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Good Friday: Finding Hope in Suffering

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The sky grows dark. The earth trembles. The crowds that once cheered, “Hosanna!” now stand in stunned silence. Jesus is dead.

This is the day we call Good Friday—but from the outside, nothing about it looks good. The Messiah, the One who healed the sick, raised the dead, and offered hope to the hopeless, now hangs lifeless on a cross. His body is broken, His blood poured out. His disciples are scattered, hiding in fear. The hope that had once felt so sure now seems crushed beneath the weight of suffering.

And yet, in this moment—in the suffering, in the silence, in the final breath—hope is being secured.

Hope That Takes Our Place

The cross wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t a tragic twist in Jesus’ story. It was the plan all along.

From the beginning, sin had separated us from God. No amount of good works, no sacrifice, no religious effort could ever bridge the gap. The price of sin was death (Romans 6:23), and Jesus came to pay it for us.

  • When He stretched out His hands and took the nails, He took our place.
  • When the crown of thorns was pressed into His head, He bore our shame.
  • When He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He felt the weight of our separation from God.

And then, with His final breath, He declared, “It is finished.” Not “I am finished.” IT IS FINISHED!

The debt was paid. The barrier between us and God was torn down. Hope was sealed in His sacrifice.

Hope That Holds in Suffering

It’s easy to find hope when life is good, when prayers are answered, when we can see God’s hand at work. But what about when the sky turns dark? When we face grief, pain, or unanswered prayers?

Good Friday reminds us that Jesus understands suffering. He is not a distant God who watches from afar—He is a Savior who stepped into our pain, our sorrow, our loss.

If today feels heavy, if you’re carrying grief or doubt, know this: You are not alone. Jesus has been there. He is with you now. And because of the cross, even in our darkest moments, hope is still alive.

Hope That Leads to Resurrection

For those standing at the foot of the cross, it must have felt like the end. The One they loved was gone. Hope seemed buried in a borrowed tomb.

But what they couldn’t see in that moment was that Sunday was coming.

That’s the beauty of Good Friday. It reminds us that even when it looks like all is lost, God is still at work. Even when we can’t see the resurrection yet, hope is not dead.

Walking in Hope Today

Take a moment today to sit in the weight of Good Friday. Feel the sorrow, but don’t lose sight of the hope. Because this story doesn’t end in death.

Hope is hanging on the cross today. But in just three days, hope will walk out of the grave.

Thanks for reading.

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Finding Hope in Despair: Lessons from the Cross

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“My God, my God, why have you left me?”
That was his desperate cry as life’s weight came crashing down, suffocating him. He felt completely alone, abandoned. He called out, hoping someone would hear — but no one answered. No one was there. His enemies circled around him, closing in, and all he could hear was silence. His cries just seemed to fade into the wind.

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Most of us, when we hear those words, think of Jesus on the cross — and we should (we’ll talk more about that in a minute). But those words didn’t start with Jesus. They were David’s words first.

In the middle of deep suffering, David cried out to God and got nothing but silence in return. The weight of life mixed with the silence of God felt unbearable. So he asked, “Why, God?”

And if we’re honest, we’ve all been there. Maybe not in the exact same way, but we’ve felt the crushing pressure of life and wondered if God had forgotten us. Maybe you’ve lost people you love, one after another, and you feel abandoned. Maybe your home or everything you’ve worked for was destroyed in a moment — and you feel lost, alone, and overwhelmed. Maybe the weight of life is pressing down so hard, you’re crying out, “Why, God?”

But here’s the thing — even in those moments, we can find hope.

And we find that hope when we look at the cross and look to Jesus.

The cross reminds us that Jesus gets it. He knows exactly what it feels like to be abandoned, to feel completely alone, and to be crushed by sorrow. Remember, He even prayed, asking if there was another way. But the cross still came. And those hours of suffering? We can’t fully grasp how painful they were, but we know they were excruciating. Jesus endured all of that, and because He did, He understands exactly how we feel when life is too heavy to carry. And the best part? He’s promised to be right there with us through it all. Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave you. I will never abandon you.”

Looking at the cross gives us hope, not only because Jesus understands, but because it reminds us that this isn’t the end of the story.

On that day, as Jesus endured the weight of God’s wrath, He knew vindication was coming. He knew victory was just around the corner. His pain wasn’t the final word. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Because of the joy set before him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” The cross wasn’t the end — the empty tomb was.

And the same is true for us. When life feels unbearable, we can look ahead to victory.

This season of struggle won’t last forever. There’s vindication, restoration, and joy coming.

Psalm 22 — the same chapter where David cries out in despair — doesn’t end in hopelessness. It ends with victory. Verse 24 says:
“For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help.”

So if you’re feeling crushed right now, like there’s no way out — look to the cross. Look to Jesus. He knows exactly how you feel. And just like His story didn’t end in suffering, neither will yours. Victory is coming.

Thanks for reading.

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The Meaning of Humble Love on Maundy Thursday

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He removed his robe, and wrapped a towel around his waist. One by one, he washed every foot in the room. This was not a job reserved for the teacher but the rookie servant, yet Jesus did it. He did it to show his love and compassion for his disciples.

He didn’t feel too important or think of himself too highly to meet the obvious need. His love compelled Jesus to meet his disciples’ needs.

After washing all 24 feet, Jesus sits down and challenges us to have the same kind of love. “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).

This is a different kind of love. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is a love that may break the norm. It is a love that looks at others’ needs with a desire for them to be met.

Today is Maundy Thursday, and the challenge for Christians is to show this love – a different kind of love. Love that makes us stand out from the world. How are you going to meet that challenge today?

Thanks for reading.

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The Hope and Humility of Jesus at the Last Supper

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The night is heavy with meaning. Jesus and His disciples gather in an upper room, the flickering light of oil lamps casting shadows on the walls. The air smells of roasted lamb and freshly baked bread—it’s the Passover meal, a sacred remembrance of how God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt. But tonight, Jesus does something unexpected.

He picks up the bread, breaks it, and hands it to His disciples. “This is my body,” He says. He lifts the cup, gives thanks, and offers it to them. “This is my blood, poured out for you.”

It’s the first Lord’s Supper, the beginning of what we now call Communion. And it’s a moment that holds incredible hope—hope that carries us through suffering, through doubt, through every moment of life.

Hope That Stoops to Serve

Before this meal, Jesus did something shocking—He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5).

Think about that for a second. The Son of God, the King of Kings, kneeling down, touching the dust-covered feet of His followers, including Judas—the one who would betray Him.

Peter resisted at first, saying, “Lord, you shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8). But Jesus gently corrected him: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

This wasn’t just about dirty feet. It was about the kind of kingdom Jesus was building. A kingdom not of pride, but of humility. Not of self-seeking power, but of self-giving love.

And here’s the hope in that moment: If Jesus humbled Himself to serve, He will also meet us in our lowest places. No sin, no failure, no moment of brokenness is beyond His reach. He bends down, washes us clean, and calls us to do the same for others.

Hope That Feasts in the Face of Suffering

As Jesus shared the bread and the cup, He knew what was coming. In just hours, He would be arrested. He would be mocked, beaten, abandoned. And yet, He still sat at the table.

Think about that. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, but He still offered him bread.
He knew Peter would deny Him, but He still shared the cup.
He knew the cross was ahead, but He still gave thanks.

That’s the kind of hope we have in Jesus—a hope that endures even in suffering. When life feels uncertain, when we’re carrying grief or pain, this table reminds us: Jesus is with us. Even in the hardest moments, He invites us to sit with Him, to receive His grace, to remember His love.

Hope That Seals a New Covenant

For centuries, the Jewish people had celebrated Passover to remember how God spared them from death in Egypt. The blood of a lamb painted on their doorposts had marked them as safe.

And now, Jesus was saying: I am the Lamb.

His blood, not the blood of animals, would bring the final and perfect rescue. His body, broken like the bread, would make a way for us to be made whole.

This wasn’t just a meal—it was a new covenant, a new way to be in relationship with God. No more sacrifices. No more striving. Just grace, freely given.

Walking in Hope Today

Tonight, as we remember this Last Supper, let’s sit at the table with Jesus. Let’s receive His grace. Let’s hold onto the unshakable hope found in His broken body and poured-out blood.

Because this table leads to a cross. And the cross leads to an empty tomb.

Thanks for reading.

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Finding Hope in the Tension of Holy Wednesday

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The action leading up to the cross continues today. Many call this “Spy Wednesday” because it’s the day Judas made a deal to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16). While Jesus was teaching in the temple, the religious leaders were growing more desperate. They wanted Him gone—but they needed a way to do it quietly. And Judas, one of Jesus’ own disciples, gave them that opportunity.

But Wednesday isn’t just about betrayal. It’s also about devotion. While Judas was plotting, a woman—identified in John’s Gospel as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus—was pouring out a costly, extravagant love at the feet of Jesus.

Hope That Pours Out

Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper, when Mary came in with an alabaster jar filled with pure nard, an expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she broke the jar and poured it over His head, anointing Him in an act of absolute worship (Mark 14:3).

The disciples, especially Judas, were indignant. “Why this waste?” they said. “This perfume could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor” (Mark 14:4-5).

But Jesus defended her.

“She has done a beautiful thing to me. … She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” — Mark 14:6-8

Mary understood something the others didn’t—Jesus was about to die. And instead of holding back, she poured everything out for Him.

Hope That Waits in the Tension

Wednesday of Holy Week sits in an uncomfortable place—it’s the calm before the storm. The cross is coming. The betrayal is near. And yet, in the midst of the tension, Mary chose to worship.

We don’t like waiting seasons, do we? When we don’t see the outcome yet, when we know something hard is coming, it’s easy to feel restless, afraid, or even hopeless.

But Holy Wednesday reminds us: Hope isn’t just for the big, miraculous moments. Hope is for the in-between. The waiting. The unknown. The quiet moments when we choose to worship Jesus, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Hope That Chooses Jesus

Judas and Mary both had choices that day. Judas chose silver. Mary chose surrender.

Judas saw Jesus as a means to an end. Mary saw Him as the end itself—the only One worthy of everything she had to give.

And we have that same choice. Every day, we can either hold back, clinging to the temporary things of this world, or we can pour everything out in faith, trusting that Jesus is worth it.

Walking in Hope Today

Today is a day of quiet decisions. A day to pour out our love, our trust, our devotion—even in the waiting.

Because hope isn’t just in the victory of Sunday. It’s in the surrender of Wednesday, too.

Thanks for reading.

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Reflecting on Betrayal and Love This Holy Week

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As we journey through Holy Week, today can be summed up as a day of betrayal and devotion. Judas and Mary each play an important role.

The Betrayal of Judas

The most notable event on Spy Wednesday is the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. Judas, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, makes a shocking decision to betray his teacher for just thirty pieces of silver. Can you imagine being so close to someone, witnessing their miracles and teachings, yet choosing to turn your back on them? It’s a stark reminder of how easily we can be swayed by temptation and greed.

Judas approaches the religious leaders, seeking to hand Jesus over to them. This act is particularly poignant because it highlights a theme we see throughout the Gospels: the struggle between loyalty and betrayal. Judas represents that internal conflict, and his choice sends ripples through the entire narrative leading up to the crucifixion.

Anointing at Bethany

In contrast to Judas’ betrayal, another significant event traditionally associated with Spy Wednesday is the anointing of Jesus at Bethany. A woman, often identified as Mary of Bethany, anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, wiping His feet with her hair. This act of love and devotion is beautiful and powerful. It serves as a stark contrast to Judas’ actions.

Mary’s gesture reflects deep reverence and understanding of Jesus’ mission. She recognizes the weight of the moment and honors Him in a way that goes beyond mere words. It’s a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating those we love before it’s too late. In a world filled with distractions and busyness, how often do we pause to show appreciation for the people in our lives?

Lessons from Spy Wednesday

As we reflect on these events, there are important lessons to take away. First, we should examine our own lives for moments when we might be tempted to betray our values or the people we care about. It’s easy to get caught up in our own desires and lose sight of what truly matters. Judas’ betrayal reminds us to stay grounded in our faith and convictions, even when it’s challenging.

On the flip side, let’s strive to be like Mary. How can we express our love and gratitude to those around us? Small gestures of kindness and appreciation can have a profound impact. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a simple thank you, or spending quality time with someone, these actions can make a world of difference.

So, as we move through this Holy Week, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own relationships and actions. Are there areas where we need to realign ourselves? How can we show more love and appreciation to those we care about?

Consider reaching out to a friend or family member this week. Tell them what they mean to you, or share a fond memory. Let’s use this time to foster connections and strengthen our bonds, honoring the spirit of devotion exemplified by Mary.

What will you do today to embody these lessons? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s support each other in this journey!

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Confrontation and Hope: Lessons from Tuesday of Holy Week

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Imagine the tension in Jerusalem. Just two days ago, Jesus entered the city to cheers and palm branches. Yesterday, He flipped tables and called out religious corruption. And today? He’s stepping into the fire even more.

Tuesday of Holy Week is often called a day of confrontation and teaching. The religious leaders—Pharisees, Sadducees, teachers of the law—are furious with Jesus. They try to trap Him with tricky questions, hoping to discredit Him. But Jesus? He doesn’t back down. Instead, He speaks bold truth—about faith, about hypocrisy, and about the coming kingdom of God.

Hope That Doesn’t Waver

If there was ever a day when Jesus could have played it safe, it was this one. The cross was coming. The religious leaders were plotting. The pressure was intense. But Jesus stood firm. He didn’t shrink back from speaking truth, even when it made people uncomfortable.

And that gives us hope.

Because let’s be real—faith isn’t always easy. Sometimes standing for truth means standing alone. Sometimes following Jesus means facing criticism, rejection, or even doubt. But Tuesday of Holy Week reminds us: Jesus didn’t waver, and because of Him, we don’t have too either.

Hope That Sees Beyond Today

One of the most powerful moments of this day happens when Jesus and His disciples are walking near the Temple. The disciples marvel at its beauty, its massive stones, its seemingly unshakable presence. But Jesus tells them something shocking:

“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2).

To them, the Temple was permanent—a symbol of stability. But Jesus saw the bigger picture. He knew that in just a few decades, the Temple would be destroyed. And He knew that even beyond that, everything in this world is temporary—except for one thing: the Lord.

That’s the hope we hold onto today. Everything else may shift, but Jesus never will.

Hope That Calls Us to Be Ready

On this day, Jesus also taught about His return. He warned His followers to stay awake, alert, and ready—not in fear, but in faith. He didn’t want them to be caught off guard when trials came or when He came back.

And the same is true for us.

It’s easy to put our hope in things that feel stable—jobs, relationships, routines. But only Jesus is unshakable. His truth never fades. His promises never fail. And He is coming again.

So, what does that mean for us today?

Walking in Hope Today

Jesus knew the cross was coming close. He knew the pressure was mounting. But He didn’t retreat—He pressed on in truth, in boldness, in love. And because of that, we have a hope that can never be shaken.

So today, no matter what pressures you face, stand firm. Hold onto Jesus. Because His words will never pass away.

Thanks for reading.

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Hope and Transformation: Jesus Flips Tables in Our Lives

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Yesterday, the streets of Jerusalem were filled with cheers and celebration. But today? Things are taking a dramatic turn. Jesus, the humble King who rode into the city on a donkey, is now turning over tables in the temple. Can you imagine the scene? Coins scatter, doves take flight, merchants scramble to gather their goods. Jesus’ voice echoes through the courtyard, filled with righteous anger.

This is a side of Jesus we don’t talk about as much. We love to think about His compassion, His gentleness. But here, we see His passion for holiness, His hatred of injustice, and His commitment to true worship. And, we can find much hope.

Hope That Cleanses

Jesus wasn’t just flipping tables—He was cleansing the temple. He was making space for what mattered. And He wants to do the same in our hearts.

The Bible says that because of Jesus, we are now the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). That means our lives—our hearts, our minds, our actions—are meant to be a place where God’s presence dwells.

But let’s be honest. Sometimes our “temples” get cluttered. Maybe it’s a habit we know isn’t honoring God. Maybe it’s bitterness we’ve been holding onto. Maybe it’s the way we’ve let busyness drown out time with Jesus. Whatever it is, Jesus wants to cleanse it—not to condemn us, but to free us.

When Jesus flipped the tables that day, He wasn’t just making a statement. He was offering an invitation—an invitation to real, undistracted, intimate worship. And He offers the same to us today.

Hope That Calls Us Higher

It’s easy to place our hope in external things—a perfect church service, a daily checklist of spiritual habits, or even in being a “good” Christian. But Jesus reminds us that hope isn’t found in rituals; it’s found in relationship. He calls us beyond surface-level faith into something deeper, something truer.

As we continue through Holy Week, let’s take time to let Jesus do some table-flipping in our own lives.

Walking in Hope Today

Jesus cleansed the temple because He wanted people to encounter God without barriers. And that’s what He wants for you, too. So today, let’s invite Him in—not just to tidy up, but to transform.

Because when Jesus is at the center, hope has room to flourish.

Thanks for reading.

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Jesus Clears the Temple: A Lesson in Forgiveness

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“When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Mark 11:15-17).

It was commonplace in Jesus’ day for the outer courtyard of the Temple to be a marketplace. Merchants had a variety of animals available for purchase. They were turning the need for sacrifice into a business; however, Jesus brings an end to it today.

The Gospel writers tell us Jesus entered the Temple with a whip in hand. He overturned tables and prevented merchants from moving about. Basically, Jesus cleaned house. And, in doing so, reminds us all forgiveness is free.

The Bible reminds us forgiveness is free. It is a gift given to us by the Lord. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. “

As you begin the work week, remember to pause and thank the Lord for his gift of grace.

Thanks for reading.

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Hope and Victory on Palm Sunday: Embracing Jesus’ Promise

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As the donkey brought Jesus into the city, the crowd erupted with excitement. In John 12:13, it says, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’”

Today is a huge day—it’s the result of over three years of Jesus’ ministry, leading up to this moment. He’s not just any king; he’s the king everyone’s been waiting for. But here’s the twist: his kingdom is nothing like what people expected.

The folks in Israel were hoping for a leader who would kick the Romans out and bring back their freedom. They thought that was the answer to their struggles. But Jesus had a different plan. He wasn’t just about tackling a political enemy; he came to defeat the real enemy—death itself. His arrival isn’t just about a new government; it’s about ushering in a whole new way of life.

So today, we’re celebrating the announcement of this incredible kingdom—a kingdom that strikes a blow against death and despair. Because of King Jesus, we have real hope:

  • Hope for eternal life: Death isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of something amazing.
  • Hope of seeing our loved ones again: We can trust that we’ll be reunited with those we’ve lost.
  • Hope during tough times: The challenges we face now are temporary, and they’re leading to a glory that far exceeds our struggles.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let’s hold onto this hope. It’s a guiding light in a world that can feel dark and overwhelming. Let’s embrace the joy of knowing that through Jesus, we’re part of a kingdom where love wins and where we have victory over death. So, let’s celebrate with hearts full of gratitude and excitement for the incredible future we have in Christ!

Thanks for reading.