Daily DevotionalS

As we prepare for the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this week, we invite you to join us Monday-Thursday morning at 8:00am for a time of Worship, Teaching, and Prayer.

Follow along with us by selecting the weekday below:

The Triumphal Entry and Cleansing of the Temple:

Scripture Reading - Matthew 21:1-17

As we begin our journey through Passion Week, let us focus on two significant events: Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the Temple.
In Matthew 21:1-11, we witness Jesus entering Jerusalem as a King, riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowds welcomed Him with shouts of "Hosanna!" and spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road before Him. They recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David. This event reminds us that Jesus is indeed the King of kings and Lord of lords, deserving of our praise and adoration.
Following His triumphal entry, Jesus entered the Temple and drove out the money changers and those selling doves (Matthew 21:12-13). He declared, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers" (v. 13). In this act, Jesus demonstrated His authority and zeal for the holiness of God's house. He restored the Temple to its intended purpose: a place of prayer, worship, and reverence for God.
Think about the importance of worship and reverence in our own lives. Are we genuinely worshipping God with our hearts, or are we merely going through the motions? Do we approach God with the reverence and awe He deserves?
Just as Jesus cleansed the physical Temple, He desires to cleanse the temple of our hearts. Let us invite Him to remove anything that hinders our worship or distracts us from fully surrendering to Him. May our lives be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).
As we begin this Holy Week, let us commit ourselves to worship the Lord in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Let us celebrate Jesus as our King and allow Him to reign supreme in every aspect of our lives. And may we, like the Temple, be a house of prayer, dedicated to seeking God's presence and bringing glory to His name.

1. We reflected on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the Temple. These events demonstrate Jesus' authority as the Messiah and His zeal for the holiness of God's house. As we consider the significance of these events, we are reminded of the importance of worshipping God with pure hearts and reverent spirits. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is genuine and pleasing to God, rather than merely going through the motions?
2. We learned that Jesus desires to cleanse the temple of our hearts, removing anything that hinders our worship or distracts us from fully surrendering to Him. This act of cleansing requires us to examine our lives and invite Jesus to transform us from within. What are some things in our lives that might be hindering our worship or distracting us from fully surrendering to God, and how can we invite Jesus to cleanse us of these things?

The Authority of Jesus and His Teachings:

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:23-46

As we continue our journey through Passion Week, let us focus on the events that took place on Tuesday, where Jesus taught in the Temple and taught parables that revealed His heavenly authority and the importance of obeying His teachings.
In Matthew 21:23-27, the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus' authority as He taught in the Temple. Jesus responded with a question of His own, highlighting their unwillingness to acknowledge the source of His authority. This encounter demonstrates that Jesus' teachings and actions were not based on human authority but on the authority of God Himself.
Jesus then proceeded to share two parables: the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) and the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46). In the first parable, Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience over mere lip service. It is not enough to say we will follow God; we must actually do His will. In the second parable, Jesus warned of the consequences of rejecting Him and His authority. The tenants in the parable represented the religious leaders who rejected Jesus, and the vineyard represented Israel. Jesus made it clear that those who reject Him will face judgment.
Do we merely give lip service to following Him, or do we actively seek to do His will in our lives? Do we submit to His authority, or do we try to assert our own? Jesus' teachings are not mere suggestions; they are commands from the Son of God. As His disciples, we are called to obey Him and follow His example. This obedience requires humility, submission, and a willingness to put His desires above our own.
May we approach Jesus' teachings with reverence and a commitment to obedience. Let us pray for the strength and wisdom to follow Him faithfully, knowing that His ways lead to life and peace. And may we never forget the authority that Jesus possesses as the Son of God, the cornerstone upon which our faith is built (Matthew 21:42).

1. Jesus taught in the Temple and shared the Parables of the Two Sons and the Tenants. These parables highlight the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of rejecting Jesus' authority. As followers of Christ, we are called to follow His teachings and submit to His lordship. How can we discern the difference between genuine obedience to God and mere lip service, and what steps can we take to ensure that our obedience is authentic?
2. Jesus' teachings are not optional suggestions but commands from the Son of God. Obeying these commands requires humility, submission, and a willingness to prioritize God's desires above our own. This can be challenging, especially when obedience requires sacrifice or goes against our natural inclinations. What are some specific areas in our lives where we struggle to obey Jesus' teachings, and how can we rely on God's strength and wisdom to overcome these challenges and follow Him faithfully?

The Olivet Discourse and Judas' Betrayal:

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:1-44, 25:1-13, 26:14-16

Jesus delivered the Olivet Discourse, a powerful teaching about the end times and the importance of remaining faithful and prepared for His return. He also shared the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which emphasizes the need for readiness and perseverance in our spiritual lives. Tragically, this day also marks Judas' agreement to betray Jesus.
In Matthew 24:1-44, Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the end times. He warns them of the signs that will precede His second coming, such as false prophets, wars, famines, and persecution. Jesus emphasizes the need for His followers to remain vigilant and prepared, as the exact timing of His return is unknown. He urges us to be like faithful servants, always ready for our Master's return.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) further illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness. In this parable, five wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps, while five foolish virgins did not. When the bridegroom arrived unexpectedly, only the wise virgins were prepared to enter the wedding feast. This parable teaches us that we must maintain our spiritual oil – our faith, devotion, and relationship with God – to be ready for Christ's return.
Sadly, while Jesus was teaching about faithfulness, Judas was plotting to betray Him (Matthew 26:14-16). Judas, one of the twelve disciples, agreed to hand Jesus over to the religious leaders for thirty pieces of silver. His actions serve as a sobering reminder that even those closest to Jesus can fall away if they allow sin and selfishness to take root in their hearts. Are we prepared for Christ's return? Are we maintaining our spiritual oil through prayer, Bible study, and obedience to God's Word? Are we guarding against the temptation to betray Jesus through our thoughts, words, or actions?
May we be like the wise virgins, always ready and eagerly awaiting our Savior's return. Let us hold fast to our faith, even in the face of trials and persecution. And may we pray for the strength to remain faithful to Jesus, resisting the temptation to compromise our devotion to Him.

1. The Olivet Discourse and the Parable of the Ten Virgins emphasize the importance of remaining faithful and prepared for Christ's return. We also learned of Judas' tragic decision to betray Jesus, which serves as a warning against allowing sin and selfishness to take root in our hearts. What practical steps can we take to maintain our "spiritual oil" and ensure that we are always prepared for Christ's return?
2. We saw how even those closest to Jesus, like Judas, can fall away if they succumb to temptation and compromise their devotion to Him. This highlights the need for constant vigilance and reliance on God's strength to resist the allure of sin. How can we guard our hearts against the temptation to betray Jesus through our thoughts, words, or actions, and what role does our community of faith play in helping us remain accountable and faithful?

The Last Supper and Jesus' Arrest:

Scripture Reading: John 13:1-17, Matthew 26:17-30, 36-56

As He gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated the depths of His love and humility through His actions and words. Later that evening, He would face the agony of the Garden of Gethsemane and the betrayal that led to His arrest.
In John 13:1-17, we see Jesus washing His disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for the servants. By performing this humble act, Jesus set an example of servanthood and taught His disciples that true greatness lies in serving others. As His followers, we are called to emulate this same spirit of humility and service, putting the needs of others before our own.
During the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30), Jesus instituted the practice of Communion, which Christians observe to this day. As He broke the bread and shared the cup, Jesus spoke of His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins. This powerful symbol reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the new covenant He established through His death and resurrection.
After the meal, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray (Matthew 26:36-46). There, He wrestled with the weight of what lay ahead, asking the Father if there was any other way. Yet, in the end, Jesus submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating His perfect obedience and trust in God's plan. His example teaches us to seek God's will above our own and to trust in His purposes, even in the face of suffering and uncertainty.
Tragically, it was in the Garden that Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested (Matthew 26:47-56). Despite the injustice and brutality He faced, Jesus remained steadfast, knowing that His sacrifice was necessary for the salvation of humanity.
Let us consider how we can follow Jesus' example of servanthood, humility, and obedience. May we cherish the gift of Communion, remembering the price Jesus paid for our redemption. And when we face trials and hardships, let us pray for the strength to submit to God's will, trusting that His plans are always good and perfect.

1. We focused on the events of Thursday during Passion Week, including Jesus washing His disciples' feet, the institution of Communion at the Last Supper, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His subsequent arrest. These events highlight Jesus' perfect example of servanthood, humility, and obedience to the Father's will. As His followers, we are called to emulate these qualities in our own lives. In what practical ways can we demonstrate servanthood and humility in our daily lives, and how can we encourage one another to follow Jesus' example in these areas?

2. We learned about the significance of Communion, a sacred practice that reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the new covenant He established through His death and resurrection. Regularly partaking in Communion helps us to keep our focus on Christ and the price He paid for our salvation. How can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the gift of Communion, and what steps can we take to ensure that this practice remains a meaningful and transformative part of our spiritual lives?