Daily Devo

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From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:27)

Expanded Passage: John 19:25-27

When I first moved to the United States, I lived with a host family. I had left my home in South America, defying a cultural norm that a middle child does not leave home before their older sibling. I was received by a Christian couple. They embraced me as part of their family and treated me like a son. I’m sure they were criticized for being extravagantly generous to a stranger, but they did not care. I was family to them, and they were family to me.

While hanging on the cross, Jesus took care of family business. He deviated from the cultural norms of his time to secure the well-being of his mother. Instead of entrusting her to his younger brothers, as was expected, Jesus conferred the responsibility to one of his disciples. The disciple, after all, was not just a student of Jesus; he had become family.

This scene should remind us that Jesus came to reconstitute the family of God. In Jesus, the relational links are meant to be stronger than family ties. Beyond cultural family norms, Jesus entrusts the care of the defenseless ones to his disciples. The vulnerable should find, among Christ’s followers, a welcoming home. If we gather at the cross as a family, we should ask ourselves why some are without a home.

Ask the Lord to show you vulnerable people to love as family.

Luigi Peñaranda is the former director of graduate programs in Spanish at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 19:24)

Expanded Passage: John 19:23-24

You are watching a movie that was made based on a book. You have not read the book, but your friend who is with you in the theater has. Suddenly, your friend whispers in your ear: “Pay attention to this. This is a central part in the book.” You continue to watch the movie while telling yourself: “I should probably read the book.”

The scene at the foot of the cross is infuriating. The cruel executioners had already ridiculed Jesus by clothing him with a purple robe—a sign of royalty—and crowning him with twisted thorns. Now, they were dividing his garments and gambling to see who would keep his tunic. Jesus was not only tortured, but also dispossessed of everything and exposed to public humiliation.

It seems as if, right at this point of the story, the author leans toward his audience and whispers: “Pay attention to the poem.” He refers to a poem written by David (Psalm 22). Those who have read the book understand that King David, to whom God promised an heir who would be king forever, wrote about the suffering of a righteous one. It now becomes clear: Jesus is both the suffering one and the promised king. He hangs on the cross, not as the victim of some soldiers’ game, but as the faithful keeper of God’s promises.

Meditate on the texts that say Scripture has been fulfilled.

Luigi Peñaranda is the former director of graduate programs in Spanish at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

And the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. (John 19:20)

Expanded Passage: John 19:16-22

It is easy to tune out the recorded message when you are waiting at the airport: “Please do not leave your luggage unattended.” If you happen to be at an international airport, you may actually notice that the same message is played in several different languages. The multilingual recording ensures that people from all over the world understand the safety message. The irony is that this ubiquitous announcement, meant to reach all kinds of travelers, can be easily tuned out or ignored.

The sign on the cross was meant to scorn Jesus’ accusers who preferred to invoke Caesar as king instead of considering the idea that Jesus could be the Messiah. As an act of mockery, Pilate commanded that a sign affirming Jesus’ kingship be fastened on the cross. This message too was multilingual, meant to be understood by all people. The chief priests wanted to change the message to something the audience could tune out, but Pilate refused.

The irony was that, unknowingly, Pilate proclaimed that Jesus was the rightful ruler of the world. Jesus died not just to have our hearts and souls; he claimed it all. This message should not be tuned out. We cannot give allegiance to the caesars of this world and have Jesus at the same time. Either Jesus is king of all, or he is not our king at all.

Listen closely for the messages you may be tuning out.

Luigi Peñaranda is the former director of graduate programs in Spanish at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. (Ps. 111:4)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 111

A rhyme from childhood begins by saying, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star; how I wonder what you are.” A curious mind may inquire: How do the stars actually twinkle when their steady light protrudes through the darkness? It is not that the stars’ light is changing; rather it is the turbulent atmosphere that causes light to bend ever so slightly on the light’s trip to the eyes of the viewer. This bend, when it reaches our eyes, looks to us like a twinkle.

Just as the light of the star remains constant despite a volatile atmosphere, God is consistent as well, not dependent on the ever-changing circumstances of our lives or our world. Psalm 111 reminds us of great works that are pondered (v. 2), and that God’s deeds and righteousness endure forever (v. 3). How relentless is the compassion and faithfulness of the one who made the stars! It is this God who provides food and remembers his covenant forever (v. 5). Not only this, but his works are just and he is faithful (v. 7). Through Jesus, redemption has been provided for his people (v. 9).

These gifts God so generously bestows, leads me to be amazed at how wonderful God is! Though instability attempts to create turmoil in our atmosphere, God’s promises and gifts never fade or twinkle, but stay constant.

Consider the wonder of God’s gifts and how they remain ever-present.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:16–17)

Expanded Passage: John 17:1-21

Can you name a few slogans from a famous company or local business? Just as these advertisements make us think of a certain place, three things create a slogan for the instruction we gather from Jesus’ prayer in John 17: Completion, Confidence, and Covering.

Completion: We are called to finish the work God has called us to do! Jesus starts his prayer in John 17:1, saying “the hour has come.” The time is here, and time is now to be about our Father’s business.

Confidence: There is a confidence that comes from knowing who our God is. In John 17:6–8, Jesus is confident that his followers know who God is because they’ve seen the example of who Jesus is. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8), and as we draw near to him, he promises to draw even closer to us (James 4:8).

Covering: There’s a significant need to be covered through the authority that comes from God to Jesus and is now ours. Specifically in verses 17 through 21, there is a reminder that followers of Jesus are sanctified and made holy by the truth, protected through Jesus’ name, and given the fullness of joy.

We can recite these three words like a jingle to remind us how to follow Christ’s instructions.

Share Christ’s message with his covering and confidence to complete his work.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)

Expanded Passage: John 17:18-21

Packages. Emails. Facebook messages. Football passes. GPS signals. Satellites. Astronauts to outer space. What do these all have in common?

They are all things that are sent. Shared by the giver with an intended receiver.

In verses 18–21 of Jesus’ prayer, there is reflection about sending. Jesus was sent into the world and now is sending his disciples into the world. And this doesn’t just stay with the original disciples; this sending is a mandate to Christ followers of today. In John 17:20, Jesus said, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” This refers to the generations upon generations upon generations who now know and experience Christ. This is all because of the domino effect that occurred when the disciples dispersed and shared this news with those in their hometowns and spheres of influence.

Today, how intentional are we about knowing and going to share this truth with others in our neighborhoods, schools, classrooms, businesses, or workplaces?

As people who are sent, we first need to receive truth and be ready to purposefully proclaim the message we’ve been entrusted with. That’s part of the adventurous life’s journey! Today, will we sit as a stamped envelope on the counter with potential? Or will we be postmarked and sent to deliver the truth to the anticipated recipient?

Allow God to set you up to be sent.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (John 17:13)

Expanded Passage: John 17:12-17

So many things in our world are measured in volume, weight, length, height, or width. This is one way to make sure the proper requirements are fulfilled. What tool of measurement is to be used? Does it need to be exact or estimated? Sometimes it needs to be exact, like the precise measurements when building a house, and other times a measurement can be estimated, like when you want to know approximately how many blankets fit in a basket.

Something Jesus wants to give his followers is a measure of joy—not partial, not some, but a full measure! Oh, how I want this full measure! It’s not that the world’s circumstances will be circumvented, or that all disasters will dissipate; rather, through these situations, the goodness of God in his fullest measure of joy is gifted to us.

It’s when we are in the world and have a joyful outlook that those around us may ask questions, seeking to know the source of our rejoicing. They may relish in joy with us, despite any despicable devastation that could damage our spirit. In the presence of the Lord, this joy is found (Ps. 16:11). This abundant joy that emanates and overflows from our being is immeasurable and erupts in an incalculable magnitude.

Consider life with the full measure of Christ’s joy.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” (John 17:11)

Expanded Passage: John 17:9-11

Flashlights can be very helpful, especially on a dark path through a trail in the woods. But what happens if the battery is dead, or nonexistent? Maybe that’s when it is important to have a solar-powered flashlight. Even then, there is a source needed to illuminate the lightbulb. Oh, and a switch is necessary to make the flashlight go on.

Even more powerful than a flashlight that points the way through the trail, is the power of protection through the name of Jesus who leads us through valleys, floods, and fire (Ps. 23:4; Isa. 43:2). This is the name that God the Father has bestowed upon his Son, Jesus, and not only does this name protect his people individually, but it’s also a collective call to unity.

As we are united through Jesus Christ our Lord, the thorns and thistles on the path are uncovered in this light. The exposed roots, we will no longer fall over. We are kept on the path, when his Word lights up our path (Ps. 119:105). There may be uncharted territory on which we travail, but when we walk in this way of righteousness (Prov. 8:20), united with Christ, he is the provider of the protection we need. This protection is provided not only to protect us for each step, but daily and for eternity.

Find protection in the true Source!

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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“For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.” (John 17:8)

Expanded Passage: John 17:5-8

When sitting on a chair, I automatically trust that the four legs will do the task they were meant to: hold up the chair. It seems so obvious that I am trusting in the chair to keep me off the ground, but I do not usually question or contest it! When I sit, I put my trust in the chair without thinking.

As Jesus is praying, he is reminding his Father that those following him “knew with certainty” where Jesus came from and that they had become believers. It is essential to be secure, to know what is real, especially in our day of rapidly spreading misinformation. In Jesus’ time on earth, his followers came to clearly know him as reliable and reputable. Today, we can have that same confidence that Jesus is who he says he is, without having to think or question this trust.

As C. S. Lewis wrote in his apologetic argument, Jesus is either a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord. Investigating archaeological evidence, historical documentation, eyewitnesses to miracles, and personal life transformation can build trust even further. Just like the chair legs that I trust to support the chair I sit in, the words and life of Jesus are a foundational truth that I can position myself on with complete confidence that he is who he says he is.

Carry on with the certainty that you can have confidence in Jesus.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17:4)

Expanded Passage: John 17:1-4

Have you ever been given one of those recipes from a person who just puts a bit of this, a pinch of that, and mixes it all up until it tastes just right? With those instructions, it is hard to finish a recipe completely, unless you have the honor of cooking that recipe with the help of the original author by your side. They know what they intended!

As Jesus was near finishing his time on earth, it can only be imagined that there was so much he could have done. But he was intent on finishing the purpose that his Father had set out for him. Yes, even he needed to finish!

It is so refreshing to know that even as Jesus relied on his Father’s strength, through prayer, that this same opportunity for us is available to finish what God is calling us to do. Maybe it’s a little of this, mixed with a pinch of that, but God is the original author of our life’s best recipe, which he has planned in advance for us to partake in (Eph. 2:10). There’s no distracting our Master Chef, who will work with us to execute his good plans, to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). It is God who knows the exact ingredients in the recipe of our lives.

Choose to finish the recipe our Father calls you to!

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.