Holy Week Calendar:
Good Friday Service:
April 3 @ 5:30pm
This will be a family service with no Kingdom Kids offered.
Join us for this simple, contemplative service of scripture, song, and Communion as we ponder the reason why Good Friday is so very good.
Easter Sunday Service:
April 5 @ 9am
No Discipleship Hour today. This will be a family service with no Kingdom Kids offered.
Celebrate with us as we gather together as a church family to praise our risen Savior!
Daily Devotionals:
Our prayer is that this devotional guide will lead your thoughts during the week Christians call “Holy Week.” The majority of the Gospel accounts focus on this final week of Jesus’ life from when He entered Jerusalem, triumphantly being hailed as the King yet only days later crucified as a criminal. There was a cosmic miss in the kingdom expectations of the people and the nature and reality of the Kingdom of Jesus. In a conversation central to this week, Pilate the Roman governor in Jerusalem asked Jesus, “Are you a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into this world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). What is the truth? Jesus is the eternal King!
If you are not a Christian and have found this guide out of accident or curiosity, I encourage you to read the Gospel of John. There you will be introduced to the King of kings, Jesus Christ, written from a heavenly perspective. The author will tell you, I have written this account “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). I pray this will be your conclusion, and as a result of believing, you will experience life in Him. We are here to help you to that end.
If you are a Christian, may your reflections from this devotional guide clarify the Lordship of Christ in your life, your devotion to joyfully submit to His authority, and your dedication to proclaim Him in word and deed to this world in which we live. Finally, may Easter remind us of the power and authority of Christ and His kingdom in our world today as we await the full and final consummation of His kingdom when He returns. “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”
If you are not a Christian and have found this guide out of accident or curiosity, I encourage you to read the Gospel of John. There you will be introduced to the King of kings, Jesus Christ, written from a heavenly perspective. The author will tell you, I have written this account “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). I pray this will be your conclusion, and as a result of believing, you will experience life in Him. We are here to help you to that end.
If you are a Christian, may your reflections from this devotional guide clarify the Lordship of Christ in your life, your devotion to joyfully submit to His authority, and your dedication to proclaim Him in word and deed to this world in which we live. Finally, may Easter remind us of the power and authority of Christ and His kingdom in our world today as we await the full and final consummation of His kingdom when He returns. “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Palm Sunday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:9-19
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:9-19
Palm Sunday is a time to reflect upon our expectations regarding the coming of Christ. What expectations have we placed upon Him that He has not revealed in Himself? On the heels of Jesus calling Lazarus out from the tomb, the crowds in Jerusalem welcome the Messiah King they’ve waited generations to see. His Kingdom, however, was never to be the kind of kingdom they had come to expect. They wanted a Jewish emperor superior to Rome’s. They wanted the reestablishment of David’s kingdom (Mark 11:10). Christ’s kingdom, however, is higher, greater, and of a different nature than any kingdom of this world.
As we throw our cloaks before the King and wave our branches in worship of Him, let’s be sure we are worshipping, and are submitted to, the King rightly. “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
As we throw our cloaks before the King and wave our branches in worship of Him, let’s be sure we are worshipping, and are submitted to, the King rightly. “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- Do you worship Jesus for who He is and what He has done, or for what you expect He will do for you in this world?
- What areas of your life need to be surrendered to Jesus as King?
Prayer Points:
- “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
Monday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 21:12-22; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48
Matthew 21:12-22; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48
As if Jesus’ kingly entry into Jerusalem wasn’t enough to turn heads, He shows up at the temple and declares it “a den of robbers” rather than a house of prayer. Money-changers had set up tables selling pigeons and other animals for sacrifice in the temple. Jesus sought to cleanse His Father’s house. This draws the attention of the chief priests and scribes who are threatened by His authority. From the moment Jesus entered the city, His authority has been established for all to see, as well as the threat He poses to the status quo.
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- Are there any unclean practices or habits in your life that you need Jesus to get rid of?
- How can you approach God’s house with reverence and respect?
Prayer Points:
- Pray that He will reveal areas of pride and blindness in your life.
- Ask God to reveal areas of uncleanliness in your life and give you the strength to “overturn those tables.”
Tuesday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 21:23-26:5; Mark 11:27-14:2; Luke 20:1-22:2; John 12:37-50
Matthew 21:23-26:5; Mark 11:27-14:2; Luke 20:1-22:2; John 12:37-50
When we consider that God has always intended that through Israel, the nations would come to know Him and be blessed as a result, it is no surprise that Jesus’ first order of business was to oust the money changers from the Court of the Gentiles at the Temple. The place God ordained for the nations to worship Him had been defiled by Temple commerce. It is therefore utterly just that Jesus’ anger burned against those who occupied the space reserved for the nations, for they had disregarded God’s heart that the space be filled with His worshippers from all tribes, tongues, and nations. “His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’” (John 2:17).
Reflective Question:
Prayer Points:
- Is there anyone in my life that I have excluded from God’s kingdom in my own heart?
- Do I desire that Christ be worshipped by people of all nations?
Prayer Points:
- “Lord, does my heart long for the nations to know you?” (Psalm 67)
- “Lord, please help me see the world as you see the world.” (John 3:16)
Wednesday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 22:3-6
Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 22:3-6
On this day, one woman gains access to Jesus and pours out her savings on His feet, while one of Jesus’ disciples abandons his access to Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. For the former, she unknowingly prepared Jesus’ body for death. For the latter, he provided the means through which Jesus would be captured and tried. Confronted by Jesus, what will your heart lead you to do in response? What is He worth to you?
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- Is your life in Christ costly to you? Is He worth all you have?
- In what ways can you show extravagant love towards God and those around you?
Prayer Points:
- Ask for the ability to love sacrificially like Mary did when she anointed Jesus’ feet.
- Request that God help you prioritize acts of love and kindness in your daily life.
Thursday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-71; John 13:1-18:27
Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-71; John 13:1-18:27
“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:15-16). Central to Thursday is the transformation of the age-old Passover meal into the Lord’s Supper. Christ reveals that He is the perfect lamb by whose blood the wrath of God is averted for those who believe in faith. The supper not only looks back but anticipates the consummation of the marriage supper of the lamb in Revelation 19. The earnest desire makes one wonder if this was the final joy that Jesus experienced as He dined with His disciples before His death.
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- As you contemplate this day in the life of Jesus, is He your bread of life (John 6:35), the One in whom you abide and find life and joy and peace?
- As you contemplate your life in Christ, do you find yourself in this world as one who has been placed here to serve like Christ? (Matthew 20:28)
Prayer Points:
- “Lord Jesus, thank you for your shed blood which has purchased for me freedom from the shame and guilt of my sin, and entrance into the glorious light of your kingdom. Teach me how to walk in your way of service to others that they may come to know you as Savior and King.”
Good Friday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-56; John 18:28-19:42
Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-56; John 18:28-19:42
An unjust trial, unjust punishment, unjust verdict, and unjust death all came to Christ Jesus on Good Friday. An earthquake and rent Temple curtain were early signs of a cosmic battle. In the divine climax of the Bible’s revelation of history, Satan’s apparent victory was short-lived as he bruised Christ’s heel. The silence following Christ’s death was only the period of time Christ’s heel dangled above Satan’s head. The crushing blow was soon to come (Genesis 3:15). In the meantime, the weight of our sin that hung Jesus on the cross weighs heavy for a moment. It is beneficial to return to this moment to be reminded of what we once were, to whom we once belonged, and the punishment that was sure to come as a result. Why is this dark day called “good”? Because God provided the final and sufficient sacrifice through which all who believe can have their sins atoned for. This is very good news indeed!
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- Christ’s death on the cross is only as significant for you as your knowledge of the weight of your sin. Remember who you once were before Christ, and what your life might look like had you never come to know and trust Him as your Savior.
- Above His head was the sign, “The King of the Jews”. Is He your King?
Prayer Points:
- “Lord Jesus, thank you for the cross. Thank you for submitting your will to that of the Father in order to accomplish the plan of salvation that existed before you created the world. Thank you for your unfathomable love that drove you to such a sacrificial act. May my life be a living sacrifice unto you.”
Saturday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 27:62-66
Matthew 27:62-66
On this day, confusion and disappointment reigned for the disciples of Jesus. What they had hoped for had not come to pass. There were questions and few answers. There was silence among them, and silence from heaven. There was only waiting, but for what? We have Saturdays in our lives marked with questions, with disappointments, and with waiting. But just as it was for the disciples, the times of waiting are times of reflection. “Did I have the right expectations of God?” “Am I trusting God’s plan?” “Does God still care?” “Is God still sovereign, even in this?” “Am I going to move forward in faith?” Saturdays come to all, and the most difficult Saturday in history was marked with prayer and reflection.
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- How can you live in anticipation for what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do in your life?
Prayer Points:
- “Lord, teach me how to properly wait on you in faith when life is difficult, and my faith is weak. Remind me that your divine action in this world is not complete and to trust in you to move forward in the good works you have prepared in advance that I should walk in.” (Ephesians 2:10)
- “Lord, even when it seems that evil is winning, remind me of the truth.”
Easter Sunday
For a full account of the events of this day, read:
Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25
Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25
What the world condemned; the Father vindicated! The women came with embalming spices only to find their Lord risen and very much alive! What appeared to be Satan’s triumph became the beginning of his sure and eventual end. The King has risen, death has been defeated, the Kingdom of our Lord has crushed the kingdom of the serpent, and the eternal plan of salvation has been realized for all who believe! The dawn of the first Easter morning is still breaking with the light of the Risen King who only days from His resurrection would be taken up from among His disciples where He would once again be enthroned in heaven. HE HAS RISEN! HE IS REIGNING! HE IS RETURNING!
Reflective Questions:
Prayer Points:
- How does Easter frame your view of life now?
- Do you live with the knowledge that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you (Romans 8:9-11)?
Prayer Points:
- “Lord, remind me daily that you have overcome the world when you walked out of the tomb, and let this reality frame my life in you.”
- “Lord, by your power may my life in word and deed bear witness to you and bring others to come to know you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)