Verses:

'Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. '

John 14:5

' “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. '

John 14:1

Devotional:

Life is full of choices. Every day, we make decisions; some of the decisions are small, and some are big and life-changing. But when it comes to eternity, Jesus makes it simple. In John 14, Thomas asks Jesus how they can know the way to where He is going. Jesus responds with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

It is important to note that Jesus doesn’t say He knows the way but affirms He is the way. He doesn’t say that he speaks the truth; He confirms that He is the truth. And He doesn’t just offer a lifestyle but affirms that He is life itself. In a world full of paths, opinions, and distractions, Jesus makes it clear: only one road leads to God, and it goes through Him.

Jesus’ declaration that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) isn’t always well received. Many people want to believe that all spiritual paths ultimately lead to the same destination and that sincerity and hard work are enough to reach heaven. Others prefer to rely on their own understanding, assuming they can determine the path to salvation on their own. The flaw in this thinking is that Jesus did not present Himself as just one of many possible ways to God—He declared that He is the only way. God didn’t leave humanity to wonder or figure it out alone; He made the way clear by giving us Jesus.

Reflect:
Do you ever struggle with the idea that Jesus is the only way? Do you ever find yourself trying to navigate life independently instead of fully trusting Him? How does Jesus’ claim challenge those ideas?

Respond:
Take time today to read and reflect on John 14:1-6. Ask God to deepen your confidence in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. If there are areas where you’ve been relying on yourself instead of Him, confess those. And if you know someone searching for truth, pray for the courage to share Jesus with them.

Pray:
Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. Forgive me when I try to figure things out independently instead of trusting You completely. Thank You for making the way to the Father clear. Help me to follow You fully and boldly and share Your truth with others. Amen.

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Verses:

'Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; '

John 11:25

'O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? '

Psalms 74:1

Devotional:

Have you ever been so desperate in prayer and wondered, “God, where are You? When will You answer? When will You show up?" Well, if so, you are in familiar territory with anyone who’s walked closely with God. There’s even a chapter in the Bible dedicated to this. Psalm 74 poses this question, “Where are you God?” The answer is: God is closer than you can imagine!

In John 11, Jesus is sent a message from some close friends, Mary and Martha. Their brother Lazarus was near death, and he needed Jesus to show up ASAP! When Jesus hears of the family emergency, He actually takes two extra days before heading their way. By the time Jesus gets there it was too late; Lazarus was dead.

Everyone, including Mary and Martha were brokenhearted. They said to Jesus, “If You’d been here sooner, our brother wouldn’t have died.” Which is a nice way of saying, "Where were You when we needed You? You’re too late!" Jesus responded to Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Little did everyone know, in His absence, Jesus was closer than they could imagine and He would be glorified in this. He raises Lazarus back to life and if Jesus had been there sooner, He wouldn't have been able to perform this resurrection miracle which was also a prelude to conquering death once and for all with His own resurrection!

One of the most famous paintings of all time is Michealangelo’s The Creation of Man. In this painting, God is portrayed coming down from heaven with all His glory and the angels. Adam is reaching out to God with a lazy looking arm; it looks like he’s barely trying. Point being, you are not the one pursuing God, God has been pursing you. He offers you everlasting life if you choose to believe.

Reflect:
What’s your greatest disappointment in life? Do you struggle to trust God when your prayers aren’t answered? When was the last time God showed up in a surprising way?

Respond:
How can you help someone who is struggling or hurting this week?

Pray:
God, I’m in desperately in need of your grace. Help me to see you at work in my life, especially when I’m waiting on You or when I'm hurting. I know You have power over life and death and Your time and in Your way is always perfect. Help me trust You more today in Jesus' name, amen.

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Verses:

'Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. '

John 10:7

'I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. '

John 10:9

Devotional:

Jesus’ statement, “I am the gate,” indicates that He is the only way to salvation. This imagery of Jesus as a gate comes from a shepherd’s practice of guarding the entrance to a sheepfold by laying in the doorway as a gate. Just as a shepherd protects the sheep, Jesus safeguards His followers from danger. Through His sacrifice, He has provided us with forgiveness and grace. Through Jesus alone, we find freedom, guidance, and eternal security.

Entering through Christ means trusting in His perfect sacrifice on the cross, receiving His grace, obeying His words, and walking in His love. The world offers many different paths, but only through Jesus can we inherit eternal life. Jesus invites all to enter through Him, promising rest, provision, and salvation to those who believe in Him.

Reflect:
Have you allowed Jesus to guide your life? Is He the gate for you? Will you enter through the gate and trust in its protection? Just as sheep could only enter the safety of the pen through the gate, Jesus is the only way to eternal life with God.

Respond:
In this life, we will face many struggles. Jesus wants to be your protection as you follow Him. Ask God to help you understand the truth of Jesus’ "I Am" statement: “I am the gate” more deeply today.

Pray:
God, thank You for Your protection and guidance in my life. Thank You for being the gate for me, the only way I can be saved. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Guide me to share this Good News with others so that everyone can find the forgiveness You offer to all. Help me to trust fully in You as my protection and the leader of my life. Amen.

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Verse:

'When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” '

John 8:12

Devotional:

Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player to ever play in the NBA. However, when he was a sophomore, he was cut from his high school basketball team and was encouraged to pursue other paths because he was only 5’10” and skinny. It’s crazy to imagine, that the people around him were so distracted by his height and weight that they missed the “future” greatest basketball player in the world!

There are many distractions in life that can cloud our vision of God. Even in Jesus’ time on Earth, people were so distracted by their issues, that most of them missed the fact that God was literally right in front of them. On one occasion while speaking to the religious leaders, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” God understands there are many things in this life that will compete for your attention and will attempt to distract you from Him. However, Jesus wants you to know that He’s in the middle of your situation. You can trust Him. He’s got things under control. When you put your trust in Jesus, He will not only guide you but will light up the darkness in this life so you can navigate successfully. So don’t miss what God is doing, don't get distracted by what seems to be (like those who discounted Michael Jordan). Stay focused on Jesus, who is the Light of the World. He shines bright and will never let you down.

Reflect:
How do you know you can trust God? Why does Jesus say He’s “the light of the world”? What distracts you from God? How can you be a light for Jesus to those around you?

Respond:
Ask God to help you to not lose sight of him through all circumstances.

Pray:
Heavenly Father, help me never lose sight of what You are doing in my life, and in the lives of those I love. Help me shine Your light in the darkness. Don’t let me be distracted from what You desire to do in me and through me. Thank You for using me to do Your will. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Verses:

'When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” '

John 6:25

Devotional:

Have you ever had an empty feeling? Maybe it was an empty stomach, and you needed some food. Then again, your empty feeling could be something more significant, perhaps an emptiness physically, emotionally, or spiritually. No matter who we are, we all search for the cure to our emptiness. We chase success, relationships, or comfort; we often feel empty and long for something more. That’s precisely what Jesus was getting at when He said, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” He wasn’t just talking about physical hunger; He was talking about the deeper longing inside every human heart: the craving for purpose, peace, and real life.

Look at it this way: the people had just witnessed a miracle—Jesus fed over five thousand with a few loaves and fish. But instead of seeing the sign for what it was, they just wanted more bread. Jesus wasn’t there to be their personal food truck—He was there to give them something so much better: Himself.

Let’s be honest. We all crave something. We chase after success, relationships, approval, comfort—you name it. But no matter how much we get, it never fills us up. Jesus makes it clear: Only He can satisfy the hunger in our souls. He’s not just another thing to add to our lives—He is life.

Reflect:
What are you feeding your soul? Are you looking to Jesus daily for satisfaction, or are you trying to fill yourself with temporary things? Have you ever found yourself spiritually hungry, even though good things surround you? What would it look like for you to truly depend on Jesus as the Bread of Life?

Respond:
Take a minute and be honest with yourself. What’s competing with Jesus for first place in your heart? Spend time in John 6:25-40, and ask God to show you where you’ve been settling for lesser things. Then, make a decision—today—to seek Him first.

Pray:
Jesus, I know nothing in this world will ever truly satisfy me except You. Forgive me for chasing after things that leave me empty. Teach me to come to You first, to trust You completely, and to find my fulfillment in You alone. You are the Bread of Life—I don’t want to settle for anything less. Amen.

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Verses:

'If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. '

Romans 10:9

'You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. '

James 2:19

Devotional:

In Houston, Texas, there is a professional football team known as the Houston Texans. The Texans' quarterback is a man named C.J. Stroud. I can tell you many facts about who C.J. is. I can tell you about his completion rate, how many yards he throws per game on average, and if he threw any interceptions at a specific game.

In fact, you could look these things up for yourself on the internet and see the exact same information that I am looking at right now. However, if I were to go to high five him as if I knew him, he would look at me like I had lost my mind. “I have no idea who you are,” he would say. He would be right because we have no relationship whatsoever. I know about him, but I don't know him. There is a difference.

You see, in the same way, just because someone may read facts about Jesus in the Bible, it doesn’t mean they have a relationship with Him. Knowing Who Jesus is by just reading the Bible, or going to church, does not mean we have an actual relationship with Him.

Reflect:
Romans 10:9 clearly says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Think back to the moment you were saved. Can you remember the time and place it occurred? When you look back to that moment you can have confidence that you are saved, and at one point started that relationship with Jesus. Maybe, on the flip side, you are realizing now that you may know about Jesus but don't have a relationship with Him yet. You thought that you believed and that was the end of it. James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Respond:
So where do we go from here? If you haven’t made Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, let that relationship begin today. Romans 10:9 shows us how: confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. If you started that relationship with Him today, or many years ago, it is going to take work on your end getting to know Him more and more. You are already doing a great job by diving into these devotionals. Don’t be someone who thinks they are friends with a famous athlete just because you know some things about them. Don't be someone who thinks they are a follower of Jesus because they know things about Jesus. Being saved means you have accepted a vibrant relationship with Jesus and you can work on that relationship every day by talking to God through prayer, reading His word to get to know Him better, and worshiping Him with your words and actions.

Pray:
Lord, thank You for today. I want to desperately have a deeper relationship with You! I want to know You more and truly grow in Your Word to be a better follower of You, Jesus. I love You and can’t wait to grow more in my relationship with You. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Verses:

'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the Lord ,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. But you, Lord , do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. '

Psalms 22:1

'When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews . Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ). '

Matthew 27:35

'I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord , praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord , and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!'

Psalms 22:22

Devotional:

Are you a big-picture person or a detail-oriented type of person? Some people just want the summarized version of the book, project, or event while others want a full-length description including all the particulars. Some people get energized thinking about the overall goals and long-term vision. Others get energized working through the day-to-day specific aspects of the task. Because God didn’t want anyone to miss out on His perfect plan of redemption, He gave us both the big picture as well as the precise details of how the world would be saved.

During His crucifixion, Jesus referenced this plan when He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Hanging on the cross, Jesus could hardly breathe, let alone quote the full-length passage. However, with the few words He could manage, Jesus was directing people to Psalm 22. What’s amazing is David penned these words roughly one thousand years before Christ's birth or even Rome's invention of crucifixion. And yet Psalm 22 provides a detailed description of exactly how the Messiah would die and that is recorded in Matthew 27.

In the prophecy of Psalm 22, verse 2 we are told day would turn to night. In verse 7 we are told Jesus would be mocked. Verse 15 tells us of His extreme thirst. Verses 16 and 17 tell us His hands and feet would be pierced, but no bone would be broken. Then in verse 18 we are told his garments would be divided by casting lots. That said, Psalm 22 also provides a message of incredible hope.

The second half of the 22nd Psalm encourages us that people all over the globe will turn to the Lord. More importantly, we are promised all who seek the Lord will live forever because of His righteous sacrifice.

Reflect:
Jesus lived a perfect life and yet voluntarily took on the punishment for our sins. Jesus was willing to be separated from the Father, so that as we place our faith in Him and the sacrifice He made on the cross, we will never again be separated from God.

Respond:
Whether you are a big-picture or detailed-oriented person, all of us must decide what we will do with the reality of Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus died so that you might live. If you have never accepted the free gift of salvation Jesus offers, prayerfully read through Psalm 22 and thank Jesus for His great sacrifice.

Pray:
Lord, thank You for revealing your plan to save the world through Psalm 22. Help me to never take your sacrifice for granted. Give me boldness to share the hope I have with others who don’t yet know You.

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Verses:

'He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. '

Isaiah 53:3

'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; '

Psalms 118:22

'He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. '

John 1:11

'Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ? '

Matthew 21:42

'Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. '

Luke 23:34

Devotional:

Have you ever given a gift that you knew held great value, but the person receiving it didn’t truly appreciate it? I can only imagine how God must have felt when Israel rejected Jesus, His Son. Of course, Isaiah had prophesied Jesus’ rejection long before He came, and in Psalms 118 the phrase “the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” became a phrase often repeated in the New Testament to describe the rejection of Jesus by His own people.

Jesus Himself used that line in speaking to the chief priests and the Pharisees, and the Apostle Peter used it on two other occasions describing Israel’s rejection of Jesus. Imagine that: the greatest gift of the greatest value, and the people He came to save said, “No thanks.” Of course, God knew this would happen and that Jesus’ path would be marked with rejection, sorrow and pain. Yet He endured it all for us. On the cross, He even asked the Father to forgive the people for their rejection of Him. The rejected stone became our Cornerstone, and the Truth on which we build our foundation.

Reflect:
In today’s world, we still see people rejecting Jesus and His gift of salvation. Even after countless discoveries of historical evidence, and endless testimonies of lives being changed, families being restored, and supernatural victories, many people still say, “No thanks.” Are we, as Christ followers, able to face their rejections and view them through a lens of grace? Are we compelled to offer the same prayer as Jesus in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” or are our hearts hardened by their rejection of Jesus?

Respond:
Who do you have in your circle of friends or even in your family who has rejected Jesus and the gift of salvation? Are you afraid to speak to them about it? Have you given up praying for them to receive it? Even to the point of His death, Jesus never gave up on the people who rejected Him. As Christ followers, we should be willing to do the same.

Pray:
Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation, and we are so grateful for the pain You endured to offer it to us. Help us to remain vigilant in praying for those we know who have rejected You and Your message. Help us to never lose our heart for the lost. In Your name I pray. Amen.

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Verses:

'Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— '

Isaiah 9:1

'Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— '

Matthew 4:13

'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. '

John 1:1

'Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” '

John 6:35

Devotional:

When Jesus walked through Galilee, He wasn’t just a teacher or a prophet; He was the very presence of God among His people. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In Galilee, Jesus revealed who He was, not just in words, but in action.

In John 2, He performed His first miracle in Cana, turning water into wine, showing His power over creation. In John 4, He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing Himself as the Messiah, the source of Living Water. Jesus took the time to help the woman at the well truly experience His forgiveness. Additionally, throughout his time in Galilee, we see Jesus showing His greatness as He fed the five thousand and healed the blind man. These actions no doubt prove His power and that He is the son of God, honoring Galilee like it was said in Isaiah 9.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, He didn’t just preach, He changed lives. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and offered hope to a world that needed Him. But more than that, He invited people to believe in Him, to follow Him, and to experience eternal life. Who was Jesus? He was, and is, the Son of God, the Savior who brings light to the darkness.

Reflect:
How do you see Jesus? Do you think of Him as a good teacher, a miracle worker, or do you recognize Him as the Son of God who came to save you? Think about the moments in Jesus’ ministry in Galilee—what stands out to you? How has Jesus brought light into your life?

Respond:
Take time today to meditate on who Jesus is. Read John 1:1-14 and John 6:35-40. Ask God to reveal to you a deeper understanding of Jesus. Take the time to consider how you can use your actions today to help someone else know Christ.

Pray:
Lord Jesus, you are more than just a good teacher or a healer—you are the Son of God. Thank You for showing us who You genuinely are throughout ministry in Galilee. Jesus, thank You also for showing us grace and truth. Help me to see You more clearly, to trust You more fully, and to follow You more courageously. Allow me to be filled with Your love so I may share it with others so they may know You. Amen.

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Verses:

'“The days are coming,” declares the Lord , “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. '

Jeremiah 23:5

'This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: '

Matthew 1:1

Devotional:

The plan for Jesus to come to Earth was in place from before the beginning of time. It wasn’t an option of last resort. It was the only plan.

In Jeremiah 23, we see the promise of God that the Messiah is going to come from the family of King David. If you take the time to track David’s family line all the way down to the birth of Jesus, you are going to see that it is a very ordinary family. There were some awesome people and some very messy people. But the promise of God was going to come true, no matter what. Our failures and sins as humans do not change God or His unconditional promises.

The only option for real, true forgiveness was Jesus. His death and resurrection made it possible for all of humanity to have a personal relationship with God. And He came through an earthly family that was messy at times along the way.

If your family is messy at times, welcome to real life! No matter how messy it gets, God can bring great things out of you and your family. No one from your family will be the Messiah, that job is already taken. But God can restore what is broken. He can bring prodigals home.
He can bring forgiveness through you to people who desperately need it.

Reflect:
No matter how messy family can get at times, God’s character and unconditional promises are not changed. You can absolutely count on Him!

Respond:
Are there areas or people in your family that you have given up on? Start to pray over them again and watch what God can do in the middle of our mess!

Pray:
Father God, You know the mess that this life can be sometimes. Thank You that You love us, even when life is messy. Use me to bring forgiveness and grace into the difficult moments in my family. Thank You that You are unchanged by the activity of human beings. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

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Verses:

'“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” '

Micah 5:2

'After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem '

Matthew 2:1

Devotion:

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was not an accident at all; in fact, it was a fulfillment of God’s perfect & divine plan. Micah 5:2 was written hundreds of years before Jesus' birth and foretold of this event happening in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem was a humble town and was chosen as the birthplace of the Messiah. When Jesus was born there, as recorded in Matthew 2:1, it was another amazing confirmation that God keeps His promises. Jesus did not come to earth with wealth or power. Rather, He came in humility. His birthplace is a reminder to us that God works through the unexpected, using what seems insignificant to accomplish His great purposes and promises.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is a fact that points to His divine identity and mission. Jesus is the long-awaited Ruler, bringing hope, peace, and salvation to you, to me, to all. Just as Bethlehem was chosen to welcome the Savior, our hearts need to also make room for Him.

Reflect:
Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem was both a fulfillment of prophecy and an amazing example of our Savior’s humility as he took on human form and was born in a lowly manger. Have you made space in your heart for Jesus, the promised King? Do you recognize God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

Respond:
Jesus came here to earth in humility so that we might ultimately know His love and salvation. Have you asked God to help you trust His plans, even when they seem unexpected or different than you may have chosen?

Pray:
God, thank You for fulfilling Your promise and sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. Thank You for using the humble and unexpected to accomplish Your perfect plan. Help me to trust in Your faithfulness and make room for Jesus in my heart each day. Lord, use me on this earth for your Kingdom work. Help me make Your name known to all. Let my life reflect the hope and salvation that you bring. Amen.

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Verses:
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18-20

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:26-35

Devotional:
There is no other name above Jesus Christ. As we look to answer the question “Who is Jesus?” we must begin with the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah, our Savior. Perhaps the prophecy that Jesus fulfilled that is most central to the Christian faith is found in Isaiah 7:14, which foretold that "God with us" would be born of a virgin. Jesus is the only man who ever lived who entered the world this way, because Jesus was more than just a man – He was also God. His name, Immanuel, given to Him in the Isaiah 7:14 prophecy is translated as “God with us.” Jesus is born of a virgin, both 100% human and 100% God.

The virgin birth is what allowed Jesus to exist without a sin nature and, therefore, live a sinless life. Ever since Adam and Eve, when original sin entered the Garden of Eden, children have inherited a sin nature from their parents. But Jesus, being without a sin nature, is what allows Him to be the perfect lamb, or the perfect sacrifice for mankind, for all of us. Only a perfect lamb could pay the price for the sins of the entire world.

In addition, Jesus being both God and man is what allows Him to bridge the gap between a sinful people and a perfect God. Had Jesus not been born of a virgin, we would have no possible hope of reaching God. The virgin birth is key to Jesus being more than a man.

Reflect:
In our lives we follow many men and women in leadership positions: parents, bosses, elected leaders, people of great influence, etc. But no one deserves our full devotion like Jesus does because they are just men. They have a sin nature. They make mistakes. They fall short. At some point, every single one of them will disappoint us because they’re human. Following Jesus is different because He is the only one who will never fall, and the only one who will never fail to do what is best for you according to His will.

Respond:
Jesus came to this earth to be “God with us,” Immanuel. And He has invited each of us to accept His invitation to let Him into our hearts and to give Him His rightful place in our lives. We follow Him because we can trust Him. We trust Him because He is God.

Pray:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your love and Your sacrifice. Help me to not allow the distractions of this world camouflage Who You really are: the God who has come to us. Help me follow You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Starting on March 31st, we will be praying for the 21 days before Easter! Campus Pastors have written prayers and devotionals that will be sent out daily so that we may prepare our hearts and our ONE's hearts for Easter.

For the next 21 days a new devotional will appear here every day, or you can also follow along in the YouVersion app by clicking here.

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