cross. Without fault, He chose to take on every
single sin we will ever commit and sacrifice Himself on our behalf. He
would have been absolutely justified to walk away right then and there, as
He was declared innocent by Pilate and King Herod—yet He remained out
of His deep love for each one of us.
Let’s not take for granted the love of Jesus and how accessible He has
made himself to us through His sacrifice on the cross.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 39
Mark 15:19-20
Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him.
Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked
him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they
led him out to crucify him.
CRUCIFIED FOR YOU
TJ Poisl
There lies the King of kings, not with a golden crown, but with a crown of
thorns. Covered in blood from the beating taken from an entire company of
soldiers. Hit after hit. Blow after blow. Being tortured. Being spit on. Being
mocked. But there He lies, and quiet He remains. And for what? For you!
At any moment He could have saved Himself from the torture, but He
chose to die to save you. It was a gift freely given, not because it’s
something that you have earned, but because of how much He loves you.
So why is it so hard to accept the love He is so determined to offer?
He counted up the cost, and you are worth it. You are worth the pain. You
are worth the slander. You are worth the tears. You are worth the blood.
You are worth the sacrifice. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what
you’ve done, or who you think you are. You are worth it to Him.
MY RESPONSE
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DAY 40
John 19:17
Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in
Aramaic is called Golgotha).
CARRYING THE CROSS
Skye Ziemke
I really wrestled with God over this devotion. I longed to understand what
He most wanted us to know. Here is where I landed: there is power within
the words “carrying His own cross.”
In the verses preceding, we learn what has been done to Jesus—what was
allowed to happen—charges, betrayals, an arrest, calls for crucifixion, and
a flogging meant to appease a bloodthirsty mob. In my mind, the gospels
become almost loud as they outline these hours. Hammering, punishing,
crowds clamoring for more. This cacophony was the frenzied sound of evil,
gearing up, to make a final grab for triumph.
Yet, this verse seems more quiet, more sure. Jesus carrying to Golgotha
the weight of the cross, of our sin, and the weight of our salvation. His
executioners hadn’t come for Him. He went because He had come for us.
This moment was not happening to Jesus, or against the will of God. Jesus
was carrying that cross to Golgotha to fulfill the will of God. Jesus was the
perfect lamb, but not as meek as one.
And I think we were meant to understand, this verse is not about the
impending, weakest moment of Christ. This is a verse about the most
powerful force of sin-breaking, courageous love the world would ever see.
MY RESPONSE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A large team of volunteers and staff created this booklet. Alpine Chapel is
very grateful to the following for their contributions:
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Rick Knox
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Dawn Zeller
CONTENT EDITORS
Rick Knox, Meg McCabe
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Josh Blick, Terry Kaul
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Erin McGinn, Kim Clements
WRITERS
Josh Blick
Beth Knox
Robbyn Blick
Rick Knox
Chris Bos
Paul Lanci
Keaton Buster
Alexia Mudd (13)
Jan Carlson
Heidi Nichols
Charley Dever
Melissa Poisl
Nichole Dever
TJ Poisl
Scott Dever
Donna Riemer
Teresa Dever
Kerry Riemer
Jana Dudley
Patrick Speidel
Kim Evans
Laurie Thomas
Bethany Geschke
Lorrie Witt
Alex Gowler
Dawn Zeller
Alex Hartmann
Skye Ziemke
Terry Kaul
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