Easter is a time of year when we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. It sounds funny to celebrate death, doesn’t it? However, if there had been no death, there would be no resurrection, and if there was no resurrection, there would be no salvation! No hope of heaven! We have hope because Christ went to the cross for our sins to give us salvation. Over the next few weeks, as you read about God’s plan for mankind, take time together to really thank God for how he made a way for his people to be with him for eternity. Together, we will walk through this plan from beginning to end, and hopefully you will grow closer to your Lord and Savior.
Day 1: What is Easter?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
What is Easter? Is it a time to celebrate the Easter bunny and painted eggs? Is it a time to hide baskets or eggs in the yard? What is it to you?
Easter for the Christian means so much more. Easter is a time to celebrate the salvation that God has given to mankind. If you know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then Easter is a time to think about your faith and praise the Lord for your salvation. It is a time to think about all the Lord has done. It is a time to think about the cross, and what it did for mankind.
Maybe you have never known what any of this means. Maybe you do know Jesus as your Savior, but do not think about these things at Easter time. Over the next few weeks, we will study what Easter means, why we celebrate Easter, and how salvation came to man. May you come to know Jesus, if you don’t know him already. May you grow in your faith as you read these devotions.
Questions to Ask:
- What does Easter mean to you?
- How is Easter different for Christians?
Day 2: Who is God?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God…this is how the first chapter of the Bible starts. This is how the beginning of life starts! Nothing in this world would be without God. Nothing in your life would be without God. There was a beginning. There was a beginning because God created. He created the heavens (hope for the believer) and he created the earth.
He then went on to create all things. Romans 11:36 says, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.” All things began with God. He is Creator and Father. He is the beginning and the end. We only have hope because of all that he has done! Praise him for his creation (including you) today!
Questions to Ask:
- Look around you. What can you see that God created?
- Can you name everything God created in the beginning? Read through Genesis 1 if you need help.
Day 3: Why do we Need to be Saved?
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
God created man and woman alike. In their creation, he created them to have thoughts, desires, and emotions. He created them to love and be loved. He created them to be wise and make wise decisions. He created man and woman in his own image. They would have the ability to choose wisdom, to choose love, and to choose him!
However, even though we were created in his image and have the ability to choose wisdom, we are also human and give ourselves over to worldly wisdom time and time again. Godly wisdom is wisdom that comes from him. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” So, why do we need a Savior? Because in our human nature, we give ourselves to the world instead of choosing him. We need a Savior to rescue us from the world and its desires!
Questions to Ask:
- Why do we need a Savior?
- What do we need rescuing from?
Day 4: The Fall
“...therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.” Genesis 3:23
God created man for himself. To walk with him, talk with him, ultimately, have a relationship with him. When he created Adam and Eve, he allowed them to live in the Garden of Eden as long as they did not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The devil came along as a serpent and convinced them to do just that. The moment they ate the fruit, they broke the relationship between God and man. This created a need for a Savior; someone to repair what was broken, bridge the gap, bring man back to God. God closed the gate to the Garden of Eden, but still cared for them, clothed them, and provided for them.
The fall created a rift in the relationship between man and God. Man’s eyes were opened to good and evil and would forevermore be faced with good and bad, right and wrong. The moment they ate the fruit, they brought sin into the world and it would never be the same again. Sin still plagues our world today. However, the salvation of Jesus Christ rescues us from that sin.
Questions to Ask:
- How did the relationship between God and man become broken?
- What fixes that relationship?
Day 5: What is Sin?
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” Romans 5:12
Sin entered the world. Adam and Eve sinned and the world changed forever. When sin entered the world, death also entered through sin and spread to all mankind due to the decisions of Adam and Eve. Ever since that time, there has been a struggle between good and evil, right and wrong.
So, what is sin? Webster’s Dictionary has two different definitions for sin. One is “an offense against religious or moral law.” The other is “a transgression of the law of God.” The words offense or transgression are synonyms for sin. They all mean to do wrong against someone, in this case, God. So everytime you lie, speak unkindly, disobey, you are sinning. You are doing wrong against God (and more than likely, someone else like your parents or teachers). Sin is what separates us from God and shows us our need for a Savior, Jesus.
Questions to Ask:
- What is sin?
- What sins do you struggle with?
Day 6: Old Testament Sacrifices
For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. Hebrews 10:1
The moment Adam and Eve sinned, a rift was created between God and man. That meant that the relationship was broken and in need of repair. So God set up the sacrificial system to cleanse man (and woman) of their sins.
The word sacrifice means “an act of offering something precious to God,” as stated by the Merriam Webster’s student dictionary. According to the law given to Moses (Exodus 15-18), different types of sacrifices were expected to cleanse man of his sin, some of them animal sacrifices and some non animal sacrifices. This would be a continuous system that would last for years. Throughout the years though, some would recognize that even more than the sacrifice itself, God would look at the motivation of his heart. For example, when David sinned against God, he repented and realized that God wanted the sacrifice of a broken spirit- meaning recognizing the sin in oneself and offering up repentance. This is the foundation to understanding sacrifice. Sacrifice means to give up. Jesus gave himself up on the cross for our sins. If we want to experience true salvation, we must give up our own desires to follow after him.
Questions to Ask:
- What are sacrifices?
- How did Jesus make himself the sacrifice for our sins?
Day 7: Noah and the Great Flood
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:7
Noah was a man of faith. He believed God and continued to persevere under ridicule and laughter from everyone else around him. When things got tough, he prayed and followed the Lord. He never wavered. It was because of his faith that two of every animal was preserved and life on earth was saved.
His faith is an example for us. God delivered Noah and his family and promised to never flood the earth again. Noah trusted in God’s promise. As Christians we should believe God is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do just like Noah.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you believe his promises?
- Do you put your faith in him even when others make fun of you?
Day 8: Abraham and Lot
By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:9-10
Abraham dwelt in a foreign land. He waited for the day when he would see the promised land. He waited for the Lord. God promised Abraham that he would be a nation, so he waited for the day the Lord would fulfill his promise. Abraham believed in this promise and it was the motivation behind the things he said and did.
As Christians, we are living in a foreign land. We are living in a world that doesn’t understand Christianity. However, we are to live as though this world is not our home. We should live with heaven in mind, knowing that we are part of Abraham’s family, and more importantly, the family of God.
Questions to Ask:
- How should we live in this world?
- How can we live like Abraham?
Day 9: Abraham and God’s Covenant
Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. Hebrews 11:12
God promised Sarah and Abraham that an entire nation would come from their line. They tried taking matters into their own hands and only made matters worse. They would be as many as the stars in the sky or innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. From that moment, God made a covenant that would last forever. Even when Sarah and Abraham got in the way, that covenant would still stand.
When Jesus came, he fulfilled the covenant and made a new covenant with man. That covenant is that salvation, asking for forgiveness of sins, is the way to eternal life. It is what bridges the gap from God to man and restores the relationship with man that was broken in the beginning. The amazing thing is that there is nothing that can tear us away from this covenant. We are his forever once we accept his gift of salvation.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you ever get in the way of what God has for you?
- How can you trust in him more everyday?
Day 10: The Relationship with Man
Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6
Abraham was faithful and believed in the Lord. His faith was accounted as righteousness because of this belief in the Lord and what the Lord could do. Abrahamloved the Lord and walked with him daily. We consider him to be one of the founding fathers of faith. His faith lives on in the hearts of man. It influenced the lives of many that would come after him.
What about your faith? Do you think your faith will live on in the lives of your children, grandchildren and so on? Live your life in such a way that those around you would be proud of your faith. You could be proud of your faith.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you have a relationship with God?
- What can you do to strengthen that relationship?
Day 11: Jacob Wrestles with God
And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28
Jacob was the grandson of Abraham. He followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather and is considered one of the patriarchs of the Bible. Jacob chose the way of the Lord and led his family in that way, while his brother chose the opposite way. While Jacob went after the blessing of God, Esau sought after worldly desires. One night, while Jacob slept, he wrestled with God. When God asked him what he wanted, he said a blessing. He just wanted to feel the blessings of the Lord.
What is it that you want from the Lord? Do you want worldly things? 1 John 2:17 says that the world and its desires will pass away. All of the things in this world will be gone one day. The verse goes on to say that the man who does the will of God will live forever. If you follow after the Lord and seek his salvation, you will one day live with him forever in heaven.
Questions to Ask:
- Are you like Jacob or Esau?
- How can you pursue a relationship with God more than the world?
Day 12: God Cares for You
And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:7
Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob. He loved Joseph so much that he gave him a special coat to wear. However, Joseph’s brothers were very jealous and planned to get rid of him. Joseph had a hard path that included being sold by his brothers, being a servant to others, and wrongfully imprisoned. However, that path led to so much more. It led him to Pharaoh, and he set Joseph over all of Egypt.God would use him to deliver the people from the famine that plagued the land. The Lord never stopped caring for Joseph.
He will never stop caring for you. He goes before you and protects you. He is always watching over you. Put your hope in him and trust that he knows the plans he has for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
Questions to Ask:
- How is God watching over you?
- Do you trust in the plans he has for your life?
Day 13: Moses Forsakes Everything He Knew to Follow God
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27
Moses was born during a time of oppression. Jewish babies were killed under Pharaoh's rule. So his mother sacrificed her joy and saved his life by putting him in a basket and sending him to safety. He was found by Pharaoh's daughter and raised in his household. He knew the riches and joys of the world. However, after seeing the way the Jewish people were treated, he left the comforts of the palace and rescued his people. He led them out of Egypt with the help of his brother Aaron. Even when Pharoah went after them, he did not fear man, but God.
Have you become comfortable with the joys of this world? Remember they will all pass away. Rather than living in the comfort of the temporary, place your hope and faith in the one who never fails and will not pass away: God the Father.
Questions to Ask:
- What things of this world will pass away?
- What will last forever?
Day 14: Ruth and Her Faith
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God. Ruth 1:16b
Ruth became a woman of faith. She had lost everything: her husband, her father-in-law and probably her hope. However, one thing she knew for sure. Her mother-in-law was a woman of faith before her and she was hungry for that same faith. So when Naomi said she was going back home, Ruth pledged to go with her. She said she would sleep where she slept, her people would be Ruth’s people, and Naomi’s God would become her God as well. That decision to follow Naomi would change her life forever. She followed her back to Bethlehem and met her husband Boaz. They became the grandparents to David and eventually their line included Jesus! This was no accident! God planned every bit of this family tree.
He has plans for you too! He wants you to choose to follow him, make his people your people, and choose the faith of Jesus Christ! Follow him and he will adopt you into his family tree. Ephesians 2:19 says that when we accept him as our Savior, we become part of the household of God!
Questions to Ask:
- What was Ruth’s faith like?
Day 15: David Has Courage
So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 1 Samuel 17:48-49
Do you know the story of David and Goliath? David was a shepherd boy who was working in the fields while his brothers went off to fight the Philistines. He came and brought food to his brothers and saw the giant Goliath threatening the people. No one would stand up to him. So he stood up against the giant when no one else would stand up. With just a slingshot and a few rocks, he took down the giant. He was not afraid because he trusted in the Lord.
God gives us strength and courage in the face of our giants. He equips us when we don’t have the resources. He protects us. What giants do you need to fight today? Pray and ask him for the courage to fight those giants.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you have any giants or problems in your life you need to ask God to fight?
- How can you have a faith like David?
Day 16: David, A Man After God’s Own Heart
“The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people…” 1 Samuel 13:14b
God called David a man after his own heart. What a blessing to be considered someone who followed after God that closely. The king before David, Saul, was someone who only sought the kingdom for himself. He was selfish and did not care about the lives of others. The prophet Samuel condemned Saul and his actions. He then tells saw that God has already found himself a man after his own heart, David. David trusted God from an early age, and continued following after God‘s heart the rest of his life. He had a few bumps along the way, but never stopped following after God.
Do you long to follow after God too? When you are old, will it be said of you that you followed after God’s heart? Make a commitment today to follow after God and you will feel his blessings over your life.
Questions to Ask:
- How were Saul and David different?
- How can you follow God like David did?
Day 17: Jonah is Sent
“And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice.”
Jonah 2:2
Jonah was a prophet who was called to bring a message of hope to the evil city of Nineveh. He ran away instead, and if you know this story, you know he was swallowed up by a great big fish- possibly a whale! He was in the belly of the whale for three days until the whale spit him up onto dry land. When God rescued him, his response was this verse. God heard his cries for help and saved him. He went to Ninevah, preached his message of hope, and saw God change lives! However, his attitude was one of contempt for the people of Ninevah, thinking they did not deserve God’s salvation.
God sent his son Jesus to die on a cross and forgive you of your sins. If you have been saved, he is also sending you to tell the world and preach his message of hope. Will you run away like Jonah or run to him?
Questions to Ask:
- Is God sending you to tell others about him like he sent Jonah?
- How can you tell others about Jesus?
Day 18: Jeremiah, A Young Prophet
“Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.”
Jeremiah 1:6-7
God called Jeremiah to be a prophet and speak to a people who would reject him and his message. When God called Jeremiah, he said that he was too young. He was afraid to go because he thought he wasn’t enough. However, God told him otherwise. He said that he would send him anyway and speak through him! Jeremiah became a prophet that even prophesied about Jesus!
He will do the same for you. If you say yes to God and go where he sends you, he will bless you and use you to bring other people to Christ! He will always use you when you say yes to him.
Questions to Ask:
- Who can you tell about Jesus?
- How can you serve God in your young age?
Day 19: Daniel and Trying Times
“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.””
Daniel 6:22
Daniel was a man of God who never wavered in his faith whether he was in training or thrown in the lion’s den. He and his three friends whom you may know- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stayed faithful and did not give in to the ways of the world. His friends did not bow to a golden image and instead stood up for their faith. God rewarded them for their faith and stood with them as they were thrown in the fiery furnace. He rescued them! Daniel continued to pray even when it was not allowed and was thrown into a den of lions. God shut their mouths and he lived and was rescued!
God will be with you when you go through difficult times and will stand with you in the fire. He will be with you in the lion’s den. He will walk with you in the good times and bad.
Questions to Ask:
- How is God with you in difficult times?
- How can you have faith even when it is hard?
Day 20: Esther Saves Her People
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?””
Esther 4:14
Esther became the queen of Persia even though she was a Jew. It was not long before Mordecai (her cousin) discovered a plot by Haman (who worked for the king) to kill all the Jews. When Mordecai told Esther, he urged her to take action. She was hesitant because she knew that approaching the king when he had not summoned her could mean death. Mordecai reminded her that she was a Jew and would not be exempt from the coming destruction. He tells her that maybe she was queen for such a time as this!
God used Esther to rescue the people and show them that he was in control. He had a plan for them in the midst of persecution. That plan would eventually be Jesus! They would not die under Esther’s rule- he used Esther to save them and he would use Jesus to save them again! His plan would take care of them. He wants to show you the same. No matter what happens in this life, know that God is always in control.
Questions of Ask:
- How did God use Esther to save his people?
- How would God use Jesus to save his people?
Day 21: The Hope of a Savior
Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad., that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! Psalm 14:7
Since the beginning of time, everything pointed to the need for a Savior. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into the world, there was a need for rescuing. Sin creates a rift between man and God. God revealed himself to man through Abraham, Moses, David, and other men and women throughout history. Israel ached for a Savior. Their sin kept them in captivity. However, they were looking for a king rather than a Savior. Salvation would not come through an earthly king, but a heavenly Savior. Every event in the Old Testament pointed to Jesus.
What about you? Are you looking for something here on this earth? Are you wanting someone on this earth to save you? Only Jesus Christ can save you through his salvation. He breaks the chains of sin and gives you his grace and love.
Questions to Ask:
- How have the stories you’ve read about so far pointed to Jesus?
- How can your life point to Jesus?
Day 22: Who is Jesus?
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,” 1 Timothy 2:5
Jesus Christ is God’s son. He is part God and part man. He was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph- that is what celebrating Christmas is all about. He grew up in Nazareth until it was his time to be all that God wanted him to be and fulfill his purpose. In his adulthood he began teaching, recruiting disciples, serving and worshiping his Father, and performing miracles. His purpose was to rescue man from his sins by giving up his life on the cross.
You can get to know Jesus by reading about him in any of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. By reading the Bible and praying, you can grow closer to Jesus. He wants to have a relationship with you.
- Who is Jesus?
- Who is he to you?
Day 23: The Teachings of Jesus
And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29
Jesus spent his life teaching his disciples and followers. He went from town to town speaking truths and fulfilling the prophecies that were spoken about him. This verse tells us that after he spoke, the people were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with one authority. This authority came from God alone as his son. So many people became followers because of his teachings. However, not everyone became a follower of his. The religious leaders did not like that he was claiming to be God with authority. They hated him so much that they devised a plan to kill him.
What about you? Are you going to be a follower of God or like one of the religious leaders? Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ knowing that he is the one who rescues and saves you from your sins!
Questions to Ask:
- How does Jesus have the authority of God?
- Why do you want to be a follower of God?
Day 24: Why is Jesus Called the Lamb of God?
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Throughout the Bible Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God. John calls him the Lamb of God in this verse because he takes away the sins of the world. The people in the Old Testament sacrificed animals to cleanse themselves from their sins. Jesus became the last sacrifice we would ever need when he went to the cross and sacrificed himself for our sins. He made us clean when that happened, but only if we accept that gift.
Just as the sacrifices of old were meant to cleanse the people of their sins, Jesus would become the sacrifice for our sins to make us clean. He is the Lamb of God because he is the sacrifice. If you ask for the forgiveness of your sins and choose to follow after him, you will know him as the Lamb of God. So follow him today.
Questions to Ask:
- How is Jesus the lamb of God?
- What did his sacrifice do for us?
Day 25: Palm Sunday: Worshiping the King
The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” John 12:12-13
What a day it must have been to see Jesus making his triumphant entry! The people put out palm tree branches and ran to meet their Savior saying, “Hosanna’ blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! King of Israel! They loved him and followed him wherever he went. However, he wasn’t a typical king riding triumphantly on a horse. No, he rode in on a donkey because he was humble and was not there to rule but to save. The people did not understand at the time. I’m sure that many saw him as a teacher. However, many more saw him as Savior and Lord.
Who is he to you? Is he the king of your heart? Is he the one who has saved you? Is he Hosanna? Do you worship him? Think about who he is to you today and pray and ask him to be Lord of your life.
Questions to Ask:
- How do you worship the Lord?
- Who is Jesus Christ to you?
Day 26: The Last Supper
So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Matthew 26:19-20
The last supper was an important time for Jesus and his disciples. For the disciples, it was fellowship with their Lord and Savior. Probably one of many that they had. For Jesus, it was the last meal they would share together. It was a time when he would charge his followers to share his name with the world. It was an intimate time together. They did not understand the words of Jesus, but afterward they would. For the rest of their lives his words probably rang in their heads. He would have them drink wine to symbolize his blood that would be spilled and eat the bread that would symbolize his body being broken on the cross.By partaking of these things, they would be signaling their commitment to the Lord. The church would follow in these footsteps even today.
You can have that same fellowship with the Lord through attending church. You can become involved and join a church that partakes in the Lord’s supper and other practices that demonstrate the love of Christ. Spend some time thinking about the things your church does to celebrate these things.
Questions to Ask:
- Why do churches participate in the last supper today?
- How will knowing about the last supper help you appreciate it when you partake of it?
Day 27: Prayer and The Garden
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” Matthew 26:36
Jesus took some of his disciples to the garden to pray before he went to the cross. He asked them to keep watch while he prayed. As he prayed he agonized over what was about to happen and even asked God to take the cup of death from him if possible. He knew what he had to do and was preparing his heart and mind. When he finished, he found his disciples sleeping and one of them, Judas, betrayed him by showing his enemies who he was. They captured him immediately and this began the journey to the cross.
The Bible says that Jesus will return again someday to take us to heaven with him. What about you? Will you be caught sleeping when Jesus returns? Take action and prepare your heart and mind by studying his word and praying.
Questions to Ask:
- How can you prepare your heart for Jesus' return?
- Why is it important to pray and read your Bible?
Day 28: The Trial
Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. Matthew 26:59
There were many people who witnessed the miracles of Jesus and devoted themselves to following him; however, there were many who despised him and even made up lies about him to anyone who would listen. They put him on trial in the middle of the night so others would not see what they were doing. Jesus said nothing and accepted the verdict as the religious leaders persecuted him. Even when Pilate asked the people if they wanted to crucify Jesus or Barabbas, a criminal, they chose the criminal. They rejected Jesus and many still reject him today.
Jesus came to rescue even those who deny him. They found no fault in him because he was perfect, flawless. He was God’s son. Spend some time thanking Jesus for taking the punishment he did not deserve.
Questions to Ask:
- How did Jesus follow God’s plan?
- Why did some people lie about Jesus?
Day 29: The Death
And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:17-19
Jesus died on the cross. He did nothing wrong, yet he took the punishment for our sins. The punishment we deserved. His blood washed away our sins. His body was broken for us. He was the king of the Jews and is still the king of our hearts.
Jesus died on the cross for your sins. From little white lies to following after worldly desires, he died for it all. He wants your heart. He wants you to trust him and accept his great gift of salvation. If you start trusting him today, you will never be let down and will never be sorry.
Questions to Ask:
- Have you accepted his gift of salvation?
- Do you trust that Jesus died for your sins and has taken away those sins.
Day 30: Burial
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. John 19:38
One of Jesus’ followers, Joseph of Arimathea, was a follower of Christ who wanted to take the body of Jesus and give him a proper burial. He feared the Jews and what they might do with the body. He prepared the body, wrapped the body, and placed the body in the tomb. These things were done so to fulfill scripture and out of respect for Jesus.
Jesus’ followers would do just about anything for him. What about you? Would you follow after him and show your love for him like Joseph showed for Jesus? Think of some ways today that you can show Jesus you love him.
Questions to Ask:
- How did Joseph show that he loved Jesus?
- How can you show Jesus you love him?
Day 31: Resurrection
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7
The story does not end with the death of Jesus Christ or even with the burial. Christianity hinges on this truth: Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead. He was one of the only ones in history that came back to life. His bones put themselves back together, breath filled his lungs, and his body became alive again.
Just as he rose form the dead, he has given you new life. If you know Christ as your Savior and have asked him to forgive you of your sins, then you have been given new life. You can start again! Your old life was resurrected. Say some prayers today thanking him for new life.
Questions to Ask:
- Have you been given that new life today?
- Have you thanked him for that new life?
Becoming a Christian is the most important decision you can ever make. It is so important because it is the foundation of your faith. Just like a house is built on a solid foundation, faith is built on a solid foundation. Jesus Christ is that foundation. It begins a journey that you will go on for the rest of your life. Just like the men and women of faith, you will never stop growing closer to the Lord if you commit to this journey. This Easter, spend some time thanking him for your salvation. Thank him for his death and resurrection. Thank him for new life. You will never regret it.