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But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. 1 Peter 3:15-18

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A long time ago, there was a brave Christian man named Polycarp (Polly-carp). His name may sound funny to us, but it means “full of fruit.” That was a great name for him because his life showed the fruit of faith—trusting Jesus, loving the truth, and staying strong.

Polycarp learned about Jesus from the apostle John, one of Jesus’ disciples. Later, Polycarp became a church leader who helped people stay close to God’s true Word. He taught people about Jesus and stood up for what was true, even when it was hard.

One day, Polycarp was arrested because he was a Christian. By then, he was an old man. The ruler told him, “If you say Caesar is lord instead of Jesus, I’ll let you go free.” But Polycarp would not do it. He would not pretend someone else was greater than Jesus.

The ruler warned him again and again. He threatened him with wild animals and fire. But Polycarp answered with brave words Christians still remember today: “Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and he never did me any wrong. How can I speak against my King who saved me?”

What made Polycarp so brave? It was Jesus. Polycarp knew that Jesus had suffered for him. Jesus suffered on the cross to take away his sins. Jesus died for him too. Jesus rose again for him. And Jesus had already made Polycarp his own in Baptism. That means Polycarp had hope.

Hope is not just wishing something good might happen. Hope is trusting that Jesus keeps his promises. Because Jesus lives, Polycarp knew that even if he was killed for being a Christian, they could never take away his Savior.

You may never face what Polycarp faced. No one may ever tell you to choose between Jesus and your life. But there may be times when someone laughs because you believe in Jesus. Someone may say church is dumb. Someone may make fun of what the Bible says. In those moments, it can feel hard to stand up for what you believe.

But Jesus is still with you. The same Jesus who gave Polycarp courage gives you courage too. He has saved you. He has called you his own. He has washed you in Baptism. He gives you hope that lasts forever. So, when it is hard to follow Jesus, remember Polycarp. Remember what made him brave. Jesus was his King. Jesus was his Savior. And Jesus is yours too.

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and saving me. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising again for me. Thank you for making me your child in Baptism. When it is hard to follow you, make me brave. Help me trust you, love your truth, and gently tell others why Jesus is my hope. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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