Day 7 - Where Is Jesus?
April 13, 2020 • Janise Anderson • John 20:1–18
Where is He? Where is Jesus of Nazareth? Where is our crucified King? We’ve come to mourn Him, to weep and wail. On Friday, we watched Him die. This world bullied Him, beat Him, broke Him. Man drove cruel nails through His hands and feet, Raising Him on a cross of splintered wood. Our Lord could’ve saved Himself— Thousands of angels waited at His command. But He didn’t call them down. Where is our Jesus? Where is our Teacher and Friend— The One we saw die a horrible death? Have you carried Him away from this tomb? Tell me where His body lays—that I may go to Him. He is not here? He is risen? Our King is risen? Jesus Christ lives! Joy and fear overcome me. I tremble at the thought—our Lord vanquished death. He alone is our hope and salvation. Our King is not here. He is risen! • Janise Anderson . • What does the resurrection mean for you personally? . • Why didn’t Jesus save Himself while on the cross? . • How can you share this story of hope with those around you? . He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. Matthew 28:6 (WEB)
Day 1 - Why Did Jesus Weep?
April 1, 2020 • Susan Grant • John 11:1–44
When I was little, I would talk with God, praying, “God, if you’re really up there, please show me a sign!” . I think my prayer is one that, at one point or another, we all pray. We want to know if God is there. But we also want to know, “Is He here? Does He care about my thoughts and situations?” . In John 11, Jesus’s close friends, Mary and Martha, sent a message asking Jesus to come to their house: their brother, Lazarus, was dying. They sought Jesus’s help and comfort during this difficult time, but Jesus delayed coming. . When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus was dead, and the sisters asked Jesus why He didn’t prevent this. They wanted to know: “Do you care about us and what happens to us?” . Jesus went to Lazarus’s tomb and wept. He knew He was the Resurrection and the Life, and that, in a few minutes, He would raise Lazarus from the dead. So why did He weep? . The simple answer is Jesus grieves over sin and the hurt it causes—including death. He grieves over the fact that the people He made often reject Him, the only One who can rescue them from all that is broken. When we are hurt by the sin and brokenness in the world, it’s as if Jesus goes to the “tombs” in our lives and weeps along with us. . Jesus is Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.” Be encouraged because God has become one of us. God became a human to end sin and the brokenness it causes (John 1:1-14). When our trust is in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, God is here with us even now. He cares deeply about all the details of our lives. And He promises that His people—those who know Him through faith in Christ—will one day dwell with Him forever, free from tears (Revelation 21:1-5). • Susan Grant . • What specific things in your life have you wondered if God really cares about? . • If you knew Jesus weeps over sin and the brokenness it causes, how would this make a difference in your life? . Jesus wept. John 11:35 (CSB)
The Bread of Life
November 27, 2019 • Cheryl Elton • Deuteronomy 8:1–3, Matthew 4:1–4, John 6:47–48
When your stomach growls, nothing satisfies like good food. But what about spiritual hunger? Jesus said if we go to Him, we would not go hungry, for He is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). . It’s easy to feel spiritually full after a great church retreat, an awesome Christian concert, or an exciting time of helping others. But often, when we feel spiritually empty, our default is to go shopping, go to the gym, or eat some chocolate. While these things all have merit on their own, none can replace our daily need for Jesus, the true Bread of Life. . In the Old Testament, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years on their way to the Promised Land. During that time, God was teaching them to humble themselves, to trust Him, and to hear His voice. Each day He rained down manna (bread) from heaven to feed them. If they tried to save bread for the next day, it would go bad. This was so they could learn to rely on God’s provision one day at a time. . This true story of the Israelites points to Jesus, who was tempted in the wilderness for forty days. During this time, He too trusted God, quoting from Deuteronomy: “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). . Just as the Israelites and the Son of God trusted God for daily sustenance, we trust God to provide our spiritual nourishment, like the manna, every day. It’s important that we daily feast on Jesus by studying and dwelling on the truths found in His Word, the Bible—both individually and with other believers at church. . Whenever we find ourselves spiritually malnourished, we need only call upon Jesus. He is the Bread we need, and in His presence, we will never go hungry. • Cheryl Elton . • When you feel spiritually depleted, what do you usually do? . • How is Jesus the bread we need (John 6:4-15, 25-40)? Why is it important to make Jesus—and all He has done—central to our lives? . • What are ways you can feast on Jesus by digging into God’s Word regularly? . “Truly I [Jesus] tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” John 6:47-48 (CSB)
Anyone Out There?
November 25, 2019 • Kevin Zeller • John 1:1–14, Colossians 1:15–20
Even if aliens existed, it wouldn’t matter. . God, the Creator of the entire universe, took on the flesh and nature of a homo sapiens male. He retains this flesh and nature still today, even as He rules all things. . God is one of us. Where does this leave any potential intelligent alien species? Certainly not at the center of attention. Jesus is the focus, along with His people whom He will live with forever (Revelation 21:1-5). He will reign from the earth, the home of our species. That is the message of the gospel, and aliens have no significant part in it. . This way of thinking is foreign to modern people. We know space is vast beyond our comprehension and Earth is a tiny speck swimming in the universe. We are used to thinking of Earth as insignificant. . But cosmic scale does not determine significance. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things, the King of everything. His people on Earth are the center of His focus, His joy, and His love. • Kevin Zeller . • Have you ever thought about the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life? . • How does Jesus’ incarnation (becoming human) affect the way we think about our species? . • How does Christ’s love for us change the way we think about our place in the universe? . So the Word [Jesus] became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 (NLT)
The True Director
November 22, 2019 • Hope Bolinger • John 10:1–16, John 10:27–30, Psalm 86:11
As a shy stage manager for our high school’s production of "Tarzan," I did as I was told. And our assistant director told us to tape the side doors that opened into the aisles so the actors could sneak into the walkways during one scene. Apparently, the monkey costumes made clicking open a door just about impossible. . When I asked the assistant director how to tape the door, she shoved a roll of black electric tape into my hands and said, “Just do it so the actors can open the door without having to click the door handle.” . So, a fellow stage manager and I started taping down the door handle to the knob to make sure it stayed down. Sure, the door opened on its own like it was supposed to, but when the director found us mid-tape, his face harshened to a dark pink. . “What on earth are you doing?” His yell carried in the echoing backstage walls. . “T-taping down the door.” My tongue tripped on a quiver. . “Who told you to do that?” . By now, tears had started to brim. “The assistant director.” . He grabbed the tape out of my hands and jerked his hand to the door. “You’re not supposed to put this tape on metal. The door handle and knob may be stuck together permanently. I was planning to show you the right way to do this tomorrow.” He sighed. “From now on, listen to me, the director, before you make any major decisions.” . Later, it hit me. I often listen to “assistant directors” more than the Director of my life: Jesus. Just like the director in the play knew the right timing and placement of that tape, Jesus knows everything. Even if an assistant director tells me that a lie is the truth, I need to consult and trust the true Director and His Word, the Bible. • Hope Bolinger . • What are some assistant directors in your life that you tend to listen to instead of the Director? How does what they say they line up with what God says in His Word, the Bible? . • The director in today’s reading shared some important truth—but not in a loving way. How is God’s response different when we ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5)? . Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)
Serving the God of Life (Part 1)
November 16, 2019 • Taylor Eising • Isaiah 42:5, Mark 10:13–16, John 1:1–5
Editor’s Note: Today’s reading addresses abortion. . Our God loves life. Every creature on this planet is alive because of His incredible love. And He calls that life “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The natural consequence of God’s presence in the world is abundant life, but the natural consequence of sin’s presence in the world is death. One example of death in our world is abortion. . The Bible talks about life inside the womb several times. In Genesis 25:21-26, we hear about Jacob and Esau fighting before they are even born. In Luke 1:41, John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb when he meets the pre-born Jesus. God also makes it clear He knows and loves us before we are even born (Psalm 139:13-14; Jeremiah 1:5). . Although God loves life, sometimes people feel they have no choice but to abort their baby. Abortion is a heartbreaking decision to make. It comes from feeling alone, helpless, and hopeless. Satan loves to isolate us, insisting that there is no solution to the problems before us, so the only way out is death. . But that is a lie straight from the pit of hell. God, who is in absolute control over life and death, is with us in every circumstance. If He has created a life, however that life was created, He will provide a way to care for it. We are never, ever alone. God is with us, He loves us, and He is lavishing His incredible grace on us. . God loves life so much that He sent Jesus to defeat sin and death. He did that so all life, including ours, could be reconciled to Him in love and peace (Colossians 1:20). One day, He will come back to resurrect all His people from the dead, killing death once and for all (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In the meantime, celebrate the God of Life. • Taylor Eising . • How can you show God’s love to people who have had or who are considering an abortion? . • How can living as a loving community of believers focused on Jesus make it easier for people with unexpected pregnancies to care for their babies? . He [God] created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. Isaiah 42:5 (NLT)
Powerful Prayer
November 14, 2019 • Cara Campbell • Exodus 32:7–14, Matthew 6:5–13, John 5:14
We’ve all heard stories of miraculous things happening when people pray. We know from God’s Word that prayer “is powerfully effective” (James 5:16). But perhaps your experience with prayer feels silent. Or maybe God has answered your prayers differently than you expected. So how do we pray in a way that really is “powerfully effective”? . In today’s reading, Moses approached God to plead for his people to be spared after they had sinned against God by building an idol to worship instead of worshiping the one true God. But here’s the interesting part: Moses’ prayer was not just asking for mercy for the people. His prayer was not even for himself, for his reputation as a leader, or for the sake of comfort. . His powerful plea and prayer was for God’s honor and glory to be known. Moses prayed, focusing on God’s faithfulness to the people. He prayed, remembering God’s promises to them. And he prayed his people would be spared from God’s just wrath so that the nations could look on and see God’s powerful hand and marvel at all He had done in and through His people. . What would happen if our prayers were focused on God’s glory rather than our own comfort? What if we prayed with this expectation: “God, I cannot wait to see what You’re going to do here, even if it’s not the answer I want. Show Your strength through me”? . Praying this way takes our eyes off of ourselves and brings them to the One who works mightily on our behalf, even when the outcome isn’t what we hope for. He works in all things and His glory shines, even in our darkest days (Romans 8:28). . So, we can remember what He’s done for us in the past, His faithfulness walking beside us now, and the wonderful hope of His coming kingdom in the future. We can pray expectantly about what He’ll do to show His faithfulness— and His glory—to all who see. • Cara Campbell . • What things are you praying about right now? . • How could you pray for these requests differently by focusing on God’s glory and promises? . This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 1 John 5:14 (WEB)
God, Why Is There Suffering?
November 10, 2019 • Aurora Scriver • John 16:33, Psalm 44:23–26, Revelation 21:1–5
It’s a great question and worth thinking about. Let’s start with what we know about God and our world. . God is good and is working all things for His good purposes (Psalm 34:8; Romans 8:28). His timing is different from ours, but it is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9). We are humans who are sinful, and God is God and free from sin. He can see things we can’t, so sometimes what He does can be confusing (Isaiah 55:8-9). . Illness, suffering, and death aren’t things God made. Our world was created good but was broken and twisted by sin and its effects (Genesis 1:31; Romans 8:18-23). Sin is doing anything in rebellion against God, who is the definition of good and the source of life. When sin entered the world, it brought illness, suffering, and death. . Because He loves us, suffering makes God sad too—so much that He came to die on the cross and come back to life so He could beat sin, suffering, and death. When Jesus’ friend Lazarus became sick and died, Jesus wept, even though He knew that He would raise Lazarus from the grave (John 11:1-44). Because He is human and came and lived with us, Jesus knows our hurts, and so we can bring our pain to Him (Hebrews 4:14-16). . One day, Jesus will return and make all things new, free from sin, suffering, and death (Revelation 21:1-5). Those who trust Him as their Savior from sin will live forever with Him on the new heavens and earth. Even now, Jesus is with us through it all (Matthew 28:20). . Because of all these truths, we can hold on to the promises of God in Christ, even as we experience pain. Talk to Jesus about your hurts. He cares, He understands, He is working, He is with you, and He has not forgotten you (Hebrews 13:5-8; 1 Peter 5:7). And He will one day end all suffering and brokenness at just the right time. • Aurora Scriver . • It’s okay if you still have questions! Who is a trusted Christian friend in your life you can talk with about this? • If you want to know more about Jesus and what it means to know Him as your Savior, find out more on our "Know Jesus" page. . I [Jesus] have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NLT)
Know Him
November 4, 2019 • Cara Campbell • Ephesians 1:17–19, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 John 5:20, John 10:14
In fifth grade, I wrote a report on Eleanor Roosevelt. For weeks I studied her, read many resources about her, and wrote down all kinds of information and facts about her. I even had to dress up like her to make my presentation to the class. By the end of all of that research, I knew just about everything about her. . But even with all of my fact-gathering, I didn’t really know Eleanor Roosevelt at all. I knew about her, but I didn’t know her personally. I didn’t know her voice, her character, what made her laugh, or any of the things you know about someone when you have a close relationship with them. . The same is true for our relationship with Jesus. We can participate in a multitude of good things: Bible studies, Christian camps, youth group, or Sunday school. But unless we are seeking to know Jesus better through these groups and activities, they are pointless. It’s all just head knowledge. . Jesus wants more for us than just head knowledge. He desires a deep relationship with His people. As Christians, we have that relationship with God through Jesus, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our relationship with Christ becomes more and more central to our everyday lives. . Like any relationship, knowing Christ in deeper and deeper ways involves spending time with Him. Because of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always with us (Romans 8:9). As we spend time in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit teaches us who Jesus is (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13-16). He also guides us throughout each day, so we can bring even our smallest worries and joys to Him, thanking Him for His deep, unconditional love for us. • Cara Campbell . • What are some ways that you can integrate prayer into your daily life, both alone and with other people? . • What questions do you have for God? Ask Him! Every relationship involves questions, including your relationship with Jesus. . • As Christians, we are God’s family, united around getting to know Jesus deeply. Do you have a local church family who can help you in your pursuit of Christ? . I [Jesus] am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. John 10:14 (NLT)