Palm Sunday Devotional: A Multigenerational Family on Mission

Introduction: As we approach Palm Sunday, we reflect on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, accompanied by crowds shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9). This event marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of profound significance for Christians worldwide.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:7-11 — They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and He sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before Him and that followed Him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when He entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:20, 21 — Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: In this passage, we witness the enthusiastic praise of the crowd as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The cries of “Hosanna” express adoration and recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Even though the people hailing Jesus’ coming had misplaced expectations of what He would accomplish in Jerusalem that week, this scene still reminds us that the mission of Jesus was not solitary but communal. He embraced people from all walks of life, inviting them to join in the proclamation of God’s Kingdom. As we consider the Church as a multigenerational family on mission, we recognize the diverse roles and contributions of each member. Just as the diverse crowd welcomed Jesus with fervency, we are called to unite across generations, joining together in worship and service.

Ephesians 3:20, 21 speaks of the limitless power of God at work within the Church. As a church family, we draw strength from this power for the mission to which God has called us at home and abroad. God’s ability to accomplish infinitely more than we can comprehend inspires us to dream big and step out in faith, trusting that He will equip us for every good work. Paul’s prayer for glory in the Church throughout all generations emphasizes the continuity of God’s work across time. Our mission as a church extends beyond our lifetimes; it encompasses the past, present and future. Each generation plays a vital role in carrying forward the message of God’s love and redemption to the world.

Conclusion: As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us remember that we are part of a multigenerational family on mission. Just as the crowd welcomed Jesus with excitement and anticipation, may we unite across generations to honor Him and advance His Kingdom. With confidence in God’s power working in and through us, and with a commitment to banding together in unity, may we continue to fulfill our purpose, bringing glory to Him in all that we do. Amen.

 

Holy Monday Devotional: Cleansing the Temple Together

Introduction: As we delve into Holy Monday, we reflect on the profound scene of Jesus cleansing the temple. This event not only underscores Jesus’ zeal for the purity of God’s house but also offers valuable insights into the mission of the Church as a family. Let’s see how this passage illuminates our collective calling to embody God’s mission as a diverse and unified body.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:12-17 — And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to Him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” And leaving them, He went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Reflection: In this passage, we witness Jesus’ impassioned response to the desecration of God’s house. His actions underscore the importance of maintaining the integrity and holiness of the temple. Yet, amid the chaos, Jesus welcomed the marginalized — the blind and the lame — and extended healing and restoration to them. This juxtaposition reveals the heart of God’s mission: to create a space of prayer, healing and inclusion within His house.

As the Church, we are called to embody this mission of reconciliation and renewal. Like Jesus, we are tasked with upholding the sanctity of God’s dwelling place, not merely as a physical structure but as a community of believers. Our commitment to prayer, worship and righteousness serves as a beacon of hope in a broken world.

Additionally, Jesus’ response to the children’s cries of praise challenges conventional notions of authority and significance. In the Kingdom of God, every voice is valuable, regardless of age or status. This is such a beautiful reminder that the mission of the Church is inherently multigenerational, encompassing the wisdom of elders, the vitality of youth and the innocence of children.

Conclusion: As we meditate on the events of Holy Monday, may we embrace our identity as a church family called to holiness. May we honor Jesus’ zeal to preserve the sacred integrity of God’s house, welcoming all who seek healing and restoration. May our prayers be marked by unwavering faith, knowing that God empowers us to accomplish His purposes. And together, across generations, may we embody the mission of the Church, shining as beacons of light and agents of God’s love in a world in need of redemption. Amen.

 

Holy Tuesday Devotional: Bearing Fruit Together

Introduction: As we journey through Holy Week, we pause on this Holy Tuesday to reflect on a poignant moment in Jesus’ ministry, recounted in Matthew 21:18-22. This passage, where Jesus curses the fig tree, holds profound significance for us as followers of Jesus and illuminates our collective calling to bear fruit together for God’s Kingdom.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:18-22 — In the morning, as He was returning to the city, He became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, He went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And He said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Reflection: The cursing of the fig tree may seem puzzling at first glance, but it carries profound symbolism for our spiritual lives and the mission of the Church. Just as the fig tree bore leaves but no fruit, so too can we fall into the trap of outward appearances without genuine substance. Jesus’ actions serve as a reminder that God desires us, as His Church, to bear fruit that reflects His glory and transforms lives.

As a multigenerational family on mission, we are called to cultivate an environment where each member is nurtured to bear fruit according to their gifts and calling. Just as a tree draws sustenance from its roots and branches, so too do we draw strength from our abiding connection with Jesus and our interconnectedness within the Body of Christ. Together, whether young or old, we share in the responsibility of stewarding God’s gifts and resources for the advancement of His Kingdom.

Jesus’ declaration about the power of faith-filled prayer in verse 22 underscores the vital role of prayer in fulfilling God’s purposes. As a church family, our prayers are amplified by the diversity of perspectives and experiences represented within our midst. When we come together in faith, lifting our voices in unity, we unleash God’s transformative power in ways that surpass our understanding.

Conclusion: As we contemplate the events of Holy Tuesday, let us heed the lesson of the fig tree and strive to bear fruit worthy of our calling as the Church. May we nurture an environment where each member is empowered to contribute their unique gifts and talents for the glory of God. May we, together, remain in Jesus, the source of life. And may our prayers, offered in faith and unity, bring about God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

 

Holy Wednesday Devotional: Embracing Rest in the Journey

Introduction: On this Holy Wednesday, we find ourselves in a unique moment of reflection within the rhythm of Holy Week. Unlike the preceding days, no specific accounts of Jesus’ activities on this day are offered in the Gospels. Instead, we are invited to consider the significance of rest amidst the intensity of Jesus’ journey toward the cross. As we meditate on the theme of rest and the Church as a family on mission, we see how this day serves as a poignant reminder of the rest we find in Christ and the unity we share as His Body.

Reflection: The absence of specific reference to Jesus’ activities on Holy Wednesday in the Gospels serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of rest in our spiritual journey. Amid the whirlwind of Holy Week, Jesus Himself recognized the need for moments of retreat and renewal. As the Church, we too are called to embrace the rhythm of rest as we navigate the demands of our shared mission.

Rest is not merely physical rejuvenation but is a deep spiritual practice that nurtures our souls and strengthens our connection with God and one another. In times of stillness, we encounter the presence of Christ, who invites us to give Him our burdens and find solace in Him. As a multigenerational family, we have the privilege of supporting one another in our journey toward rest, offering encouragement, companionship and care along the way.

Psalm 62:1, 2 says, ”For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” This passage captures the essence of rest found in God alone. In silence, we wait upon Him, trusting in His steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness. As a family on mission, we draw strength from our collective reliance on God as our rock and salvation. We can’t do it alone! We need God and each other. In times of weariness, we find refuge in His presence together as a community, knowing that He sustains us and anchors us amid life’s storms.

Conclusion: On this Holy Wednesday, let us embrace the gift of rest that Jesus modeled for us in His earthly ministry. As a church family that values being on mission, may we prioritize moments of spiritual renewal and stillness, allowing God to replenish our souls and equip us for the work ahead. And may we extend the invitation to rest to one another, fostering a culture of care and support within our community. In this sacred space of rest, may we find unity, strength and renewed purpose in our mission to proclaim the love of Jesus to the world. Amen.

 

Maundy Thursday Devotional: Communion and Unity in Mission

Introduction: As we celebrate this Maundy Thursday, we commemorate the Last Supper, a beautiful moment of intimacy shared by Jesus and His disciples. In Matthew 26:26-29, we see Jesus instituting the sacrament of communion, a sacred practice that binds us together as a multigenerational family on mission.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:26-29 — 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.”

Reflection: In the act of sharing bread and wine, Jesus invites His disciples into communion with Him and with one another. This sacred meal not only symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Christ, but it also signifies our unity as the family of God. Through communion, we are bound together by the common bond of our faith in Jesus and our shared mission to reflect Him to the world.

As you partake of the bread and cup today with your family or together with the Church, be reminded of the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave Himself for the forgiveness of sins. This act of selflessness becomes the foundation upon which our love for one another as the Body of Christ is built. We are called to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, embodying His manner of living, reaching across the barriers that can come to divide us.

Jesus’ words about drinking the fruit of the vine anew in His Father’s Kingdom point to the eschatological fulfillment of our mission as the Church. Our communion with Christ and one another is not confined to this present age but extends into eternity. In heaven, we will gather once again, united in perfect harmony and celebrating the fullness of redemption and restoration. As we await Jesus’ return, let us live with anticipation and hope, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Conclusion: May we be reminded today of our identity as the people of God. May we embrace the call to sacrificial love and unity, walking in the way of Jesus as we proclaim His Kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth. And may we look forward with anticipation to the day when we will see Him face to face, together drinking deeply of the fruit of the vine in the Father’s Kingdom. Amen.

 

Good Friday Devotional: Embracing Forgiveness and Unity in Christ

Introduction: On this solemn day, we turn our hearts to Jesus’ crucifixion. Here we encounter Jesus’ profound act of forgiveness amid unimaginable suffering, a testament to His love and mercy. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, let us explore how the themes of forgiveness and unity intersect in the narrative of the cross.

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:33, 34 — And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on His right and one on His left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide His garments.

Reflection: Even while hanging on the cross, experiencing unfathomable pain, Jesus extended a remarkable gesture of forgiveness toward those who crucified Him. In this moment, Jesus exemplifies the essence of forgiveness, offering mercy to even His enemies. Hurting people hurt people. We have all been let down, betrayed, offended, overlooked, abused and/or forgotten. Even in the face of other people’s failures and sins toward us, we are called to embody this same spirit of forgiveness in our relationships with one another. On our own, this is impossible. The only path to total forgiveness is in the forgiveness we first receive from Jesus. He compels and enables us by His Spirit to extend grace and reconciliation to others, regardless of their shortcomings.

Through forgiveness, we break down barriers and cultivate unity within the Body of Christ, fostering a community marked by love and reconciliation. This is not easy, but neither is it optional for the believer. We must remember that we have been forgiven an even greater debt than what anyone owes us. Our commitment to forgiveness becomes a testimony of the transformative work of God’s grace in our lives and to a broken and divided world.

Conclusion: As we contemplate the sacrifice of Christ on this Good Friday, may we be profoundly moved by His act of forgiveness on the cross. Consider forgiving someone today that you never intended to forgive. May we embrace unity and reconciliation as a church family. And may the forgiveness we experience in Jesus compel us to extend that same grace to all. Amen.

 

Black Saturday Devotional: Faithful Waiting in Unity

Introduction: On this somber day, we find ourselves in the period of quiet anticipation between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As we reflect on this day of silence and uncertainty, let us turn to Matthew 27:62-66, where we encounter the sealing of the tomb, and let us contemplate its significance within the context of the Church.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:62-66 — The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while He was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal Him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

Reflection: In the sealing of the tomb, we see the fear and uncertainty of Jesus’ adversaries. Their actions reveal a desperate attempt to maintain control and suppress the truth of Jesus’ identity and mission. Even in their efforts to thwart God’s plans, however, they unwittingly contribute to the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God’s redemptive purposes.

As the Church, we find ourselves in a similar posture of faithful waiting amid uncertainty. Like the disciples on Black Saturday, we may grapple with doubt and apprehension as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises. Yet, even in our waiting, we are reminded of the unshakeable hope we have in Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Our unity as a family of believers sustains us through the darkness of Black Saturday as we anticipate the dawn of resurrection and new life.

In Romans 15:13, Paul prays, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Our hope and assurance in the waiting is not in a shift in our circumstances but in the nature of God Himself. As we navigate the pain and uncertainty of life — often marked by disappointment and grief — may we find comfort in the unchangeableness of God, who fills us with joy and peace through faith in Christ.

Conclusion: On this Black Saturday, as we linger in the liminal space between crucifixion and resurrection, may we find solace in the goodness of God and our common faith. Let us hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, trusting in His sovereignty and promises toward us as we await the dawn of resurrection. And may our faithful waiting be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love, shining as a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. Amen.

 

Resurrection Sunday Devotional: Walking Together in Revelation

Introduction: On this glorious Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the triumph of Jesus over sin and death. Our hearts are stirred with joy as we reflect on the transformative power of His resurrection. In Luke 24:13-35, we encounter the captivating narrative of the road to Emmaus, where Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples in the breaking of bread. Let us explore this passage and consider its implications for the Church as a multigenerational family on mission.

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35 — That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him … When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection: The Emmaus narrative beautifully captures the transformative encounter of two disciples with the risen Christ. As they journeyed together, Jesus revealed Himself to them through Scripture and the breaking of bread. This encounter speaks to the richness of communal fellowship and the power centering our lives on the Word of God.

The portrait of the disciples walking together on the road to Emmaus is symbolic of the shared journey of the Body of Christ. We are a diverse community of believers, spanning generations and backgrounds, and yet, in our communal pilgrimage of faith, we have the privilege of encountering the risen Christ in our fellowship. Despite our differences in age, culture and experience, we are bound together by our common faith in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, may we be reminded of our identity as a multigenerational family on mission. May we walk together in fellowship and unity, seeking the revelation of Jesus in our midst. And may our hearts burn within us as we encounter Him, empowering us to proclaim His resurrection to the ends of the earth. Amen.