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This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)

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Matthew 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

 

Peter could not believe what he was hearing. Jesus had just been confessed as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Surely the Messiah would march toward victory, not suffering. Surely He would overthrow enemies, not be handed over to them. Yet Jesus said He “must” suffer.

That little word is important. Jesus did not say He might suffer. He did not say suffering was one possible outcome. He said He must suffer.

Why?

Because our problem is greater than we think it is.

Many people assume humanity’s biggest problem is ignorance, poor choices, difficult circumstances, or broken systems. Scripture goes deeper. The Bible tells us that sin has corrupted every human heart. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Sin is not merely a mistake to correct. It is rebellion against God that brings death.

Imagine a homeowner who notices a small crack in a wall. He assumes it is cosmetic and paints over it. Months later he discovers the crack was evidence of a shifting foundation. The visible problem was only a symptom of a much deeper issue.

The cross reveals that humanity’s problem is not superficial. If our condition could have been fixed with better advice, Jesus would have come as a teacher. If it could have been solved through effort, Jesus would have come as a coach. Instead, He came as a Savior because we we had the problem of sin we couldn’t overcome on our own.

This is exactly what Luther teaches in the explanation to the Second Article. Jesus “has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person.” Before grace found us, we were not spiritually healthy people needing improvement. We were sinners needing rescue.

Yet this truth is not meant to crush us. The same cross that reveals the seriousness of our sin also reveals the greatness of God’s love. Christ willingly carried what we could never carry. He took our guilt, our shame, and our judgment upon Himself.

The cross tells the truth about us, but it also tells the truth about God. His mercy is greater than our sin.

Today, when you become aware of your failures, do not hide them from God. Bring them to the cross. There you will find a Savior who already knows your deepest need and has already paid your deepest debt.

Reflect: What sins or failures are you tempted to minimize or excuse rather than confess before God? How does the necessity of the cross help you understand both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s love?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the truth about my condition and for loving me enough to suffer in my place. Forgive my sins and help me live each day in the confidence that my redemption has been fully accomplished by Your holy, precious blood. Amen.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)

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1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

When Martin Luther explained the Second Article of the Creed, he did not stop with who Jesus is. He moved to what Jesus has done.

He wrote that Christ “has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood.”

Those words are deeply personal.

Notice Luther did not say Christ redeemed humanity in general. He certainly did. But Luther wanted believers to know that Christ’s saving work is also for them personally.

For you.

Imagine receiving a gift addressed specifically to you. Your name is written on the package. It has been purchased, prepared, and delivered with you in mind. Yet many Christians live as though God’s grace is meant for everyone except them.

They believe Jesus forgives sins.

They just struggle to believe He forgives theirs.

They believe God loves sinners.

They just wonder whether He still loves them.

The gospel speaks directly into those doubts.

Christ did not come to save an anonymous crowd. He came to save people. Real people with real failures. Real people with real regrets.

People like Peter, who denied Him.

People like Thomas, who doubted Him.

People like the thief on the cross, who had nothing to offer.

People like us.

Peter reminds believers that they were not redeemed with perishable things such as silver or gold. If salvation could be purchased, no amount of money would ever be enough. The debt of sin is too great.

Instead, we were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

Think about what that means.

Jesus saw every sin you would ever commit.

Every failure.

Every moment of rebellion.

Every secret shame.

And He still went to the cross.

Not reluctantly.

Not grudgingly.

But willingly.

The cross is God’s declaration that your value is not determined by your performance. Your value is measured by the price Jesus was willing to pay to make you His own.

When guilt accuses you, remember Christ has redeemed you.

When fear overwhelms you, remember Christ has redeemed you.

When death seems frightening, remember Christ has redeemed you.

Your standing before God does not depend on what you have done for Him. It rests entirely on what Christ has done for you.

That is why Christians confess with confidence:

“I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.”

Not merely because it is true…but because of the personal impact he has on each of us.  He came for us.  He redeemed us.  We get to live with him forever!

Reflect: What guilt, failure, or fear do you need to place again at the foot of Christ’s cross today? How does remembering that Jesus redeemed you personally change the way you view yourself and your future?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for redeeming me. Thank You for purchasing and winning me, not with gold or silver, but with Your holy and precious blood. When I am tempted to trust in myself, remind me of Your finished work. Help me live each day in the confidence that I am forgiven, loved, and secure in You. Amen.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)

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Matthew 1:18-23 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” 

 

The Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus was “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.” For many people, those words feel like a detail to believe rather than a truth to treasure. Yet these words reveal something beautiful about the heart of God.

They tell us that God came to us.

Most people assume that faith is about climbing. Climbing toward God. Climbing toward goodness. Climbing toward enlightenment. Climbing toward acceptance.

The problem is that no matter how hard we climb, we never seem to get high enough. We know our failures too well. We know our selfishness, impatience, fears, and regrets. Deep down, we know we fall short.

That is why the incarnation is such good news.

God did not wait for us to find our way to Him.

He came to us.

John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Think about that. The eternal Son of God stepped into our world. He experienced hunger, fatigue, grief, rejection, temptation, and suffering. He entered the very mess we created.

Imagine a child trapped in a deep pit. A crowd gathers around the edge. Some offer advice. Others offer encouragement. A few explain how the child got there in the first place. But advice and explanations cannot rescue the child. Someone must climb down into the pit.

That is what God has done for us in Christ.

Jesus did not remain distant. He entered our broken world. He stepped into our pain. He took on our humanity so that He could carry our sin and bear our judgment.

The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Not God observing us. Not God tolerating us. Not God waiting for us to improve ourselves.

God with us.

And because He is with us, we are never alone.

Perhaps today you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, burdened by guilt, or weary from trying to hold everything together. Remember that the God who created the universe willingly entered His creation. The Savior who was laid in a manger is the same Lord who now reigns over heaven and earth.

He knows your struggles.

He understands your weakness.

He has not abandoned you.

The incarnation reminds us that God’s response to our brokenness was not distance but presence. His answer was not merely a command but a Savior.

Jesus is not simply an example to follow.

He is mercy made flesh.

Reflect: In what ways have you been trying to “climb” your way toward God through your own efforts? How does it encourage you to know that Jesus entered our world and understands our struggles firsthand?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into our world. Thank You that when we could not come to You, You came to us. Help me rest in Your grace rather than my efforts. Remind me today that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, and that I am never beyond His love and care. Amen.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)

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Mark 10: 28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Most people have no problem asking Jesus for help.

The harder question is whether we are willing to follow Him.

Peter once reminded Jesus of everything the disciples had left behind. Homes, occupations, security, and familiar routines had all been surrendered to follow their Lord. Peter was not boasting as much as he was wondering whether the sacrifice was worth it.

Jesus assured him that following Him would never be a loss.

That promise still holds true today.

Yet our culture often prefers a Jesus who assists rather than a Jesus who leads. We like the idea of divine guidance when it confirms our plans. We appreciate God’s blessings when they support our goals. But lordship means something deeper.

To confess “Jesus is Lord” means that He does not merely fit into our lives. Our lives belong to Him.

Imagine boarding an airplane. Once the flight begins, passengers do not vote on altitude, route, or destination. They entrust themselves to the pilot because he sees what they cannot see and knows what they do not know.

Faith works much the same way.

We often want God to hand us the controls while He serves as our advisor. Yet Jesus calls us to trust Him enough to let Him lead.

This is not because He desires to take away joy but because He desires to give it.

The Lord who calls us to follow Him is the same Lord who gave His life for us. His authority is not harsh. His rule is not selfish. His commands are not burdensome. The One seated on heaven’s throne is the same One who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet.

That changes everything.

We do not obey Jesus in order to earn His favor. We obey because His favor has already been given through grace. We do not follow Him in hopes that He will love us. We follow because He first loved us.

Every day presents opportunities to surrender control. Sometimes it is through decisions about money, relationships, priorities, or forgiveness. Sometimes it is simply choosing to trust God’s wisdom when our own understanding seems more appealing.

Following Jesus is not always easy.

Neither was carrying a cross.

Yet the path of discipleship always leads us closer to the One who is both Savior and Lord.

Today, ask yourself not merely whether Jesus is helpful, but whether He is Lord.

Because when Jesus leads, He never leads His people astray.

Reflect: What area of your life is most difficult to surrender to Christ’s leadership? How does remembering Christ’s sacrificial love make it easier to trust His authority?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are not only my Savior but my Lord. Forgive me for the times I cling to control instead of trusting You. Give me faith to follow where You lead and confidence that Your ways are always good. Shape my heart to gladly submit to Your will, knowing that You love me and gave Yourself for me. Amen.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)

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Mark 5:21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
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35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”
36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Jairus had a problem only Jesus could solve.

His daughter was dying. Nothing else mattered. Status, reputation, possessions, and accomplishments suddenly became insignificant. So Jairus did what desperate people often do. He ran to Jesus.

Many of us can relate.

When life falls apart, when a diagnosis comes, when a relationship breaks, or when anxiety overwhelms us, we naturally turn to God for help. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, Scripture repeatedly invites us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.

Yet there is something interesting about Jairus’s story. He came to Jesus because he wanted healing, but he received much more than healing. Before the story ends, Jairus sees Jesus reveal His authority not only over sickness but even over death itself.

Sometimes we approach Jesus like a specialist. We bring Him the one problem we need fixed. We ask Him to solve our immediate concern and then return life to normal.

But Jesus never came merely to solve temporary problems.

The crowds often followed Jesus because of His miracles. They loved the healings, the multiplied bread, and the dramatic displays of power. Yet many of those same people walked away when Jesus called them to trust Him, follow Him, and believe in Him.

It is possible to want what Jesus can give without wanting Jesus Himself.

The greatest gift Jesus offers is not a healthier body, a better job, or an easier life. The greatest gift He offers is Himself.

Think about a child who wakes up frightened during a storm. The child may ask for a nightlight, a blanket, or a favorite stuffed animal. But what usually brings the deepest comfort? The presence of a loving parent sitting beside the bed.

In much the same way, Jesus often gives us His greatest gift even before He changes our circumstances—His presence.

The Lord who calmed storms still walks with His people through storms. The Lord who raised Jairus’s daughter still promises that death will not have the final word for those who belong to Him.

Whatever concern weighs on your heart today, bring it to Jesus. Ask boldly. Pray honestly. Trust Him completely.

But remember that the greatest miracle He has already accomplished. Through His death and resurrection, He has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Because of that victory, even when life does not unfold according to our plans, we can rest in the One who holds us securely in His hands.

Jesus is not merely a miracle worker.

He is your Savior.

Reflect: What need or burden are you bringing to Jesus today? Are you seeking primarily what Jesus can do for you, or are you learning to trust Him for who He is?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the worries, fears, and burdens I carry. Thank You for inviting me to bring them all before You. Help me trust You not only for the things I want You to do, but for who You are. Remind me that Your greatest gift is not simply Your help, but Your presence and Your salvation. Amen.