Highrock Church

Jesus takes his disciples Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, where they promptly fall asleep. The awake just in time to see Jesus in his divine glory, along with Moses and Elijah. Peter blurts out a suggestion that seems to put Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah but is immediately overshadowed when God's voice declares, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” As great as Moses and Elijah were, Jesus' identity calls for much more than amazement and admiration — it calls for obedience.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentGood Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/goodfridayEaster Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easterFor Reflection:- What does this transfiguration reveal about who Jesus truly is? What questions does it raise for you? - Why do you think the disciples struggled to fully understand this moment?- What does it mean for you personally to “listen to him”? Where might God be calling you to greater attentiveness to Jesus’ voice?- Prayer: Father, help me see Jesus more clearly and give me a heart that listens and truly follows where he leads.

As Jesus and his disciples cross the lake, a sudden storm arises, and the boat begins to fill with water while Jesus sleeps. The terrified disciples wake him, fearing for their lives, and Jesus rebukes the wind and waves, bringing an immediate calm. The disciples are simultaneously amazed and afraid. Jesus' presence often calms our fears, much like he calms the storm, but what is it that the disciples see in Jesus that also makes them afraid? Should we be afraid as well?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentGuide for hosting a Maundy Thursday dinner in your home:https://www.highrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Maundy-Thursday-Dinner-Liturgy-2026.pdfGood Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/goodfridayEaster Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easterFor Reflection:- What does this passage reveal about the disciples’ understanding of Jesus?- When have you felt like Jesus was “asleep” in the middle of your struggles?- Why do you imagine that the disciples reacted to Jesus' power and authority with fear as well as amazement?- How can you remind yourself of God’s presence when anxiety rises?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, calm my fears and strengthen my faith to trust you in every storm.

In one of Jesus' most famous parables, he tells a story of a farmer who sows seed generously and indiscriminately, but only some of the soil is able to receive the seed and produce life. What is Jesus talking about? Thankfully, Jesus explains the meaning, but only to those who are interested enough to ask. Beyond the meaning of the actual parable, Jesus is highlighting the role we have to play. We are the soil, and we must be prepared to receive the seed, which is the Word of God. The curiosity demonstrated by the disciples is one of the most important ways we can be good soil.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentGuide for hosting a Maundy Thursday dinner in your home:\https://www.highrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Maundy-Thursday-Dinner-Liturgy-2026.pdfGood Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/goodfridayEaster Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easterFor Reflection:- What is the condition of your "soil"? Is it hard-packed and downtrodden, or rocky and dry, or choked by thorns and weeds, or is it perhaps well-prepared for the words of Jesus to take hold?- What might God be inviting you to do to create a better environment for spiritual growth and receptivity to God's Word?- Prayer: Lord, prepare my heart like good soil to receive your Word in a way that produces lasting fruit in my life.

In this powerful scene, a sinful woman enters a Pharisee’s house where Jesus is dining and expresses deep gratitude by washing his feet with her tears and anointing them with perfume. The Pharisee silently judges both the woman and Jesus, but Jesus responds with a parable that reveals a profound truth: those who have been forgiven much, love much. Just thus exposes the underlying reason for the Pharisee’s lack of love as well. Despite his outward goodness, the Pharisee needs a much deeper awareness of his own debt to God.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- How are the woman and the Pharisee different and how are they similar?- In what ways might your own goodness become a barrier between you and God? In what ways might your own goodness become a barrier between you and others?- Where might you need to receive God’s forgiveness more deeply?- Prayer: Jesus, help me grasp how deeply I have been forgiven so I might be free to love others more like you do.

A Roman centurion, a military officer, seeks Jesus’ help for his highly valued servant who is near death. This centurion, a man of authority himself, humbly recognizes Jesus’ greater authority. He believes that Jesus has even the authority to heal from a distance, and with just a word! Jesus is amazed at his faith, especially because it belonged to an outsider. Do we believe in Jesus' authority? Will we obey Jesus' authority?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What stands out to you about the centurion’s humility and understanding of authority?- Why do you think Jesus is amazed by his faith?- In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust Jesus’ authority fully?- What does it look like to believe that Jesus’ word alone is enough?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to be moved by your authority just as this centurion.

Most of us are living in a kind of performance trying to be impressive, in control, and enough. It works for a while . . . until it doesn’t. Beneath the surface, it’s exhausting and often lonely. But there’s another way of living that looks weaker on the outside, yet changes everything underneath.· · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd

Jesus teaches that we are all in need of healing, but only some of us recognize it. Which group are we? Jesus calls Levi, a hated tax collector, to follow Him, and Levi immediately drops everything. But first, Levi hosts a banquet where many of Levi's fellow outsiders gather to meet Jesus. The religious leaders and insiders complain that Jesus would have anything to do with such "scum". These outsiders, says Jesus, are the sick who recognize their need for a physician. It's not that everyone else is healthy; it's just that they can't recognize or admit their need for healing.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you imagine that Levi immediately left everything to follow Jesus?- Why do the religious leaders struggle with Jesus’ association with "scum"?- What old habits, mindsets, expectations, or biases might need to change to follow Jesus more fully?- Who in your life might need an invitation to encounter Jesus like Levi’s friends did?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me as I am to follow you. Help me to embrace others as they are.

When Jesus called his first disciples, he asked them to do something that made no sense at all — it went against everything they understood as fisherman. Still, Simon (the soon-to-be Apostle Peter) did what Jesus said and the results were staggering, literally life-changing! How often are we tempted to think, like Simon, that we might know better than God? Will we trust our "logic" or trust our Lord?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you imagine that Peter reacted with shame (v8)?- How do you typically respond when you become aware of your own sin or inadequacy?- Where might Jesus be asking you to trust and obey, even when it doesn’t make sense to you?- How does the healing of the leper shape your understanding of Jesus’ power and compassion?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me trust you to lead me, that I might follow you with a willing heart.

After claiming that Isaiah's prophecy about the messiah is about himself, Jesus goes about proving it to be true. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah by healing the sick, bringing liberty to the spiritually oppressed, and by preaching the good news. His words are as good as his actions and there is an invitation for us to have the same kind of integrity. Do our actions match what we say? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What do you make of Simon’s mother-in-law’s immediate return to serving after being healed (v39)?- Why do you think Jesus refuses to stay where he is most wanted (vv42-43)?- Jesus shows integrity by immediately fulfilling his promise in v.21. How have you grown in your integrity as you've followed Jesus? Where might God be challenging you to continue to grow in integrity?- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your compassion and integrity, giving us every reason to always trust you.

Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and is initially praised for his teaching. In his hometown of Nazareth, he reads from Isaiah and boldly declares that he is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring good news, freedom, and restoration. While the people marvel at first, their amazement quickly turns to offense when Jesus reminds them that God’s grace extends to outsiders. This message is a welcome one for outsiders like many in Luke's audience, but it is offensive to those who hold onto hate for others.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What expectations did the people have of the Messiah, and how did Jesus challenge them?- How do you respond when God’s truth confronts your assumptions or comfort? Can you think of a specific example?- Like the Devil (vv.3,9), the crowds challenge Jesus' identity and whose son he is (v22). What is your identity in Christ, and how strongly do you feel and believe it?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to remember that I am a beloved child of God, called to embrace Jesus' love for outsiders and even enemies.

John the Baptist confronts the crowds with a sharp call to repentance, warning that outward identity or religious heritage is not enough — true change must be seen in the fruit of a transformed life. He gives practical examples, urging people to live with generosity, integrity, and justice in their everyday roles. As expectations rise about whether John might be the Messiah, he points beyond himself to one far greater who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and bring both salvation and judgment. John’s bold preaching ultimately leads to his imprisonment, showing that faithful truth-telling often comes at a cost.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why is it tempting to rely on identity or tradition instead of genuine transformation?- How do John’s practical instructions apply to your daily life and responsibilities?- Where might God be calling you to real, visible change rather than surface-level faith?- What does John’s courage teach you about speaking truth, even when it’s costly?- Prayer: Lord, produce real fruit in my life and give me courage to live with integrity, repentance, and truth.

We all know what it’s like to hold back - waiting for a better time, more clarity, or less risk. But what if the real issue isn’t a lack of opportunity? What if the cost of playing it safe is higher than we think? · · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd

After visiting Zechariah, the angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, announcing that she will miraculously conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High. Though initially troubled and confused, Mary responds with humility and faith, asking how it will happen but ultimately surrendering to God’s will: “I am the Lord’s servant.” In Mary, God continues to work through unexpected people and circumstances, highlighting the beautiful things that can happen when we trust a God who is beyond our understanding!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What stands out to you about Mary’s initial reaction to the angel’s message?- What fears or uncertainties might Mary have faced in saying yes to God?- Where might God be inviting you to trust Him in something that feels unclear or costly?- How can you cultivate a posture of surrender like Mary’s in your daily life?- Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to trust you and say yes to your will.

Unlike the other gospel writers, Luke is an outsider. He was not an eyewitness of the original events and apparently not part of the Jewish culture of the original disciples. Instead, he approaches the events more like an investigator or an historian. He also has an eye for the outsider and outcast. He begins his careful account by turning to Zechariah and Elizabeth, an older couple who were heartbroken over their inability to have children. Though the world might look on such people as forsaken by God, Luke's gospel opens with God sending an answer to their prayers.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What might you expect to see in Luke's gospel that differs from the gospels we have read so far (Matthew and Mark)?- Why do you think Zechariah struggled to believe the angel’s message? - How do you tend to respond when your prayers seem to go unanswered or even unheard?- Where might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply, even in uncertainty?- Prayer: Faithful God, help me trust your promises and timing, even when I struggle to see how you are at work.

After the Sabbath, several women go to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Inside, a young man announces that Jesus has risen and instructs them to tell the disciples that he will meet them in Galilee. We, like the women, are left with the question of what we believe about Jesus and the empty tomb. Who do we say that Jesus is, and what difference will it make in the way we live?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What emotions do you see in the women, and how do they reflect your own response to the resurrection?- What does the empty tomb reveal about Jesus’ identity and power?- How might God be inviting you to respond to the reality of the resurrection in your life?- Where do you need to trust that God is at work even when you don’t fully understand?- Prayer: Risen Jesus, fill my heart with awe and faith, and help me boldly share the hope of your resurrection.