A Friend: Would Die for You…(?)

29 / Sun – Read Matthew 21:1-9

Overview: Do you know a friend who would literally die for you, even if you treated them poorly? Jesus would, because that’s what he did. What a friend we have in Jesus! Is there anyone you would die for?

30 / Mon – Your friend Jesus gets angry  |  Read Mark 11:15-19

Do you feel guilty when you get angry? Some people believe anger is a sin, but is it? Jesus lived a perfect life; he never sinned, so how do you reconcile that with what he did on the day after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem? Maybe it has something to do with why a person gets angry? Why did Jesus get so angry? What action did he take? What was his explanation? Paul had good advice for angry people in Ephesians 4:26-27. How might you apply his words in your life this week?

31 / Tue – Your friend Jesus schools the teachers  |  Read Matthew 21:17-18, 23-27

The next day (Tuesday), after Jesus’ disruptive actions, he boldly returned to the temple to teach. The religious leaders challenged his motives and tried to trap him. Reading the rest of ch 21-22, you’ll see him continue to teach, and he concluded with some warnings in Matt 23:1-3. When you are a follower of Jesus, it is vital that your actions match your words. Everyone has blind spots, so take some time for reflection. Then, will you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area where you need to make changes, and also ask for His help to do so? Then people will believe what you say.

APR 01 / Wed – A plot against your friend Jesus  |  Read Luke 22:1-6

Have you been betrayed by someone close to you? At first, there is disbelief, and then you wonder ‘why?’ On the Wednesday of Holy Week, one of Jesus’ closest friends volunteered to show his enemies where they could arrest him. Many have tried to learn his motive. It wasn’t for the money. Judas had witnessed Jesus’ miracles and teachings. Did a disappointment evolve into bitterness? Did he want to force Jesus to reveal his power and overthrow the Romans?  Whatever the motive, it gave way to despair. Don’t let the devil use disappointment with God to separate you from Him.

02 / Thu – Your friend Jesus has a choice  |  Read Matthew 26:36-50

Jesus knew what was coming. He went to the garden for the most heart-wrenching conversation he’d ever had with his Father. He prayed because he knew that ‘the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ He prayed, ‘if it is possible, take this cup,’ and ‘if it’s not possible for this cup to be taken away, I’ll drink it.’ In that intense prayer time, he moved from sorrow and grief to submission and then to resolution. In the end, he was even able to call Judas ‘friend’. Two things to consider: Jesus knows sorrow, and he shows us how to walk through grief into the will of God. Will you follow him?

03 / Fri – Your friend Jesus dies well  |  Read Matthew 27:50-54 / 1 Peter 2:24

Your innocent Friend took your place and experienced what you deserved. He forgave those who were killing him. He bore the sins of the whole world in his body for 6 hours. Then, knowing that redemption had been accomplished, Jesus willingly surrendered his spirit. No one took it from him. Confirmation came when the temple curtain that separated the people from God’s holy presence, historically described as 60’ high x 30’ wide x 4” thick, was torn in two from top to bottom. Now there is nothing between our heavenly Father and us. How will you honor his sacrifice?

04 / Sat – Your friend Jesus is dead and buried  |  Read Numbers 23:19 / Hebrews 10:23

The saddest day in history was only the prelude to the most incredible day in history. No other ‘religious’ leader fulfilled every promise that was made about him, as well as, all the promises he made himself, like Jesus did. You might be walking through a dark time for reasons you do not understand. Grieve as you need to but don’t give up hope. Your Sunday is on its way. Will you choose to believe this?