Highrock Church

After his dramatic encounter with Jesus, Saul grows increasingly bold in proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah. As opposition against him intensifies, some of his enemies plot to kill him, forcing him to escape the city with the help of fellow believers. When Saul arrives in Jerusalem, many disciples are understandably hesitant to trust him because of his former persecution of Christians. However, Barnabas steps forward to testify about Saul's genuine conversion and ministry. Anger and pride might help to destroy an enemy, but love can turn enemies into friends, and even family!

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Many of us have someone we deeply love - someone kind, generous, and sincere who doesn't follow Jesus. So how do we make sense of Jesus' claim to be "the only way" without losing sight of God's love?

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In this flashback to May 25, 2021, we see Philip encounter a high official of the extensive and powerful kingdom of Ethiopia. This official just so happened to be reading from Isaiah, a passage we know as Isaiah 53 — a passage that predicts the suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah. This miraculous encounter ends with the baptism of the first Gentile into this new community, acting as a preview of what is to come — that God was about to extend the invitation into God's family to the ends of the earth and to all people. Will we, like Philip, be ready to resp...

After hearing that many people in Samaria have received the gospel, the apostles send Peter and John to visit the new believers. When Peter and John pray for them and lay hands upon them, they receive the Spirit in the same way as the Jewish believers had during Pentecost. When Simon the sorcerer sees the Spirit being given through the apostles' ministry, he offers them money in an attempt to purchase this spiritual power. Peter rejects his offer and warns him that God's gifts cannot be bought or controlled for personal gain. God cannot be bought or controlled but...

Stephen concludes his defense by reminding the council that God's presence has never been confined to a building, even one as important as the Temple. Additionally, he reminds them of their long history of rejecting all of God's messengers, the prophets. In other words, it is something other than a loyalty to God that motivates Stephen's persecutors. Hearing these words, the religious leaders become enraged. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, sees a vision of heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. As they stone him to death, Stephen follows the example of Jesus by...

Stephen's answer to the authorities moves from the patriarchs to Moses. Though Moses was chosen by God and raised up to deliver Israel, he was rejected at every turn by his people. When Moses promised God would send a prophet like Moses, perhaps he was speaking of this persistent rejection! The patriarchs and Moses highlight two key stories of their national identity, and both have clear patterns of the people rejecting God's chosen savior. We can see already how this pattern leads to Jesus, God's ultimate chosen, but rejected, savior.

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Standing before the Jewish council, Stephen begins his defense by recounting Israel's history. Stephen reminds his listeners of the covenant God made with Abraham and then turns to the story of Joseph. Though Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers, God was with him. Joseph later was in a position to save his family. Stephen is not telling random stories; he is laying out the patterns of how God moves in the world, especially through rejected saviors like Joseph, and Jesus — a theme on which Stephen will continue to build.

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If the message of Jesus is so compelling, why do so many people find Christians unconvincing?

Maybe the problem isn't the message itself.

Maybe it's the gap between what we proclaim and what we actually possess.

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In this flashback to February 24, 2022, we see that when even a small part of our physical bodies is in pain, that small part becomes our biggest consideration! The apostle Paul says that it should be the same in the body of Christ. What parts of Christ's body are diminished or dismissed as not important? How do these considerations intersect with race, gender, disability, or other potential divisions? And what are we missing when we fail to give these eyes and voices more consideration? When a part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers.

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The religious leaders decide that they have to put a stop to the spread of Jesus' message by the apostles. They command Peter and John not to speak or teach in his name. Peter and John respectfully but firmly refuse, declaring that they must obey God rather than human authorities when the two are in conflict. The leaders relent, not because of what God thinks but because of what the people think, having witnessed a genuine miracle at the hands of the apostles. What might help us to know God's will when pressured by others, and what might give...

As Peter and John go to the temple for prayer, they encounter a beggar who has been unable to walk since birth. When the man asks for help, Peter tells him that he has no silver or gold, but he can offer something far greater. In the name of Jesus Christ, Peter commands the man to walk, and immediately the man is healed. He leaps to his feet, walking, praising God, and entering the temple for the first time in his life. The people who recognize him are astonished and gather around Peter and John in amazement. We always...

What do you expect to see in someone who is physically alive? What are the signs of life? Similarly, what do you expect to see in people who are spiritually alive? Here we see the signs of life in the Spirit. They care for one another generously and sacrificially. They gather regularly for worship, meals, and encouragement, praising God with sincere and joyful hearts. Outsiders take notice of these signs of life and the Lord draws more and more people in each day. What are the signs of life that you see in your fellowship and in yourself?

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God descends upon Jesus' followers as a mighty wind and tongues of fire. The Spirit empowers them to speak and be heard by every person in that person's own native language. This gift of the Spirit also serves a deeper, quieter purpose. The Spirit begins the undoing of an ancient curse that goes all the way to Genesis and it represents the giving of true life. Just as breathing gives life to our bodies, the Spirit (or "breath") of God fills us with spiritual, eternal life.

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What do you do when God feels absent - when you're waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, or a sign that He's still there?

The disciples faced that same question, and what they discovered changed everything.

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Today is the first of a summer of "Flashback Fridays" in which we return to a previous devotional. In this flashback to May 1, 2025, we see how John's Gospel reaches its climax. Jesus appears to Thomas, a disciple who refuses to believe until he can see Jesus for himself. When he does, he believes Jesus and acknowledges him as "My Lord and my God!" We may not see Jesus in the flesh, but we have the opportunity to see Jesus through one another, the very body of Christ. Who has shown you a glimpse of Jesus?

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As Jesus hangs on the cross, Roman soldiers divide his clothing, fulfilling centuries-old Scripture without realizing it. Nearby, Jesus sees his mother and the beloved disciple and lovingly entrusts them to one another's care. Knowing that his mission is complete, Jesus announces, “It is finished” — the very word that was often written on completed transactions. Jesus had truly finished the work the Father had given to him, paying our debt in full.

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After questioning Jesus, Pilate has him flogged, and the soldiers mock him as a false king by dressing him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus suffers without protest. Though Pilate insists he can find no guilt in Jesus, he eventually relents and agrees to have Jesus crucified. In contrast, Jesus refuses to seek an escape from his awesome responsibility. Throughout the entire political circus, Jesus is the only one who acts in a way that deserves authority and honor.

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Why ask a question if you have no interest in the truth? Pilate, the Roman governor, does exactly that -- he asks Jesus a series of questions but ultimately dismisses any idea of truth at all. He tosses the responsibility of deciding what to do with Jesus to the crowds, but they are just as disinterested in the truth as Pilate. Everyone, it seems, wants whatever will serve themselves the best, regardless of whether it is right or true. In the midst of this continuing trial, Jesus remains full of grace and truth, something the world desperately needs but...

After dinner, Judas returns with a group of guards and soldiers seeking to arrest Jesus. Rather than hide or resist, Jesus steps forward and identifies himself as the one they are seeking. Peter, in turn, reacts by attacking the servant of the high priest. Jesus rebukes Peter, reminding him that Jesus is choosing to allow the Father's plan to go forward. He will suffer for all of us and he will not shrink back from that goal. Peter chose to respond to force with force but Jesus is working toward a deeper goal that violence and worldly power cannot...

Many of us want to do something significant for God - change a life, heal a relationship, or make a difference in the world.

But what if the greatest obstacle isn't a lack of effort or ability but trying to do God's work without God's power? And if that's true, how do we access it?

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Jesus warns his disciples of the challenges they will soon face, including people who will believe they are serving God by persecuting Jesus' disciples. In addition to this timely warning, Jesus promises that his leaving will result in something even better. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Satan is often called "the accuser", but the Spirit will be the Advocate in our corner. Jesus also promises that the Spirit will convict the world of sin and will guide his followers into truth. This promise is one of continued connection and relationship as we walk into the future.<...

Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches, teaching that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through remaining connected to him. Jesus also teaches that the Father lovingly prunes his people so they can become more fruitful — a process that sounds like it might be painful at times. In the end, obedience to Jesus does not earn his love. Jesus already chooses them, and us! Obedience is meant to protect us from losing the joy and life that comes from being deeply connected to Jesus.

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How do you respond to betrayal? Jesus had just finished laying out the ways his disciples would betray or abandon him in his hour of need. How might Jesus respond to the way we all break faith with him? His response here is not judgment, but grace. Jesus responds by making a way to the Father and by sending us the Holy Spirit! Rather than judgment or vengeance, Jesus offers us the lasting peace that only God can give. Where there was no way home for us, Jesus becomes the way, the truth, and the life.

During the Passover meal, Jesus becomes deeply troubled as he reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. After Judas departs, Jesus begins preparing the remaining disciples for what is about to happen. He speaks of his coming glorification through his death and gives them a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved them. Peter confidently declares that he is willing to lay down his life for Jesus, but Jesus gently predicts that Peter will deny him three times before morning. The people around Jesus continually break faith with him but he will continue to...

In a stunning act of humility, Jesus rises from the table, takes the role of a servant, and begins washing his disciples’ feet. When Peter objects, Jesus explains that this washing is necessary and points to a deeper spiritual cleansing that only he can provide. Jesus knows that he comes from the Father and is soon returning to the Father. In other words, he knows who he is and whose he is. Grounded in that identity, he demonstrates for us that God is a servant and as God's children, we should be also.

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Some of us know how to worry far more easily than we know how to celebrate.

Joy can feel vulnerable - almost dangerous - when life has taught you not to expect too much.

But what if joy is actually something God wants for you?

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After the raising of Lazarus, many people choose to trust in Jesus but others choose to report him to religious leaders. Those leaders are greatly concerned about Jesus' growing influence and fear that Rome will punish them all for the chaos surrounding Jesus. The high priest Caiaphas ends the conversation by revealing that God has told him that it would be better for "one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed." He is right, but for all the wrong reasons. We are always in danger when we attempt to justify worldly plans...

By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha and Mary are both grieving deeply, struggling to understand why Jesus did not come sooner. Jesus comforts Martha by declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life,” calling her to trust in him. As Jesus sees the grief of those around him, he is deeply moved and weeps alongside them, revealing both his compassion and his power. Mary and Martha both express their honest frustration, pain, as well as their continuing faith in Jesus. Their honesty demonstrates how deep questions and grief can be an expr...

When Lazarus becomes seriously ill, his sisters Mary and Martha send word to Jesus. Instead of responding with urgency, Jesus intentionally delays for two more days! Why? Even more perplexing, after waiting two extra days, Jesus informs his disciples that he is glad he was not there, because what is about to happen will strengthen their faith. Despite their fear of going back to Judea where people recently wanted to kill Jesus, the disciples join Jesus, though with some hesitancy. Where can we find strength and encouragement when God's timing does not make sense to us?

In response to his accusers, Jesus describes his followers as those who hear his voice and follow him. He then adds the powerful declaration, “The Father and I are one,” leading many to (rightfully) accuse him of claiming to be God. Jesus asks them to carefully consider his teaching and his works before rejecting his divine claims, which some do as they turn to Jesus in faith.

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In this holiday replay from February 28, 2025, we hear Jesus declare that he is the good shepherd. Unlike hired hands who may run when danger arrives, Jesus is ready to lay down his life for the sheep, for us. No one compels him; Jesus chose this! As we follow Jesus's example, it is important that we also take care of ourselves. "Self-care" is a constant refrain today but self-care must have the goal of sustaining us in the work of laying down our lives for those in our care, or else we risk becoming the hired hands that Jesus warns...

It’s possible to worship God . . . while still avoiding people we need to forgive.

But what if those two things are more connected than we think?

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After Jesus challenges whether the people know God at all, they respond by accusing Jesus of being demon-possessed. They are especially offended by Jesus' claim to know Abraham, their forefather who lived almost two thousand years before. Jesus responds, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” (v58). The crowd attempts to stone Jesus for making such a divine claim. They hear a threat in Jesus' divine claim but it is the reason Jesus can promise what he does, "anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” (v51).

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As the conversation continues, Jesus explains that they do not understand who he truly is. He hints that when he is crucified, they may finally understand. Some begin to believe in him, and he promises that those who follow his teachings will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. When the people insist that they are already free because they are descendants of Abraham, Jesus reveals a deeper kind of bondage — the slavery of sin. He explains that true freedom is found only through the Son, who has the authority to set people free completely.

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The religious leaders expose a woman caught in adultery, hoping to trap Jesus between the demands of the law and his reputation for mercy. Instead of responding immediately, Jesus calmly exposes the hypocrisy of her accusers by saying that the one without sin should cast the first stone. One by one, they leave, and Jesus, left alone with the woman, offers both grace and truth: he does not condemn her, but he also calls her to "sin no more". Jesus sees our sin as something to heal rather than condemn.

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On the final day of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus invites anyone who is thirsty to come to him and drink. He promises that those who believe in him will experience “rivers of living water” flowing from within them, referring to the Holy Spirit who would later be given to believers. In so doing, Jesus declares that he is the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles — that the life and fellowship hinted at in the feast are fulfilled in Jesus, and that we can all come to him to receive this life in us!

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As opposition against Jesus grows, his brothers urge him to go publicly to the Feast of Tabernacles and play to the crowds. Jesus responds that his timing and purposes are not the same as the world's. The passage highlights the tension between worldly recognition and faithful obedience, between impatience and trust in God's timing.

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Resources for "New Testament in a Year"

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Jesus miraculously and compassionately feeds a massive crowd with only five loaves and two fish. Afterwards, he walks across the waves of the Sea of Galilee. These miracles are not only a display of Jesus' power, they recall the miracles of the Exodus, when God fed the people with bread from heaven and mastered the waters to rescue them from their bondage in Egypt. In so doing, Jesus not only demonstrates his power but his identity — that he is the same God who has been with Israel from the beginning.

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Why believe Jesus? In response to his accusers, Jesus lays out multiple witnesses that they should consider: John the Baptist, Jesus' teachings and miracles, and what God says in the scriptures. Ultimately, Jesus refuses to accept his accusers' judgment of him because they have no love of God in their hearts. Their hard hearts are the reasons they cannot acknowledge what all these witnesses say about Jesus. In the end, Jesus is not the defendant but the judge, which is great reason for celebration or concern, depending on where we stand.

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After healing a man who had been unable to walk for many years, Jesus tells him to pick up his mat and walk, but the miracle takes place on the Sabbath, provoking anger from the religious leaders. Did Jesus break God's Sabbath law or merely the traditions surrounding it? And if he broke the law, was that ok? When is it right for us to break God's law? Jesus claims a unique authority that comes from his relationship to his divine Father. Does Jesus give us a similar authority when carrying out his will?

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