Daily Devo | Oh, Brother! When Family Doesn't Understand (New Testament in a Year, John 7:1-31)

Daily Devo | Being Right for All the Wrong Reasons (New Testament in a Year, John 11:45-57)

After the raising of Lazarus, many people choose to trust in Jesus but others choose to report him to religious leaders. Those leaders are greatly concerned about Jesus' growing influence and fear that Rome will punish them all for the chaos surrounding Jesus. The high priest Caiaphas ends the conversation by revealing that God has told him that it would be better for "one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed." He is right, but for all the wrong reasons. We are always in danger when we attempt to justify worldly plans with "godly" reasons. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - How can fear of losing control keep people from recognizing the truth? - What deeper meaning do you see in Caiaphas' words? What does he understand correctly? What does he misunderstand? - Are there areas where self-interest or fear make it difficult for you to trust God fully? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your willingness to be the one who should die so we might not face destruction. Help me trust your plans rather than my own schemes.

Daily Devo | Honest to God? (New Testament in a Year, John 11:17-44)

By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha and Mary are both grieving deeply, struggling to understand why Jesus did not come sooner. Jesus comforts Martha by declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life,” calling her to trust in him. As Jesus sees the grief of those around him, he is deeply moved and weeps alongside them, revealing both his compassion and his power. Mary and Martha both express their honest frustration, pain, as well as their continuing faith in Jesus. Their honesty demonstrates how deep questions and grief can be an expression of sincere and God-honoring faith. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - What stands out to you about Jesus’ interaction with Martha and Mary? - Why do you imagine that Jesus wept even though he knew Lazarus would rise again? - What might have been gained or lost if Jesus had not delayed for two extra days? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your compassion and power — help me trust you for "resurrection and life" even in times of grief and sorrow.

Daily Devo | When God's Answer is "No" or "Not Yet" (New Testament in a Year, John 11:1-16)

When Lazarus becomes seriously ill, his sisters Mary and Martha send word to Jesus. Instead of responding with urgency, Jesus intentionally delays for two more days! Why? Even more perplexing, after waiting two extra days, Jesus informs his disciples that he is glad he was not there, because what is about to happen will strengthen their faith. Despite their fear of going back to Judea where people recently wanted to kill Jesus, the disciples join Jesus, though with some hesitancy. Where can we find strength and encouragement when God's timing does not make sense to us? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - Why do you think Jesus delayed going to Lazarus instead of responding immediately? - How might you feel about that delay if you were Mary or Martha? - What would it look like for you to trust Jesus more fully when God's timing does not make sense to you? What and who are the people, places, and practices that could help strengthen you in such times? - Prayer: Jesus, help me trust your timing and purposes, even when I do not understand what you are doing.

Daily Devo | My Sheep Listen to My Voice (New Testament in a Year, John 10:22-42)

In response to his accusers, Jesus describes his followers as those who hear his voice and follow him. He then adds the powerful declaration, “The Father and I are one,” leading many to (rightfully) accuse him of claiming to be God. Jesus asks them to carefully consider his teaching and his works before rejecting his divine claims, which some do as they turn to Jesus in faith. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - What does it mean to truly hear and follow the voice of Jesus? - Why do you think some people rejected Jesus despite seeing his works? - How does Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch his sheep from his hand encourage you? - What does this passage teach about Jesus’ relationship with the Father? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling me your own. Help me hear your voice clearly and follow you faithfully.

Daily Devo | I Chose This (Holiday Replay, John 10:11-18)

In this holiday replay from February 28, 2025, we hear Jesus declare that he is the good shepherd. Unlike hired hands who may run when danger arrives, Jesus is ready to lay down his life for the sheep, for us. No one compels him; Jesus chose this! As we follow Jesus's example, it is important that we also take care of ourselves. "Self-care" is a constant refrain today but self-care must have the goal of sustaining us in the work of laying down our lives for those in our care, or else we risk becoming the hired hands that Jesus warns against. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - What does it mean to you to know that Jesus willingly chooses to lay down his life for you? How might Jesus' choice affect how you see God, others, and yourself? - In order to lay down our lives over a lifetime (rather than just for an instant), there is a need to take care of ourselves. How do you find that balance between sacrifice and self-care? What might you need to do or change to live more lovingly and sustainably? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being the good shepherd who lays your life down for us. Thank you for choosing us!