Highrock Church

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray, urging His disciples to pray so they will not fall into temptation. In deep anguish, Jesus offers his desires to his Father but adds that what he wants most of all if for his Father's will to be done. Jesus offers us a master class in prayer and faithfulness. It is right and good for us to give full voice to our desires in prayer, but a larger purpose in prayer is to learn to want what God wants even more. Prayer can train us to trust in God's wisdom and kindness.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What does Jesus’ prayer reveal about Jesus and his priorities?

- How would you describe the disciples' spiritual state in this moment?

- What do you learn from Jesus' response to betrayal and violence?

- What step could you take toward becoming more watchful and prayerful in times of temptation?

- Prayer: Lord, give me strength to pray in times of weakness and teach me to trust in your love for me.

At the Last Supper, Jesus expresses his deep desire to eat with them before his suffering. Using the bread and wine of the Passover meal, he points to his sacrifice and covenant love for them, and for us. Yet even in this intimate moment, the disciples descend into a fight about who among them is the greatest. Jesus gently corrects them, teaching that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and service, with his own life as our example.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- How does the Lord’s Supper deepen your understanding of Jesus?

- Why do you think the disciples argue about greatness at this moment? How does Jesus redefine what it means to be “great”?

- Where does pride or comparison show up in your life?

- What opportunites has God given you to be a servant? Whom might you serve?

- Prayer: Jesus, teach me to walk in humility and serve others as you have served me.

Christians often turn to passages like this and wonder, "When will Jesus return?" Jesus seems to be intentionally ambiguous but what he is very clear about is how we should live until that day comes. Jesus warns his disciples to guard their hearts against distraction, indulgence, and anxiety, urging them to stay alert and prayerful so they will be ready for whatever is to come, whenever it may come.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What does the fig tree illustration teach about recognizing God’s timing?

- How can distractions or worries dull your spiritual alertness?

- What does it mean to “be always on the watch” in your daily life?

- What habits could help you stay spiritually attentive and grounded?

- Prayer: Lord, keep my heart alert and anchored in your truth so I might live for your purposes.

Jesus observes rich people giving their offerings at the temple but highlights a poor widow who contributes just two small coins. Though her gift seems insignificant, Jesus declares that she has given more than all the rest because she gave out of her need rather than her surplus. This moment reveals once again that God sees beneath the surface. God measures generosity not by amount but by sacrifice and trust, honoring a heart that gives fully and dependently.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- Why is the widow’s small offering so significant in Jesus’ eyes?

- Where might God be inviting you to a deeper level of trust? What might it look like to give in a way that reflects a greater dependence on God?

- What helps you to grow to be more like the widow in your generosity and trust? Who and what are the people, places, and practices that encourage that spirit in you?

- Prayer: Lord, give me a generous heart that trusts you completely and offers you my life.

Not all distance from God is dramatic. Sometimes it’s quiet, gradual . . . almost unnoticeable. Until something calls you to wake up and come back.

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As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he weeps over the city, grieving that they will choose a path of power and violence rather than his way of peace. He warns that their choice will lead to the horrors that were later fulfilled when Rome crushed the Jewish rebellions. Entering the temple, he drives out those who have turned it into a place of profit, declaring its true purpose as a house of prayer. We are God’s temple today: are our hearts more like a place of profit or a house of prayer for all people?

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What does Jesus’ loud and public weeping over Jerusalem reveal about Jesus? What questions does it raise for you?

- How does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple challenge your understanding of worship?

- What might it look like to truly recognize and receive the peace Jesus offers?

- Prayer: Jesus, help me to recognize you and the peace you offer. Help me also to make my life a place of true worship and prayer.

As Jesus passes through Jericho, he notices Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who is eager to see Jesus but is despised by others. Jesus calls him by name and chooses to stay at his house, sparking anger in the crowd. In response to this unexpected grace, Zacchaeus repents, offering not only repentance but a desire to restore anyone he has wronged. Jesus declares that salvation has come to his house, affirming that he came to seek and save the lost. The invitation is clear — will we join Jesus in his mission?

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What stands out to you about Jesus seeking out Zacchaeus?

- How does Zacchaeus’ response demonstrate true repentance?

- What changes in your life reflect the work of God’s grace?

- Who in your life might seem unlikely but might be open to Jesus’ invitation?

- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for seeking me and for inviting me to join you in seeking others.

It's a powerful question that sits in the middle of two stories about blindness, faith, and understanding. Jesus takes his disciples aside and details his coming suffering, death, and resurrection, yet they fail to understand. As they approach Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to Jesus despite the many folks who tell him to be quiet. Jesus asks him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The answer might seem obvious, but we'll never know unless we ask the question. Do we know what we want? Do we know what others want, even people who are close to us? In the end, this blind man sees clearly what Jesus' twelve disciples still cannot see.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ prediction?

- In what ways might you be spiritually “near” to Jesus but still lack clarity?

- Why do you think that Jesus asked the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?"

- What would it look like for your faith to be as bold and persistent as the blind man’s?

- Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to see you clearly and give me a faith that persists in seeking you.

Jesus teaches about persistent prayer through the parable of a widow who continually seeks justice from an unjust judge, showing that God, who is righteous and compassionate, will respond to those who cry out to Him. He then contrasts two men praying in the temple—a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble tax collector—revealing that God honors those who come with humility and repentance rather than pride. Together, these teachings emphasize that a faithful life is marked by persistent dependence on God and a posture of humility before Him.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What does the widow’s persistence teach you about prayer?

- How does your view of God affect your willingness to keep praying?

- What contrasts stand out between the Pharisee and the tax collector?

- What does true humility before God look like for you?

- Prayer: Lord, help me to believe that I matter to you and to continually come to you in prayer.

When asked about the coming of God’s kingdom, Jesus explains that it is not something that can be observed outwardly in obvious signs, because the kingdom is already present among them. He then speaks to his disciples about the future revealing of the Son of Man, describing it as sudden, unmistakable, and accompanied by judgment. Jesus encourages perseverance and spiritual awareness, recognizing God’s present work while remaining prepared for Christ’s return.

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

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What do you think Jesus meant when he said the kingdom of God is “in your midst”?

- How can you become more aware of God’s present work in your daily life and in the people around you?

- What does it look like to live ready for Christ’s return?

- Prayer: Lord, help me recognize your kingdom "in our midst" and live with a heart eager for your return!