Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Revelation 21:1-5

Easter is not just a day on the calendar; it is the turning point in the history of the world. It is the day when the impossible became possible, the day when death was swallowed up in victory, and the day when the promise of new life was made available to all who would believe.

“The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s Kingdom…it is the decisive event demonstrating that God’s Kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven.” – N.T Wright

On the third day, everything changed. The stone that had sealed the tomb was rolled away, not by human hands, but by the power of God Himself. The body of Jesus, dead and buried, was no longer there. The resurrection of Jesus is the most pivotal event in human history, and it signals the beginning of a new world—a world where death no longer has the final word.

“The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it!” – N.T Wright

“Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise.” – John Stott

“The Resurrection, and its consequences, were the ‘gospel’ or good news which the Christians brought: what we call the ‘gospels’, the narratives of Our Lord’s life and death, were composed later for the benefit of those who had already accepted the gospel. They were in no sense the basis of Christianity; they were written for the already converted. The miracle of the Resurrection and the theology of that miracle come first.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Empty Tomb: A Sign of Victory
The tomb, which once held the body of Jesus, is now empty. But the empty tomb is not a symbol of loss; it is a symbol of victory! The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out, but to let us in—to show us that Jesus is no longer bound by death, that He has triumphed over the grave.

In the resurrection, Jesus is shown to be who He said He was: the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the one who holds the keys of life and death. His victory is not just His
own; it is ours as well. We have been united with Him in His death, and now, in His resurrection, we are made alive together with Him.

The Resurrection: Our Hope and Promise
The resurrection is not just a past event; it is the foundation of our future hope. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that we, too, will rise from the dead. It is the ultimate triumph over sin, suffering, and death.

Easter Sunday is a reminder that because Jesus lives, we live. His resurrection is the first fruit of a new creation, where all things will be made new. The new creation begins now, in the hearts and lives of those who put their faith in Christ, and it will be fully realized when He returns to make all things new.

The Call to Live in Resurrection Power
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the power of the resurrection. The resurrection is not just an event we celebrate one day a year; it is the power that should shape our lives every day. In Romans 6, Paul writes, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

This new life is one of victory over sin, death, and despair. It is a life marked by hope, by purpose, by a radical love that mirrors the love Christ has for us. We are not just waiting for a future resurrection; we are living out the reality of resurrection now, as we partner with God in the work of making all things new.

The Final Victory: No More Death, No More Tears
Revelation 21 paints a picture of the ultimate fulfillment of Easter’s promise: a new heaven and a new earth, where God Himself will dwell with His people. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The old order of things will have passed away. This is the hope to which we cling: that because of Easter, the day is coming when all things will be made right.

The Invitation: Come and See
Just as the women at the tomb were invited to "come and see" the empty tomb (Matthew 28:6), so too are we invited to come and see the reality of the resurrection in our lives. The resurrection is not just a historical fact; it is a living truth that invites us into a relationship with the risen Christ. It is an invitation to step into the power of the resurrection, to experience new life, and to join in God's mission of bringing restoration to the world.

The Great Commission: Go and Tell
The resurrection is not just something to celebrate; it is something to share. The women who first encountered the risen Christ were told to "go and tell" (Matthew 28:7). Likewise, we are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus's resurrection to the world, sharing the hope and new life He offers to all who believe.

As we celebrate Easter, let us do so with full hearts, knowing that the victory is won, the tomb is empty, and the risen Christ is with us. We are a resurrection people, called to live in the light of His victory, to share His love, and to bring hope to a world in desperate need of it. All authority on Heaven and Earth has been given to Him!

He is Risen! He is Risen!

Questions to Celebrate and Reflect On:

• What does the resurrection of Jesus mean for you personally?
• How does the reality of Jesus’s victory over death change the way you see the world and your own life?
• How does the resurrection of Jesus shape your hope for the future?
• In what ways does the promise of new creation bring peace and purpose to your present struggles?
• What does it look like to live in the power of the resurrection today?
• How can you embody the life, hope, and victory of the resurrection in your relationships, work, and community?
• How can we share the message of the resurrection with those around us?
• In what ways can we invite others into the life and hope that Easter brings?

Matthew 27:57-66, Luke 23:50-56, Psalm 23, Isaiah 53, Romans 6:3-5

Silent Saturday—often referred to as Holy Saturday—is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a day of stillness, reflection, and waiting. The disciples are enveloped in grief, the events of Good Friday still fresh in their minds. Jesus, whom they had hoped would be the Messiah, has died and been buried in a tomb. The world around them seems to stand still, holding its breath as if waiting for something to happen.

The silence of this day is profound. The earth has trembled, the sky has darkened, and the veil in the temple was torn, signaling the cosmic and spiritual significance of Jesus’ death. Yet, on this day, nothing visibly changes. The disciples, having witnessed the suffering and death of their Lord, find themselves in a moment of hopelessness. The promises they had clung to now seem like distant memories.

The Absence of Christ: A Time of Grief and Reflection
On Silent Saturday, the absence of Christ is deeply felt. The Disciples—those who followed Him, loved Him, and believed Him—are now without their Teacher, their Rabbi, their Messiah. The silence serves as a stark reminder of the depth of their loss. They have no idea that death is not the end of the story. They mourn, they reflect, but they do so in the dark, unable to see the hope in the light that is coming. This is a moment where the full weight of Christ's sacrifice is not yet understood.

For us, Silent Saturday can be seen as a moment of spiritual reflection. It calls us to sit in the discomfort of unresolved grief, to acknowledge the cost of redemption, and to realize that there are times in our faith journey when we must wait in silence before the breakthrough of God’s promises are revealed.

The silence of this day is sacred—not because it is empty but because it is filled with expectation and anticipation. Just as a seed lies buried in the ground, hidden in apparent inactivity, so too was Jesus in the tomb (1 Corinthians 15). We do not yet see the full extent of what is coming, but we are called to trust that God is working even when we cannot see it.

The Tomb: A Place of Waiting and Hidden Hope
The tomb, though it appears to be a place of finality, is not just a place of death but a place of transformation. The body of Jesus lies in the grave, but He is not defeated—He is waiting in the tomb, preparing to conquer death. His time of silence in the grave is not without purpose. As Jesus waits in the tomb, He is securing the victory over death and sin, which will soon be revealed in the power of the resurrection.

In the stillness of Silent Saturday, we are reminded that God's ways are not always immediately visible to us. The resurrection is coming, but on this day, we wait in the in-between time, trusting that even in the silence, God is at work.

A Day of Rest and Waiting for the Promise
For the Jewish people, the Sabbath is a day of rest, a day set apart. Even as Jesus’ body rests in the tomb, His followers observe the Sabbath, continuing in their tradition of rest and worship. This day of waiting is part of God's unfolding plan, reminding us that God's work often includes moments of stillness and waiting. We are called, like the disciples, to wait with hope, knowing that God’s promises are sure, even if they are not yet fulfilled in the visible world.

A Day of Reflection: The Bridge Between Suffering and Victory
On Silent Saturday, we reflect on the suffering of Christ. The cross is still fresh in our hearts and minds, and the weight of His sacrifice continues to weigh on us. Yet, in the silence of the day, we are also invited to reflect on the hope that is to come. The death of Jesus has brought salvation, but resurrection brings life. While we wait in the silence of this day, we do so with the knowledge that resurrection is coming—the promise of new life that will be realized at the breaking of dawn on Easter morning.

Silent Saturday serves as a time for us to sit in the discomfort of unanswered questions, the pain of loss, and the grief of Good Friday, but also to wait with hopeful anticipation. It’s the space between death and life, where we wait in faithful expectation for the triumph of resurrection. Just as Jesus's followers did not fully understand the hope that was to come, we, too, are called to trust that even in the silence, God is at work. The tomb is not the end—it is the place where the new creation will begin.

Questions to Ponder:

• What does it mean for us to wait in silence in our own lives?
• How can we trust that God is still at work, even in times when we don’t see immediate change or answers? 
• How might we lean into the discomfort of waiting instead of avoiding it?
• How do we wrestle with unanswered questions, especially when it feels like God is silent?
• What does it look like to hold space for questions while still trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness? 
• What role does mystery play in our relationship with God?
• What is the significance of the Sabbath rest during Jesus's time in the tomb?
• How does taking time to rest, pause, and reflect mirror the silence of Silent Saturday in our own spiritual journeys? 
• How does the rhythm of rest allow us to receive God’s work in our lives more fully?
• The disciples couldn't see the full scope of God’s plan during Silent Saturday. Are there areas in your life where you cannot yet see the outcome of God's work? 
• How do you trust in God’s promise when the way forward feels unclear?
• Can we find peace in the 'in-between' moments of life, between suffering and victory?
• How can we learn to live faithfully during these seasons of waiting? 
• How does recognizing that the tomb is not the end help shape our perspective on our current struggles?
• Silent Saturday is the bridge between Good Friday’s grief and Easter Sunday’s joy. In what ways does the grief of Good Friday set the stage for the joy of Easter? 
• How do moments of deep loss in our lives pave the way for future healing, redemption, and joy?

Isaiah 53; Matthew 27; Luke 23; John 18-19

Good Friday stands at the heart of the Christian faith. It is the day when the weight of sin and the depth of divine love meet at the cross. This is the moment when Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly lays down His life to redeem a broken world.

“A new sort of power will be let loose upon the world, and it will be the power of self-giving love. This is the heart of the revolution that was launched on Good Friday. You cannot defeat the usual sort of power by the usual sort of means. If one force overcomes another, it is still “force” that wins. Rather, at the heart of the victory of God over all the powers of the world there lies self-giving love, which, in obedience to the ancient prophetic vocation, will give its life “as a ransom for many.”" - N.T. Wright, The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus’s Crucifixion

The Trials: Condemned Though Innocent
After His arrest in Gethsemane, Jesus is taken through a series of unjust trials—before the Sanhedrin (Council of Jewish Leaders), Pilate (Roman Governor over Judaea), and Herod (Roman Jewish client king)—where He is falsely accused, mocked, and beaten (Luke 22:66-71; John 18:28-40). Though Pilate finds no guilt in Him (John 19:6), the crowd, stirred by the religious leaders, demands His crucifixion. In a chilling exchange, they choose to free Barabbas, a criminal, while condemning the Righteous One (Matthew 27:15-26).

The Exchange of Barabbas: Injustice and Grace
One of the most striking moments in the Good Friday narrative occurs when Barabbas, a known criminal and insurrectionist, is set free while Jesus—the innocent Son of God—is condemned to die. This dramatic exchange takes place in the Roman governor Pilate’s court. Pilate, having found no fault in Jesus, offers the crowd a choice: release Jesus, the King of the Jews, or release Barabbas, a man notorious for his violent rebellion against Rome (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-40).

In a shocking twist, the crowd chooses Barabbas. They demand that the criminal be freed while calling for the death of the sinless Savior. Pilate, seeing the crowd’s unyielding demand, washes his hands of the decision, declaring himself innocent of the blood of Jesus (Matthew 27:24). And so, Barabbas, the insurrectionist and rebel who deserved death, walks free. Meanwhile, Jesus—the innocent One, the Lamb of God—bears the weight of all humanity’s sins and is sentenced to the cross.

A Picture of Injustice
The choice of Barabbas is a moment of profound injustice. It is the ultimate reversal of the law: the guilty are set free, and the innocent is condemned. In choosing Barabbas, the people reject God’s perfect provision for salvation in favor of a political figure who symbolizes rebellion and violence. It’s a moment that reflects the depravity of human nature—how we often choose what is worldly, rebellious, and self-serving over what is divine, holy, and sacrificial.

This moment also reveals the great paradox of the cross—Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, takes the place of the guilty. Barabbas, a rebel against Rome and a symbol of sin, is spared, while Jesus, the embodiment of righteousness, takes the punishment for the world’s sin. The innocent died for the guilty.

The Great Exchange
This tragic exchange between Barabbas and Jesus points us to the great exchange that lies at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus takes the place of all who are guilty, including Barabbas, and offers His life as a ransom for many. In this moment, the innocent One suffers for the guilty so that those who deserve death may be given life. The apostle Paul captures this exchange powerfully when he writes:

“For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate substitutionary atonement, where He bears the punishment that we deserve. As Barabbas is set free, so too are all who believe in Christ—set free from sin and death, not because we are innocent, but because Jesus took our place.

The Cross: Suffering and Salvation
Carrying His cross, Jesus walks the road to Golgotha, the Place of the Skull (John 19:17). There, He is nailed to the cross, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy:
“He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5).

At the cross, the world sees a broken, beaten man. But in the eyes of faith, this is the greatest victory in history—God’s love poured out in its fullness. Jesus, the Innocent One, bears the full weight of humanity's sin and shame.

As He hangs in agony, Jesus speaks His final words before death, each revealing His heart of love, forgiveness, and mission. Among them:
• “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” - Luke 23:34
• “It is finished” - John 19:30

These words not only reflect His divine mission of reconciliation but also fulfill the prophetic words of the Psalms. In His final moments, Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This cry of abandonment, spoken from the cross, echoes the psalmist’s despair amid suffering. Yet, Psalm 22 transitions from this anguish to a proclamation of God's ultimate triumph over evil, foreshadowing the victory of the cross. Jesus, as the true fulfillment of this psalm, endures the darkness of separation from God so that we might never have to experience it. The psalm's declaration of future victory in God’s sovereignty points to the resurrection and the restoration of all things.

With His final breath, Jesus surrenders His spirit to the Father. The veil in the temple is torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying that the barrier between God and humanity has been forever removed. Jesus's death becomes the ultimate act of reconciliation, opening the way for all who believe to draw near to God. The suffering of the cross leads to the salvation of the world—the fullness of God's love made manifest in the person of Jesus.

The Darkest Hour: Silence and Reflection
As Jesus breathes His last, darkness covers the land (Luke 23:44). For three hours, the sun is obscured, as though creation itself is mourning the death of its Creator. This unnatural darkness signals a profound spiritual event—Jesus, the Light of the World, has entered into the deepest depths of human suffering. This is the hour when God in His Son is forsaken by His Father (Matthew 27:46). Jesus' cry of abandonment echoes in the silence, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—a moment of anguish that marks the culmination of His atoning sacrifice.

The earth quakes (Matthew 27:51), and the veil in the temple is torn in two (Matthew 27:51). These signs point to the cosmic significance of Jesus’ death. The earth, the temple, the very fabric of the universe seems to respond to the gravity of this moment. The veil, once separating humanity from God, is torn—a symbolic act showing that access to God is now open through Christ. The barrier of sin is broken, and the way to the Holy of Holies is cleared by His sacrifice.

Yet, amidst these signs, the disciples' hearts are shattered. For them, the Messiah is dead. The one they believed would restore Israel, the one they placed their hopes in, is buried in a tomb. Holy Saturday arrives, a day of silence, a day of waiting and wondering, of disbelief and mourning. The reality of Jesus’ death sets in, and the world around them seems to hold its breath. Their hopes lie in the grave, and it seems as though all that was promised has come to an end.

However, in this silence, God’s redemptive plan is quietly unfolding. Death, though a bitter and brutal reality, is not the end. The silence we think of and that others experienced with Holy Saturday is pregnant with anticipation. Just as the earth itself quaked at the death of Jesus, so too will it quake at His resurrection. The grave, for all its finality, will not hold back the One who conquered sin and death.

The centurion who witnessed Jesus' death saw this truth in part. As the earth shook and the sky darkened, he declared, “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). This statement, though made in the midst of chaos, signals the profound reality that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be—the Son of God. This confession foreshadows the ultimate vindication that will come on Sunday morning when the stone is rolled away, and Jesus walks out of the tomb victorious.

Questions to Ponder:

• When you reflect on Jesus’ unjust trial, how does it challenge your understanding of justice and mercy?
• Jesus remained silent before His accusers and entrusted Himself to the Father. How can we follow His example in times of suffering?
• Barabbas, a criminal, is set free while Jesus is condemned. How does this exchange reflect the nature of God's grace toward us?
• Do we often question the depth and breadth of the grace and forgiveness of God?
• “It is finished.” What does this declaration mean for your life and your faith?

Matthew 26:17-30; John 13:1-17; Luke 22:7-23

As we approach the culmination of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday marks a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples. The day is filled with profound acts of love, service, and the establishment of new rituals that will define the Christian faith for generations to come.

The Last Supper: A New Covenant
Maundy Thursday is most remembered for the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples. During this meal, He institutes the practice of communion, breaking bread and offering wine as symbols of His body and blood, signifying the New Covenant between God and humanity (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This act becomes a powerful sacrament, central to Christian worship throughout the ages, symbolizing Jesus’ body broken, and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

In Matthew 26:26-29, Jesus redefines the Passover meal, a Jewish tradition that commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. The original Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, was commanded to be observed "throughout your generations, as a statute forever" (Exodus 12:14, 24)—a lasting reminder of God's salvation. Yet, on this night, Jesus reveals its ultimate fulfillment. By associating the bread and wine with His own body and blood, He introduces a new understanding of deliverance—one that will come not through political or national liberation but through the forgiveness of sins in the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb spared the Israelites from judgment, Christ, the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), offers His blood for the redemption of all who partake in His covenant. In this moment, the long-foretold promise of a greater exodus—the liberation from sin and death—is revealed at the table of the Last Supper.

The Washing of Feet: The Mandate of Servant Leadership
In John 13:1-17, we find one of the most profound acts of Jesus’ love and humility—He washes the feet of His disciples. This task, typically reserved for the lowest servant in the household, is an act of love that demonstrates what true leadership looks like in the Kingdom of God. Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, stoops down to serve His followers in this humble way, showing them that greatness in His Kingdom is not about power or position but about service and sacrifice.

The act of foot washing becomes a symbol of the Christian life: just as Christ serves us in humility, we are called to serve one another with the same self-giving love. Jesus then gives His disciples a "new commandment" (from which Maundy Thursday derives its name, from the Latin mandatum meaning "command")—to love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34). This new commandment becomes the hallmark of His followers: a love that is sacrificial, servant-hearted, and unconditional.

The Triune Love Feast: A Tradition of Service, Communion, and Fellowship
Among the Brethren Church and other Anabaptist traditions, Maundy Thursday is often observed through a practice known as the Love Feast, a communal meal that embodies the humility, fellowship, and unity Jesus demonstrated in the Upper Room. This threefold celebration includes foot washing, a shared meal, and communion, reflecting the interconnectedness of Christ’s love, service, and sacrifice. Foot washing humbles participants before one another, reminding them that true discipleship is found in serving others. The communal meal fosters deep fellowship, echoing the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with His closest followers. Finally, the Eucharist—or bread and cup—seals this sacred act, drawing believers into the mystery of Christ’s self-giving love.

Our Western minds often prefer to see Jesus’ actions on this night as merely symbolic, reducing foot washing to an abstract lesson on humility rather than a concrete practice to be lived out. Yet for the early church and many traditions today, this is more than a symbol—it is a command to embody Christ’s love through tangible acts of service. The Love Feast is not just a reenactment; it is a lived expression of Jesus’ new commandment: to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35).

The Betrayal: Jesus’ Foretelling of His Arrest
As Jesus shares this intimate moment with His disciples, He also foretells of His betrayal. In Matthew 26:21-25 and Luke 22:21-23, Jesus reveals that one of His disciples will betray Him. The shock and grief of this revelation set the stage for the events of Good Friday. Judas, the one who will betray Him, even partakes in the meal, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus will be handed over by one of His own.

This moment serves as a stark reminder that Jesus’ love, humility, and sacrifice would be met with rejection and betrayal. Yet, even in the face of such rejection, He continues to offer His love freely, knowing that His purpose is to redeem even the one who will betray Him.

Gethsemane: The Solitude of Surrender
After sharing the Passover meal and washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46). In the hush of the night, surrounded by olive trees, He enters into deep prayer—alone with the Father. This moment is both an act of communion and anguish, revealing the weight of what is to come.

Jesus’ prayer in the garden is one of ultimate surrender: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Here, we see the full humanity of Jesus—He does not rush toward suffering but submits to the Father’s will in trust and obedience. In this moment, He experiences the solitude of surrender, where no one—not even His closest friends—can fully understand or bear the burden He carries.

His disciples, though invited to watch and pray, fall asleep. The contrast is striking: Jesus wrestles with His impending suffering while His followers drift into spiritual complacency. It is a reminder of how easy it is to grow weary in prayer, even when the hour is urgent.

In many ways, Gethsemane is the silent battleground before the cross. It is the moment where Jesus chooses the Father’s will over His own, ensuring our redemption. True strength is found in surrender, and here, Jesus teaches us that victory is often born in solitude, in the unseen moments of wrestling with God.

Reflection: A New Mandate for a New Kingdom
On this Maundy Thursday, we are invited to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love for us. His actions—His institution of the Eucharist, His humble washing of the disciples' feet, and His willingness to be betrayed—remind us of the radical love that defines the Kingdom of God. It is a love that serves, a love that sacrifices, and a love that endures even in the face of rejection.

As we reflect on these acts of love, we are also invited to ask ourselves: How are we living out the mandate to love one another as Christ has loved us? Are we serving others with humility? Are we allowing Christ’s love to transform our hearts so that we may extend that same love to the world around us?

Questions to Ponder:

• Jesus institutes the practice of communion as a sign of the new covenant. How does the Eucharist or Communion shape your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and the new relationship we have with God?
• In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet as a model of servant leadership. How can we embody this kind of humility and service in our daily lives? 
• Would you participate in this example set forth by Jesus? What reservations do you have?
• Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. What does this kind of love look like in practical terms, and how can we show that love to others—especially those who may not love us in return?
• In light of Jesus’ prediction of His betrayal, how do we reconcile the fact that even in the face of rejection and betrayal, He continues to love? How can this shape the way we respond to hurt and betrayal in our own lives?
• What does Jesus' prayer "not My will, but Yours be done" teach us about surrendering to God's will in our own lives?

Matthew 26:6-13, Isaiah 53:3

On Holy Wednesday, we step into a quieter space within Holy Week—a day where the loud and public confrontations of earlier days give way to moments of contemplation and reflection. While the Gospels are less specific about the events of this day, we can infer that it was a time when Jesus withdrew, anticipating the upcoming trials and crucifixion. For us, Holy Wednesday offers an invitation to slow down, reflect, and listen in the quiet, just as Jesus did.

One of the few events recorded for this day is the anointing of Jesus at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13). While He was reclining at the table, a woman poured costly perfume on His head as an act of deep reverence and worship. Some of the disciples, in their typical impulse, criticized the woman for wasting such an expensive offering. But Jesus, recognizing the significance of her act, praised her, saying, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” Amid all the chaos and impending tragedy, this moment of quiet worship stood as a stark contrast. It was a moment of solitude and humility—a moment of stillness before the storm.

Silence and Solitude in the Life of Jesus
Holy Wednesday reminds us that there are times when we are called to withdraw from the noise of life and give space to reflection, prayer, and preparation. In the life of Jesus, moments of silence were woven into His rhythm—times of retreat to pray, to commune with His Father, and to find strength for the road ahead. His withdrawal from the crowds during Holy Week reflects this deep need for silence and solitude, especially before the suffering that was to come.

As we read about the woman’s anointing of Jesus, we are invited to ask ourselves: how often do we take the time to be still and listen to God in the midst of our busyness? How often do we quiet our hearts to recognize the beauty of Jesus, just as the woman did, even when others may not understand or approve?

The Quiet Before the Storm
In the final days of His life, Jesus knew the storm was approaching. But in this quiet moment, He embraced the solitude as a means of preparing for the cross. He modeled for us the importance of finding moments of peace and stillness amidst the noise of life and the trials that lay ahead.

The anointing of Jesus on this day represents a prophetic act of preparing Him for burial, but it also points to the need for each of us to make space for reflection, quietness, and worship. Just as Jesus withdrew for a moment of silence before the most difficult part of His journey, so too are we invited into times of solitude to reflect on His sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the work He wants to do in us.

Reflection: Embracing Solitude with Jesus
As we move toward the cross, Holy Wednesday challenges us to embrace silence and solitude in a world full of distractions. Jesus calls us to quiet our hearts and minds to focus on the things that truly matter. The woman’s act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume speaks to the heart of worship—giving something precious to God in a quiet, intimate way, free from the judgment and noise of others.

In this season, let us take the time to step away from the noise, to reflect on Christ’s journey to the cross, and to worship Him in the quiet moments of our lives. Let us embrace the discipline of solitude as a way to deepen our relationship with Him, preparing our hearts for the work He wants to do.

Questions to Ponder:

• The woman’s act of anointing Jesus was done in silence and solitude. How can we cultivate moments of quiet worship in our own lives, especially in the midst of a busy and noisy world?
• Jesus often withdrew to pray and spend time alone with His Father. In what ways can we embrace solitude to deepen our relationship with God, especially as we prepare for the challenges in our own lives?
• The anointing of Jesus pointed to His impending burial. How can we use times of silence and reflection to prepare our hearts for the work Christ has done and continues to do in us?

Matthew 21:15-46, Romans 11

As we journey through Holy Week, Holy Tuesday stands as a day of reflection and challenge. After the cleansing of the temple on Holy Monday, Jesus continues to confront the religious establishment, speaking directly to the hearts of those who claim to know God. It’s a day when Jesus speaks truth boldly, challenging both the pride of the religious leaders and the false systems of power that were misrepresenting God’s Kingdom.

In the temple, Jesus has some of His most pointed conversations, especially with the Pharisees and Sadducees, who test Him with difficult questions (Matthew 22:15-46). They seek to trap Him in His words, but time and again, Jesus turns their questions back on them, exposing their hypocrisy and misunderstanding of God’s law.

The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46)
(Matthew 21:33-46) is one of the key teachings on Holy Tuesday. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a vineyard owner who rents out his vineyard to tenants. When the owner sends servants to collect the fruit, the tenants beat and kill them. Finally, the owner sends his son, and the tenants kill him too. Jesus uses this story to expose the religious leaders’ rejection of God’s messengers and, ultimately, the Son of God Himself. He speaks of how the Kingdom of God will be taken away from them and given to others who will produce the fruit of the Kingdom.

While the parable is a clear critique of Israel’s leadership, it also points to a broader truth—God’s Kingdom is not confined to one group of people, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. For those of us in the church, this parable serves as a reminder that we, too, have been entrusted with the work of the vineyard. It’s not about heritage or position, but about fruitfulness—our ability to live out the principles of God’s Kingdom. The religious leaders thought they were the rightful heirs to God’s Kingdom, but Jesus’ words make it clear that God’s promises are not limited to just ethnic Israel. Rather, the Kingdom of God is open to all who will embrace the gospel and bear the fruit of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

The Apostle Paul uses this imagery in Romans 11, where Gentiles—once outsiders—are grafted into the covenant promises originally given to Israel. In the same way, this parable shifts the focus from a nationalistic view of God's Kingdom, where belonging is determined by ethnic or political identity, to a new understanding of the Kingdom as a community of people from every nation, united not by borders but by their faith in Christ. Jesus is calling for the creation of a new nation—a people who are marked not by their nationality, but by their fruitfulness in living out the values of God's Kingdom, which transcend any earthly power or authority.

In this context, the church becomes a living testament to the idea that the Kingdom of God is not about privilege or power but about the transformative grace of God that extends to all. The parable calls us to examine our hearts: Are we faithful stewards of the Kingdom? Are we bearing fruit that reflects God’s justice, mercy, and love? As the “grafted-in” people, we are called to live in a way that demonstrates the values of the Kingdom—not as a display of power or pride, but as a sign of humility, sacrifice, and reconciliation. (Galatians 3:28).

Reflection: The Kingdom and the Coming Judgment
Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday are not just warnings; they are invitations. Invitations to examine the state of our hearts, the way we live, and how we engage with the world around us. In the parables and teachings, we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is not about outward appearance, but about the transformation of our hearts. Jesus confronts the religious leaders’ self-righteousness and calls us to humility.

As we reflect on this day, we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It is not a Kingdom built on power or control, but on the sacrificial love and humility of Christ. The challenges Jesus presents are as relevant today as they were when He first spoke them. Are we producing the fruit of the Kingdom? Are we prepared for His return?

In the same way Jesus challenged the religious leaders to examine their hearts, He challenges us today to live faithfully in anticipation of His return. The end of the story has already been written, and we are called to live in light of it.

As we move closer to the cross, let’s ask ourselves: What does it mean to be part of God’s Kingdom? How are we called to live in a way that reflects the justice, mercy, and love of Jesus? How can we live as faithful stewards of God’s grace, fruitfully participating in His mission of redemption?
 
Questions to Ponder:

• In the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46), Jesus warns about the dangers of rejecting God’s messengers and His Son. How might we be rejecting God’s work in our lives or in the world today?
• Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God being taken from the religious leaders and given to others who will bear fruit (Matthew 21:43). What does it mean to bear fruit in God’s Kingdom, and how are we called to do so in our daily lives?
• Jesus teaches about the end times and the need to be ready for His return (Matthew 24-25). What does it look like to live in a way that reflects a readiness for Jesus’ return, especially in light of the already-but-not yet tension of God’s Kingdom?
• How can we cultivate a sense of vigilance and faithfulness in the present, knowing that Christ’s reign has already begun but is not yet fully realized?

Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

On Holy Monday, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus' zeal for God’s house intersects with His deep concern for justice and the marginalized. After the joyous shouts of “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday, we now see Jesus entering the temple—not as a meek teacher, but with righteous anger. He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove out those who were selling doves (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17). But this is not just an act of "righteous anger"—it is a holy and prophetic challenge to both the physical and social corruption of the temple.

The temple was the place where heaven met earth, where God’s presence dwelt among His people. It was meant to be a place of worship, a space where people could connect with the Almighty. But by turning it into a marketplace, the religious leaders robbed the poor of their ability to access the sacred. The marginalized, who could only afford the least expensive offerings, were being exploited by the merchants who charged exorbitant prices. In a place that should have been a sanctuary for all, the poor were being pushed further away, barred from full participation in the worship of God.

Jesus’ cleansing of the temple was not only an act of purification but also a profound statement about justice. He was challenging the oppression of the poor and the misuse of God’s house for personal gain. By driving out the money changers, Jesus was calling the people to a deeper understanding of God’s heart for justice and equity. His actions reminded them that true worship cannot exist apart from a concern for the marginalized.

In this moment, Jesus was not only cleansing the temple but also calling us to examine how we treat the poor and marginalized in our own lives. How do we approach the sacred in our world? How do we ensure that those who are often overlooked are not excluded from the presence of God? Jesus’ actions on Holy Monday remind us that the Kingdom of God is not just about personal piety—it’s about seeking justice, lifting up the oppressed, and making room for all to worship in spirit and truth.

Jesus’ actions on Holy Monday invite us to reconsider the spaces where we encounter God today—whether it be the physical places we gather for worship, the systems we participate in, or even our own hearts. Are we creating environments that are accessible to all? Are we living out the justice of God, ensuring that the marginalized are not just welcomed but seen and valued? As the Body of Christ, we are called to be a temple—a living representation of God's Kingdom on earth. Let us reflect on how we can be agents of justice, compassion, and inclusion in our own communities, making room for all to encounter the sacred, just as Jesus intended."

The Temple as a Reflection of Our Lives
For Jesus, the temple was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, but it had been turned into a den of thieves. The symbolism here is striking—Jesus is not only angry at the physical corruption but also at the spiritual decay that the temple represented. The temple was supposed to be a place where the people of God came to encounter Him in worship and prayer, but greed and exploitation had taken root instead.
In this cleansing, Jesus calls us to examine our own lives. As the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), are we keeping our hearts pure from the clutter of worldly distractions, idols, and systems that perpetuate injustice? Are we truly living as faithful witnesses to the Kingdom of God, or have we allowed worldly values to shape our worship?

A Call to Repentance and Renewal
Jesus' act of cleansing the temple is also an invitation to repentance. Just as He purified the temple, He longs to purify our hearts. The cleansing of the temple is a sign of God's desire for transformation—not just on the external level but within us. We are reminded that salvation is not just a legal transaction but a transformative journey that calls us to live in the way of Jesus—embodying His peace, justice, and humility.

For Brethren traditions, this transformation is not merely personal but communal. The call to be purified is also a call to be a community that reflects God’s Kingdom in every aspect of life. In our relationships, our work, and our worship, we are invited to live out the values of Jesus' Kingdom, rejecting the systems of oppression and exploitation that so often define the world around us.

Jesus' Zeal for His Father’s House
Jesus’ zealous action in the temple was not an act of violence but a righteous, prophetic action in line with the will of the Father. His zeal was fueled by His deep love for the Father’s purposes. He was willing to disrupt the status quo to restore the temple’s true purpose. As followers of Christ, we are called to have this same zeal for God’s will in our own lives and communities. This zeal may sometimes require us to challenge unjust systems, confront personal sin, call for transformation, to become peacemakers and not peacekeepers—especially when it is uncomfortable.

Reflection and Action: A Kingdom People
As we move toward the cross, Holy Monday invites us to pause, reflect, and examine the “temples” of our hearts and bodies. What needs to be cleansed? What false idols, injustices, or distractions do we need to remove to make space for the presence of God?
On this Holy Monday, let’s reflect on Jesus' challenge to His people and prepare ourselves for the deeper work of repentance and renewal that the cross will bring. We are called to be a people who live out the Kingdom of God, where peace, justice, and holiness reign.

Questions to ponder:

• How does Jesus' cleansing of the temple challenge the way we approach our worship and our relationship with God?
• Are there areas in our lives that need to be purified?
• In what ways are we called to challenge unjust systems and practices within our communities, just as Jesus challenged the temple's corruption?
• What does it look like for us to live as a Kingdom people today?
• How can we embody the values of Jesus’ Kingdom in our daily lives?

Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-40

As we gather on Palm Sunday, we join the crowds in praising Jesus as He rides into Jerusalem, hailed as the King of Israel. The scene is filled with excitement and expectation. People lay down palm branches and shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:9). But beneath the surface of this triumph lies a deeper truth—a kingdom not of this world and a reign that turns our earthly expectations upside down.

A Kingdom Unlike Any Other
In the Brethren Church and even so into our deeper Anabaptist tradition, we emphasize the radical nature of Jesus’ kingdom. It’s a kingdom that doesn’t rely on power, wealth, or military might. Instead, it’s a kingdom of peace, reconciliation, and community—a kingdom that transforms hearts and lives (Isaiah 9:1-7). As followers of Christ, we are not called to establish an earthly kingdom through force or political means but to live as citizens of God’s kingdom right here and now.

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey signals that His kingdom is not about domination or political power. It’s a kingdom of humble service, peace, and justice. Palm Sunday is a reminder that Christ's reign is one of love and sacrifice, not one of violence and oppression. For the Apprentice of Jesus, this is not just a symbol—it’s a way of life to be copied. As we seek to follow Jesus, we are called to live out this radical kingdom ethic in the world, practicing peace, forgiveness, and sacrificial love to everyone around us. (Zechariah 9:9-17)

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry: A Call to Reorientation
In many churches, Palm Sunday is a moment of triumph, but it’s important to note that this victory is not yet fully realized. While Jesus is proclaimed as King, He rides in not as a military conqueror but as a humble servant. The disciples and the crowd might not have fully understood what kind of King Jesus was. They expected a political savior who would overthrow Roman oppression. But the salvation Jesus offers is much deeper: it is the restoration of all things, beginning in the hearts of those who follow Him. (Romans 8:18-25)
For us as believers, this calls us to reorient our lives. We are called to follow a King who doesn’t just promise an eternal future but who invites us into a present reality where His reign is already at work. This is not about waiting passively for a distant future but about living now considering His current Kingdom.

The Call to Discipleship and Peace
Palm Sunday challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we truly willing to follow the example of Jesus? His entry into Jerusalem was not just a moment of triumph but also a journey toward the cross. The path He walks is one of self-emptying, sacrifice, and radical love. As disciples, we are called to live in such a way that the peace of Christ transforms not just our hearts but also the world around us.

In our brethren tradition, we hold to the principle of nonviolence and the belief that the way of Jesus is the way of peace. On Palm Sunday, as we remember the King who came not to be served but to serve, we are reminded that our participation in God’s Kingdom is a call to peacemaking, justice, and love. We are to embody the character of Christ in our interactions with others, demonstrating His peace in a world often filled with division and strife.

Looking Ahead to the Cross
Palm Sunday sets the stage for Holy Week, where we will follow Jesus to the cross. The crowd’s shouts of "Hosanna" will turn into shouts of "Crucify Him." Yet, we hold fast to the truth that Jesus’ death on the cross is not a moment of defeat, but the ultimate victory—a victory that transforms us from the inside out.

The very worst sin that has ever been committed was the murder of the Son of God. The very best thing that has ever happened on this planet was the death of the Son of God.
– Stuart Olyott

His resurrection, which we celebrate on Easter Sunday, is the definitive declaration that God’s Kingdom is breaking into our world in a new and powerful way.

Living Into the Kingdom
As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us remember that Jesus is not simply the King of a future reality but the King of the present. His Kingdom is here and now. This Palm Sunday, let’s ask ourselves: How can we, as His disciples, live out the values of His Kingdom today? How can we be agents of peace, reconciliation, and love in our families, our communities, and the world? Let us embrace the radical call to follow Jesus—humble, sacrificial, and full of love—as we live into the reality of His Kingdom.

Questions to ponder:

• In what ways does Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem challenge our understanding of power and authority? 
• Do we tend to view power and authority as political, ideological, or militaristic? 
• How can we reflect the values of Jesus’ Kingdom—peace, humility, and sacrificial love—in our everyday lives, especially in a world that often elevates power through domination or force?
• Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) in a world often marked by conflict and division. What does it look like for us to embody Christ’s peace in our relationships, work, and communities?
• Are there areas of your life where you struggle to live out this peace?
• Are we peacekeepers or peacemakers?
• Palm Sunday reminds us that following Jesus involves both triumph and suffering. How does the anticipation of the cross reshape our view of discipleship?
• In what ways can we better prepare ourselves to live faithfully amid both the joys and challenges of following Jesus?

In Luke 3:1-6, the historian and physician Luke does something fascinating. He lists the most powerful people of his time—Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, and Caiaphas. These were the rulers, the decision-makers, the ones who, by all worldly standards, held the keys to history.

And yet, Luke immediately shifts focus. God’s word—the very voice of heaven breaking into Earth—doesn’t come to Caesar in his palace, Pilate in his seat of governance, or to the religious elite in the temple. Instead, it comes to John the Baptist, a man in the wilderness.

This isn’t just an interesting narrative detail. It’s a powerful statement about where God speaks, how His Kingdom moves, and what that means for us today.

God Speaks in the Wilderness
John wasn’t in the halls of power. He wasn’t surrounded by noise, influence, or the machinery of empire. He was in the wilderness—alone, in solitude, in silence. And that’s where God’s word came to him.

It’s easy to think that if we want to hear from God, it only happens in certain settings—like during a powerful worship service, a great sermon, or when we’re surrounded by community. While those moments are important and life-giving, Luke 3 reminds us that God also speaks in the quiet places, away from the noise and distractions of daily life.

That’s why silence and solitude are so important in our spiritual lives. In a world that constantly demands our attention—through social media, the news, endless notifications, and the pressure to always be doing something—it’s in silence that we learn to listen.

Solitude Prepares Us for the Kingdom
John’s time in the wilderness wasn’t wasted time. It was preparation. Before Jesus began His public ministry, He too spent 40 days in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2). Moses encountered God in the solitude of the mountain. Elijah heard God’s whisper in the stillness (1 Kings 19:11-13). Over and over, Scripture shows us that God draws people into silence and solitude—not to isolate them, but to prepare them for His Kingdom.

And this is where we need to be careful: The Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world.

We live in a culture where power is measured by influence, authority, and control. Governments and empires have always been built on strength, wealth, and dominance. Even in the church, we can sometimes buy into the idea that if only the right leaders were in charge, or if we had more influence in politics, then God’s Kingdom would advance.

But John the Baptist, standing in the wilderness, reminds us otherwise. The Kingdom of God doesn’t come through state power, military might, or cultural dominance. It comes through repentance, humility, hearts, and lives prepared to receive Christ and make Him King.

This is why solitude is so important—because it detaches us from the systems and expectations of the world and reorients us to the way of Jesus.

• Solitude reminds us that God's Kingdom is not about control but surrender. In silence before God, we realize we are not in charge—He is. We let go of our need to dominate and instead learn to trust.
• Solitude teaches us that the Kingdom is not about being seen but being shaped. Worldly power seeks recognition, but the greatest work of God often happens in hidden places. In solitude, we allow God to do deep, unseen work in our hearts.
• Solitude exposes our misplaced hopes. If we’ve placed our trust in politics, power, or cultural influence, time alone with God will reveal where our hearts have been led astray. It calls us back to Jesus, the true King, whose rule looks nothing like Rome, Babylon —or yes, even the United States.

John’s message in the wilderness was simple: “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4). And that preparation didn’t come through legislation, elections, or revolutions. It came through repentance, renewal, and realignment with God’s purposes.

What About Us?
Solitude with God is more than just a break from the noise—it is a radical act of resistance against the idea that worldly power is what truly matters.

When we step away from distractions, we step into the reality that God’s Kingdom is already here and moving—not through force, but through transformed hearts.

So, let’s embrace the wilderness. Let’s seek God in solitude. And let’s allow Him to reshape our understanding of power—not as the world gives it, but as Jesus revealed it.

On a Personal Note,
Many of you know that Samantha and I have been on a Sabbatical since my term ended on the Governance Board in January 2025. This time was intentional for much-needed rest and reflection, but what I didn’t know was that this time has been transformational for my walk with Jesus.

In what ways, you might ask? Like more naps, not teaching, or having to volunteer for everything under the sun? That sounds great, but transformational? Not so much.

If I can be honest with you as a part of the body of Canvas Community Church, this season has been transformational because I’ve come to realize that a large part of my identity within the body of Christ has been rooted in what I can do—what I have done. While I encourage each of my fellow church family to serve and live out our calling in action, I’ve realized that the temptation is there for identity fraud, an identity fraud that isn’t the kind where a cybercriminal steals your information, but one where we subtly lean into pride, usefulness, and what we can do for others. These are forms of power that we often carry unknowingly, and it’s tempting to make them our identity.

What I’ve come to realize is that these forms of power—whether we can serve, lead, or even just be useful in the world—are not reflective of the ‘power-under’ Kingdom of God. They are often the very types of worldly power that we need to step away from. I’ve had to learn the hard way that solitude with God has a way of revealing where we’ve unknowingly drawn our sense of worth and power from. In the silence, I’ve seen how easily I’ve connected my identity to my ability to be “needed.”

The season of solitude that came with this sabbatical has been a way for God to speak into that place of power and offer me a deeper, quieter identity that doesn’t come from what I do—but who I am in Christ – especially when it comes to my roles as an Apprentice of Jesus, a Husband, a Father, a Son, and a friend. When we step away from the systems and expectations of the world, we come face-to-face with the reality that the Kingdom of God doesn’t operate by those same power structures. Instead, God’s Kingdom calls us to lay down those forms of “control,” to rest in His grace, and find our identity not in what we can produce but in who we are in Christ.

This sabbatical doesn’t just give me time for rest; it gave me the space to step away from the systems of worldly power that I had unknowingly conformed to, and into the quiet where God could remind me that my worth and purpose come not from what I do for others, but from who I am in Christ. In that space, God gently reshaped and is in the process of reshaping, my understanding of power—not as control or recognition, but as surrender, humility, and trust in His timing.

While life doesn’t stop for Sabbatical or Solitude, we need moments to rest and reflect – moments to quiet our minds and allow God to reshape and recenter our worldview on His good news.

Discussion Questions to Ponder

• How do we tend to trust the power structures we know – like politics, wealth, or influence – instead of the power of God’s Kingdom? What fears or insecurities drive us to do so?
• What does it look like in our daily lives to live as if the power of the Lamb of God is the true authority over the power systems of the world (Matthew 28:18)? How do we surrender to that power in tangible ways?
• In a world that constantly pushes for recognition and success, how do we resist the pressure to seek worldly/secular validation and instead embrace God’s quiet, hidden work in our lives?
• Solitude can be uncomfortable and countercultural. How does stepping away from the noise help us realize where we have placed our hope in worldly power? What changes might God be calling you to make to trust Him more fully?

Hey Everyone!

It is Tuesday, so it's time to pray and fast in preparation for the upcoming election. Pray for the results of this upcoming election. Remind yourself in prayer that God is sovereign over the results of every election. Pray that you will be willing to submit to the newly elected leaders of our government as an expression of your trust in God, who allows them to hold the position.
 
I'd encourage you to read Romans 13:1 today. Consider what it means for there to be no authority except from God. God has chosen to work within the broken systems of humanity to bring about His eternal redemptive plan from the beginning. Even if your desired candidates don’t win, even if it seems our nation is moving further away from God’s will, God is still sovereign. Jesus is on the throne, and He can be trusted.

Let’s express our trust in Him through prayer this week! Let’s not let the results of this election shake our faith in WHO God is and WHAT He will accomplish through Jesus!

Blessings,
Ryan Miller

Hey Everyone!

It is Tuesday, so it's time to pray and fast in preparation for the upcoming election. Pray for the candidates running for office this election cycle. Pray that God will impress them with the significance of the responsibility they seek. Pray that God would be drawing the candidates of this election into His salvation.

I'd encourage you to read 1 Timothy 2:1-6 today. Consider that every person running for office this election cycle is an image bearer of the Most High God. God desires that all of these candidates come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. No matter what you might think about any one candidate, no one is too far from God’s grace. Pray today that God would powerfully work through the Holy Spirit in these candidates’ lives.

Blessings,

Hey Everyone!

It is Tuesday, so it's time to pray and fast in preparation for the upcoming election. Pray for the prosperity of our nation during this election cycle. Pray that citizens of our country will reject the divisive nature of politics that has become so prevalent. Pray that the candidates who win the national elections will pass resolutions that serve the citizens of our country and bless the world around us. Pray for God to give you a vision of how you can live in a way that seeks our nation’s welfare.

I'd encourage you to read Jeremiah 29:4-7 today. Consider the significance of God’s command to the nation of Israel to pray for the prosperity of the people who forced them into exile. The Babylonians were an idolatrous nation who rejected the God of the universe. However, God still called His people to pray for and work towards their prosperity. In the first few chapters of Daniel, we see many examples of how Daniel was faithful to this command. He learned to love the people of Babylon. He sacrificially served them with integrity without compromising his morality. God used this to give him influence in the lives of those around him.

How might this story be an example for us today? We live in a culture that is increasingly in rebellion against the God of the universe. Do we pray and work toward the prosperity of our nation? Do we trust that even if our influence seems insignificant to the culture around us, we worship the “Lord of Heaven’s Armies,” and He will have the final word? My prayer is that we will learn some valuable lessons from the example of Daniel and become people who pray for and work toward the prosperity of our nation with integrity and without compromising our morality. My prayer is that God will give His church an influence in the lives of our neighbors for His glory and for their good.

Blessings,

Hey Everyone!

This past Sunday, I preached a message about what the Bible is, why it matters, and how to read it. I got some questions from people about what resources I would recommend to help you when reading the Bible for yourself. I could probably write a series of blogs for weeks with my thoughts on this topic. We will also likely do some intentional classes and training on this topic in the future. But for now, I will briefly list several resources that might help you start this journey. Underlined words contain hyperlinks.

1. Bible Project Overview Series
This playlist of videos (around 5 minutes each) will help you learn to approach the Bible as one unified story pointing to Jesus.

2. NEW and OLD Testament Book Overviews
Before sitting down to read any book of the Bible for the first time or the first time in a long time, I’d encourage you to watch the brief book overviews compiled by the Bible Project. They do a great job of helping you grasp the book’s overall structure before you dive into the weeds.

3. Listeners Commentary Series
This is a podcast series structured like a commentary. The author works through books of the Bible a few verses at a time and gives helpful context to understand the text’s nuance better. Check out what books of the Bible he has covered and use them as you read the Bible for yourself.

4. The Bible Recap Podcast
This podcast is one of the most popular Christian podcasts in the world. It is set up to be used alongside a Bible in a year reading plan or a New Testament in 3 months reading plan. You start with around 15 minutes of Bible reading and follow it up with around 10 minutes of podcast explaining the context around the reading and addressing any difficult questions that come from the reading. This podcast has created a community of people who end up reading the Bible together and can interact with one another via social media.

5. Blue Letter Bible
BLB is an amazing free resource that allows you to look up the original language and access a lot of free commentaries and additional resources about the passage you are reading. It has a little bit of a learning curve. Please let me know if you start using it and run into any challenges!

6. Study Bibles
A study Bible is another great resource to consider when reading the Bible for yourself. Although there are several wonderful study Bibles out there, below are a few that I would recommend first:
-The Jesus Bible
-NIV Life Application Study Bible
-NLT Illustrated Study Bible
-Tony Evans Study Bible
-NET Bible… This is not a study Bible but has A LOT of translation notes that can give helpful insights and context for the slightly more experienced Bible reader.

7. Commentary Series
A commentary is a step up from a study Bible and is usually a single volume for each book of the Bible. There are also many excellent commentarys available, but below are a few that I would recommend first:
-NT for Everyone by NT Wright
-Story of God Commentary Series (Multiple Authors)
-The New Testament in Color
-The New Testament in its World

Don’t try to eat the elephant in one bite. Start slow and try out one of these at a time. Find the resource that is most helpful to you, and be consistent.

If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have a great week!
Pastor Ryan

The prompt for this week is to pray for unity in the American Church. Pray that followers of Jesus throughout our nation will prioritize unity with one another over and above their desired outcome for this upcoming election. Pray that we will become ONE as Christ and the Father are ONE. Pray that our counter-cultural unity during this election cycle will serve as a witness of Jesus Christ to the watching world.

I'd encourage you to read John 17 today. Think about the significance of this being the final prayer of Christ that we have recorded in the Scriptures. What would it look like for you to echo this prayer of Christ and seek to live out its implications regularly?

As a pastor, I am constantly reminded of this passage of Scripture. Jesus seems to indicate that the effectiveness of our witness to the outside world directly corresponds to our ability to find unity with one another through Jesus. Once you have spent significant time in prayer, I’d recommend the following podcast conversation and sermon if you’d like to interact with some additional content around this topic.

Blessings,
Ryan Miller

The prompt for this week is to pray for our community. Pray that this election cycle will be a catalyst for neighbor love in our community. Pray that the candidates who win local elections will pass resolutions that serve our community. Pray that election day will go smoothly and that the volunteers executing the election will be safe and feel valued. Pray for God to give you a vision of how you can specifically serve our community.

I'd encourage you to read Luke 10:25-37 today. Think about the parable of the Good Samaritan in light of the current political climate. What might it look like for us to take seriously Christ’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves? How have we become like the priest or the Levite who refuses to have compassion on those in need?

Jesus likely told this parable because the Jews hated Samaritans. It would have been very challenging for Jews to see any good or value in anything a Samaritan might do. Many Christians do the same thing with those on the opposite political spectrum. What might it look like to look for the good in those we disagree with? How might our community benefit from a church that chooses not to demonize individuals whom they disagree with politically?


Blessings,
Ryan

Hey Everyone!

It is Tuesday, and that means it's time to pray and fast in preparation for the upcoming election. The prompt for this week is to pray for unity within our local congregation. If we are not careful, we can easily be persuaded to prioritize unity with people who have the same earthly political views as us rather than with people who serve the same eternal King as us.

I'd encourage you to read Ephesians 4:1-6 today. Pray that God will give you an eager heart to pursue unity with members of our local congregation, even amid significant earthly disagreements. Pray that God will give you the strength and the wisdom to see His Kingdom first this election cycle. Pray that as our church cultivates a counter-cultural unity during this election cycle, the community around us will see our unity, and it will cause them to be curious about the message of Jesus!Finally, I will leave you with this quote from Austin Fischer, a pastor of a politically diverse congregation in Texas. “I am not saying all of our differences are inconsequential; some of them are very consequential. But if Jesus just holds us together in inconsequential differences, then that’s not very impressive.” My prayer as the pastor of our church is that we would allow Jesus to hold us together in unity as the family of God amid consequential political differences.
Blessings,

Hey Everyone!

The prompt for this week is to pray for yourself. Over the next few months, you will likely be inundated with lots of political information. This information is intentionally aimed to divide. Political ads are strategically designed to make one side look like the hero and the other look like the enemy. Politicians want you to see them as the hero and their opponent as the enemy.

As followers of Jesus, we can approach this content from a different perspective. In 1 Peter 2, followers of Jesus are called “temporary residents” on Earth. What happens in the upcoming election matters, but it isn’t ultimate. Therefore, rather than getting consumed with the details of the election and becoming overwhelmed with fear or anger, we can seek to make peace with our neighbors on either end of the political spectrum so that even if they disagree with your opinion, they “may see your honorable behavior and give honor to God.”

I’d encourage you to read 1 Peter 2:13-17 sometime today. Pray that God will give you the wisdom and strength to view yourself as a “temporary resident” on Earth. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to invest your time, energy, and passionate opinions into God’s Kingdom first. Remember that Jesus Christ died, was buried, rose, and ascended into Heaven, where He is currently ruling and reigning and will return as the rightful ruler of all of His creation.

Breathe in the Grace of God over your life today and interact with others out of the overflow of God’s grace.

Blessings,
Ryan

This past Sunday, we had the opportunity to interact with what (in my opinion) is one of Paul’s most provocative statements in all of his writings. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul says,“Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.” This statement addresses Paul’s approach to laying down his priorities, preferences, and desire to win an argument to build relational bridges with people far from God.

I suggested that the most effective way for us to live missional lives in our community is to find common ground with people out of a genuine love for them. Authentic missional living starts with loving relationships with those around you. However, this doesn’t mean we leave our convictions about truth at the door. So, how do we do this practically? How do we lead with love yet still find ways to speak truth in a way that doesn’t jeopardize the relationship?

The day after I gave this message I came across a very practical podcast that offers some helpful tools and resources on how to communicate truth in love with those around you. If you were challenged by Sunday’s message and want to improve in this area of your life, I highly recommend that you take the time to interact with this podcast and take advantage of some of the tools and resources they offer in the interview.

As always, I am praying for all of us as we seek to become both hearers of the Word and doers. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any comments or questions you have!

Have an amazing week living on mission!

Pastor Ryan

“Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life… There is nothing else.” Dallas Willard

I have been stressing throughout the day about whether or not we should have in-person church services tomorrow. I feel the pull and tug of opinions from people on both sides. At the end of the day, I know no matter what decision I make, some will disagree with it. What a metaphor for life. We will never please everyone.

As I weighed the pros and cons and tried to decide who I wanted to disappoint less, my wife encouraged me to stop stressing and pray (great advice if I say so myself). It took me about 60-seconds in prayer to be reminded of a very simple truth. The One I should be seeking to please the most is God. So, what decision would God have me to make? I think as your pastor, He would have me make a decision that disciples you towards Him.

I have decided to cancel in-person services. Even if many of the roads are clear by the morning, most of us will have to spend lots of time and frantic energy getting our driveways shoveled and our cars ready to drive. I want to encourage you to use this weather as an opportunity to slow down and spend quality time in the presence of God in prayer, worship, and the Scriptures. Leave the snow on your cars and driveways for a few extra hours, pause, breathe, and rest in God’s love for you! (When’s the last time you actually did this?)

I love the quote at the top of this post. Our culture is consumed by hurry and anxiety. Our calendars are full of obligations and responsibilities and if we’re honest, God often get’s the leftovers. Although, I believe the physical gathering of believers is an extremely important part of our life with God, so is intentional, quiet, alone time with God. Rather than risking having so many of us out on the iffy road conditions, I want to encourage all of us to invest these few extra hours to seek God’s heart.

God has given us the gift of a winter storm which is the one thing that seems to actually slow our culture down. May we redeem this gift by spending intentional time in silence and solitude with God. May we use a few extra hours stuck at home to spend quality time with our families. May we look for opportunities to serve our neighbors with the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Lastly, our staff has put together an online worship service. We would love it if you could join us online at 10:00am. But no matter what you do with your extra time tomorrow, I pray that you would use it to seek after God.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other… Fear the LORD your God, serve him only” Matthew 6:24a & Deuteronomy 6:13a

Love,

Pastor Ryan

This past Sunday Pastor Matt taught from John 5: the healing of the invalid (dubbed "Fred") at the pool of Bethesda. His slides from the sermon are here so that you can follow along as you listen or just so you can ponder the implications of the story.

Did this message resonate with you? 

“If the resurrection is true, then everything will be alright.”
- Tim Keller

Sermon Recap
This Sunday we talked about Jesus’ appearance to Saul on the road to Damascus. Jesus’ appearances after the resurrection display the true character of God. We look into the interaction that changed Saul from a persecutor of the church to a disciple and teacher of Christ’s kingdom. 

Saul was zealous for the law, a Jew of Jews. He acted upon the law and hunted the men and women who followed Christ’s teachings. We discussed what can be referred to as Certainty Blindness - the condition in which you’re so convinced by your own idea that you cannot see and understand reality. Jesus lovingly confronts Saul’s bad theology. 

“Saul, Saul,”
Jesus calls out to him in the form of a light from Heaven. This is a call of love and understanding. We see Jesus use this in talking to Martha, as she frets over work to be done. We see Jesus use this in calling to Jerusalem as he is sent to crucifixion. There is so much passion and it’s being directed the wrong way. Saul is missing the point. Saul wants so badly to live for the Lord and he is missing the point entirely. 

“Why are you persecuting me?”
Jesus calls straight to the motivation. Why are you doing this? The why has serious implications for the what and the how. “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”  God is pushing Saul in the right direction and he is resisting. 


Certainty Blindness
There are three forms of certainty blindness we often fall prey to. 
We are blinded by religious ideology.

• We twist God’s word to make Him out to be what our religious beliefs want him to be.

We are blinded by political ideology.

• We twist God’s word to make Him out to be what our political beliefs want him to be.

We are blinded by our own selfish desires.

• We twist God’s word to make Him out to be what our personal beliefs want him to be. 

What if we’re missing the whole point? What if we’re so focused on making an answer for ourselves we’re not giving God the space to answer our questions for Himself? We create a god in our own image and we call him Jesus. 

“Who are you? What should I do?”
These are questions we should ask in everything. He receives his answer through Ananias. God tells Saul through Ananias that he is “The righteous One” and Saul is his “chosen instrument.” Saul is instructed to go and be baptized, to call on His name. Saul has been put in the perfect place to do the work of the Lord. He is a Jew with knowledge of the Torah, in a city with a large population of Christ followers, with roads leading in all directions.

God positions us perfectly to use our strengths. Even after receiving these answers, Paul says later that his goal is to know and obey God. We will not fully know God on this side of Heaven, but our goal remains to know Him and obey Him. Instead of getting caught up in our own ideas may we ask these questions and wait and listen for God’s answer. May the righteous one of God correct our unrighteous ideas.

“The resurrection serves as a demarcation. You cannot learn someone is divine and remain neutral about them.”
- Tara-Leigh Cobble

Sermon Recap
This Sunday we talked about the importance of the resurrection. We acknowledged that Christianity means nothing without Jesus having been raised from the dead. The Christian church is unique in this. In many other religions, their beliefs are based on teachings. If we found out Buddha never lived, Buddhism could still be practiced. Without the resurrection, there’s no meaning in our beliefs. Abundant life comes through sacrificial love.

Jesus died and was raised for our sins to be forgiven. So how do we respond? Where do we go from here? We repent. We turn from our sins towards the love of our father. In our repentance, we believe. We believe that God reigns above all and Jesus died for us in love and was raised from the dead.

Jesus draws near to us. (Luke 23:13 - 16)
In the midst of our fear and our unbelief, Jesus draws near to us. We may not see him for who he is, but he is with us.

Culmination of the ages. (Luke 24:25 - 27)
The Old Testament is a story of God’s desire to have a relationship with us and his inability to dwell alongside sin. The resurrection of Jesus brings meaning to the bible; it fulfills the law and the prophecies.

Draw near to God. (Luke 24:29 - 34)
The broken body of Jesus is the key to understanding the scriptures and the Christian life. We were encouraged to take time to pray out loud, to ask God to reveal himself more clearly to us. God wants to engage with you.
“The humble table where Christ is invited to sit becomes a sacred place of revelation.”
 - Alex Maclaren

Review:

• If you want to listen to this sermon, you can do so here.
• Below is a handout that was given alongside this sermon. Use it in your daily life, to ask God to reveal himself more clearly to you.

Additional resources:
If this Sunday’s sermon made you want to dig a little deeper, below are some additional resources.

1. Bible Translation Comparison. 

Here is a handy graphic to give you an idea of where biblical translations fall on the scale of “word-for-word” to “paraphrased.”
2. Extra Study 
The QR code below will also get you here! This is a resource from Pastor Ryan to feed into your study time.

Today Pastor Matt talked about the morning of Jesus' resurrection, the first followers to see Him alive, and the emotional turmoil that everyone involved experienced.

So what can we do when life spins out of control and causes us to feel afraid? Give it to God! We finished the service by individually praying The Prayer of Relinquishment. Pray along with the slides below and give the outcome to God! 

This past Sunday we covered the Spiritual Station of the Servant. Like all the other Stations, we’ll look at a healthy approach to Servanthood and an unhealthy approach to Servanthood, and how we can remain ‘Biblical Servants’ in the face of service to others and also being served.
 
Biblical Servanthood – is a transformative discipline that lets the world see Jesus, while simultaneously changing us as well.
 
Our text this week took us through John 2:1-12, where the servants not only got to witness a miracle and a blessing, but they also witnessed Jesus’ miraculous work behind the scenes of the Wedding at Cana. Join us, as we see together, the servants who are partnering with Jesus that knew where the miracle came from, but how everyone at the wedding was able to experience the blessing of the miracle. This is the blessing of the Church, to co-labor, to co-partner with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords in His mission and His ministry. But do we often only get to experience the blessing without actually being involved enough to see Jesus’ work behind the scenes?
 
We’ll also look at unhealthy servitude, where Jesus warns us “Don’t do as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and the streets to call attention to their acts of charity!”
 
We’ll look at the disciplines of humility and sacrifice, that they go hand in hand with the act and generosity of Biblical Servanthood, where we are willing to both serve and be served by others.
 
We’ll ask the hard questions.
- Am I under-serving? Am I not adequately using the gifts God has given me to better serve His Kingdom?

- Am I self-serving? Am I using the gifts God has given me to only serve myself or my own interests?

- Am I over-serving? Am I not taking time to make sure my gifts and interest align with God’s purpose and Will for my life and His mission?

- While serving, am I pointing other’s to Jesus, while also, allowing Jesus to change my heart?

You can catch up on the overview of the series here.

You can watch the way of the servant message here.

You can find the actions steps from the handout below.

This past Sunday we talked about the way of the Pilgrim. We defined the pilgrim as  individuals who care about doing what works with humility for the sake of unity.

They are like the jazz improv artist. They will pull from past melodies and create new melodies all for the sake of creating art that works.

The pilgrim is a valuable voice in the church but often creates conflict between other Christians who are much more comfortable with how things have always been. This is why it is important that healthy expressions of the pilgrim in the church be rooted in humility and focused on unity.

You can get caught up on the overview of this series here.

You can watch the pilgrim message here.

You can find the action steps for the way of the Pilgrim from the handout below.