The disciples saw Him heal and work miracles. They saw Him speak truth and change lives before their eyes. Now, the one that was foretold for generations was hanging on a cross, dying and assumedly forsaken. On Good Friday, we experience the confusion and grief of this twist of the story, but rejoice in the fact that the cross was not the final chapter.

In a simple meal with His disciples, and through His miraculous body and blood, Jesus shared a part of Himself before He went to the cross. This Maundy Thursday, we come to the table of Jesus and experience His presence together.

The Messiah that had been prophesied throughout the Old Testament, the Savior that they had waited for, the One they had only heard about is now here. This Palm Sunday, we celebrate the King who came to earth for you and me.

As we seek to value giving freely and generously in our families, we’re challenged to ask ourselves about the motives behind why we’re giving what we’re giving.

We are truly loving God, when we place Him in his rightful place of authority in our family and in our personal lives. Our family values God’s laws for our lives and for our neighbors.

God isn’t about the things of this world, but wants a relationship that is real, genuine, trusting and forgiving.

Real fulfillment and joy comes in the service to each other. As we look to our family values and realize that true significance comes not from our prestige but from our humble service, may we be encouraged to find more opportunities to serve for the sake of others.

This week, we will see how Jesus raises the bar for someone who believes they are already living a God pleasing life. We aren’t saved because we do enough good. We aren’t made right in God’s eyes because of how hard we try. Instead, it’s all a gift. When we’ve been given something so good for nothing, it will drive us to extend that same forgiveness to others.

Rest is an investment. In a busy, noisy world we need quiet moments alone with the Father as Jesus modeled.

Our family values can get lost in the sea of the world’s busyness and chaos. We mightthink we know where we’re going, yet we’re not where we should be. Will we trust in Jesus enough to follow Him?