What is Christianity at its core? As we look at the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we'll see that Christianity is based on historical events that lead to a present reality. The real actions and words of God in history, especially through Jesus, have transformed forever our daily relationship with him.

Pilate and the religious leaders were all doing moral math. Pilate was trying to wriggle out of responsibility. The religious leaders were trying to destroy one man to save a nation. We too do moral math, trying to measure up to some standard set by ourselves, or others, or God. But we can never measure up to God's standard. As we look at the crucifixion of Jesus, we will reflect upon the incredible love of God who paid the ultimate price on our behalf so that we could become his children.

When Pilate interrogated Jesus before His crucifixion, Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. Jesus responded that His kingdom was not of this world. As we consider Jesus's words, we'll reflect on the otherworldly nature of the kingdom Jesus rules.

Jesus was attacked by his enemies and abandoned by his friends because he did not meet their expectations for who he should be and what he should do if he were the Messiah God had promised. As we look at the denial of Peter, we'll see the incredible goodness of God who keeps us, and has mercy on us, through his Son Jesus who died for us and rose again.

Though Judas schemed and brought soldiers with weapons, Jesus and His Father were really the ones with perfect knowledge and power. As we look at the callousness of Judas, we'll see the same tendencies in our own hearts to go through the motions of worship with sin in our hearts. But as we look at the grace and love of Jesus, we'll see the invitation to walk in integrity by His life in us.

Just before Jesus was arrested, He prayed for His disciples. As we look at Jesus's prayer, we'll see how we too can pray for God to glorify his name, keep us, sanctify us, and make us one today.

Why do we end our prayers with the phrase, "In Jesus name, Amen"? Jesus's teaching in John 16:16-33 shows us the incredible privilege that it is to pray to God, as well as the promise we have that God hears and answers the prayers of those who trust in his Son.

Jesus encourages his disciples that the Holy Spirit will bear witness to the world about Jesus and will guide the disciples into truth. We explore how that encouragement still strengthens us today to listen rightly to God's leading and share the good news with others.

Jesus teaches his disciples through the metaphor of vine and branches how they are to abide with him in order to bear fruit for God.

Jesus continues sharing with the disciples about the Holy Spirit he is promising to send them. God the Holy Spirit is our life, our peace, our teacher, our helper, forever. So let's continue to ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit every day.