Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
JUDE 24-25
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GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES
APRIL 18 Northern Suburbs: 5:30PM Downtown: 8:00PM |
EASTER SERVICES
APRIL 20 Northern Suburbs: 8:45AM Downtown: 12:00PM |
LISTEN & WORSHIP
Holy Week Daily Devotionals
DAY 1
PALM SUNDAY: The Triumphal Entry
Scripture: Matthew 21:8–9
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’”
Devotional:
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Jesus enters Jerusalem to the sound of joyful shouts and waving palm branches. The crowd welcomes Him as King, laying down cloaks and branches—signs of honor and submission. They cry out “Hosanna,” which means “Save us now!” In this moment, Jesus is celebrated as a deliverer. But their expectations were for a political savior, not a suffering servant.
This triumphal entry is both beautiful and bittersweet. Jesus knows that many who cheer Him today will turn on Him in just a few days. Still, He rides into Jerusalem with full knowledge of the cross ahead. His courage and love are unwavering. He comes not to conquer by force, but to lay down His life.
As Holy Week begins, we are invited to reflect: Do we welcome Jesus only when He fits our expectations? Or do we follow Him even when the road leads to the cross?
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Matthew 21:8–9
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’”
Devotional:
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Jesus enters Jerusalem to the sound of joyful shouts and waving palm branches. The crowd welcomes Him as King, laying down cloaks and branches—signs of honor and submission. They cry out “Hosanna,” which means “Save us now!” In this moment, Jesus is celebrated as a deliverer. But their expectations were for a political savior, not a suffering servant.
This triumphal entry is both beautiful and bittersweet. Jesus knows that many who cheer Him today will turn on Him in just a few days. Still, He rides into Jerusalem with full knowledge of the cross ahead. His courage and love are unwavering. He comes not to conquer by force, but to lay down His life.
As Holy Week begins, we are invited to reflect: Do we welcome Jesus only when He fits our expectations? Or do we follow Him even when the road leads to the cross?
Reflection Questions:
- When have I praised Jesus in one moment and doubted Him in the next?
- How can I welcome Him more deeply into every part of my life this week?
DAY 2
MONDAY: Cleansing the Temple
Scripture: Matthew 21:12–13
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Devotional:
On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus heads straight to the heart of religious life—the temple. But what He finds grieves Him. Instead of reverence, He finds exploitation. Instead of prayer, profit. With righteous anger and bold authority, He drives out the merchants and money changers, restoring the temple to its intended purpose: communion with God.
This moment reminds us that Jesus is passionate about purity, not in the legalistic sense, but in restoring the things of God to their rightful place. His cleansing of the temple becomes a metaphor for our own hearts. Are there things in us—distractions, habits, even good things—that have taken the place of intimacy with Him?
Jesus doesn’t just want to tweak our lives; He wants to transform them. And sometimes that starts with flipping over some tables.
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Matthew 21:12–13
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Devotional:
On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus heads straight to the heart of religious life—the temple. But what He finds grieves Him. Instead of reverence, He finds exploitation. Instead of prayer, profit. With righteous anger and bold authority, He drives out the merchants and money changers, restoring the temple to its intended purpose: communion with God.
This moment reminds us that Jesus is passionate about purity, not in the legalistic sense, but in restoring the things of God to their rightful place. His cleansing of the temple becomes a metaphor for our own hearts. Are there things in us—distractions, habits, even good things—that have taken the place of intimacy with Him?
Jesus doesn’t just want to tweak our lives; He wants to transform them. And sometimes that starts with flipping over some tables.
Reflection Questions:
- What needs to be cleared from the “temple” of my heart so I can meet with God more deeply?
- Where might I be substituting religious activity for an authentic connection with Him?
DAY 3
TUESDAY: Confronting Hypocrisy and Teaching Truth
Scripture: Matthew 23:27–28
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
Devotional:
Tuesday is a full day of teaching for Jesus. He returns to the temple courts and engages in passionate debate, speaking truth to power and calling out the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. His words cut deep—not because they are harsh, but because they are true.
He compares the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs: beautiful on the outside, but dead inside. It’s a stark warning to all of us who might be tempted to polish the exterior of our lives while neglecting the interior. Jesus doesn’t want appearances; He wants hearts fully alive to Him.
He also shares parables, teaches about the Kingdom, and invites listeners to live with integrity. Holy Week invites us not just to admire Jesus’ teachings, but to allow them to examine and transform us.
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Matthew 23:27–28
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
Devotional:
Tuesday is a full day of teaching for Jesus. He returns to the temple courts and engages in passionate debate, speaking truth to power and calling out the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. His words cut deep—not because they are harsh, but because they are true.
He compares the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs: beautiful on the outside, but dead inside. It’s a stark warning to all of us who might be tempted to polish the exterior of our lives while neglecting the interior. Jesus doesn’t want appearances; He wants hearts fully alive to Him.
He also shares parables, teaches about the Kingdom, and invites listeners to live with integrity. Holy Week invites us not just to admire Jesus’ teachings, but to allow them to examine and transform us.
Reflection Questions:
- Am I more focused on how I appear to others than on my inner walk with God?
- What would it look like for me to be fully authentic in my faith?
DAY 4
WEDNESDAY: A Quiet Day and a Costly Gift
Scripture: Matthew 26:6–7
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
Devotional:
Wednesday is often called “Silent Wednesday,” as the gospels are quieter about Jesus’ actions on this day. But one powerful story stands out—a woman breaks open an alabaster jar of costly perfume and anoints Jesus. Her act is extravagant, emotional, and deeply meaningful.
While others call it wasteful, Jesus calls it beautiful. He says her act of love will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. In contrast, Judas begins planning his betrayal. Two hearts, two responses: one pours out everything for love, the other sells out for silver.
In the stillness of this day, we’re invited to consider our own hearts. What does love for Jesus look like for me? Am I holding back, or am I willing to pour it all out?
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Matthew 26:6–7
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
Devotional:
Wednesday is often called “Silent Wednesday,” as the gospels are quieter about Jesus’ actions on this day. But one powerful story stands out—a woman breaks open an alabaster jar of costly perfume and anoints Jesus. Her act is extravagant, emotional, and deeply meaningful.
While others call it wasteful, Jesus calls it beautiful. He says her act of love will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. In contrast, Judas begins planning his betrayal. Two hearts, two responses: one pours out everything for love, the other sells out for silver.
In the stillness of this day, we’re invited to consider our own hearts. What does love for Jesus look like for me? Am I holding back, or am I willing to pour it all out?
Reflection Questions:
- What costly gift can I offer Jesus today—not out of obligation, but out of love?
- Am I more like the woman at His feet or like Judas standing at a distance?
DAY 5
THURSDAY: The Last Supper
Scripture: Luke 22:19–20
“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.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup…”
Devotional:
On Thursday evening, Jesus gathers with His closest friends to share the Passover meal. This meal becomes something new—the first Lord’s Supper. As He breaks bread and pours wine, He points toward His body broken and blood poured out.
But this moment isn’t just about death; it’s about love. Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, including Judas’. He speaks words of comfort, commands them to love one another, and prays for unity.
In these final intimate hours before the cross, Jesus shows us what love looks like in action: humility, service, sacrifice. The invitation is clear—follow His example.
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Luke 22:19–20
“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.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup…”
Devotional:
On Thursday evening, Jesus gathers with His closest friends to share the Passover meal. This meal becomes something new—the first Lord’s Supper. As He breaks bread and pours wine, He points toward His body broken and blood poured out.
But this moment isn’t just about death; it’s about love. Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, including Judas’. He speaks words of comfort, commands them to love one another, and prays for unity.
In these final intimate hours before the cross, Jesus shows us what love looks like in action: humility, service, sacrifice. The invitation is clear—follow His example.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean for me to serve others as Jesus served His disciples?
- How can I make space to remember and reflect on His love today?
DAY 6
GOOD FRIDAY: The Crucifixion
Scripture: Luke 23:44–46
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’”
Devotional:
This is the day everything changed. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is nailed to a cross between criminals. He suffers unspeakably—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Yet He forgives. He entrusts His spirit to the Father. And when He breathes His last, the temple curtain is torn—symbolizing that access to God is now wide open.
Good Friday is “good” not because it was easy or light, but because it accomplished our salvation. Jesus bore the weight of our sin and made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father.
Today, we don’t rush past the sorrow. We sit in it. We let it sink in. And we thank Him with all we are.
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Luke 23:44–46
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’”
Devotional:
This is the day everything changed. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is nailed to a cross between criminals. He suffers unspeakably—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Yet He forgives. He entrusts His spirit to the Father. And when He breathes His last, the temple curtain is torn—symbolizing that access to God is now wide open.
Good Friday is “good” not because it was easy or light, but because it accomplished our salvation. Jesus bore the weight of our sin and made a way for us to be reconciled to the Father.
Today, we don’t rush past the sorrow. We sit in it. We let it sink in. And we thank Him with all we are.
Reflection Questions:
- What do I feel when I reflect on the cross?
- How is Jesus’ sacrifice shaping the way I live and love?
DAY 7
SATURDAY: The Silence and the Waiting
Scripture: Matthew 27:59–60, 62–66
“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb... The next 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.”’
Devotional:
Saturday is the day between. The cross is behind, but the resurrection hasn’t happened yet. It’s a day of silence, stillness, and uncertainty. For Jesus’ followers, it must have felt like all hope had died and been sealed in a tomb.
We don’t talk about Holy Saturday often, but we live in its tension more than we realize—in those in-between spaces where prayers haven’t been answered yet, where grief is still fresh, where silence stretches on and God seems distant.
And yet, God is not absent in the waiting. His silence is not the same as His absence. The tomb may have been sealed, but the story was not over.
Holy Saturday reminds us that even when we can’t see it, God is working in the dark. Resurrection is coming—but first, we wait.
Reflection Questions:
Scripture: Matthew 27:59–60, 62–66
“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb... The next 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.”’
Devotional:
Saturday is the day between. The cross is behind, but the resurrection hasn’t happened yet. It’s a day of silence, stillness, and uncertainty. For Jesus’ followers, it must have felt like all hope had died and been sealed in a tomb.
We don’t talk about Holy Saturday often, but we live in its tension more than we realize—in those in-between spaces where prayers haven’t been answered yet, where grief is still fresh, where silence stretches on and God seems distant.
And yet, God is not absent in the waiting. His silence is not the same as His absence. The tomb may have been sealed, but the story was not over.
Holy Saturday reminds us that even when we can’t see it, God is working in the dark. Resurrection is coming—but first, we wait.
Reflection Questions:
- Where in my life am I waiting for God to move or speak?
- How can I trust Him in the silence, believing that He is still at work?
DAY 8
RESURRECTION SUNDAY:
The ResurrectionScripture: Matthew 28:5–6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.’”
Devotional:
The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive!
On that first Easter morning, sorrow turned to joy, and fear turned to faith. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our hope—not just for eternal life someday, but for new life now. Because Jesus lives, we can live with courage, freedom, and purpose.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us. That means dead things can come to life again: hope, purpose, relationships, even our hearts.
Let Easter Sunday be more than a celebration—let it be a declaration that Jesus is King, death is defeated, and you are made new.
Reflection Questions:
The ResurrectionScripture: Matthew 28:5–6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.’”
Devotional:
The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive!
On that first Easter morning, sorrow turned to joy, and fear turned to faith. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our hope—not just for eternal life someday, but for new life now. Because Jesus lives, we can live with courage, freedom, and purpose.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us. That means dead things can come to life again: hope, purpose, relationships, even our hearts.
Let Easter Sunday be more than a celebration—let it be a declaration that Jesus is King, death is defeated, and you are made new.
Reflection Questions:
- What does the resurrection mean for my everyday life?
- Where do I need to experience resurrection power right now?
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