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[You know] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:38

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

Adults like to argue about sports players. They talk about who they think will be the best player ever. Sometimes they get really excited about a player and say, “This one will be amazing!” But later, that player doesn’t do very well. When that happens, people say the player was a “flop.” That means they didn’t turn out the way people hoped.

Now let’s think about Jesus.

Long before Jesus was born, God talked about him in the Bible. People heard that he would be powerful and that he would help others. God chose him and anointed him at his baptism. Everyone expected great things from him.

And Jesus did amazing things! He healed sick people. He helped people who were hurting. He was kind to everyone. But then something confusing happened. Jesus died on a cross. He let people hurt him. At first, that might make someone wonder, “Did Jesus fail?”

But Jesus was not a flop. The apostle Peter reminds us what really happened. He said that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went around doing good and healing people because God was with him (Acts 10:38).

Jesus’ miracles were like big signs pointing to who he really is—God’s Son and our Savior. The good things Jesus did weren’t only miracles. They were also the loving words he spoke. And the most important words he spoke were on the cross: “It is finished!”

That means Jesus finished saving us. His death paid for our sins. His death broke the devil’s power. And just like God promised, Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus didn’t fail. He won.

God knew exactly what he was doing. Jesus was never a flop. He is God’s chosen Savior—and our forever champion.

Dear Jesus, we praise you for fulfilling all that Scripture said you would do. Guide us safely home to your side in heaven, where we will see you, our champion, face to face. 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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