The religious leaders challenge Jesus for ignoring tradition but Jesus turns the tables on them. He confronts these leaders for elevating human traditions above God’s commands, substituting outward religious practices for genuine inward obedience. By shifting the focus from external behavior to inner transformation, Jesus calls his followers to examine the condition of their hearts rather than relying on the outward appearance of holiness.

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

Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

https://www.highrock.org/newtestament

For Reflection:

- What human traditions, practices, or values have you seen elevated in ways that conflict with godly priorities?

- In what ways are you tempted to focus on outward behavior and appearance rather than inward character?

- What might it look like for God to transform your heart rather than just your behavior?

- Pray: Lord Jesus, search our hearts, free us from empty religion, and transform us from the inside out by your grace.

After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat while he finally finds time for solitude. Later in the night, Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Peter initially steps out in faith then begins to sink. Fear takes over when we focus on the storm but faith prevails when we fix our eyes on Jesus.

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 “storms” in your life pull your focus away from Jesus?

- What do you learn about Peter, about Jesus, and about yourself when Peter begins to sink?

- Where might Jesus be inviting you to get out of the boat to walk in faith like Peter?

After hearing of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdraws to a quiet place to grieve. The crowds follow him but instead of Jesus turning them away, he is moved to care for them. Despite his own deep and authentic need, he takes time to care for the needs of others. How do we respond when faced with a similar challenge? What might God have us do when our own needs collide with the needs of others?

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 do you tend to react when the needs of others interrupt taking care of yourself? Try to think of specific examples.

- What does Jesus’ compassion for the crowd teach you about God’s heart for people?

- What might God be inviting you to do in order to have the margin to care for others in a healthy, sustainable way?

“Love your enemies” sounds beautiful on a coffee mug . . . until you’re the one being insulted, dismissed, or harmed. When outrage feels justified and revenge feels reasonable, what does real love look like without becoming passive or naïve? And what might loving your enemies actually change, both in the world and in you?

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👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd

The Pharisees were trying to preserve their nation's Jewish identity in the face of Greek culture and Roman occupation. One of their cultural guardrails was the faithful observance of sabbath rest, an issue over which they repeatedly clashed with Jesus. In this encounter, Jesus heals a man on the sabbath. Did Jesus thus break God's sabbath laws, or was Jesus right to look for a deeper purpose in God's laws?

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 notice about the different reactions to the man with the withered hand?

- In what ways can religious habits become obstacles instead of pathways to love?

- How might you practice mercy in situations where it would be easier to stay silent or uninvolved?

- Prayer: Merciful God, shape my life by your compassion.

Imprisoned in Herod Antipas' fortress, John the Baptist begins to doubt. He was the one who saw the Spirit of God descend upon Jesus but in the darkness of prison, he begins to ask some tough questions. One might expect Jesus to reprimand John. Instead, Jesus gives him reassurance and praise. Rather than silence doubt, Jesus treats doubt as a part of discipleship, especially for those who put everything on the line for God.

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 do you typically respond when God’s actions don’t match your hopes or timeline?

- How does Jesus respond to John’s doubt, and what does that reveal about his character?

- Jesus affirms John publicly after addressing his doubts. What does that teach you about how God views you in seasons of weakness?

- Who in your life might be struggling with questions or disappointment, and how can you reflect Jesus’ compassion toward them?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had encouraged his listeners to put God first and trust God for the rest. In this passage, Jesus extends that principle to putting Jesus first and the potential short-term costs, which may even include rejection from our families. For many, this price might seem too high but Jesus assures us that God will honor those who choose faithfulness!

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:

- Have you experienced pain, loss, or conflict from choosing to follow Jesus? What happened?

- How has God been present to you in those difficult times? What have you learned about God and about yourself?

- Is there a cost to discipleship that concerns you today? Do you find God’s promise of presence and reward sustain or encourage you in any way?

- Prayer: Strengthen my commitment, Lord. Help me to trust you with each step and to know that you are with me.

Jesus sends out the twelve disciples on their own but with detailed instructions. Some of those instructions were just for those disciples, and even just for that particular moment. However, understanding what Jesus was doing in that moment can help us discern universal patterns and values that apply in all cases, even for us today, especially the promise that God's Spirit will be with us.

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:

- Where and to whom might God be sending you? Where might God be inviting you to step out in faith?

- What specific concerns and fears might diminish your willingness to invite others into a relationship with God?

- How might knowing that God's Spirit will be with you be an antidote to those fears?

- Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to go wherever you send me.

Jesus makes himself available to all kinds of people, both the privileged and the outcast. He embraces all kinds of interruptions, looking for the opportunity to bring people closer to God. He even encourages us to have the same kingdom focus -- to pray that God would raise up more workers to connect people back to God. Who knows? God might even invite us to become a part of the answer to that prayer!

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 needs do you see around you today (in the world, in your neighborhood, at your work/school, in your life)?

- Interruptions played an outsized role in the ministry of Jesus. How does that fact speak into your life? Are you available for interruptions? When is an interruption an opportunity, and when is it a distraction?

- How might God be calling you to serve or pray more intentionally?

- Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the needs around me. Use me as part of your harvest.

When did faith start feeling like another performance review? Jesus doesn’t say, “Become salt and light.” He says, “You are.” So why do so many of us live like we’re still trying to earn it? And what changes when you stop?

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👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n

👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd