Highrock Church

Jesus warns his disciples of the challenges they will soon face, including people who will believe they are serving God by persecuting Jesus' disciples. In addition to this timely warning, Jesus promises that his leaving will result in something even better. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Satan is often called "the accuser", but the Spirit will be the Advocate in our corner. Jesus also promises that the Spirit will convict the world of sin and will guide his followers into truth. This promise is one of continued connection and relationship as we walk into the future.

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For Reflection:

- What are some ways that following Jesus can protect us from hardship? What are some ways that following Jesus can expose us to greater difficulties?

- In your own words, how would you describe the Holy Spirit's work in the world and in us?

- What questions and curiosities do you have about the Holy Spirit?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for giving the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us! Help us hear and listen to the Spirit's voice.

Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches, teaching that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through remaining connected to him. Jesus also teaches that the Father lovingly prunes his people so they can become more fruitful — a process that sounds like it might be painful at times. In the end, obedience to Jesus does not earn his love. Jesus already chooses them, and us! Obedience is meant to protect us from losing the joy and life that comes from being deeply connected to Jesus.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What do you think it means to "abide" or remain in Jesus on a daily basis?

- Have you ever experienced God pruning areas of your life to lead you to fuller life? What happened?

- How might God want to prune you in your current season of life?

- Prayer: Jesus, help me to remain deeply connected to you, to bear fruit that honors you, and to love others with the same love you give to me.

How do you respond to betrayal? Jesus had just finished laying out the ways his disciples would betray or abandon him in his hour of need. How might Jesus respond to the way we all break faith with him? His response here is not judgment, but grace. Jesus responds by making a way to the Father and by sending us the Holy Spirit! Rather than judgment or vengeance, Jesus offers us the lasting peace that only God can give. Where there was no way home for us, Jesus becomes the way, the truth, and the life.

Taylor's "Way, Truth, Life" Wall Art:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1sKPDUoipGF1vo4esP19dIQ8DUsvsDUFG

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Jesus told his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled. What aspects of Jesus’ promises in this chapter bring you the most comfort?

- Jesus states that he is “the way, the truth, and the life”. How would you explain this claim in your own words?

- How is the peace Jesus offers different from the peace the world offers? How might God be inviting you into that peace today?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your promises, your presence, and your peace!

During the Passover meal, Jesus becomes deeply troubled as he reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. After Judas departs, Jesus begins preparing the remaining disciples for what is about to happen. He speaks of his coming glorification through his death and gives them a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved them. Peter confidently declares that he is willing to lay down his life for Jesus, but Jesus gently predicts that Peter will deny him three times before morning. The people around Jesus continually break faith with him but he will continue to offer his own faithfulness in response!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- How do you tend to respond to betrayal? How have you responded in the past?

- What do you learn about Jesus in his response to betrayal?

- Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. In what ways is this command challenging? In what ways is it inspiring?

- What specific opportunities might you have to show Christ-like love to others this week?

- Prayer: Jesus, help me to love others more like you love me!

In a stunning act of humility, Jesus rises from the table, takes the role of a servant, and begins washing his disciples’ feet. When Peter objects, Jesus explains that this washing is necessary and points to a deeper spiritual cleansing that only he can provide. Jesus knows that he comes from the Father and is soon returning to the Father. In other words, he knows who he is and whose he is. Grounded in that identity, he demonstrates for us that God is a servant and as God's children, we should be also.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What do you learn about Jesus in this passage?

- Why do you think Peter initially resisted allowing Jesus to wash his feet?

- How can pride sometimes make it difficult to receive help, grace, or service from others?

- In what practical ways can you follow Jesus’ example of humility and service?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your humble love and cleansing grace—help me receive your work in my life and serve others with the same humility you showed.

Some of us know how to worry far more easily than we know how to celebrate.

Joy can feel vulnerable - almost dangerous - when life has taught you not to expect too much.

But what if joy is actually something God wants for you?

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After the raising of Lazarus, many people choose to trust in Jesus but others choose to report him to religious leaders. Those leaders are greatly concerned about Jesus' growing influence and fear that Rome will punish them all for the chaos surrounding Jesus. The high priest Caiaphas ends the conversation by revealing that God has told him that it would be better for "one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed." He is right, but for all the wrong reasons. We are always in danger when we attempt to justify worldly plans with "godly" reasons.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- How can fear of losing control keep people from recognizing the truth?

- What deeper meaning do you see in Caiaphas' words? What does he understand correctly? What does he misunderstand?

- Are there areas where self-interest or fear make it difficult for you to trust God fully?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your willingness to be the one who should die so we might not face destruction. Help me trust your plans rather than my own schemes.

By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha and Mary are both grieving deeply, struggling to understand why Jesus did not come sooner. Jesus comforts Martha by declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life,” calling her to trust in him. As Jesus sees the grief of those around him, he is deeply moved and weeps alongside them, revealing both his compassion and his power. Mary and Martha both express their honest frustration, pain, as well as their continuing faith in Jesus. Their honesty demonstrates how deep questions and grief can be an expression of sincere and God-honoring faith.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What stands out to you about Jesus’ interaction with Martha and Mary?

- Why do you imagine that Jesus wept even though he knew Lazarus would rise again?

- What might have been gained or lost if Jesus had not delayed for two extra days?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your compassion and power — help me trust you for "resurrection and life" even in times of grief and sorrow.

When Lazarus becomes seriously ill, his sisters Mary and Martha send word to Jesus. Instead of responding with urgency, Jesus intentionally delays for two more days! Why? Even more perplexing, after waiting two extra days, Jesus informs his disciples that he is glad he was not there, because what is about to happen will strengthen their faith. Despite their fear of going back to Judea where people recently wanted to kill Jesus, the disciples join Jesus, though with some hesitancy. Where can we find strength and encouragement when God's timing does not make sense to us?

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Why do you think Jesus delayed going to Lazarus instead of responding immediately?

- How might you feel about that delay if you were Mary or Martha?

- What would it look like for you to trust Jesus more fully when God's timing does not make sense to you? What and who are the people, places, and practices that could help strengthen you in such times?

- Prayer: Jesus, help me trust your timing and purposes, even when I do not understand what you are doing.

In response to his accusers, Jesus describes his followers as those who hear his voice and follow him. He then adds the powerful declaration, “The Father and I are one,” leading many to (rightfully) accuse him of claiming to be God. Jesus asks them to carefully consider his teaching and his works before rejecting his divine claims, which some do as they turn to Jesus in faith.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- What does it mean to truly hear and follow the voice of Jesus?

- Why do you think some people rejected Jesus despite seeing his works?

- How does Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch his sheep from his hand encourage you?

- What does this passage teach about Jesus’ relationship with the Father?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling me your own. Help me hear your voice clearly and follow you faithfully.