Like Advent, where we prepare for Christ’s birth during the Christmas season, Lent is a time where we prepare for Christ’s death and resurrection during Easter.
Lent draws its inspiration from the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness. Scripture tells us that after His baptism, he fasted in the desert and was tempted by the Devil. After resisting those temptations, he launched his ministry in Galilee.
The devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. -Matthew 4:8-11
What is Fasting?
Fasting is abstaining from something for a period of time. It’s an outward expression of an inward commitment to God. When you fast, you create margin in your life to encounter God. Fasting takes various forms:
Food (or certain foods)
Social Media
Televisions & Movies
Coffee
Why Fast?
Fasting is one way to make a sacrifice for God; an offering as an act of worship. Through fasting, we focus on prayer, hearing from God, and developing spiritual disciplines - all with the intention of growing in our faith and honoring God. When we tangibly deny ourselves of something, we declare that it’s all about Him; not about us!
2023 LEnt Devotionals
To help you draw closer to God, we’ve provided the following devotionals. Whether it’s at the beginning of your day, during a lunch break, or quiet time at night, join us each day leading up to Easter with some scripture, applications, and prayer.
Day 1 - Feb. 22
Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” -Matthew 26:6-13
When it came to understanding Jesus, you would think the disciples would be first in line. Unfortunately, they seemed to miss the point more than a few times. Fortunately for us, scripture tells us about a woman named Mary who understood the value of the Messiah.
She honored Him. She anointed Him. She worshipped Him. She gave Jesus her best - a reverential worship, extraordinary, an over-the-top worship!
Instead of worrying about the practicals, she embraced what Jesus deserved. She kept the main thing, the main thing and showed us what it means to glorify God.
application:
Keep your eyes on Jesus. Let your vision be filled by Christ and worship Him in a way that only He deserves.
questions:
What is your response to Christ’ death on the Cross?
Are you offering Jesus your best?
As you begin the Lent season, what can you give that’s for God rather than your own benefit?
Day 2 - Feb. 23
Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. -Matthew 26:14-16
In contrast to Mary, we find Judas. Once a man hand selected by Christ to be one of his disciples, he now was negotiating his end of the deal to turn in his Messiah.
While Mary displayed extravagant worship, Judas walked with betrayal. Rather than seeing Jesus for who He was, focused on counting his thirty pieces of silver. He had sold his soul for four months wages. While Judas’ motivation had financial benefits, there was something deeper happening.
Scripture tells us that Jesus was born to die. Jesus explained it himself. Once Judas started to lose faith in Christ leading a political revolution, his heart changed. He feared for the future and feared for his life.
Judas was so focused on the power of the rulers that he didn't see the power of the One who gave that power to rulers. His fear of man outweighed his pursuit of God.
Application:
The future will always be unclear - that’s why it’s the future. We don’t put our trust in ideologies, policies or man. Our trust and pursuit is only for Jesus.
questions:
Where is your focus today?
What motivates your actions?
Are you more concerned about what others are doing or what God is doing?
Day 3 - Feb. 24
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. -Matthew 26:17-19
During this season of Lent, we prepare for the day when we remember Jesus as our perfect sacrifice. But how easy is it to approach Christ on our terms rather than His?
It’s easy to believe we know what’s best for ourselves or what we really need. Who knows you better than you? While no one else on Earth may know you as well as you know yourself, Christ does!
Embrace God’s terms for your life - He always knows what’s best. As the disciples prepared for the Passover meal, they came to Jesus, talked with Jesus and obeyed Jesus. Approach him free of any personal agenda. Wait on Him in humility, listen to His voice, and respond to His truth.
application:
Don’t let what you think is best get in the way of God’s best for your life.
questions:
What are you giving up for Lent?
Is your preparation more external or internal?
Are you waiting on God and prepared to come to Him on his terms?
Day 4 - Feb. 25
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” -Matthew 26:20-25
The Last Supper is one of the most iconic and imagined scenes in scripture. Paintings, pictures and depictions have portrayed it throughout media, and yet, it’s so much more than a famous event.
Among the disciples was Christ’s betrayer: Judas. During their time, Christ gave Judas every opportunity to repent, but his heart had already been hardened to his Messiah. Even when Christ called out Judas’ sin, he responded with, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Judas refused to receive Christ’s forgiveness. he refused to acknowledge his sin and allow conviction to penetrate his calloused heart. While you may not persistently betray God, it is easy to entertain sinful patterns. No matter the pattern, it’s Christ’s conviction that breaks the hold of sin and paves the way for his forgiveness.
Application:
Sin is part of all of us; none of us are free of it. The good news is God’s conviction penetrates our layers of self-preservation.
Questions:
What’s God convicting you of currently?
Are there areas of your life where you’re making excuses and ignoring His voice?
What can you do today to approach God with repentance?
Day 5 - Feb. 26
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. -Matthew 26:26-30
For many, communion is something that’s been practiced for nearly a lifetime. For new believers, it’s something new. For others, it might seem a little strange.
Like many things we practice in our faith, it’s easy for communion to feel like a ritual - a habit that’s observed on a weekly or monthly basis. But like many things we practice in our faith, we never want communion to turn into something we check-off our weekly list.
When we look back at the first communion, you can see that it was anything but a ritual. Jesus spoke of His death, His blood being spilled, His body being broken - and then He gave thanks.
His cross is an invitation to grace for a world covered in pain. That’s why at communion, we give thanks; accepting his gift of grace and remembering what he went through for all mankind.
You don’t need to try and get your act together before going to Jesus. You don’t need to try and string together a few good days. Thanks to what Christ endured on the cross, you can go to Jesus with full confidence that he’s more than enough.
application:
Jesus’ salvation is a free gift for those with a humble and grateful heart.
questions:
Do you ever feel like you have to work for your salvation?
Is there anything that gets in the way of embracing God’s gift of salvation?
Do you see communion as a chore or ritual? What do you need to do to see it as a reminder of God’s grace?
Day 6 - Feb. 27
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” -Matthew 26:31-33
To Jesus, Peter was not just a disciple; he was a loyal friend. His enthusiasm and passion for the kingdom of God was unrivaled. Never in his wildest dreams did Peter believe he would betray Jesus - until he did.
The problem Peter faced was he was overly confident in his own ability to remain loyal to Christ. He was convinced he could stand strong on his own in the midst of pressure.
The Apostle Paul warns us of the danger of self-assuredness in 1 Corinthians - that even when we think we’re standing firm, we should be careful that we don't fall.
Instead of believing you do it on our own, approach God with humility and vulnerability. Remember, you’re only human - but He’s not!
application:
Vulnerability before God is a safe place. It’s your first step towards a growing faith.
questions:
Do you find yourself a little too confident in believing nothing (or certain things) won’t impact your faith?
Are you willing to be vulnerable before God?
What is something you’re struggling with that you need to ask God for help?
day 7 - feb. 28
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” -Matthew 26:36-38
As Christ leaves the table, he ventures to the garden - a place he knows is a prequel to his death. Interestingly enough, mankind’s Messiah invited his friends to grieve and pray with him.
The God of the universe; the Alpha and Omega; The King of Kings and Lord of Lords invited them to pray with him. He didn’t need it and he knew they'd be tired, but by sharing his sorrow with them, he demonstrated that it’s O.K. to share your burdens with others.
Sometimes we put a wall up as believers, or think we need to act like everything is OK even when it’s not. Jesus showed us it’s quite the opposite. He wants you to invite others to have access to your life - for you to lean on them in times of need.
Jesus showed us a beautiful openness when he invited his disciples to come alongside him, something we can and should embrace today.
application:
Following Jesus isn’t a one-man show - share your burdens with others.
questions:
What are you trying to carry on your own that you don’t need to?
Who are people in your life that you could go to for prayer and support?
What do you need to do to also be available for those that need your support?
day 8 - mar. 1
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” -Matthew 26:39
This one verse shows the weight of what Christ was about to endure. Alone in the garden, Jesus cries out to his Father.
Doubled over in anguish, in the rawness of emotion, we see his humanity. Very soon he’ll face unimaginable pain and suffering. And yet, the most difficult thing he would face is isolation between he and The Father.
But Jesus is no mortal man. The average person would stop their prayer there, but Christ continues: not my will, but as you will.
Christ’s willingness to endure the Cross is the greatest act of love and obedience we will ever see or encounter in this world. The sinless King took on sin so that we could encounter God’s forgiveness and righteousness.
application:
Christ’s willingness to endure the Cross directly reflects his unmatched love for you.
questions:
What’s your response to Jesus’ obedience to The Father?
Does Christ’s determination to face the Cross while knowing full well what came with it drive you to worship Him greater?
How has God revealed Himself to you through this act of love?
DAY 9 - MAR. 2
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” -Matthew 26:40-41
As the disciples fell asleep in the garden, Jesus posed a simple question: “Couldn't you keep watch with me for one hour?”
Christ’s question doesn’t reflect annoyance with these men, but something deeper. While the disciples didn’t understand the gravity of what was approaching, Jesus did. He knew that the time in the garden was a one of preparation through prayer - a time needed for the intense challenges that awaited Him.
We know what happened next - as Christ was arrested, put on trial, and killed on the Cross, the Disciples scattered. It begs the questions: what if they, like Jesus, had wrestled in prayer till they reached a point of complete obedience and surrender?
We’ll never know if they could have stood their ground when Jesus was arrested, but we do know how fragile faith can be when we try to do it on our own. Jesus gives us the armor prayer so that we can stand against pressure and temptation.
APPLICATION:
Never discount the power of prayer.
QUESTIONS:
What is your instinctual response in the face of pressure?
Do you find yourself gravitating personal strength rather than Christ’s strength when facing challenges?
What needs to be done in your life to create time where you can engage in prayer for daily battles?
day 10 - mar. 3
Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. -Matthew 26:42-44
3 times Jesus went to His Father with the same prayer. Why? Did The Father not hear it? Was it not working? Jesus knew his Father heard him - they shared a closeness that our minds can’t comprehend. They’re part of the Trinity, so would Jesus need to ask the same thing 3 times?
It might be an example of the importance of persisting in prayer until we encounter what only God can give - rest.
Jesus poured out in prayer what was weighing on His heart. Even though he was about to enter Earthly chaos, he found his place in joyful surrender, knowing he could move forward in absolute obedience.
You also can pour out your heart through persistent prayer. It’s not an attempt to get God to do what you want - It’s about learning to submit to him in greater ways.
When you live that way, like Jesus, you can move forward knowing God has heard you and has made a way.
application:
Persistent prayer is our way of pressing in until God gives us what we need.
Questions:
What is pressing on your heart today?
Are you go to God with it?
How have you experienced God’s rest?
Day 11 - Mar. 4
Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. -Matthew 26:45-50
Imagine being handed over for a death sentence by someone who claimed to be your friend. A sinless man, turned in by one of His followers.
And yet, in all that, as Judas approached with an angry mob, Jesus simply said, “Do what you came for, friend.” How could Jesus call him friend?
Nothing Jesus ever said came lightly. He is the God of love, and as Romans tells us, while we are were still his enemies, God reconciled us to himself through the death of Jesus.
Christ calls you His friend, even when you sin against him. It’s a further reminder of why He deserves our praise - His love for us that we’ll never fully comprehend.
application:
God has reconciled and forgiven you even when you don’t deserve it.
questions:
How do you view yourself in God’s reconciliation?
Do you feel like being a good person helps you with Jesus?
What do you need to do to encounter God’s acceptance?
day 12 - mar. 5
Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”Then all the disciples left him and fled. -Matthew 26:50-56
Within a few verses, the peace that Jesus encountered in the garden was gone. As a mob of angry men approached, one thing was clear: they wanted to arrest Jesus and make Him pay.
After a scuffle, a lost ear, an on-the-spot miracle by Jesus, and questions posed to Jesus, Jesus stoop resolute - an example of power under control. Once again, Jesus showed what meekness really is.
Never, at any moment, is meekness a sign of weakness. Even Christ himself declared that He could summon angels to come to His aid if He wanted. And yet, he didn’t.
No matter how it looked - a group of fishermen and their leader being arrested by armed guards - Jesus was always in control. In that moment, Christ showed us that true power is seen in laying down your rights for a bigger purpose.
application:
Jesus not only willingly laid down his rights, but his life, for all mankind.
questions:
How can you demonstrate meekness in the week ahead?
Are you able to lay down your rights when it’s for God’s glory?
What is Christ doing right now that reminds you that He’s in control?
DAY 13 - mar. 6
But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. -Matthew 26:56
And just like that, the discipled scattered. Out of fear for their lives and absolute shock, they fled for their lives.
Often times, it’s easy to look back at how the disciples reacted, or what they said, and roll our eyes at them or view them as cowardly. The question is, would we be different from them?
The reason they fled was simple: when the pressure grew, they panicked and lost sight of the main thing - the eternal. What they were experiencing and seeing was real, and it filled them with fear.
They likely thought that this wasn’t how things were supposed to go - In their minds, Christ was going to overthrow the Roman government and lead their nation again. Christ had promised a new kingdom, and an arrest by an angry mob wasn’t part of the story.
We’re not much different - when circumstances get big, we make our God too small. We aren’t just uncomfortable with the unknown; we often fear it. We make hasty decisions instead of trusting God’s timing.
It’s a reminder that we much replace our fear of the unknown with a deep trust in a sovereign God. When we do that, our faith grows greater and greater and pushes fear further and further away.
application:
Don't be overcome by fear of the unknown - remember to trust in a God who is in control.
questions:
How do you respond when you face the unknown?
Is panic or concern something that you struggle with?
What are practical steps you can take to trust more in God?
Day 14 - Mar. 7
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him… -Matthew 26:57-67
It’s easy to get caught thinking Jesus just doesn’t understand what we’re going through in life. We’ve all been guilty of it - the feeling that we’re alone in what we face or it’s unique to us.
While there is some earthly truth to that, Christ perfectly relates to the pain and challenges that we endure.
Jesus endured pain and injustice that no one should ever endure. He was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested by an angry mob, deserted by his friends, paraded before a court that mocked him with questions and false accusations, attacked, beaten, and rejected - all of which happened before he even carried the cross.
Jesus was tested and tempted in every way possible - and remained without sin. We have a High Priest who sympathizes with us! God understands what you’re going through. He faced every physical, spiritual, and emotional battle there was - and still came out victorious.
application:
God is exactly what we need in the middle of struggles because he’s faced all those struggles too.
questions:
Do you ever feel like God just can’t relate?
What do you need to do to shift your understanding of God in those instances?
What can you thank God and praise Him for today?
Day 15 - Mar. 8
Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. -Matthew 26:59-75
Like yesterday, it’s easy for us to think we’d never do what Peter did; denying Christ three times. But like yesterday, none of us have ever been that situation before.
As Peter denied Christ, he grew more and more vehement about it the more it was brought up. The same man who had professed he would lay his life down for Christ (which he eventually would), ended up being scared of an accusation made by a child.
It wasn’t until the rooster crowed that the memory kicked in of what Jesus said and conviction hit him like a bag of bricks. His heart was heavy and he wept.
God’s conviction is a powerful thing and Peter allowed that conviction to lead him to a place of repentance. There, he found Christ’s forgiveness and his desire to lift Peter back up.
All of us have fallen short of the God’s glory; we’ll never measure up on our own. We’ve all stumbled and sinned and yet, God brings redemption, forgiveness and a desire to lift us back up.
Whether it’s your smallest mistakes or biggest, darkest sin - none of it is beyond God’s redemption.
application:
Underneath our mistakes are the arms of Jesus.
questions:
Do you find yourself thinking God can't forgive certain things you’ve done?
Do you struggle to forgive yourself, even though God does?
If God has put a new spirit in you and wiped the slate clean, how can that motivate you going forward?
day 16 - mar. 9
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. -Matthew 27:1-5
This portion of scripture is not easy to read. After Jesus is bound and taken away, Judas is suddenly filled with guilt - he realizes Jesus was innocent all along.
He attempts to own up to his sin, but confesses to the wrong person. Instead of seeking out God for forgiveness, he tries to fix his sin on his own terms. As he attempts to take things into his own hands, he decides to take his own life.
Remorse and regret of our sin is the starting point - one the Holy Spirit often leads us to, but brokenness and confession to God is where real forgiveness happens. It’s only there that true freedom is found.
application:
God is faithfulness to cleanse us of all unrighteousness when we confess our sin to Him.
questions:
How have you tried to fix your failures on your terms?
Do you find it hard to go to God with brokenness over your sin?
How has God reminded you that your sin can never surpass His grace?
day 17 - Mar. 10
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.” -Matthew 27:6-10
It’s easy to skip over this portion of scripture, knowing what comes next. However, it shows us just how misguided and skewed the chief priests’ thinking was.
They didn’t want to put the blood money in the treasury because it was “against the law”, so they used it for a real estate investment. It’s a classic example of what it means to follow the letter of the law, but live a life with hardness in your heart.
It’s a reminder that it’s easy to be concerned about appearing righteous but not really caring about being made righteous.
Sometimes, we want to make sure our spiritual to-do list is taken care and we appear a certain way. When we do that, we don’t allow God to change us from the inside out. If we’re not careful, the enemy will keep us in a bubble of delusion, which is why we need to go to God for wisdom all the more!
application:
Take time in God’s presence so he can show you the distractions, busyness and self-righteousness that can take root in our hearts.
questions:
Are there areas in your life where you’re playing along to the world’s standards?
Are you more concerned about how your actions look to others rather than what God is doing inside you?
What do you need to confess to allow God’s righteousness to take root?
day 18 - mar. 11
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. -Matthew 27:11-14
Even though Jesus is the Defender, He didn't defend himself. He didn’t speak up for himself. He didn't protect himself. Instead, Christ chose to be vulnerable for our victory.
Pilate, standing before The King, went back and forth between what should be done and what the crowd wanted. Between an angry mob and Jesus, Pilate seemed agitated.
In contrast, Jesus stood unmoved. He was completely aware of what was going on and never flinched in his decision to go through with it. At one point, Pilate told Jesus, “Don’t you know I have the power to free you or crucify you?”
Jesus quickly responded, “You have no power over me.” At no point did Jesus allow doubt and fear to impact him - instead he rested in God’s sovereignty. He never tried to talk his way out of it, but trusted in God’s control.
Jesus saw things from an eternal perspective and gave His life for us.
application:
God’s sovereignty promises a secure future for those who believe.
questions:
Are you finding rest in God’s sovereignty or are you afraid of the future?
Do you feel like you need to defend yourself or do you allow God to be your defender?
What promises has God given that you can find reassurance in?
day 19 - Mar. 12
Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” -Matthew 27:19-24
Pilate washing his hands is an image our culture understands. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, and was even warned by his wife, but was unwilling to convince the mob to let Jesus go. While his attempts might seem genuine, Pilate was ultimately more worried about himself.
Pilate was a powerful man in a powerful position, and he knew putting his foot down and doing the right thing would put his position and power in jeopardy. So, Pilate avoid taking a stand for Jesus and chose the path of least resistance.
In the pursuit of power, status or position, we should be careful to avoid the casualty of character, and instead honor God even if it means sacrificing our own status to do the right thing.
application:
Our reputation or position shouldn’t take precedence over our faith.
questions:
Which areas of your life do you need to take a stand for Jesus?
Are there areas in your life that are taking your attention away from Jesus?
Is there an area of life where you’ve been “neutral” rather than for God?
day 20 - mar. 13
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. -Matthew 27:27-31
Sometimes, scripture requires us to dig a little deeper. Other times we need assistance in interpreting what it says. This passage however doesn’t require explanations or key takeaways.
When reading this, we should stop and give it soulful reflection on what Jesus endured on our behalf. 2,000 years ago, Jesus faced brutality that we can’t ignore.
When the Holy Spirit softens our hearts, we see how hundreds of soldiers gathered around Jesus to humiliate and torture him. They flogged him within one lashing of death. They beat his head with a stick over and over again. They paraded him through the city and mocked him.
And yet, even then, Jesus moved towards the Cross for you.
application:
What Christ endured requires deep, soulful reflection on your part.
questions:
Has Christ’s suffering become something you casually reflect on?
How does God’s response to hatred towards him impact you?
What are you doing to give thanks to God for what he did for you?
day 21 - mar. 14
As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. -Matthew 27:32
One person mentioned by name who we know little about but recognize every Easter is Simon from Cyrene. While he was forced to carry the Cross, questions linger as to whether he willingly decided to help Jesus.
Regardless, he came to Christ’s aid. He literally modeled Jesus’ teaching that whoever wants to follow Him must take up their cross. It may not have been Simon’s cross, but it cost him something.
He was likely ridiculed and jeered along the way; put in harms way. He may have received a lashing or two from Roman soldiers. The cross was heavy and the road was long - yet he walked with Jesus, and Jesus walked with him.
There is no doubt that Simon’s life must have been changed forever. He saw Christ up close; broken, bruised, struggling, yet taking one step after another without protest.
Seeing Jesus in that context, not only would have changed Simon’s heart but changes our own.
application:
When we encounter Jesus approaching the crucifixion, it changes us forever.
questions:
How does the narrative of God’s death for your salvation pull you in?
Are you willing to carry your cross and follow Jesus down unexpected paths?
Do you trust God to walk alongside you?
day 22 - mar. 15
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
Even as the nails were being driven into Jesus’ hands and feet, he still advocated on our behalf. Even when the soldiers, Pharisees and crowd mocked and tormented Him.
Even then, Jesus offers forgiveness. It’s a one-sided forgiveness - one that doesn’t require anyone else to do something to earn it.
Jesus shows us the greatest example of giving up your rights. By doing that, he dies free from resentment.
Jesus’ verbal statement in this moment is a lesson of what it means to release people from a hold of anger. When we forgive others that don’t deserve it, we release ourselves from the pressure cooker of bitterness.
application:
Forgiveness releases us from the trap of bitterness and retaliation to reach a place of peace and joy.
questions:
Whom do you need to release in forgiveness?
Are you willing to let go of your right to retaliation?
What does God need to do in your heart to trust Him with the outcome?
day 23 - mar. 16
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” -Luke 23:43
The thief on the cross next to Jesus heard his cries asking for forgiveness of those nailing him. He knew there was something different about the man hanging next to him. At some point, the man turned to Jesus asking Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom.
The word “kingdom” is key - this thief, or “bad guy”, recognized that this man who was beaten and bleeding next to him was the King and he put his faith in this unlikely ruler.
Jesus accepted this criminal in an instant and we see Jesus let go of notion of what is socially acceptable or considered morally upright. He gave up his right to social correctness for the sake of a sinner.
The thief put his faith in Jesus and Jesus exchanged his brokenness with righteousness.
application:
Jesus isn’t concerned about your past or what’s socially acceptable - He has come to save all.
questions:
Do you find yourself thinking Jesus is concerned about what’s socially acceptable?
Have you written off others who are labeled “beyond redemption”?
How can you lean into God to discover salvation as a free gift for all who believe?
day 24 - mar. 17
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. -John 19:26-27
As Jesus hung on the cross, his sayings were other’s focused. He asked forgiveness of those who put Him on the cross. He welcomed the their into the kingdom. And as we see today, he takes care of his mother and disciple John.
Even in the agony of humiliation, Jesus didn’t focus on himself. He wanted to make sure his mother would be taken care of. He wanted to give his beloved disciple John the role of carrying for her.
Even at the cross, He let go of what was close his heart: his mother and his close friend.
application:
Jesus helps us let go of what we hold too tightly.
questions:
What are you holding on to too tightly?
Is God convicting you of not letting go of someone or something?
What needs to be done in your life for God’s love to take the place of fear?
day 25 - mar. 18
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 27:46
What Jesus said is something we can never truly understand. This wasn’t just a cry of a man - it was a cry within a member of the Trinity.
Jesus was so married by the sin of the world that the Father could not look at his beloved Son. He could not bear to see the depravity of the world taken on by his sinless Son.
This is the only place in scripture where Jesus addresses the “Father” as “God”. It’s impossible to understand the gravity and dynamic of that moment, but the desolation of what Jesus was facing comes through.
Jesus experienced the wrath that we deserve by taking on our sin - He gave up his right of intimacy with his Father. This is why he wept and prayed in the garden.
And yet, beneath it all, Jesus endured the cross, taking on it’s shame for the “joy set before him”.
application:
Because Jesus experienced absolute loneliness, you will never be alone.
questions:
How does Jesus’ loneliness penetrate your heart?
Are there times where loneliness seems greater than God’s presence?
Does Jesus’ condemnation on your behalf motivate you to draw closer to Him?
day 26 - mar. 19
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” -John 19:28
As Jesus hung on the wooden cross, it grew harder and harder to breathe. As Jesus approached the end of his physical life, he cried out, “I am thirty”.
Why did he say that? Maybe there was a theological reason behind it - his soul’s desire for people to join Him in the Kingdom.
Or maybe it was simply his humanity - a simple need for water as his body endured the anguish of death. We can’t forget that while he was fully God, he was also fully man.
The God who is Living Water was expressing his thirst. When Jesus accepted his need for a drink, he laid down his right to be vulnerable to reach a hurting humanity.
application:
Vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s an opportunity to draw closer to our Savior.
questions:
Do you feel like you need to act like you have it all together?
Have you ever felt like being vulnerable was a sign of weakness?
How has God’s Living Water equipped you to pour into others?
day 27 - mar. 20
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:30
Maybe the three most important words found in scripture are mentioned right here: it is finished. A declaration of victory made by our Savior for humanity.
From a grammatical standpoint, Jesus uses an unusual sentence structure. the correct grammar would have been: it has been finished. But like everything Jesus says, there’s purpose behind his words.
Jesus deliberately compromises his grammar to declare that the effect of his sacrifice is for all time. He is for today. His sacrifice is for now, as much as it was for then.
Christ’s mission was complete. It was perfect. His life was poured out like a drink offering even unto death. Through Jesus, humanity is presented with an eternal relationship with God.
application:
Jesus’ victory over death stands alone - no good words or sacrifice is needed on our end. Only Jesus.
questions:
Have you ever struggled with knowing you have victory over sin because of the Cross?
Do you struggle with trying to take on the challenges of your life on your own?
Do you hold onto the Cross not only for salvation but also for daily victories over sin?
DAY 28 - MAR. 21
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. -Luke 23:46
In a way only Jesus could do, his final statement was filled with humility. It wasn't a “I have done it” proclamation. It wasn't a teaching moment. It wasn’t even a theological discourse.
Instead, it was the Son’s trust in a good, good Father. It was an example of what true trust in God looks like. In this moment, Jesus shows us how he laid down his right to live.
Psalm 31:5 tells us the same thing Jesus said, but Jesus added one word: Father. While Jesus had previously cried out asking why God had forsaken him, he now was calling Him “Father” again - showing us the intimacy that existed between The Father and The Son.
At the end of the brutally of the Cross, Christ’s death was a moment of perfect peace between Jesus and His Father.
application:
Jesus' trust in His Father shows us what perfect peace looks like.
questions:
Is there anything God is asking you to commit to Him?
Are you trusting an unknown future to a known God?
What does God’s peace look like in your life and how is it leading you to trust Him more?
DAY 29 - MAR. 22
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. -Psalm 1:2
When we “meditate” on God’s word, it’s not what many imagine. While Eastern Meditation looks one way, Christian Meditation is something entirely different.
God’s desire is not for you to empty your mind of all thoughts but to replace them with His truth and wisdom.
When we dwell on His word, we hide it in our hearts. King David is speaking to this when he tells us that we’re “blessed” when we delight in God’s law and dwell on it.
It’s a reminder of Isaac Watts’ hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
application:
When we invest in encountering God’s truth and wisdom in His Word, God gives us our greatest blessing.
questions:
Do you find it hard to carve out time to meditate on God’s Word?
How has the busyness of life impacted your quiet times with God?
Is there anything you need to do to create more margin for God in your life?
day 30 - mar. 23
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. -Matthew 27:51-52a
Talk about drama! The curtain of the temple was torn in two - the very curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the worshippers; a piece of fabric. History tells us it was 45-60 ft. long and roughly 4 inches thick! The point? This was a thick piece of fabric, split from top to bottom.
The tearing of the curtain was a supernatural moment, pointing to how Jesus’ death gives us, a broken and sinful humanity, the right to enter the Holy of Holies and receive a relationship with God.
No matter your past, whether your life is in order or you have things figured out, the curtain is torn for you. Hebrews tells us that we enter God’s sanctuary because of Jesus’ blood and sacrifice.
Jesus' was broken and torn so that you could enter that innermost sanctuary.
application:
The beauty of the Lord is his sacrifice so that we may enter his presence.
questions:
Is there anything that’s keeping you from entering his presence?
Are there “curtains” that you’re hiding behind?
Are you approaching the throne of grace with confidence?
day 31 - mar. 24
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” -Matthew 27:54
Nature’s response shows us the magnitude of Jesus’ crucifixion. Darkness covered the land, the earth shook and rocks split. It would have been impossible to put these things down to coincidence for those who saw it. The world God created was echoing devestation.
The centurion and his partners were caught up in terror, recognizing Jesus as God’s Son. The problem is, recognizing that and putting faith in Jesus are two different things - even Satan recognizes Jesus as the Son of God!
What you do with that acknowledgement is what determines your life here and forever. Nature testifies to God’s glory - Paul speaks to it in Romans, that since creation, God’s power has been seen and understood.
Don’t stop at exclaiming that He is the Son of God - say that He is your Son of God.
application:
Jesus doesn’t just want you to recognize Him as the Son of God - He wants to be your Savior.
questions:
What are you doing with your knowledge of God?
How is it changing the way you live?
What makes God your Savior rather than just knowledge in your head?