On at least three occasions, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection to His disciples. Today’s passage is this climactic moment in the Gospel accounts where this comes to pass. Even though Jesus foretells of these events, the disciples don’t understand. They claimed they were ready to follow Him to death (Mark 15:31), but instead they scattered in fear. In verse 10 we even find the disciples mourning and weeping as Mary Magdelene comes reporting Jesus had appeared to her. Yet the disciples didn’t believe her. They also didn’t believe the other two disciples to whom Jesus appeared. Finally, Jesus appeared to the eleven directly.  Despite the fact Jesus plainly told his disciples about his death and resurrection, they didn’t believe Him or those who witnessed Him after his resurrection.  
  
The gospels are written as a testimony to us about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that we can know with confidence that He is who He said He is. Perhaps it is hard for you to believe too. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith, but He wanted them to know the truth and showed up as proof.  
  
Despite their doubts the disciples go on to be instrumental in spreading the gospel and bring many to faith in Jesus. We are part of this group who have heard the testimony and been changed by the power of God. Today let us remember that Jesus is the son of God and was raised from the dead so we can be made new through Him. Like the disciples we have also been empowered to share the good news of how He has changed our lives.  
  
“He has risen!” as Scripture and eyewitness testimonies declare. His resurrection is not only proof of His identity, but it is the promise of new life for us. His crucifixion is death’s defeat, and his resurrection is our healing. This is good news worth sharing! 
 
Brady Miller 

We think of the Gospels as eye-witness accounts, and inclusion of events by all four gives credibility. Matthew, Luke and Mark (in 15:33-41) list characters and happenings on Good Friday between noon and 3 pm: total darkness; Jesus crying out twice and then dying; bystanders being less than helpful; a centurion seeing the Truth; women watching from afar and… 
 
“The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” 
 
This symbolic yet essential outcome of Jesus’ death was unseen by anyone most likely until the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement six months later. Why was this included in the list? 
 
Theologians smarter than I can debate the significance and details of the torn curtain. Many sermons have been preached on the subject, including two really good ones by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 3 and Hebrews 9. But the bottom line is that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross guaranteed our inheritance and granted us access to our Father.  
 
The slaughter of offered animals was able to cleanse the obvious, outward sins, but the blood of Christ is able to “purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:14). This once-and-for-all gift could not be inherited until Jesus’ death had been established (vs. 16), and the list from the eyewitnesses does that. 
 
It pleases God to be a mystery worth solving, a treasure worth seeking, a gift worth unwrapping. And His greatest work is often found in hidden places. Significant spiritual moments don’t have to be seen or discussed in public, or Instagrammed, or even recognized by religious people. 
 
When we spend time in the deep places of his Word and our hearts, we honor Jesus’ sacrifice. 
 
“If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” 
 
Theresa Manchester 

As prophesied in Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Jesus was first forsaken by man. No one defended Him. No one spoke up for Him. Not the soldiers, not the passersby, not the chief priests, not the scribes, not the two robbers and certainly not Pilate. More gravely, not his disciples, not his friends, not Andrew, John, James or Peter. He was forsaken. 
 
He was abandoned, deserted, rejected. He was mocked, beaten, crowned with thorns, spat upon, given bitter wine and then crucified. Too often we neglect to consider the humanity of Jesus. He was, as hard as it is for us to comprehend, 100 percent human. In his humanity, at his most difficult moment, He was forsaken. This Jesus, the same Jesus who taught that, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). 
 
Have you ever felt completely abandoned? I imagine being on trial as one of those moments. Most of us have not experienced that. But what about losing a close friend or family member to an unexpected death? That hits closer to home for sure. Maybe you did something serious that you later regretted, and the shame was almost unbearable. You felt completely alone. Jesus must have felt infinitely more. 
 
He was forsaken. However, the Father assures us time and time again that if we are his children then we are never forsaken. We are never alone! God's promise throughout scripture is just that, “I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). He will not forsake you! We probably should be driven to tears by the truth of Jesus' suffering. But let those tears turn to joy as we turn to our Father for peace! 
 
Chris Pridemore 

“Crucify Him!” the crowd shouted…they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” Whenever I read this passage, I imagine what the scene must have looked like. A chaotic display with a crowd that was determined to destroy Jesus. I have always felt sad that Jesus had to endure the disdain and rejection of the people He came to rescue. I have always considered the crowd to be one of the villains of the crucifixion story. Were they really, though?  
 
Jesus came to offer Himself up as a sacrificial lamb shedding his blood as an atonement for the sins of all people. People like me, and like the people in the crowd as well. They weren’t villains. They were sinners in need of rescue and probably thought they were doing the right thing for God. If the chief priests hadn’t stirred the crowd up and Jesus was not handed over to be crucified, then there would have been no salvation work completed on the cross.  
 
Whether I like it or not, my sins are no different than those of the crowd. All have fallen short of the glory of God. I have come to feel great compassion for the people in the crowd. My hope is that some in the crowd would have watched the rest of the events unfold and come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 
 
Today there are still crowds that have been deceived and wish to destroy the truth of salvation through Jesus. Let us pray for the lost in sin that they would come to the knowledge of salvation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ, that they would repent of their sins, and that they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Amen. 
 
Andy Wood 

In Matthew 16:13, Jesus asks his disciples this question, “Who do you say that I the son of man am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ the son of the living God.” Jesus was pleased with the answer. We can find many I Am statements in Scripture pertaining to Jesus. After feeding the 5000, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Before healing the blind man, he said, “I am the light of the world.” I am the gate for the sheep,” “I am the resurrection and the life,” and “I am the true vine.” 
 
I would like to focus on the I Am in Mark 14:62 prior to the crucifixion when Jesus answers the question from the high priest regarding whether he is the Christ, the son of the Blessed. Jesus answers the question with a firm I AM, and that sealed his fate. He had been quiet up to this point because he was being falsely accused.  
 
Have you ever been in a situation when someone thought you said or did something, but it was not true? Our human response would probably be to state our innocence or even argue against the accusation. Jesus knew it would do no good. Their minds were made up, and this was his purpose. He was blind folded, spat on, and struck with their fists. I am trying to imagine what it would have been like to see our Savior, the I AM, being tortured. Would I have been sitting by the fire warming myself or three times denying I ever knew this man Jesus and continue to watch his suffering? Peter realized his deceit when the rooster crowed twice as was foretold by Jesus. 
 
Do we consider our thoughts and actions daily to be sure we are confessing Christ as our Lord and not cowering under an umbrella of pride, selfishness, fear, hatred or envy? I would hope that our lives exemplify Christ, and if anyone need ask if we are a believer we can emphatically say, “I AM”. 
 
Joyce Barbee 

Have you ever found yourself taking the easy way out of a situation? We all have, right? Maybe because it is comfortable or maybe for selfish reasons. Out of fear of what others might say, of judgement or retaliation. Running away and turning your back on those you love and not standing up for them out of fear is easier, right? At the moment, we might think that it is, but what follows in the aftermath sometimes is a lot harder than just doing the right thing in the beginning.   
 
I keep going back to the passage where it is written, “When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.” How humiliating, but what a great illustration of how we must feel when the realization of our “easy way out” was not the easy way after all.    
  
Or maybe you have found yourself experiencing what Jesus did: being the one betrayed and deserted by those you love and trusted. If you have ever been in this situation, I would guess you felt alone, sad, and most likely pretty darn mad. Mad that those you trusted and loved would betray and desert you in your time of need and hardship. Even betrayed by those he loved and trusted, Jesus still showed them love, mercy, and grace. Was this the easy way out?  To show mercy and grace even to those that hurt you? Not at all! It is by far the hardest.  
  
No matter how hard it may seem when we are hurt by others to show the same mercy, love, and grace that he bestows up on us every day; or how hard it might be to stand up for what we know is right even though we are scared, we owe it to our lord and savior to try.     
 
Stefanie Knisley 

Jesus gave his closest friends and disciples one simple task: keep watch. He wanted them to stay alert and observe continuously to guard against the impending danger that he knew would come later in the night – the crowd, led by Judas, which would arrest him. Jesus knew He needed to spend some time alone with His Heavenly Father as He was wrestling and agonizing over all that was to come, and he needed their support. 
 
The disciples were walking side by side with Jesus and yet under pressure and as the hours grew long, they couldn’t even do the simple task of being fully with Him and keeping watch. Jesus came back to find them sleeping, not once, but three times. 
 
What about us? How are we at keeping watch and focusing on Jesus?  
Are we fully with him? The disciples were to keep watch for the physical danger that was coming. We are told to keep watch in the spiritual sense for when our time on earth comes to an end. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” 
 
In today’s world, there are many distractions and things to keep us from focusing on what is important and eternal. Sports, social media, television, family, friends, work, church activities – the list goes on as to what can and does take us away from being alert and guarding our hearts and minds from things that are not healthy or strengthening our walk with God. 
 
Lent is a great time to do an honest assessment of where we are in our faith journey. We need to make sure that we stay vigilant and follow Jesus commands. We do this by spending more time with our Heavenly Father in Scripture, prayer, and worship. We too must keep watch and not “fall asleep” while we wait faithfully for the day the Lord will come. 
 
Diana Skinner 

In this passage we see two significant stories side by side. One of pure love, devotion, sacrifice, and obedience and one of ultimate betrayal and rejection. 
 
Mary and Judas had both spent time with Jesus – they followed Him as He taught and performed miracles. They knew Him intimately. Which leads me to a very sobering question for myself, and I ask of you. As Christians, we go to church, see miracles, hear testimonies, and have access to the Holy Spirit to know him intimately, but do we treasure Jesus above all else? Or are we close in proximity to Him doing all the “right” things, yet our heart is far? 
 
Mary brought to Jesus an alabaster far of pure spikenard. She broke open the jar and poured the entire contents of expensive perfume over his head. These jars were ornately beautiful, sealed, and seen as a treasured heirloom. The symbolism of Mary breaking the jar to anoint Jesus shows an irreversible, irrevocable, ‘no holding back’ offering of worship to honor him in preparation of burial while she could. 
 
John 12:3 adds that Mary anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Using her hair represented using her “covering/her glory” (1 Cor. 11:15) as an act of total humility and total devotion to her Savior. Throughout the Bible we are told that our worship is like a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” 
 
Judas and others spoke harshly of Mary for wasting something that equaled a year’s wages. But what they saw as waste, the one she honored saw worship. Do we see Jesus as the priceless treasure he is? Do we worship with all we have spiritually and materially honoring him and advancing his Kingdom? Let’s challenge ourselves this season to “pour out” our lives entirely, in Mary-like worship and Christ-like sacrificial love. And then let’s watch transformation in our lives and those around us. 
 
Heather Berry 

As I read today’s passage, I can’t help but think of a mantra ingrained into me from a past life. As a young Marine, we were constantly told, “Complacency kills.” When you become complacent, you let your guard down. Vigilance fades. Discipline slips. Laziness creeps in, and laziness produces sloppy performance. In the military, sloppy performance doesn’t just affect you—it can cost lives. 
 
Jesus delivers a similar warning in this passage. He makes it clear that no one knows the day or the hour of His return—not the angels, not even the Son, but only the Father. That uncertainty is not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to sharpen our alertness. Jesus compares His return to a man going on a journey who leaves his house under the care of his servants, each assigned his work, and one stationed at the door to keep watch. 
 
The imagery in this parable matters. The servants are not spectators; they are entrusted with responsibility. The doorkeeper is not passive; he is alert, awake, and ready. Jesus ends the passage by telling everyone to “Watch!” This is not a suggestion. It is a command. 
 
Jesus came to make dead men live, and in doing so, He gave us the honor of joining Him in that mission. We have been entrusted with His house, His authority, and His work until He returns. Yet even with such a sacred calling, complacency remains a constant threat. We begin to assume there is time. We relax our posture. We fall asleep instead of standing watch. 
 
But the Master could return in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. My prayer is that we reflect on this passage and the task Christ has given us. And when He does return, may He not find us disengaged, distracted, or drifting—but faithful, alert, and on watch. May we honor the Master with our watchfulness. 
 
Scott Thompson 

If you just read the 31 verses of today’s passage and feel a little dizzy, take heart! You are not alone. This is one of the most challenging passages in all of Scripture. Christians have debated what this all means since these words were written. Are we living in the time that Jesus is talking about? Are the wars and earthquakes that we see in the news the fulfillment of these things? Son of Man? Abomination that causes desolation? So many questions and not enough space to answer them here. 
 
But a simple truth for all times emerges from these teachings that are so difficult to understand: be on your guard. The world around us is full of very difficult things. Famine, natural disaster, political unrest. False prophets who speak falsehoods that are sprinkled with nuggets of truth. Trial and difficulty because of our faith. And in the midst of all of that, Jesus tells us to be on our guard. To be discerning. To be wise. To not be taken in by ideas, philosophies, and beliefs that are opposed to God’s kingdom. 
 
And how do we do that? We put on the armor of God! The truth is our belt. Righteousness protects our heart. Our shoes are the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Our shield is faith, salvation our helmet. And finally, the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God. These things are how we stand our guard. It is how we arm ourselves. The Word of God, salvation, faith, the gospel of peace, righteousness, and truth. 
 
In these final two weeks of the Lenten season, let’s remember to be on our guard against the enemy’s schemes to draw us away from our Lord. Let’s saturate ourselves in God’s word and cling to the truth. Let’s claim the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus. Because what does Jesus say will be the reward for the one who stands firm to the end? Salvation! That’s the gospel of peace. And with that, we’re ready. 
 
Erik Allsop 

In today’s passage, we are given three scenes that invite careful reflection. First, Jesus quotes Psalm 110, pointing beyond common assumptions about the Messiah and revealing how easily religious certainty can miss the deeper truth of who he is. Next, he warns against the scribes, whose outward displays of holiness conceal hearts focused on status and recognition. Finally, Jesus turns our attention to a poor widow whose small offering becomes a powerful witness to genuine devotion. Together, these moments reveal a stark contrast between  
outward religion and inward faith.  
 
Jesus is seated with his disciples in the temple courts, watching the steady movement of people bringing their offerings. The temple treasury, we are told, included large metal receptacles into which coins were dropped. The sound alone could announce a person’s generosity. Amid this noise and spectacle, Jesus notices someone easily overlooked — a widow whose gift is quiet and unimpressive by human standards.  
 
We see a similar culture in the Kenyan church, worshipers come forward to place their offerings in a basket on the altar. Some bring money; others bring eggs, corn, beans, or chickens. Occasionally, someone places an empty hand into the basket, participating so as not to bear the shame of having nothing. In every place and culture, giving can become performance—or it can become prayer. Christian life and worship is not about what you know, or how pious you appear, or how much you give, it’s about your heart.  
 
Frances Havergal captured this truth in her hymn Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated. Having inherited a collection of fine jewels, she gave them away with joy, later writing that she had never packed a box with such pleasure. Out of that surrender came the words, “Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.”  
 
Lent calls us to examine not how much we give, but what we hold back. Find this hymn today. Sing it slowly. Let its words become your prayer. 
 
Steve Manchester 

In today’s passage, the Sadducees ask a silly question. They ask about a wife that has been married over and over again to brothers. This is a silly question because in heaven there will be no marriage relationship. There will be God’s perfect plan in place for all of eternity with the fulfillment of all our longings and love. Christ rebukes them by telling them that they don’t know the scriptures or the power of God. God is God of the Living.

Then a scribe asked a very simple question, but the most important answer is given. The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. The scribe agreed with him and said that’s more important than burnt offerings or sacrifices. Jesus told him that he is not far from the kingdom of God. How near or far am I away from the kingdom of God?

I am continuously learning to love God with my whole being but what about my neighbors? Jesus defined neighbors as everyone I encounter. I should show mercy, love, and forgiveness to them all. We need to learn to love the addict down the road, the person with garbage all over their yard, the arrogant doctor or businessman or politician, our family members with all their bad choices. We need to comprehend that Jesus commanded that we love them as ourselves. We can’t fix the world; only God can. But we can love those in our world.

One of my family members asked me why I go to Walmart to shop? I told them that I go there because there are more people there that need help. Sometimes it’s just a smile they need or a listening ear. Sometimes it’s buying their food when their card doesn’t work. Sometimes it’s buying items that I know the homeless shelter people like.

Are you like the Scribe? Are you not far from the Kingdom of God?

Gwen Belcher

In this parable we see Jesus explaining not only the concept of being rejected but also the idea that it happens more than once in the same situation. Through every rejection, we see God’s patience, though more undeserved each time. Christ uses this story as an example of himself being rejected throughout his life, including being crucified later.

The most powerful moment in the story comes when the Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking about paying taxes and if it is the right thing to do. Jesus responds by saying, “pay to Caesar what is his and pay to God what is his.” This points out that we should give the world what is needed but that our focus should always be on God and the things that we should be giving him (our lives, worship, etc). Through this response, the Pharisees were impressed with his wisdom.

Honestly, how often are we swayed by the world and what we think it wants that we forget that our focus should be on what God wants us to do? We all have moments (probably more than one) every day when we struggle with doing things for the world or for God. I think that those moments challenge us and our struggles of the world and eternity.

When I think of these kinds of moments, I think about the concept of being a Christian man in a public school system. One of the biggest challenges that I face is praying publicly. I have constantly reminded myself that praying in public (with young people specifically) shows who I am and more importantly what I believe in. It demonstrates my love and trust of God, and it shows young people that shining in public is an ok thing to do. I think the world needs more of that. They need to see what we as Christians believe through our actions for the Lord and not simply our actions for the world. We are called to be his light through our actions.

Rob Strong

Let’s set the stage for this story: Jesus and the disciples walk by a beautiful, leafy fig tree. Jesus is hungry. The fig tree has no fruit. Jesus “curses” the tree. On the surface, this seems like very uncharacteristic behavior from Jesus. Why this behavior from the Son of God? Given its appearance, the tree should be producing fruit, but there is none. It is putting on a show with a strong trunk, stout branches and healthy leaves. It looks good, but there is no fruit. The same could be said true of Israel at the time. There were many people talking the talk, but not walking the walk. They were dressed up as followers, but they were not bearing the fruit of true righteousness and belief in the Messiah.

This is followed by Jesus going to the Temple and showing his displeasure for what has been occurring in the Temple. Again, the Israelites were saying one thing but not carrying out their faith in the Temple as it was intended.

As we don our Sunday best for Easter, are we like the Fig tree ready to bear fruit but not producing any results despite our outward appearance? Or do our actions match our appearance as we honor God on a daily basis? God doesn’t want us to be all show with no substance. Praise God from Who all Blessings flow!

Lee Snyder

This type of entry by Roman standards would have been a parade on a mighty horse. The Jewish people expected a majestic conqueror, but Zechariah foretold the Messiah would come in a lowly, humble way riding a colt. Riding a donkey sent the message he was coming as a man of peace.

Jesus typically discouraged people from publicly celebrating him as the Messiah. Here, he went out of his way to invite public praise and adoration. He was fulfilling prophesy, He was proclaiming his kingship, and He was asserting his authority. It was a final, public appeal to Jerusalem to recognize their King before the crucifixion.

Crowds often followed him just to get something from him. They rejected any kind of personal commitment. On this day, they lavished him with attention and honor. They believed he was the promised Messiah arriving to overthrow Roman rule and establish his kingdom. They treated him as a conquering king, shouting "Hosanna!" They misunderstood his purpose for entering Jerusalem, expecting a conquering king rather than a suffering servant.

Hosanna means, “save now.” It serves both as a desperate plea for help and a joyful shout of praise. The crowd on this day was praising Him for who they wanted Him to be and not for His actual purpose.

There are times when we only look to Jesus for what he can give us or do for us. We too may fall short in making or consistently keeping a commitment to him. Do we establish daily spiritual habits like prayer and Bible study? Are we engaging in regular church fellowship and obeying his commands to love others? Consistency happens when we enter into a relationship with him rather than following a ritual.

May this Lenten season be a time to deepen our relationship with Him for who He is and to renew our hearts for authentic praise to Him and to live as He lived. Hosanna in the highest! We praise you for saving us from our sins, we acknowledge that you are Lord of all, and we bow down in loving worship at your feet.

Gwen Thomas

After reading this Scripture, I ask myself, “How can I have a faith like the blind man and be a servant to all?” “What does it look like for me to jump up from what I am doing and follow Jesus?” In life, I feel I can be easily distracted by material things or social media happenings. I forget what it is to follow Jesus blindly and to love others. It is easy to focus on differences and point out the flaws of others, but to be a servant to all, I find that I have to often put my personal biases or preconceived thoughts about the other person aside and just show them love.

In my profession (I am a drug counselor in prison – which is an easy place to have a lot of personal biases and dislike towards others) it is easy to not show God. However, God challenges me to show Him in a dark place, to not allow things to distract me, to follow Him blindly and be a servant to all. I have to pray for patience, discernment, and God’s guidance in my daily life to be a servant to all. I have to rely on other people in my life to help me see rationally and be Christ-like so I can love people that are often overlooked like Bartimaeus. I have found that when I am of service to others, I feel closer to God because I am a physical beacon of light to the Kingdom of God. I feel good and so does the other person. I have the light of Jesus in me, so how can I do a better job in my daily life of showing Jesus to others?

I have found that this can be something simple like a smile, genuinely asking others how they are, helping someone, listening to uplifting music, sharing how God is working in me, volunteering somewhere, praying for someone, and many other spiritual disciplines. God has challenged me to pray for others verbally or send a message saying that I was praying for them when I feel that they need prayer. This has helped me in growing spiritually with others. Listening to the Spirit is how I can have the faith like Bartimaeus and be a servant to all. Prayer works because God is still working today.

Nick Enix

As we read through this passage, a man is asking Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. The man calls Jesus “good teacher” to which Jesus asks him why he is calling him good? He reminds the man that no one is good except God, and with that Jesus talks about the commandments. But the man has kept them. Jesus tells the man of the one thing that he lacks. He says “go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Jesus is revealing to the man the one thing he is lacking, a relationship with God. The man is doing the things that he should be doing, but lacks putting his trust in God rather than his money. Being rich isn’t a bad thing. However, when we put our trust in something other than God, we find ourselves lacking. With God all things are possible.

At the end of this passage Jesus is predicting his death. He knows that He will be mocked, spit on, flogged, and killed, but He is putting his own trust in God. Have you found yourself going through the motions of going to church, reading your devotional, and saying a prayer here and there? Are you doing this to check off a box on your to do list? Or are you doing this with love in your heart? God isn’t asking for perfection; he’s asking for trust.

The past year our house had undergone foundational work that was crushing. I had to remind myself to let go and trust God. Trusting that God will provide a way. During this time God had shown me what I was holding on to and revealed what I had put my trust in.

Kendi Congrove

In our passage today we have parents bringing their children to Jesus to be blessed. The disciples tried to intervene and send them away. They must have felt that Jesus’ time was too valuable to be wasted on the children. However, Jesus became angry with them. Obviously, they had not been listening to his teachings from earlier, and their actions did not reflect the heart of Jesus. 
 
His command is to “Let the little children come.” Do we as a church strive to do that? It is important to welcome, teach, nurture, pray, and build relationships with our children, teens, and young adults. We can learn a lot from them as they learn from us. The rest of that passage says, “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” The words “like a child” are important. We must be willing and humble to listen to them about their experience of God and faith. We must see the qualities in them that God sees. 
 
First is helplessness. As a baby depends completely on someone to supply their every need; we as adults need that same dependance on God. The same is true of a young child who does not have the strength to always do what is right. Without God’s guidance we also do not have that strength. We cannot live out the Christian faith in our own strength. Become like a child and depend on God for your strength. 
 
The second quality is dependence. We know that the Lord is our provider, and we are dependent on his provision. Just as a child cannot be independent and must depend on someone to provide for them, we as adults must also acknowledge that we cannot be independent. We must depend on God. 
 
I pray that as a church and like a child we all become more helpless and more dependent on God. With that we will see all the blessings Jesus will pour out upon us. 
 
Molly Lloyd 

In Talladega Nights, Ricky Bobby lives by a simple mantra: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Going fast and being famous is all that matters. 
That mindset isn’t far from the disciples on the road to Capernaum. After Jesus tells them He will be betrayed, killed, and rise again, they don’t ask questions or seek understanding. Instead, they argue about who is the greatest. If you ain’t first, you’re last. 
 
We’d never do that…right? Yet we live in a world that constantly tells us to be first, to look successful, or at least appear that way. Social media makes this obvious. We rarely post our failures—only our greatest hits. While there’s nothing wrong with celebrating success, the constant need to be first creates a dangerous cycle of comparison. 
 
Comparison becomes a daily habit. We look at others and wonder how they live the way they do, how they afford what they have, or why they seem so successful. Vulnerability feels risky because it doesn’t fit the image we think we’re supposed to present. Over time, this mindset leaves many of us feeling inadequate. 
 
What if we spent less time trying to create an image online and more time serving others? Jesus turns our thinking upside down when He says, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Greatness, in the Kingdom of God, is not about being noticed, but about humility and service. 
 
Jesus then takes a child into His arms and says, “Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me.” Soon after, He offers a serious warning about causing these little ones to stumble. In many ways, our culture—and our social media habits—damage children’s sense of worth. They are constantly watching, constantly comparing, and often feeling like they don’t measure up, feeding anxiety and depression. 
 
Let us not strive to be first, but learn again how to listen, serve, and walk humbly with Christ. 
 
BJ King 

Belief, Prayer, Possibilities. These are all words we see Jesus say in this passage, and these are all words we think about in our lives each day. Possibility to get the right education or job. Pray to find the right partner in life. Belief that you’ll create a wonderful family and life for them. Frequently we need help in these endeavors. We seek counseling, church groups, family members, and friends to help us make choices in our lives. 
 
In this passage, when the father needed to seek possibility for his son, prayer for speech, and a belief that someone could help him and his family, he called on Jesus and said “Teacher.” A teacher, by definition, is someone who imparts knowledge, skills, and values – acting as an instructor, mentor, or guide to help others grow and develop. A biblical teacher may be a spiritually gifted instructor that imparts God’s truth, trains others in Scripture, and equips those around them in spiritual growth. Throughout the Bible, Jesus is called creator, healer, wonderful counselor, mighty God.  
 
In this passage the father is seeking a spiritual teacher – not just a healer – for his son. Not just a counselor for himself but someone that can truly teach him the ways of spiritual growth by belief, prayer, and possibility. This is why the father says “Teacher” to Jesus. He not only wants Jesus to teach his child to speak but also to teach him how to believe and grow spiritually as well.  
 
Jesus does this for us today as well, we just need to call out: “Teacher, show me how to pray more fiercely.” “Teacher, develop me to include You in life choices.” “Teacher, help me overcome any unbelief, and strengthen my belief in your teachings.” “Teacher, open possibilities for me to speak words of love, truth, and faith to all those around me.” 
 
Mark 9:23: Jesus said, “Everything is possible, for one who believes.” 
 
Sara Strong 

Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain away from the noise and demands of daily life. Something astonishing happens: Jesus is transfigured before them. His clothes appear with a whiteness that no one could conceive. Moses and Elijah appear, and suddenly the disciples realize the glory of who Jesus truly is with this mountaintop moment.  
 
Peter, overwhelmed, wants to freeze the moment. Instead of taking in the moment, he suggests building shelters, as if glory could be contained or scheduled. How human that impulse is. When we experience God’s presence through worship, prayer, or moments of clarity, we often want to stay there, untouched by anything else.  
 
Then the cloud comes, and with it the Father’s voice: “This is my Son, whom I love and have sent. Listen to him!” Not admire Him. Not manage Him. Listen to Him. At the center of this scene is a call to obedience and trust. 
 
Just as suddenly as it began, the vision ended. Moses and Elijah are gone, and Jesus remains. The disciples must walk back down the mountain, carrying the events that just occurred, heading toward a road that will lead to the cross.  
 
After working five years in the emergency department, this passage hits home. You will experience mountaintop moments that will reshape you and your walk. Carrying these events can weigh on you. We may not always understand what God is doing, but we know who Jesus is. 
 
Once the cloud lifts and the moment passes, know that Jesus is still with us and may we listen and follow him. 
 
Tyler Congrove 

At this time in Jesus Christ’s life, he had traveled to many villages and performed many miracles causing a lot of people to question who he really was. Stop for a minute. Ask yourself what you would think or how you would react if Jesus was walking around today. He was bringing the dead back to life, opening the eyes of the blind, and feeding thousands with just a small basket of food. 
  
In Mark 8:34, Jesus said anyone who would come after him must deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. 
 
To me that is faith. Of all the challenges that I have faced and all the challenges we all face, I feel that picking up your cross is putting faith in God is the biggest. Jesus said drop everything and pick up your cross and follow me. We must have faith in Jesus that he will get us through whatever circumstance we are facing. Faith is carrying your cross. Faith is following him. Faith is giving him control in your most dire times. God has been my strength for years. He has guided me through some of the most difficult times. He has been with me in my greatest times, and I've had that cross in my pocket. 
  
Lastly, be able to share your cross in your faith – your reason for peace. We live in times when more people need to know that Jesus invites us to pick up the cross and is right there for them. The peace and the faith of carrying that cross is something we all need. I am far from the model Christian, but I walk without fear knowing I'm not alone. I have that cross and will never let go of it. 
 
Jim Belcher 

We live in a world where the secular community and even some religious circles have decided that “truth” is a relative term and that we each have our own “truth” by which we may live. But today’s reading reminds us to embrace the example and teachings of Christ and that if we are not careful, we can get pulled into the hypocrisy of the Pharisees which can grow and spread like yeast through the flour. 
 
The disciples became worried about having enough bread. Even after just witnessing firsthand one of the greatest miracles of Christ where he fed thousands with a few loaves. We look to ourselves, our government, our leaders, social media influencers, and the news to find our peace, our comfort, our guidance, and our Truth. 
 
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
 
During this Lenten season, we need to put down our phones, turn off the news, quit focusing on those that agree or don’t agree with us, and get into relationship with Christ. Focus on the miracles, the teachings, the life lessons, and most important we need to spend time in the Word. 
 
Michelle Rout 

I am thankful (Oops! This is Easter not Thanksgiving). But I am truly thankful for shows like “The Chosen” and the Angel series “Testament” that portray Jesus’ followers and to some extent Jesus, as typical people just like you and I. We are all tempted to say and/or think things that don't reflect Jesus’ thoughts. 
 
Today’s passage is an amazing account. One of many miracles shared in God’s Word. But I wonder what the disciples were thinking. Read verse 4 again. Two familiar quotes come to my mind.  The first, by Reverend H.K. Williams, “He who fails to plan, is planning to fail.” The second, I hear a lot. Bob Carter says, “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” There had to be at least one of Jesus’ inner circle thinking, “Why is it my responsibility to feed all these people? They knew how much food they packed. They should have gone home yesterday.” But that really doesn’t mirror the heart of Christ. Jesus said, “I feel compassion for the people.” 
 
It doesn’t matter how people get into their predicament. It doesn’t matter how impossible we think it is to fix. It doesn’t even matter if people realize they’re in a predicament. What matters is that we, in faith, come along side of people and be a reflection of heaven. 
 
Have you seen a reflection on the still water when it’s hard to discern where the water stops and the reflection begins?  Reflections are seen best in the stillness, not the waves. We worry, stress, and plan, when all along, we’d be better off being still and reflecting Jesus. 
 
Lord, thank you for the beauty of reflections. Still my heart and soul, so that I become a better reflection of you. 
 
Tami Daly 

Do you remember the last time you decided to disengage or just ignore and avoid people? Maybe you were exhausted, having a bad day, or just weren’t in a sociable mood. We duck down a different aisle to avoid someone, ignore a phone call, or don’t answer the knock at the door. It happens, and most of the time it doesn’t have much of an effect on us, the ones ducking. But we have no idea what, if any, affect it may have on the other person. 
 
In today’s passage, Jesus seems to be trying to avoid people when the Gentile woman finds him and begs for His help. Jesus knows His mission on earth. This woman, who has faith, knows that God’s grace is available to all, and a miracle for her daughter may result in blessings for others, “the dogs under the table,” so He heals the girl. 
 
“For such a reply…” 
 
Jesus, still desiring rest, was again sought out. The healing Jesus performed on the deaf mute was one of greater outward action than most He had done, and the sigh he gave was one of sympathy. Afterwards, Jesus again seems to be looking for rest – asking that his presence be kept secret. 
 
The mission of Jesus encompassed His role as a teacher, healer, and Savior. Ultimately, it was aimed at restoring humanity’s relationship with God through His redemptive work. The mission of Jesus continues to impact us today. His call to follow Him and share the message of salvation remains central to our faith. The life of Jesus serves as a model for how we are to live – emphasizing the importance of love, service, and outreach to those in need. As we walk through our own earthly lives, it is understandable that we sometimes want to detach. However, this would not be following the example Jesus gives us in these passages. Engage, even though you may not feel like it. “Go and make disciples of all nations.” 
 
Jamie Rout