Day 117 - April 27, 2025

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

The Resurrection of Christ

15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. (NIV)

Observation:

Paul addresses the church in Corinth, reminding them of the Gospel he had preached to them—the message of their salvation, he received from Jesus Christ. He writes, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.” (1 Corinthians 15:910a)

Application:

By the grace of God, we are who we are, and that is sufficient to serve as effective witnesses of the Gospel to a world in need of hearing the Good News of Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing to us who You are. Thank You for the faith we have been given to believe in Your redeeming work upon the cross. Inspire us, dear Jesus, to be faithful followers of You, touching the world with Your amazing grace and love. Amen.

Day 116 - April 26, 2025

Scripture: John 21:15-25

Jesus Reinstates Peter

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. (NIV)

Observation:

Following a miraculous fishing catch Jesus orchestrated for the disciples turned fishermen, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’” (John 21:15) Jesus wanted Peter to understand that he loved Jesus more than catching big catches of fish. After all, Jesus told Simon earlier that he would make him a fisher of people. Peter and his partners were back at the old business of catching fish, but it was not going so well until the resurrected Jesus shows up, then they had a miraculous catch of fish following Jesus’ instruction to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Jesus, giving Peter the opportunity to counterbalance Peter’s earlier denials at Jesus’ trial.

Application:

Day jobs play a vital role in providing the necessary resources to sustain our lives, yet nothing surpasses the importance of following Jesus in every opportunity we encounter. As Jesus reminded His disciples, the Father is aware of our earthly needs, but we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In doing so, these necessities will also be provided to us. (Matthew 6:33)

Application:

There is nothing more significant in life than pursuing a proper relationship with our Father in heaven. Adhering to the teachings of Jesus brings structure to our days and guides us toward discovering our true purpose and meaning in life.

Prayer:

Dear God, inspire us to follow Your ways on a daily basis, seeking a righteous relationship with You through the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Order our days so that we may honor You in all that we do and say. Amen.

Day 115 - April 25, 2025

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (NIV)

Observation:

The professional fishermen had been out on the boat all night without catching anything. When Jesus, who was on the shore preparing breakfast, asked if they had caught any fish, they answered, "No." Jesus then instructed, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some" (John 21:6). It appears that Jesus always knows where the fish are. The disciples seemed to have returned to their former occupation as fishermen, while the resurrected Jesus was present to guide them back to their ministry. Initially unaware that it was Jesus, they soon realized that only he could make such a profound difference in their catch.

Application:

When we prioritize our own pursuits over placing God first, our efforts may sometimes prove fruitless. When we seek God first his kingdom and righteousness, everything else seems to fall into place.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us not to labor in vain, but inspire us to put you first in all things. As we do, we find that we are more fruitful, and our lives become ordered.

114 - April 24, 2025

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (NIV)

Observation:

The disciple Thomas was absent from the upper room on Easter Sunday night, and hearing of Jesus' appearance, he declared that he would not believe Jesus was alive unless he could personally experience what the others had witnessed for themselves. When Jesus appeared the following week and Jesus showed Thomas what the others had witnessed. He declared, “‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” (John 20:28b- 29)

Application:

Thomas believed that Jesus was resurrected from the dead because he could experience Jesus resurrected living body for himself. On seeing Jesus, he declared that Jesus was not only his Lord, but his God. That is the highest Christological statement from a human being, Jesus is God. Then, Jesus blessed us, those who have not seen and experienced the resurrected Jesus, yet we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, help us as your children to represent you in the world so that those who do not recognize you, may come to know your amazing grace and forgiving love. Help us to be witnesses of your mercy to a world who needs to see, hear and feel it, all to your glory. Amen.

Day 113 - April 23, 2025

Scripture: John 20:1-18

The Empty Tomb

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. (NIV)

Observation:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’” Until that moment, Mary did not recognize Jesus. However, when Jesus called her by name, it was unmistakable to her. No one else could speak her name as he did, and she immediately knew he was her Lord. Jesus knows each of us intimately and calls us by our name. He desires a relationship with every individual and understands us better than we understand ourselves.

Application:

Since Jesus knows each of us intimately, why fight revealing ourselves to our Lord. Let Jesus see into our hearts and our minds. Let him search you and know you, and allow his Holy Spirit to show the areas in your life that need to be conformed to his will. For he knows the plans he has made for you, plans to prosper you and give you a hope and a future.

Prayer:

O Lord, my God, search me and know me and show me the areas in my life that I need to conform to your best intentions for my life. Help me to cooperate with your Spirit as you show me myself and the areas in my life that I need to yield to you. Please be the Lord of my life. Amen!

Day 112 - April 22, 2025

Scripture: Luke 24:36-53

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Observation:

The resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples in the upper room on Easter Sunday evening. “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.‘” (Luke 24:45-49)

Application:

We read Scripture, with truth plainly before us, yet at times fail to comprehend its meaning. Then, as our eyes are opened, experience what can be described as an "AHA moment," when the message becomes clearly understood. Jesus opened their minds not only to grasp the words of Scripture but also understand their deeper significance. Following this, He gave them their instructions but commanded them to wait until they received the gift from the Father—the Spirit—who continues to open the meaning of Scripture with power and authority from on high.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You bestow upon every believer at their baptism the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. Your Spirit grants us understanding of Your scripture and empowers us to proclaim the Good News of salvation in the name of Jesus. Bless us with Your Spirit so that we may speak Your words with divine power and authority. All for Your glory. Amen.

Day 111 - April 21, 2025

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Observation:

Two followers of Jesus encountered Him on their journey to Emmaus. Unaware that they were speaking to the resurrected Jesus, He began to explain the scriptures, starting with Moses and the Prophets, concerning the Messiah. Upon reaching their destination, they invited Him to stay with them, as it was nearly evening. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:30-32)

Application:

When Jesus instituted Communion during the Passover meal, he added new significance to the Passover Celebration. as he broke the unleavened (sinless) bread and gave it to his disciples he instructed them to “do this in remembrance of me.” We recognize Jesus also in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup.”

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to always be mindful of you. Allow us to see you in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup for you are the Bread of Life which comes down from heaven. Amen!

Day 110 - April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Jesus Has Risen

24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. (NIV)

Observation:

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.” (Luke 24:5b-8). Jesus had predicted his death and resurrection on numerous occasions, but they did not comprehend until it actually happened and then they remembered.

Application:

The words of Jesus were true then, and they are true today We can rely on what Jesus told His disciples as Gospel truth. Why, then, do we persist in following the same old ways? Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have been granted new life in Him. Let us, therefore, embrace our new lives live as our renewed selves, and bring Glory to God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we often find ourselves entangled in the ways of sin and death. Yet You have come to grant us a new life—one that is abundant and fulfilling. Guide us to fully embrace the grace You have bestowed upon us, and help us to remember Your teachings given to Your disciples during Your time on Earth. Through the presence of Your Holy Spirit, enable us to lead renewed lives in Your grace, all for Your Glory. Amen.

Day 109 - April 19, 2025

Scripture: Luke 23:44-56

The Death of Jesus

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (NIV)

Observation:

Upon Jesus death, the sun stopped shining from noon to about 3:00 pm. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) When he had said this, he breathed his last.” The curtain in the temple was torn in two and the Centurian soldier recognized that Jesus was a righteous man. When the curtain of the Temple was torn in two, many commentators say that it indicated that because of Jesus sacrificial death, we now have access to the Holy of Hollies.

Application:

Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are reconciled to our Holy God by His perfect sacrifice and our faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah. As believers in salvation through Jesus Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit in our baptisms, and the Spirit remains with us throughout our lives. Therefore, we should cooperate with the Holy Spirit in our lives, as the Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus taught His disciples during His time on earth.

Prayer:

Almighty Father in Heaven, we thank You for Your boundless love for us Your children, demonstrated through the gift of Your Son Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Grant us Your grace, and through the guidance of Your Spirit, teach us to live our lives in accordance with Your divine will. Enable us to fulfill Your highest intentions for our lives, utilizing the spiritual gifts and talents You have entrusted to us. Guide us to be fruitful disciples of Your Son, Jesus, so that we may bring glory to Your Name. Amen.

Day 108 - April 18, 2025

Scripture: Luke 23:1-43

23 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”

3 So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5 But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17] 

18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then

“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
    and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Observation:

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Luke 23:113-18) The name Barabbas means "son of the father." Barabbas, guilty of murder and deserving of capital punishment, is released, while Jesus, the innocent man, takes his place upon the cross. Jesus, the Son of Father God, dies in the place of Barabbas so that Barabbas might become a son of the Father.

Application:

We too are Barabbas deserving the punishment that Jesus takes upon himself in our place, so that we can also become children of the Father.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we are so sorry for sinning, that you took our place upon the cross. You said in prayer as they were nailing you to the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Grant us the understanding of the profound depth of your love and sacrifice, that we may truly become Children of the Father. Guide us as your children to emulate Jesus more each day, sharing your love with a world that remains unaware of you. Amen.

Day 107 - April 17, 2025

Scripture: Luke 22:31-71

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”

“That’s enough!” he replied.

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Jesus Arrested

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

Peter Disowns Jesus

54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

The Guards Mock Jesus

63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.

Jesus Before Pilate and Herod

66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.”

Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He replied, “You say that I am.”

71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus is the Son of God, coming down from Heaven. He is also the Son of Man who we find in (Daniel 7:13) While being divine, Jesus is also fully human. What he was about to do, suffering torture before going to a painful and torturous death upon the cross, he knew was going to take all of his human strength and eventually his human life. Jesus’ prayed to the Father, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:42-44) Jesus did not deserve the pain and suffering that he recieved. Although, painful, he chose it willingly saying< “father not my will but yours de done.”

Application:

Can there be a greater testament to God's love than this? Jesus came to serve as the perfect and complete sacrifice for the sins we have committed and will commit. This demonstrates God's extraordinary love for us. It is not fair; it is Grace that Jesus bore the cross on our behalf!

Prayer:

O Lord God, Father in Heaven, and Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit through whom we now pray. We thank You for the forgiveness of our sins through our faith in You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though it is not fair that You would endure such immense suffering on our behalf, it is Your Grace, and we are deeply grateful. We humbly ask that as Your followers, we may not only sing Your praises but also walk in the grace You have bestowed, showing grace to all we encounter each day, all for Your Glory. Amen.

Day 106 - April 16, 2025

Scripture: Luke 22:1-30

22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

The Last Supper

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (NIV)

Observation:

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is celebrating the Passover with his disciples when he institutes what has come to be known as our Communion with Jesus being the unleavened (sinless) Bread of Heaven. After the supper was finished again Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) Jesus took the cup which followed the meal. This cup had a name it was called the “Cup of Redemption.” It is this cup that Jesus says is his blood, the Cup of Redemption. Jesus is demonstrating that He himself is their Paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. It is His shed blood that would make atonement for the sins of those who believe in Jesus.

Application:

Whether Jesus partakes in a pre-Passover meal with His disciples, as depicted in John’s Gospel, or the actual Passover meal during the Passover as is represented in Luke’s Gospel, the message remains unchanged, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed is the one who believes in this and finds forgiveness for their sins. Jesus’ life, death, and subsequent resurrection demonstrate that the Passover is fulfilled in His sacrifice for all who believe in Him.

Prayer:

O Lord and Master, Jesus, You are our Paschal Lamb who sacrificed Yourself for, cleansing us through the blood of Your perfect offering. You, who are without sin, bore the sins of the entire world to reconcile us to God. Through the sacrament of Communion, believing in Your perfect gift, we receive the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of You and the teachings You imparted to Your disciples. Grant us the grace to grow in Your love, to learn Your ways, and to walk in them for Your Glory and the Glory of our Father in Heaven. Amen.

Day 105 - April 15, 2025

Scripture: Luke 20:19-47

19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

The Resurrection and Marriage

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’

44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Observation:

It is interesting that on today’s date, our tax deadline day, Jesus is questioned by spies who tried to trip Jesus up in having him say something against Rome so that he might be arrested by the Roman soldiers who were nearby. “‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ‘Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. He said to them, ‘Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” (Luke20:21b-25) So let us pay our taxes, but first be devoted to the God who owns everything.

Application:

Paying taxes is not inherently evil, as taxes contribute to the welfare of the community, the state, and the nation benefiting the collective citizenry. More significantly, we should prioritize paying homage to God, including tithes, offerings, and free-will gifts, to support the growth of the church, the temple of God

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all that you do for us. May we acknowledge your provision and your sovereign ownership over all things, including every nation in the world. Guide us to seek you first, your kingdom, and your righteousness, as you have commanded, for you are our ultimate provider and redeemer. Amen.

Day 104 - April 14, 2025

Scripture: Luke 20:1-18

The Authority of Jesus is Questioned

20 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2 “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”

3 He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: 4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

5 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”

7 So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”

8 Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

The Parable of the Tenants

9 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’

14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”

17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:

“‘The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone’?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Observation:

After Jesus taught the Parable of the Tenants, he asked the Pharisees, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” (Luke 20:17b-18)

Jesus was revealing to the Pharisees that they were the subject of the parable He had just shared. Showing in their rejection of Him, the Stone that the builders rejected would become the cornerstone most important stone supporting all the others. Jesus is our cornerstone upon which our faith is established.

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, You are our Rock and the cornerstone of our faith. When we trust in You and follow Your guidance for our lives, we become spiritual stones forming the new temple built upon You. You are the foundation of our faith, and we are living stones, consecrated to growing in You. Amen.

Day 103 - April 13, 2025

Scripture: Luke 19:28-48

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Jesus at the Temple

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

Observation:

“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (Luke 19:30-31) This was done fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9) "which says: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Application:

Jesus entered Jerusalem as a peaceful king, riding on a donkey's colt rather than a war horse. His purpose was to bring eternal peace through his sacrificial death on the cross. The significance of his actions remained unclear to all until after his resurrection. Contrary to the expectations of some of his followers, Jesus did not come to overthrow the Roman occupiers. Instead, he triumphed over humanity's true enemies: sin and death.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, we are blessed with the resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to discern Jesus' work in liberating us from the bondage of sin and death. As Easter people, we share in the triumph of Your victory and are guided by Your Spirit, who reminds us of all You taught the disciples. Grant us the strength to live victorious lives, rejoicing in Your abiding presence. Amen.

Day 102 - April 12, 2025

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” (NIV)

Observation:

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, the people believed He would immediately establish the kingdom of God. To address this, He shared a parable about a king who entrusted his servants with a sum of money, approximately three months' wages. The king expected them to use what they had received to generate a return on his investment by the time he returned. Those who were diligent and productive with their entrusted resources were rewarded while the one who hid the money and failed to produce a return was reprimanded. What had been given to him was taken away and entrusted to the servant who achieved a tenfold increase.

Application:

Jesus calls us to be fruitful and multiply, granting us the grace to extend that same grace to others. Through our faithful witness, we are entrusted with the mission of guiding people into God’s kingdom.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the sacrifice of your life for ours. We thank you for granting us forgiveness of our sins and the gift of salvation in your name. Guide us to be fruitful disciples of Jesus, so that others may come to know you and grow in their love for you as your followers. Amen.

Day 101 - April 11, 2025

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus and the Tax Collector

19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Observation:

The whole theme of Luke’s Gospel can be summarized in one verse:  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Jesus, who is the Son of Man from Daniel 7:13, came on a mission from his Father God, to seek and to save that which was lost.

Application:

What the Pharisees failed to comprehend was the profound Love of God, capable of reaching even those deemed unreachable. Furthermore, the Pharisees appeared unable to recognize their own need for salvation, failing to see that they too were among the lost. For all have sinned and short of the Glory God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your love of us and for your search for us because even our faith is a gift from God so that no one can boast. Grant us the faith that moves mountains and grow us in your love and grace that we might recognize our own need for your salvation. Then allow us to share with others what you have done for us. Amen.

Day 100 - April 10, 2025

Scripture: Luke 18:18-43

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”

21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.

22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time

31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (NIV)

Observation:

Sandwiched between Jesus encounter with the rich young ruler and the healing of a blind man, Jesus tells his disciples about his upcoming death saying, “‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.’ The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” (Luke 18:31-34)

Application:

Unlike the disciples of Jesus, we have the benefit of the historical account of Jesus’ death upon the cross. Imagine how it must have been for the disciples to hear and understand Jesus’ clear and repeated predictions of his upcoming passion and death. The meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection was hidden from the apostles until it happened and became a reality for them. We, have no excuse for not recognizing its significance. We should embrace and receive Jesus’ gift to us, his forgiveness through his perfect sacrifice. Let us embrace the gift of salvation that Jesus extends and live within the grace that He has provided.

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, we cannot imagine the pain and the suffering that you endured for our salvation. Thank you for your amazing grace and love. Help us to live into your loving grace, and help us to be extenders of that grace to a world who has not yet received it. Help us to help others accept your loving grace, all to your glory. Amen.

Day 99 - April 9, 2025

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Jesus is Anointed at Bethany

12  Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold, and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus defends Mary, Lazarus’ sister, for her extravagant outpouring of love while she anointed his feet with expensive perfume. After Judas’ protest of this act saying, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold, and the money given to the poor?” Jesus responded, “‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7-8)

Application:

Providing alms for the poor is always commendable, but expressing our love for Jesus in extravagant ways is an act of worship. Mary worshipped Jesus with her whole heart, and whenever given the opportunity, she was always at his feet, absorbing his teachings. We should emulate her actions in our own lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, Lazarus' sister Mary consistently demonstrated her love and devotion to you, attentively listening to your every word and sitting at your feet to be filled with your wisdom and love. We ought to emulate Mary in our own lives by sitting at the feet of your Word, worshipping you to the glory of God the Father, through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.

Day 98 - April 8, 2025

Scripture: John 11:45-57

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” 57 But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him. (NIV)

Observation:

After hearing about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the Sanhedrin convened, concerned that many people would now believe in Jesus and that the Romans would come and take away their temple and their nation. “Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.’” (John 11:49-50) As the high priest that year, Caiaphas, whether knowingly or unknowingly, was prophesying Jesus' death as a sacrifice for the Jewish nation and all the scattered people of God.

Application:

When we observe the circumstances in our lives and the events that surround us, we should look for God's hand at work. Just as the circumstances surrounding that year's Passover set up God's plan for Jesus to be the unblemished perfect sacrifice, it also established the plan for the salvation of all who believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Son of Man.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, people make plans, but Your plans prevail. Help us, as Your children, to cooperate with Your plan for our lives. Help us to recognize Your hand of grace and allow us to be agents of that grace in the world. Bless us, O Lord, to be a blessing to all the people we encounter in our lives, all to Your glory. Amen.