Daily Devo | "My Lord and My God!" (Flashback Friday, John 20:24-31)

Daily Devo | "My Lord and My God!" (Flashback Friday, John 20:24-31)

Today is the first of a summer of "Flashback Fridays" in which we return to a previous devotional. In this flashback to May 1, 2025, we see how John's Gospel reaches its climax. Jesus appears to Thomas, a disciple who refuses to believe until he can see Jesus for himself. When he does, he believes Jesus and acknowledges him as "My Lord and my God!" We may not see Jesus in the flesh, but we have the opportunity to see Jesus through one another, the very body of Christ. Who has shown you a glimpse of Jesus? 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: These signs are recorded to strengthen our faith and lead to a Thomas-like moment when we too can believe Jesus and follow him as Lord. - Where have you seen glimpses of Jesus? How did Jesus make himself known to you in a way that led to your confession of faith? - Who has God given you to love? How might Jesus be inviting you to love others in the way that he has loved you? Who might you invite into community to see the love of Jesus displayed?

Daily Devo | "Tetelestai!" — It is Finished! (New Testament in a Year, John 19:23-42)

As Jesus hangs on the cross, Roman soldiers divide his clothing, fulfilling centuries-old Scripture without realizing it. Nearby, Jesus sees his mother and the beloved disciple and lovingly entrusts them to one another's care. Knowing that his mission is complete, Jesus announces, “It is finished” — the very word that was often written on completed transactions. Jesus had truly finished the work the Father had given to him, paying our debt in full. 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 do you think Jesus meant in saying, “It is finished”? What does that reality mean to you? - Notice Jesus' care for others while on the cross. What feelings, thoughts, or insights does it create in you? - What do you make of the Roman soldiers unknowingly playing a part in a drama scripted by God long before? (cf. Psalm 22:18) - In what practical ways can you live in response to the completed work of Christ? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for paying my debt in full. Fill me with the gratitude to live and love freely and courageously!

Daily Devo | Behold Your King! (New Testament in a Year, John 19:1-22)

After questioning Jesus, Pilate has him flogged, and the soldiers mock him as a false king by dressing him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus suffers without protest. Though Pilate insists he can find no guilt in Jesus, he eventually relents and agrees to have Jesus crucified. In contrast, Jesus refuses to seek an escape from his awesome responsibility. Throughout the entire political circus, Jesus is the only one who acts in a way that deserves authority and honor. 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' response to suffering and humiliation? - Why do you imagine Pilate struggled to do what he knew was right? - What does this passage reveal about the nature of Jesus' kingship? - Have you ever faced pressure to compromise your convictions? How did you respond? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your royal spirit of courageous love, service, and sacrifice.

Daily Devo | Truth? What is Truth? (New Testament in a Year, John 18:25-40)

Why ask a question if you have no interest in the truth? Pilate, the Roman governor, does exactly that -- he asks Jesus a series of questions but ultimately dismisses any idea of truth at all. He tosses the responsibility of deciding what to do with Jesus to the crowds, but they are just as disinterested in the truth as Pilate. Everyone, it seems, wants whatever will serve themselves the best, regardless of whether it is right or true. In the midst of this continuing trial, Jesus remains full of grace and truth, something the world desperately needs but cannot recognize. 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 might you describe Pilate's relationship with truth? - How might people today be tempted to define truth according to their own preferences rather than what is actually real? Where might you be tempted to make a similar compromise? - How might curiosity and humility help you navigate a world with a strained relationship with truth, and with Jesus? - One-Line Prayer: Jesus, help me listen to your voice and live faithfully under your authority.

Daily Devo | The Cup of Suffering (New Testament in a Year, John 18:1-24)

After dinner, Judas returns with a group of guards and soldiers seeking to arrest Jesus. Rather than hide or resist, Jesus steps forward and identifies himself as the one they are seeking. Peter, in turn, reacts by attacking the servant of the high priest. Jesus rebukes Peter, reminding him that Jesus is choosing to allow the Father's plan to go forward. He will suffer for all of us and he will not shrink back from that goal. Peter chose to respond to force with force but Jesus is working toward a deeper goal that violence and worldly power cannot accomplish. 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' response to those who came to arrest him? - How does Jesus demonstrate both authority and humility in this passage? - Why do you think Peter responded with violence, and what does Jesus' correction teach us? - Are there situations where you are tempted to take matters into your own hands instead of trusting God? - Prayer: Jesus, help me trust the Father's will as you did, responding with faith and love rather than power.