He said to him, "You have said so." Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Based on the prophecy in Malachi 3:1-4, the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come and purify the temple and the people of Jerusalem. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. John had made Jesus identity as the Messiah clear, and the people respected John as a prophet. Our celebration of Holy Week often coincides on the calendar with the Jewish celebration of Passover. This is intended to be used as a daily devotion for families as they prepare to celebrate Easter. Download Devotional. We give you worship for you are holy and just. Two free daily devotionals that teach biblical principles and doctrines. Each devotional connects an element of what Jesus said or did to the current crisis and includes a few questions for you to reflect on or discuss with friends or family. InThe Characters of Easter, youll become acquainted with the unlikely collection of ordinary people who witnessed the miracle of Christs death and resurrection. Remind them that whatever they choose should be meaningful to them and beneficial to others. If they give up their candy and win the quiz game, then they get their piece back plus two more. Each day you get a reading, a devotion, and a prayer to help you confront the devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh with hope in your Lord's victory over all of it. Then the people as a whole answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!". To be a friend of Jesus is to be a revolutionary. Our Shepherd's crucifixion and resurrection now make joy and true life available to His followers . The question is not whether or not Jesus is Lord; the question is, Will you submit to Him as Lord now or when it is too late?. Thats an astounding statement. Included in this devotion are different levels of teaching for different age groups: Your email address will not be published. Holy means "set apart.". And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" Kirsten Peyton, Real Discipleship Article Images Copyright , Holy Week Devotional Guide with Scripture & Prayer, 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal, Easter Traditions and Crafts to Do with Your Kids. Reflecting on what Jesus did on the cross and all throughout that precious week is worthy of celebration for every believer! Horton - Nashville Web Design & SEO, a WST Web Design Co. But once again, Jesus fulfills these expectations in a way the people never could have expected. "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? It historically covers the major events of Jesus last days on earth before His crucifixion and resurrection. 2. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! A quarter of Luke's Gospel, one-third of Matthew and Mark and almost half of John are devoted to . People were profiting off of one another and even taking advantage of one another, all while ignoring the purpose of the temple. Matthew 24:34 seems to teach that all of the things that Jesus has talked abouttribulation, deception, temptation, and persecutionwould come upon His disciples, and that others in that generation would see the destruction of Jerusalem as a foretaste of the return of Jesus. Now, with Jesus death, we have a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27) sealed not with the blood of an animal sacrifice, but with the blood of the Son of God Himself (Hebrews 10:1-18). (Matthew 27:62-66). Psalm 22:14-16 captures this physical anguish: I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me. Just as surely as He came the first time in humility to provide salvation, so He will come the second time in glory to execute judgment. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent in the presence of her shearers, so he did not open his mouth. Help us to know that none of us can boast before you. Devotions from the KJV Bible | Free Daily Devotionals Two free daily devotionals that teach biblical principles and doctrines. So, in the same way, we ought to spend time fasting and praying in preparation for our ministry of bringing the good news of the risen Christ to the world. by Fred Alberti. Devotions for Teenagers and Youth - Daily devotions for youth, teens and discipleship tools Daily Bible Verse and Devotion - Isaiah 42:16 Posted on March 2, 2023 I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. At least two responses are appropriate as we think about the cross. Campus Crusade for Christ offers 10 free Bible lessons dealing with the . speed and the best experience on this site. Ask them the following questions and have them write down their answers. Remember that the purpose of the resurrection is grounded in Christs love for us. If Jesus rose from the dead, then we must also admit that He has authority over sin and Satan. Jesus and his disciples had just shared what is known as the Last Supper and he washed their feet saying: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34). The gospel is the greatest news in all the world. Walking Through Holy Week Focus on the Family's free Easter activity kit retraces the events of Jesus' final days on earth, helping kids learn more about Christ's sacrifice and victory over death. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Here is a complete timeline of the Holy Week, also known as the Passion Week of Jesus Christ. This is a week of remembrance, worship, and dedication to what Christ has done. This hideout for criminals against God needed to be restored to a house of prayer for God. Daily devotions are modified from Exalting Jesus in Matthew from the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series, by David Platt. Thank you for sharing your free Lessons. They dont know why the cross is the centerpiece of all history and the determinant of our eternity; but you do! Exodus 20:8 is the original verse explaining to Gods people how to observe this law, Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. To Week 5. Todd Outcalt is the lead pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Indiana and is a thirty-year youth ministry veteran. Let us know how you used them and how your youth engaged during Holy Week in the comments below! May these devotions to God guide your mind and heart in the days leading to Easter and the glorious Resurrection of Christ! Included with each lesson is a leader prep section, introductory game, and discussion questions. Your role as a youth ministry leader is vitally important because you have the privilege of pointing students to Jesus. There were, indeed, thousands of people on hand during the Passover (and from all over the Mediterranean landscape); expectations were high. The same should be true for His followers. The Spirit in Christ From Youth, March 4. And they said, "The Lord has need of it. Jesus refers to My blood that establishes the covenant in Matthew 26:28, and this is the only time the word covenant is used in Matthews Gospel. Translate into 100+ languages! When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. Before Jesus began his earthly ministry, he spent 40 days in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1-13; read this with the youth if you like). Confess your sin and find mercy in Your Savior, so that you will be ready for His coming. We praise you, we bless you, Lord! In each object, readers will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus final days. (Jeremiah 7:9-11). Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways, your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Devotional Readings for Holy Week by John Piper Love to the Uttermost: Devotional Readings for Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, ends on Easter Sunday, and aims to focus our attention on Jesus as he displays his love to the uttermost (John 13:1). Christ's death on our behalf is the reason God can forgive us and still be just. Throughout the Old Testament, God reveals His glory in the image of a cloud. If your students have limited access to technology and social media, consider emailing these to your students (or to the parents directly if your youth dont have emails either) or drop off printed copies at their homes! After all, He explicitly told Peter in John 21:18-19 that Peter would be put to death. Amen. Second, the cross ought to compel us to proclaim the hope of the gospel. First, it means He reigns over us supremely. Lenten Devotional 2021 Holy Week and Easter. Like Jesus, our example and Friend. While we watch, Christians patiently wait. Paul speaks to this reality in Romans 10:9-13, what we might refer to as the foundational confession of Christianity: If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Things that Will Keep Me from Coming Back to Your Church, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 10 Things You Should Know about the Intermediate State of Death, 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again. Gods people were offering worship in Jeremiahs day, yet they did not behave in obedience to God. (Matthew 27:57-61), The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' But your foolishness is wiser than our wisdom. We see in this passage that genuine compassion for the crowd leads Jesus to action. Sunday: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 Written by Dr. Jay Harris Why is Palm Sunday set aside as a special day? Wednesday Jesus is Betrayed ~~~ Lectionary Readings. As people created in God's image, we are a gift to our families and communities. Many times Christians say, Ive decided to make Jesus the Lord of my life. I hate to break it to you, but you didnt have a choice in the matter. The Center for Youth Ministry Training is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Each daily devotion is about five minutes in duration. Download our week-long guide to help you walk daily with your children through the Holy Week leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jesus is alluding to Exodus 24, when the law-covenant that God had given His people at Mount Sinai was confirmed. The cry on the cross is. (Matthew 22:41-46). Downloadable compilation and podcast available now. Following Christ is difficult because we still are asking these same questions in our time but in a different context. (Daniel 7:13-14). 1. . When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. At the close of a worldwide devotional broadcast on Sunday, Jan. 29, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assured youth that wherever they are, the Lord gives them spiritual trail markers to manifest His love and guide their path. Proclaim hope The Angelic Perspective on Easter. We can never grow close enough to God and these Passion Week devotions have been created to enhance and help you grow in your spiritual journey with Jesus in days leading up to Easter. You can use them all, or pick and choose what you want. 2. Shrouded by darkness and seared with pain, He experienced the cup of Gods wrath. To be a friend of Jesus is to be a revolutionary. Devotional Reading : Jesus coming into the world the cleansing of our hearts by the Holy Spirit our eternal hope. Shortly before His own death, Jesus told His disciples the following: No one takes it [My life] from Me, but I lay it down on My own. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ! Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. (Matthew 26:26-29). How can death give way to life? My family was one of those who turned out on the streets, too. On Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus may have rested. If so, let go of these things. Follow directions to fold your palms from Palm Sunday into a cross or another decorative shape. We toured the townpressed shoulder-to-shoulder with the thousands of others who were enjoying the atmosphere. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. In the event of a tie, place one marker in the middle (lengthwise) of the table and have the two players who tied go to either end of the table. Lent is now upon us. Maundy Thursday. Notify me when these are available. It begins with Palm Sunday and is a week of somber reflections on the events leading up to Easter. Christs role as judge is also good news because the resurrection reminds us that this world is not all there is. Invite them to hear the whisper of God. It was on the Thursday of Christ's final week before being crucified and resurrected that He said this commandment to His disciples. That's so cool! All history revolves around this scene in Matthew 2627, and all our lives are determined by what we do in response to this scene. As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! In the 21st century, this level of devotion to an image of a boy Jesus is unique to the Philippines.1 In Cebu, devotion to the Santo Nio reaches a fever pitch early in January, when crowds flock to the basilica that houses it, and the city and its harbor are taken over for days by processions, colorful parades and other celebrations. Then do you come and stand before Me in this house called by My name and say, We are delivered, so we can continue doing all these detestable acts? For the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of Gods reign of righteousness and peace. We dont know much about that time, other than the fact that he fasted and prayed and was tempted by the devil. She has been in professional ministry for over 15 years. He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of this most sacred time as we gather for worship at 8:30 and 10:30 am in-person and also via Livestream for the later service.. A special Maundy Thursday worship service on April 6 will be held in the sanctuary at 7:00 pm when we experience a solemn service of sacred music, Scripture and Communion. At the age of 12 the Holy Spirit was abiding upon Jesus, and He felt something of the burden of the mission for which He had come to our world. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. Find a devotional reading with related scriptures and prayers for each day of Holy Week. Thank you for the awesome resources for lessons and games! For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. We dont have all the answers, but we seek to be friends who will carry the Spirit of Jesus through this life and be witnesses to His love. And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by. In fact, my kids were off of school all last week because of it. Patrick Boatwright, Thin Spaces Here is what we read: See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. Discover the history of honoring Holy Week and more details about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. It is the second day that Jesus was in Jerusalem, and the Bible records Christ teaching and. Amen. As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment. He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Holy week in lockdown. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? Whose son is he?" This offer is available to pastors and ministry leaders (while supplies last). Stand five to seven highlighter markers up on a table, placing them in a line about two inches apart from each other. Throughout the Bible we are commanded and exhorted to be kind ( Gal 5:22; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12 ), even to our enemies ( Lk 6:35 ). In a very real sense, we keep our eyes on the sky and our hearts prepared, even though we dont know the exact timing of His coming. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. Trevor Miller, Talking to Teens About Suicide The Christian Standard Bible is a trustworthy translation that is proven to be the optimal blend of accuracy and readability. For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. To force their hand, He asked them whether Johns baptism was from heaven or from man (v. 25). As adults accompanying our youth, this is an important week to live into what we say we believe. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? And He will have the last word in the lives of each of us for all of eternity. Easter is a time when we celebrate God's love and sacrifice for us. Weve seen in Matthew 24 that we are to trust in the authority of Christ and persevere in the power of Christ. Jesus knew that His question would uncover their hearts. Would He assume the mantle of political leader and lead a revolt? Thank you. This entrance into Gods presence is why, right after Jesus died, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). The rules of the game will vary depending on which site you use, but should be pretty self-explanatory. Many churches schedule multiple events throughout Holy week, starting with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. We too have a very small church with all of us volunteering, We are grateful for your free resources as they bless our youth. Let's take a brief look at some of the primary observances in Holy Week: Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. Holy Week Timeline 2023. Before the cross, we were cast out of Gods presence; because of the cross, we are now invited into Gods presence. Nisan 1 1 : Nisan 1 2 : Sunday 3 April 2 . lent resources, youth ministry, lent for youth, youth devotionals, youth group, youth discussion guide, lent discussion guide, lent sunday school . Spiritually Hungry is a Christian website developed to encourage and guide you into a closer relationship with God by focusing on breaking down barriers to a deeper spiritual life. The service will mirror our Ash Wednesday service . Consider the authority Jesus demonstrates Jesus had made clear in Matthew 12:6 that He is greater than the temple. You are very welcome Tiffany. Lent is an important season to celebrate in the life of a Christian, which is why we put together a bunch of games/activities for you. Holy Week and Easter Shalom: the way to reconciliation Written by Ivy Lopedito, Christian Brooks and Donna Frischknecht Jackson Lent is a time of self-reflection and self-denial in preparation for the celebration of Christs death and resurrection during Holy Week. This includes God as creator of all nations, all families, and all persons. Its good news because you can be saved from eternal judgment if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Jesus experienced the wrath of God, and not just for a moment, but for hours. Christians set apart an entire week - Holy Week - to recall the events surrounding the suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. This is what Daniel prophesied centuries before: And I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. Pleading for Mercy and Forgiveness of Sin. They ask a lot of questions and we have some of our best Holy Week discussions on this day. The above devotional is an adaptation of an original selection from The Gift of the Cross: Celebrating Christ Through Holy Week which is available for purchase on Amazon or from Brandon Helder's website.Though this book can be read independently, it is intended to be used in conjunction with the Resurrection Block Set available for purchase separately from Worship Wood Works. Matthew 21 has already presented several aspects of this authority: Christ came to Jerusalem and received praise and worship from the people, cleansed the temple, and taught in the temple courts. The lesson of this parable is that Christians confidently watch, for they see the leaves on the tree (the signs Jesus has spoken of) indicating that the Lords return is near. They said to him, "The son of David." In Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Hannah Aloi, 15 Awesome Summer Games These sermons are filled with strong main points, interactive experiences, and powerful illustrations. Print your own copy for a beautiful daily devotional leading up to Easter. ", And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! These actions led the religious leaders to ask, By what authority are You doing these things? The world will know we are his disciples If we love one another. However, if they claimed that Johns authority was from heaven, then they would be guilty of rejecting God, since they denied that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus experienced the separation that we as sinners deserve, so that we might receive reconciliation. The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and Gods forgiveness. Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Easter Week Devotional. What happened on the cross was so much more than a naked man dying on a wooden post on the side of the road in a non-descript part of the world. He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is at hand. You, Lord, are always faithful. Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter. Prayer of Abandonment. First, surrender your heart to God. Spending these days in prayerful preparation can help enrich your celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. The winner gets a piece of candy (or two, if they gave up their candy before the game). He said to them, It is written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you are making it a den of thieves! In Isaiah 56:7, God says that His house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. Yet here in Matthew 21, the people of God were preventing the nations from praying. If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" This is the good news, and it is our great privilege to proclaim it. They must use the straw to grab the candy by sucking through the straw and carry the candy to the empty bowl on the other table. Weve provided a Palm Sunday lesson for you to use with your youth online and 6 daily devotionals you can send to your students each day next week: Monday Saturday of Holy Week. Day 1: Focus on the sacrifice Jesus made Day 2: Express how Jesus' relationship-healing work on the cross makes us feel Day 3: Consider how our new life in Christ is different than our old life Day 4: Reflect on what Jesus' sacrifice says about how valuable we are to God Day 5: Reflect on the Crucifixion account and formulate praise to God Teach us to call your name As Jesus did. Psalm 104:3 says that God makes the clouds His chariot, and Isaiah 19:1 depicts the Lord riding on a swift cloud. The picture we get in Matthew 24 is of the glory of God revealed in the glorious Son of God, who will come on the clouds in power to execute judgment. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.