Today’s Reading: Acts 1:14-2:13; Psalm 109 & 125

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. – Acts 1:14

As the followers of Jesus anticipated what was coming, they gathered together and united themselves in prayer. 120 believers came together and spent time seeking God. Their time in the presence of their risen Savior had turned their sorrow to joy; their time praying to their Heavenly Father had given them the peace they needed to look forward rather than looking back.

Peter recognized that there was someone missing from this body of believers. Judas had been one of them. They had spent three years doing life with their brother and they were feeling his absence, still stunned from his betrayal. But they made the choice not to wallow in self-pity or hold on to their anger. They chose to give it to God and move on.

Let his years be few; let someone else take his position. – Psalm 109:8

Peter stepped forward and suggested they fill this empty spot with someone who had been with them the whole time, from Jesus’ baptism until now. Two men were nominated and Matthias was chosen by the casting of lots to become an apostle with the other eleven (Acts 1:23-26).

Now that this business was taken care of, there was only one more thing to do — wait for the gift Jesus had promised would come. Jesus had given them clear instructions and they trusted him enough to obey his directives.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” – Acts 1:8a

Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit and described the result as the receiving of power. The book of Acts describes the Spirit’s entrance as a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm and like flames or tongues of fire. The sound was so loud that it was heard across Jerusalem and everyone came running to see what was going on.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE?

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” – Acts 2:1-13

LET’S GET LOUD!!!

The gift of the Holy Spirit is available for us today and could make a powerful difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Imagine the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives being so “loud” that people around us take notice. Imagine how God could use us if the Holy Spirit put the words in our mouths, so that those to whom we are witnessing or ministering could understand the message – not our message, but His. What if His presence in our lives hit a whole NEW VOLUME!

Today would be a great day to stop and consider the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and to ask God for a fresh infilling of His Spirit. To sit in our “upper room” and simply breathe in His presence and ask Him to empty us of all that is who we are and fill us with all that is Him.

Heavenly Father, fill us with your Spirit today. Give us a spirit of wisdom to direct our words and our actions. Give us a spirit of compassion to lead our hearts in the direction you pull. Empty us of our own selfish desires and give us a heart that beats for only you. May we be witnesses of your power in our lives today. Amen.

Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.
The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
O Lord, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.
But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O Lord.
Take them away with those who do evil. – Psalm 125:1-5a

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:1-13; Psalm 57

ANOTHER CHAPTER IS COMING TO AN END

Why does it seem that life goes by so fast? There are many things I miss about my girls being little but, at the same time, I am really enjoying life with three young adult daughters. Today I can look back and be thankful for those memories, while also looking forward in anticipation of all God has for them. There is this inner conflict of wanting to keep them here by my side for the rest of their lives while also delighting in the beauty of watching them spread their wings and fly.

In the first chapter of Acts, we see the disciples at a similar point in their lives. A chapter is coming to an end and a new chapter is beginning. They have just spent 40 days with the resurrected Christ, listening and learning from Him. During that short time, they gained some understanding of what His time on earth was about, why He had to die, and what was to come. In today’s passage, Jesus is leaving them, and they are caught between “straining to see him” and anticipating the gift He said He would send.

A NEW CHAPTER IS BEGINNING

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. – Acts 1:1-3

All that Jesus taught his disciples before his crucifixion was only the precursor to all he continued to teach them. Jesus BEGAN a work in them and he saw it to completion. He not only spent these 40 days with them after his resurrection from the dead, he continued to impact them through the Holy Spirit. Before leaving them, he gave them instructions and spoke of the powerful things he would continue to do through them.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” – Acts 1:4-11

STRAINING TO SEE HIM AHEAD

I pray each of us is able to take some time today to look back and look forward. Let’s look back at all God has taught us — all the wonderful times mixed with all of the hard times. He has been faithful and He has been present. Although the evidence of His presence can be seen at a glance, when we take the time to “strain to see him” we recognize His hands and feet in even more ways than we initially remembered.

“John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 1:5

After looking back, let’s intentionally look forward in anticipation of what the future holds for us. God has promises for each one of us. In the same way that He spoke to His disciples, Jesus is speaking to us – this is what is behind you and this is what is coming. Here are the wonderful things I have done for you, but in a few days…

My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth. – Psalm 57:7-11

Precious Father, we thank you for your Presence in our lives. You have been faithful and You have been generous. You have blessed us beyond our expectations and we praise You! Lord, today we sit at your feet and intentionally seek You as we look ahead to the next chapter of our lives. Thank you for all you have done so far and thank You for all You plan to do for us in the future. We love you. Amen.

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. – Acts 1:12-13

Today’s Reading: Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18

MAKING PLANS, CREATING LISTS AND SETTING GOALS

I am one of those people who likes to set goals, whether it is for today or this week or this month or this year. I am also a list person. I write out a list of all I need to do or want to accomplish. Because I am wired this way (as I am guessing many of you are), I already have this summer pretty much planned out, but I’m still working on my list of things I would like to accomplish.

But beyond my own heart’s desire to accomplish or experience this or that, this morning I find myself asking God what He would like to do with the next chapter of my life. I ask God this kind of question quite often, especially at the beginning of a new year or a new season, but sometimes even at the beginning of a new week or a new day. I give God permission to direct my ways and choose my paths. This surrender is not always easy — whatever, wherever, whenever. As I sit in this place of commitment again, I must admit I sense a familiar hesitation.

Let me reveal a little something about myself – I have a love-hate relationship with roller coasters. I love the thrill of the ride…when it’s over. As I move closer to the front of the line, I get a little more nervous. As I listen to the current riders screaming and the loud sound of the roller coaster rushing by, my heart starts to beat just a little faster (actually a lot faster). I know I am going to be safe and I know I am going to get off the roller coaster with a smile on my face, but the anticipation is nerve-wracking. I sit down, buckle up, and tighten my grip on the bars.

This is especially true when I ride a new roller coaster for the first time. I am unsure of what to expect. The ride is about to begin, zero to 70 mph in 3 seconds. The commitment has been made and seat belts are fastened, but the upcoming ride is unknown and I find myself a little scared. The next two minutes of my life are now completely out of my control. Have you ever felt this way?

DO YOU TRUST ME? CAN I HAVE YOUR PLANS?

My natural tendency is to want to be in charge; I like being in control. But my natural pattern is to really mess things up when I try to do things of my own strength or follow my own plan. This morning, God is asking me once more, “Do you trust me? Can I have your plans?” Yes, of course I trust you, Lord. Please calm my fears and help me to loosen my grip as I place my family and my list in your hands. I desire to fully commit everything to you, but the upcoming ride is still unknown and I find myself asking you to help me trust you.

Imagine how nervous the disciples were when they went to the upper room in anticipation of what was next. They had just watched Jesus ascend into Heaven. They had made the commitment to follow Him but the road ahead was unknown, the anticipation great. They did not need to ask God the question, “What would you like for me to do this year?” or “What goals would you like for me to set?” Jesus had already given them directions in His last few days with them. Now it was time to do what Jesus was asking them to do, just as it is time for us to do what God has already made clear to us.

DO WHAT GOD TOLD YOU TO DO.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Goal #1 – To be a witness of Christ Jesus wherever He places me today — a witness in my conversation, in my actions, in my attitudes.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Goal #2 – To go and make disciples. To reach out and share the gospel with those who need Jesus, discipling them as they learn what it means to be a follower of Christ.

“Feed my lambs…Take care of my sheep…Feed my sheep…” – John 21:15-17

Goal #3 – To participate in compassionate ministry, daily reaching out to those around me and around the world. To meet their physical needs as well as spiritual needs.

“Peace be with you.” – John 20:19,21

Goal #4 – Don’t be afraid. Trust God with what is ahead. Rest in His care and in His plan, sit back and prepare for the ride of your life. Loosen your grip, raise your arms in the air and enjoy the ride.

Today’s Reading: Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:44-53; Psalm 22

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. – Luke 24:44-45

As we begin today’s study of the word of God, let’s stop for a moment and thank the Lord for opening our minds to a deeper understanding of scripture. Let’s give Him praise in advance for generously providing us with wisdom and knowledge to help us on this journey of grace we are walking. Lord, open our minds and write on our hearts; align our desires with yours and guide our thoughts, we pray. Amen.

And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” – Luke 24:46-49

The message going out to all nations is that there is forgiveness for those who repent of their sins. That’s great news! In fact, that’s the good news of salvation. The prophets foretold the suffering and death of the Messiah, but it had a purpose. It was because of the sins of generation after generation that an ultimate sacrifice had to be made; it was for our redemption that Christ willingly became that sacrificial Lamb.

And there’s more! Jesus was about to ascend into heaven but he was leaving them with a gift — the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the disciples to wait, the Spirit was coming. And with the Holy Spirit’s presence would come power from heaven — power that would do a work in those who surrender their lives for the sake of bringing others to a saving knowledge of Christ.

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. – Mark 16:19-20

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. – Luke 24:50-53

The disciples enjoyed their time with Jesus but, just as he had foretold, his time with them came to an end. They may not have felt ready, but he had been preparing them for this moment throughout his whole ministry. He told them over and over again that he would go away, and he laid out for them the importance of believing IN him in order to spend eternity WITH him.

YOU MUST BELIEVE

Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come…You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” – John 8:21-24

“…But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:5b

YOU MUST REPENT

Believing that Jesus is the Messiah is only the first step in finding salvation. Even the demons believe in God (James 2:19). Jesus made it clear that there needs to be a change in direction — that our faith needs to be reflected in our actions. Repent of your old way of life and follow Jesus into a new way. Repent — change direction; do a 180 degree turn. Stop the momentum of your bad decisions and head the other way.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? – James 2:14

And when an unbeliever comes to faith in God, repenting of their sins, there is much rejoicing in heaven. Jesus who is eternal, Jesus who had witnessed it firsthand, told his listeners that the angels of God celebrate when the prodigal returns home.

“I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10b

YOU MUST BE READY

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:35-40

The peace experienced at the ascension of Jesus exists when we hold tight to the promise that He will come again. So believe He is who He said He is, repent of your sins so that your faith is evidenced by your deeds, and be ready for His return.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48b

May 25, 2025 — Bread at the Table
Today’s Reading: Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:30-31; Psalm 13

Jesus appeared to many people after his resurrection, including two men who were walking to a village outside of Jerusalem called Emmaus. As they walked, they discussed everything that had happened in Jerusalem. They described Jesus as a mighty teacher and a prophet who did powerful miracles. They processed again the reality that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over to be condemned, which led to his crucifixion. They were not sure what to think about the women in their group of followers who reported that they saw angels, and that those angels gave them the message that Jesus is alive (Luke 24:19-24).

THEY WERE ON THE VERGE OF MISSING THAT JESUS WAS WALKING ALONGSIDE THEM.

Jesus joined them in the conversation, but they were so caught up in their grief and dismay that they did not recognize him. He was intentionally showing up for them, but they did not see him; he chose to walk alongside them during a very difficult moment in their lives and they did not take note of his presence.

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

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 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.

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 24:25-32

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS A MOMENT OF THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN MY LIFE.

I pray I do not become so distracted by my own worries and grief that I forget to turn my attention to the One who gave His life for me. I want to sit at the table with Jesus and recognize His presence as we break bread together. When Jesus shows up for me, I want to be paying attention.

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. – John 20:30-31

The miracles and conversations recorded in the gospels barely scratch the surface of all that those around Jesus would have experienced. Imagine the long conversations as they sat around an evening fire or walked from town to town. Consider how many miracles and healings the disciples would have witnessed in those three years; yet these stories were recorded for a specific purpose — so that we might believe and, by believing, experience eternal life.

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE BECAUSE I LACK THE FAITH TO BELIEVE.

I love the study of the gospels because I love the main character so much! I also love what comes next because Jesus continues on as the main character, even after He has ascended into Heaven. He continued to work THROUGH His disciples just as He continues to work THROUGH us today.

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:12-13

Do you wonder what is ahead for you? Rest in His presence and enjoy some time with Him this morning. He will lead you and work through you according to His plan. Lean into Him today and trust Him with your tomorrows. Our Lord is good and His faithfulness continues from generation to generation.

If this path you are walking today feels lonely, please know that the Lord has not left your side. If your sorrow is heavy and uncertainty is weighing you down, tell Jesus how you are feeling. Talk with Him; walk with Him. Trust in His unfailing love, believe in His saving power, and rejoice in His faithfulness.

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me. – Psalm 13:5-6

Today’s Reading: John 21:1-14

John tells one more story — the story of the morning Jesus made breakfast on the beach for some of his closest friends. On this day no one questioned who He was or what He was doing; they simply rested in the knowledge that he was the Lord and that he was alive. They had no idea what this next chapter of their lives would look like, but they were willing to do whatever Jesus wanted them to do.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there — Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and the two other disciples.

Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. – John 21:1-3

I imagine the disciples did not know what to do with themselves. Jesus had already appeared to them twice since His resurrection but He was not with them at the time. I imagine they were kind of sitting around in silence, unsure of what to do next. Perhaps out of the awkward silence, Simon Peter stood up and declared, “I’m going fishing.” It was what they knew, what they had done before they followed Jesus, and what they returned to for comfort when they were unsure of what life held for them next. It must have sounded like a good idea to the whole group because they quickly joined in and followed Peter to the boat.

BUT SOMETIMES OUR NORMAL FEELS UNFAMILIAR.

Something was different this time. The men who knew fishing because they were fishermen were unable to catch any fish. What was going on? Why were the fish not biting on this beautiful early morning? The life that had previously been marked with familiarity and comfort now brought no results, because it was no longer their life.

At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, caught any fish?”

“No,” they replied.

Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them – fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. – John 21:4-14

I connect with this story because I love my morning time with Jesus. He does not make me a delicious breakfast of fish and bread, but He does feed me. He faithfully shows up in my life when I am wondering what is next. I ask myself — What does my day hold and what does God want me to do today? And when circumstances in my life are leaving me uncomfortable and I miss the familiarity of what I know, I do what I know to do — I trust in my Jesus to nourish and provide for me.

JESUS CAN HAVE MY “NEXT” BECAUSE I TRUST HIM.

Is there a situation or decision in your life that you need to bring to breakfast and give to the Lord this morning? Allow Him to fill you with His Spirit and rest in His presence before you start your day.

Today’s Reading: Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-29

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!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:19-23

Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them. If he had been there, he would have seen Jesus for himself. But Thomas was not in the room. His absence caused him to miss out on an opportunity to experience the risen Savior.

The disciples told Thomas what Jesus had said and what they had seen, but Thomas struggled to believe. He needed to see Jesus for himself — to see the nail marks in his hands and to touch the wounds where Jesus had been pierced. Thomas, still deep in his grief, needed proof in order to let go of his doubt and allow himself to believe that Jesus was alive.

Jesus appeared to Thomas, showing Him his wounds and calling him to believe. And because Thomas had not heard him say it to the other disciples, he took the time to say it again to this doubting disciple — “Peace be with you.”

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

Thomas said to him, “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 20:26b-29

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR JESUS TODAY?

There are many who were raised in the church yet still struggle to believe in Jesus and His Sovereignty. Today, I ask them and I ask you the same question Jesus asked Mary and the question I challenge myself with today, “Who are you looking for?”

Jesus is ready and willing to reveal Himself to us today but we will miss it if we do not expect it – if we live today without expectation that Jesus will personally reach out to us. Things will happen and we will call them coincidences. God’s blessings will pour out on our life and we will call ourselves “lucky”. Evidence of Jesus will be all around us and we will say, “I wish God would show Himself to me.” I don’t want to miss out on seeing God today.

We have been studying the gospels for five months now — accounts of Jesus’ life that were written so that we can believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. It is in believing that he is who he says he is that we fully experience life in his name. Jesus’ call to Thomas to believe brings me back to one of the first verses I ever memorized and a verse we looked at towards the beginning of the book of John. It’s familiar to all of us and probably the most well-known verse in the Bible.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TODAY?

Will you join me in walking into our day with confidence that Jesus will reveal himself? Will you believe that Jesus is alive and actively involved in your life? And then, when we do experience Jesus today, let’s follow the same instructions He gave Mary and pass on the message to others – “I have seen the Lord!”

Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:11-66, 28:1-15

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. – Matthew 27:57-61

These were the witnesses to the burial of Jesus. They knew that he was dead, they knew the body had been wrapped in a clean linen cloth, and they knew the tomb had been secured with a big stone. They went home from there because they knew the Sabbath was coming. They would have to come back on Sunday morning to finish preparing the body.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. – Luke 24:25-27

In the meantime, the religious leaders were still uneasy. They had plotted to kill Jesus, paid Judas to reveal a private place where Jesus could be found, and brought the temple guard along with them to Gethsemane with the intent to arrest Jesus. They brought him to Caiphas, the high priest, to be questioned. They interrogated him, spit in his face, struck him with their fists, and slapped him. They schemed together and came up with a plan to have Jesus executed. They bound him with ropes and led him away to Pilate.

As Jesus stood before Pilate, the religious leaders threw their accusations at him. They manipulated the crown to demand the release of Barabbas, instead of Jesus. They joined in shouting for Jesus to be crucified. But it does not end there.

These men appointed to lead God’s people in the Temple worship and in the study of the Holy Scriptures were present when they nailed Jesus to the cross. They demanded that Pilate change the sign above Jesus’ head (John 19:21). As the afternoon progressed, they asked Pilate to have the soldiers break the legs of all those who had been crucified so that the bodies could be taken down before the Sabbath (John 19:31). They could not stick around much longer and they wanted to be sure that Jesus was dead before they left.

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon…The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:33,38-39

The evidence was all around them. The sky was declaring its sorrow, the veil in the Temple was torn, and even a Roman soldier was declaring that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God! When the religious leaders should have been falling on their knees and tearing their garments in sorrow, they were instead covering their tracks.

The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. – Matthew 27:62-66

Just as they went to the Garden of Gethsemane looking for Jesus, the religious leaders went to Pilate to make sure that Jesus’ body could be found in the tomb. They had connived and schemed to make sure that Jesus was dead, and they needed to make sure he stayed buried.

But despite their efforts, the seal was broken. The stone was rolled away. The Roman guards could not prevent Jesus from walking out of the tomb, because even death could not hold Jesus and the grave could not contain him. They were looking for Jesus in this place of death but he had already risen. Jesus was alive!

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. – Matthew 28:11-15

Lord, we praise you for being greater than man’s best laid plans; we give you the glory for conquering death and rising from the grave. You are worthy of our praise, and we bow before you this morning with grateful hearts. While the religious leaders were looking for you because they had plans to destroy you, we seek you with our whole hearts for the purpose of worshipping you. Thank you for being found — after your resurrection, on the day of our salvation, and every day since. You are our Savior and our Lord, and we lift our hands to worship you this morning. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:66-72, 16:14; Luke 22:54b-62, 24:12; John 18:12-27, 20:3-10, and 21:15-25

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. – Luke 24:10-12

HE WAS LOOKING FOR JESUS

What was going through Peter’s mind as he stood inside the empty tomb? Was he reminded of his denial as he walked away in bewilderment? He had come looking for his friend but Jesus was nowhere to be found. There was so much he wanted to say — so much he wanted to apologize for. Perhaps his mind went back to the broken promises he had made to Jesus.

Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:36-38

And that is exactly what happened. While Jesus was being questioned in front of the high priest, Peter was in the courtyard being asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. “No,” he said, “I am not” (John 18:17b). As Simon Peter stood by the fire to warm himself, he was asked again if he was a disciple of Jesus. He denied it again but someone there recognized him from the olive grove where Jesus was arrested. Again Peter denied it and immediately a rooster crowed (John 18:25-27).

Can you relate to how Peter must have been feeling at this moment? I have some memories I regret — moments when I should have responded differently or spoken up for Jesus. I have missed opportunities to represent Jesus in a situation. I know the feeling of guilt when the Holy Spirit tugs on my heart to do something and I freeze, the moment lost forever. I know all too well the feeling of realizing I have sinned and I need Jesus’ forgiveness, even though I do not deserve it. Because Peter was an emotional and passionate man, I imagine he experienced all of this to a higher degree than I can comprehend.

HE NEEDED TO TALK TO JESUS.

After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, he appeared to his disciples and said the words that must have been like salve on Peter’s wounds, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Yes, peace was exactly what Peter had been without for three days and exactly what he needed from Jesus.

Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:22

Peter had experienced the privilege of watching almost every moment of Jesus’ ministry – the healings, the sermons, sins forgiven, the false accusations – and yet he denied Jesus on that dreadful Friday afternoon when His Savior needed him the most. And now Jesus was giving the man who needed forgiveness the ability to forgive. Did Peter feel unworthy of this gift? Was this conversation with Jesus in response to Peter’s need for restoration?

Jesus asked Peter three questions and allowed him to individually answer each of the three questions. He gave Peter the opportunity to state his commitment to Christ three times, just as he had denied Jesus three times.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” – John 21:15-17

HIS FEAR WAS REPLACED WITH BOLDNESS.
HIS SHAME WAS REPLACED WITH PEACE.
HIS DENIAL WAS REPLACED WITH COMMITMENT.

Lord, you know everything — every moment we regret, every sinful decision we have made. Knowing all, you still choose to forgive us. And because you are a gracious and kind God, you give us opportunities to replace our denial with a declaration of my faith.

Lord, we respond to your call — feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep. Although each of us have a different call on our lives, all of us are called to care for others in some way. Jesus, help us move beyond the feelings of unworthiness produced by our guilt and shame. Give us the boldness to proclaim our love for you and faithfully commit to your call on our life — to feed your sheep! Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 19:25-27

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. – John 19:25

Luke tells us that there was a small group of women who often followed Jesus from town to town along with the disciples. Each had their own personal story of how Jesus had healed them of disease or freed them from the evil spirits that were controlling their lives. They were so thankful for what Jesus had done in their lives that they gave sacrificially in order to help support the ministry of Jesus. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of the manager of Herod’s household, and Susanna (Luke 8:1-3).

At the foot of the cross, we again see a small group of women who faithfully stayed by Jesus’ side, even in his death. While others were running in fear, these women were ministering to the needs of Jesus’ mother as she watched her son suffer. Again we see Mary Magdalene, along with Jesus’ aunt and Mary the wife of Clopas.

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. – John 19:26-27

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF HIS MOTHER FROM THE CROSS?

I cannot imagine the deep sorrow Mary was experiencing as she sat at the foot of the cross, but I do know the love of a mother for her child. Studies show that there is no grief as intense as the loss of a child; not even the loss of a spouse surpasses the sorrow of losing a son or daughter.

When the angel Gabriel had appeared to Mary to let her know she would conceive and give birth to a son, Mary had no idea the joy this baby boy would bring her. She did not know what it would be like to watch him grow and hunger for the study of scripture. I imagine she was a proud parent as she listened to him teach and watched him heal those who were brought to him. As a mother, I imagine she also worried when she saw how the religious leaders challenged him and tried to trap him with their questions.

THE LORD IS WITH YOU!

The angel had said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). Mary had found favor with God! What must that have felt like to be the one chosen to be the mother of God’s son. Perhaps the memory of that day played through her mind as she watched the son she loved dying on the cross.

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” – Luke 1:29-33

Confused and disturbed — these are adjectives that could probably be used to describe Mary as she watched Jesus’ crucifixion. The angel had said he would be very great, and he was! The angel said he would reign forever, so why was he dying? Did Mary understand that his death did not mean that his Kingdom was coming to end? Perhaps she remembered back to the words of Simeon on the day she and Joseph had presented their baby to the Lord, as the law required. The Holy Spirit was on Simeon that day as he held Jesus in his arms and celebrated the coming of the Messiah.

Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” – Luke 2:34-35

BUT HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?

This question Mary asked the angel when he prophesied the birth of Jesus seems to fit well in today’s passage. Scripture does not tell us what Mary was saying as she grieved at the foot of the cross; we do not know what she was thinking or the questions she was asking. But Mary knew God to be faithful. The angel had told Mary that the word of God will never fail, and I imagine she was holding onto those words as she experienced the deepest grief she had ever known.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. – Luke 1:38

When Mary accepted God’s plan for her life, she accepted everything that would come with it. Her pregnancy before the engagement was over would be talked about; her character would be questioned. But Mary took each moment in Jesus’ life and pondered them in her heart, thinking about them often (Luke 2:19).

Jesus had brought great joy into her life, and the world had brought great sorrow. This same dichotomy is felt by us today. But when we receive Jesus as our Savior, we accept everything that God has planned for us, while acknowledging the reality that we are in the world but not of it. So as we soak in the remembrance of what Jesus did for us on that Friday long ago, let us take this time to recommit our hearts to the highs and lows of this spiritual journey.

The Lord is with us! The word of God will never fail, and his Kingdom will never end!