Highrock Church

When Jesus hears that Lazarus is desperately ill, Jesus chooses to wait two days before responding. Normally, a delayed response indicates a lack of love but in this case, Jesus waits because he loves them. Jesus' delay is motivated by love for Lazarus, his sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus' disciples, and us! Sometimes God allows matters to go from bad to worse in order to show up in powerful ways.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus delays not out of indifference but out of love. His desire is for them and us to see God glorified.- Have you ever felt that God was indifferent to your struggles? Have you experienced an answer to prayer that came only after a long delay? What happened to your faith in God, your hope in the future, and your love for others during that time?- As you prayerfully consider your current trials and blessings, is there some way that God might be inviting you to use them to help and love others?

The crowds are ready to stone Jesus for claiming to be divine. In a surprising response, Jesus points out that God refers to people as "gods" in Psalm 82. Whatever reason we might have for such elevated status, Jesus has more. If nothing else, the power of God was on display in him in clear ways, both through his miracles and through his courage in continuing to love even a crowd ready to stone him to death.A short list of prophecies fulfilled in Jesus:https://biblehub.com/top10/prophecies_fulfilled_by_jesus_christ.htmLooking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:This closing of the first half of John's gospel gives us two reasons for believing in Jesus: the power of God displayed in him and the fulfillment of the words of the prophets.- The power of God was seen in Jesus through these 7 signs and also in his love even for enemies. How has the power of God displayed in Jesus informed and strengthened your faith? How is God's power displayed in your life?- The words of John the Baptist (and many other prophets) were fulfilled in Jesus. How do these fulfillments form and inform your faith in Jesus?

The crowds press around Jesus, demanding that he finally come clean -- "Are you the one?" The reason they do not know the answer is not because Jesus hasn't spoken clearly. The reason they do not know is that they do not believe the answer Jesus has been giving them all along. For those who do not recognize God in Jesus, his answer might be deeply offensive. For those who do recognize Jesus, his answer is life-changing!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus promises to give eternal life, a gift that no one can take away because it is guaranteed by the power of God the Father. - How might you live differently right now if you were absolutely sure of an incredible future? Be specific about what decisions or plans or relationships might change, and how.- What helps you to be more confident of what Jesus promises? Who are the people, what are the places, and what are the practices that help you grow more solid in your knowledge and trust of Jesus' promises?

We all feel hunger - sometimes for food, but often for something deeper. In this sermon, we explore what it means to recognize and satisfy our spiritual hunger, rather than just filling up on the world's quick fixes. Drawing from Jesus’ miracle of feeding the thousands, we ask: What if the life we’re chasing isn’t actually the life that fulfills? And how can we make space for something greater?· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

Jesus declares that he is the good shepherd. Unlike hired hands who may run when danger arrives, Jesus is ready to lay down his life for the sheep, for us. No one compels him; Jesus chose this! As we follow Jesus's example, it is important that we also take care of ourselves. "Self-care" is a constant refrain today but self-care must have the goal of sustaining us in the work of laying down our lives for those in our care, or else we risk becoming the hired hands that Jesus warns against.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus is the good shepherd who lays his life down for the sheep. No one compels him; he chooses this!- What does it mean to you to know that Jesus willingly chooses to lay down his life for you? How might Jesus' choice affect how you see God, others, and yourself?- In order to lay down our lives over a lifetime (rather than just for an instant), there is a need to take care of ourselves. How do you find that balance between sacrifice and self-care? What might you need to do or change to live more lovingly and sustainably?

After healing the man born blind, Jesus continues to engage with the crowds, including the religious leaders. In the case of those leaders, this engagement is confrontation. Specifically, he calls such leaders "thieves and robbers" who attack and scatter the sheep rather than leading them to the good life to which Jesus is the gateway.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus says that he is the gate, the gate to a full life.- What are some of the "thieves and robbers" you have experienced in the world or perhaps in the church? What values and messages have led you in a different direction that you later discovered robbed you of life rather than leading you to a fuller life?- What are some of the ways that you have experienced a more fulfilling life because of Jesus? If Jesus were not in your life right now, what would be missing for you?

Jesus returns to the healed man after the man is kicked out of the synagogue. Although the man's physical sight has been restored, his healing is not yet complete -- Jesus intends to offer him spiritual vision as well. The man's eyes are opened to see Jesus for who he is, and he worships him. Indeed, Jesus adds that his entire mission revolves around exposing our blindness and restoring our ability to see God, one another, and ourselves the way God sees! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus said that he came "to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind" (v39).- Physical blindness is difficult to deny but spiritual blindness is centered around denial in the Pharisees in this passage. Why do you think it is so difficult for the Pharisees to see and admit their own blindness?- Have you ever experienced this kind of blindness? Were you ever wrong in a way that you (at least initially) refused to admit? What helped you to see your blindness? Who helped you, and how?

As the Pharisees call the blind man in for a second round of questioning, one thing becomes clear -- that anything but the truth sets a disastrous course. The Pharisees continue to press for an outcome that requires denying the truth about who Jesus truly is. The healed man only makes matters worse when he offers not only the truth, but verbal jabs as well. Earlier, Jesus had said that the truth would set us free. Here we see that anything less or more only sets us on a course for disaster.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The Pharisees' resistance to the truth is about what is going on in their own hearts, what is going on between them and Jesus. - The Pharisees were afraid of the truth about Jesus but they tried to make it everyone else's problem, and thus they became a problem for everyone else. How might you avoid the same troubles (cf. Matthew 7:5:)? - The healed man did better when he did not take it personally. How might fare better by not taking it personally if others have a resistance to the truth (cf. Romans 12:20)?

There is almost a dance going on between the religious leaders, the healed man, and the man's parents. Everything moves forward because of the fear of the truth coming from those religious leaders. Ultimately, the religious leaders simply refuse to see the truth at all (v18). The one person seemingly not affected by fear and anxiety is the healed man himself. Could it be that the best way to be free of anxiety about following Jesus is simply to tell the truth about what we've experienced?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Imagine that you are teaching a children's Sunday school class.- How would you explain the fear and anxiety experienced by the parents?- How might you explain the fear and anxiety of the Pharisees (especially their refusal to believe the truth in v18)?- How would you explain the apparent lack of fear and anxiety in the healed man? - What are the fears and anxieties we face telling others what we've experienced in Jesus?

Are you facing a decision that demands more than you have - even more than you are? What do you do when you sense that God's inviting you to take a difficult step when it's clear that you don't have what it takes to find success on the other side? · · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

Why does God allow injustice and suffering? One intuitive but mistaken approach is to blame the victim. This is the assumption of Jesus' disciples when they see a man born blind. If the man deserved his suffering, then there is no injustice to explain. Jesus gives another perspective. What Jesus sees in the man's suffering is not an opportunity to blame anyone. Rather, Jesus opens our eyes to the opportunity for God's grace and power.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:When we see injustice, we can be tempted to blame the victim to explain away apparent injustice. Jesus instead sees an opportunity for God to be glorified.- Think about your own experience of suffering and injustice. When you see people suffering around you, what are some of the ways you (perhaps silently) assign blame (to people or to God)?- How might you see people, yourself, and God differently if you instead looked (and worked and prayed) for an opportunity for God's power and grace to be revealed?

As the discussion becomes more heated, the crowd turns into a mob. Questions of identity are at the center of the storm. The crowd claims to be children of Abraham but Jesus insists that they are so unlike their physical ancestor. In fact, Abraham looked forward to the arrival of Jesus. Jesus thus claims to be someone greater than Abraham! They object, "Who do you think you are?!" Although offered in the wrong spirit, it is still the right question. Understanding who Jesus is is the key that unlocks everything else!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus hints at the truth of who he is but the crowd refuses to accept what he says.- Understanding Jesus' true identity helps us understand why Jesus insists that we must follow his teaching (v51). We cannot just agree with it; we must live it. What are some of the teachings of Jesus that you feel challenged to live out today?- No one likes criticism. Jesus is able to weather that storm by remembering that only God is the true judge (v50). How might you live differently if you held onto that truth?

Do you bear a family resemblance? The crowd around Jesus was claiming Abraham and even God as their father, but Jesus could not see a likeness. The crowd was turning into a mob and seemed to bear a likeness to someone far less positive, someone who thrives on violence and lies. When we claim to be part of God's family, do we bear a family resemblance? How might God be inviting us to more clearly reflect God's likeness?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The crowd claims to be children of Abraham, which in their understanding is a golden ticket into God's family. Jesus says that they must be spiritually reborn and hold onto his teachings (v31). - What are some other factors that people today might mistakenly think guarantees them a place in God's family?- Jesus mentions their love of violence and lies as evidence of who their true father is. What would you expect to see in true children of God? How might Jesus be inviting you to grow to be more like that?

Daily Devo | The Truth Will Set You Free (John 8:30-36)This famous saying of Jesus is quoted by many but often in ways that fail to understand the conditions that Jesus placed on this possibility of freedom. Most importantly, Jesus said that this truth and freedom would come to those who faithfully follow his teachings. Believing in Jesus, like the crowds in this passage, would not be enough. This same crowd would later attempt to stone Jesus. Instead, truth and freedom will come to those who persevere in following Jesus.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."- People sometimes feel that the Bible is filled with restrictions on our freedom, yet Jesus insists that following him will actually lead to greater freedom. How have you experienced this tension around freedom in your life?- Is there anything you might consider saying "no" to, even for a time, in order to experience greater freedom -- perhaps for this Lenten season?

Still speaking to the crowd and the religious leaders, Jesus makes yet another appeal to any who might change their minds. Even so, Jesus knows that those who are stuck with their heads in this world will not understand. Only those who are open to what God is doing will be able to recognize that Jesus is leading them to God. Many, however, will not recognize who Jesus is until he is lifted up, lifted up on a cross.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:What you can see often depends on where you are looking. - The first thing that Jesus says can change our perspective is if we believe that he is who he claims to be (v24). How has faith in Jesus changed how you look at the world and yourself? What are you able to now "see" that you were blind to in the past?- The second thing that Jesus says can change our perspective is to see him lifted up, on a cross (v28). What does the cross say to you? How does the cross change your perspective about God, others, and yourself?

"Do you want to get well?" At first, it sounds like a strange question - especially when Jesus asks a man who's been suffering for 38 years. But what if that question isn't as simple as it seems? What if, deep down, there's a hidden payoff to staying stuck?This sermon explores the surprising ways we resist healing, even while we long for it, and how Jesus offers freedom that's not just about getting better - but about truly living. What might happen if we dared to answer him honestly?· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

Jesus earlier used the Feast of Passover to highlight how he was the true bread of life that came from heaven. Now at the Feast of Tabernacles, a feast during which the night would be lit up by four great lamps, Jesus declares that he is the true light of the world. Jesus lights up our darkness in order to lead us to a full life -- not just a life of being alive, but a life of truly living -- the fullness of life!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Just as God had lit up the night for Israel in the desert, Jesus offers to light up our darkness so that we might find full life (zóé rather than bios). - How does Jesus illuminate your world in a way that leads to a full life? What darkness might have tripped you up otherwise?- The Pharisees demand additional testimony. Jesus offers his Father as a second witness. The Spirit and John the Baptist testified earlier as well. Who have been important witnesses for you? For whom might you be an important witness today?

Shouldn't throw stones. When Jesus' religious enemies bring an adulterous woman in front of Jesus, they are trying to trap him. In order to show mercy, they believe Jesus will have to reject the Law of Moses. But if Jesus does not show mercy, he is exposed as a fraud. Either way, the support from the crowds will disappear and they will be able to arrest and kill Jesus without resistance. But Jesus finds a third way by reminding us all that we are guilty before God can cannot afford to be unmerciful to one another.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Rather than take the options presented to him, Jesus takes a third way. - What do you imagine Jesus might have written in the dirt? Why do you imagine that he slowed everything down by delaying his answer to them?- Jesus was deeply concerned with her sin, as reflected in his final words to her. But he was also deeply concerned to use the truth to heal and not harm. How might you speak differently to others if your concern was to heal and not harm? Try to think of specific examples.

Many people lament not being able to experience the miracles of the Bible themselves. John's gospel even includes seven signs to strengthen our faith. However, even more important than the signs are the words that Jesus spoke. His miracles affected a choice few but his words continue to transform the world. In today's text, the guards sent to arrest Jesus are instead arrested themselves by the power of the truth that he speaks. Today, let's stop in wonder to appreciate the powerful, life-transforming words of Jesus!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The temple guards go to arrest Jesus but are instead arrested by the power of his teaching.- Has anything Jesus said had a similar, arresting effect on you? What was it about what Jesus said? What was going on in your life at that time?- Most of the religious leaders did not find Jesus similarly compelling. Why do you imagine that they had a different experience than the guards? When have you been resistant to what God has to say?

Have you ever been right for the wrong reason? When the Pharisees hear whispers of people believing in Jesus, they panic. Still unable to arrest Jesus, they ridicule him and what he says. But their jabs accidentally hit upon a profound truth -- that Jesus will indeed reach those Jews who are far away, and even teach the Greeks (all non-Jews), whom the Pharisees considered almost beyond hope. What they thought ridiculous is the reason we are all here to follow Jesus into life today!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus continued to address the leaders and the crowd.- Those who did not hold onto preconceived notions began to believe in Jesus. What are some beliefs or expectations about God that have been a hindrance to your faith, perhaps in the past? What helped you to overcome those barriers?- Jesus said that those who believe in him would have rivers of living water (the Holy Spirit) flowing from within. What questions do you have about the Holy Spirit? What might it mean for you to cultivate a "conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit?"

There are many voices reacting to Jesus but one thing that ties them all together is confusion. The crowds are confused because they are not well-informed about current events (the plot to kill Jesus) or the Scriptures (about the Messiah). The religious leaders are well-informed but they are still confused because their knowledge hasn't made it to their hearts. They therefore do not know God and thus cannot recognize God in Jesus. There confusion can become our clarity if we seek to become better-informed and to also put into practice what we know, seeking God's Spirit at each step!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:One thing is clear: Jesus is clearly misunderstood.- The crowds are simply not well-informed. The do not know what is going on (the plot to kill Jesus) and do not know the Scriptures. How has your relationship with Jesus benefited from greater knowledge?- The religious leaders do not know Jesus because they do not practice what they "know" and love is not at the heart of they do. How have devotional practices affected your relationship with Jesus? Is there a way in which God might be inviting you to trust and obey more deeply?

You might know, on some level, that money, pleasure, power, sex, and success can’t truly satisfy—but that doesn’t stop you from chasing after them. Is there a way to get out of that rut? Could God really be the answer to our deepest longings? In this episode, we step into the story of a woman whose life was defined by disappointment, only to discover that Jesus was offering her something far more profound than she ever imagined. Are you thirsting for something more? Let’s uncover the invitation we might all be missing.· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

The motivations of Jesus' brothers are unclear. The motives of the religious leaders who seek Jesus are hidden, though their true intent casts a pall over otherwise honest discussions about Jesus. Out of this mix of shadow and confusion, Jesus emerges to clearly declare the message of God. What is hidden in us that gets in the way? Where might God want to shine the light of love and truth to free us to be faithful ambassadors of God's agenda and not our own?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/A resource of the Daily Examen prayer mentioned:https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray/Printable Daily Examen PDF (for bookmark or shrink to wallet-size):https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Examen-Prayer-Card.pdfFor Reflection:Out of this scene of confusion and hidden agendas, Jesus emerges with clarity and conviction. Will Jesus emerge from our own darkness?- Think back to a time when you resisted the invitation and call of Jesus. What helped you find clarity? (For instance, people often speak of new clarity during conversion or repentance from a persistent sin or character flaw).- Do you practice a time of self-examination? What have been the benefits? Would you consider such a practice for the upcoming season of Lent?

Jesus is virtually a wanted man at this point but Jerusalem is where all the action is during the time of the holy feast, so Jesus' brothers urge him to go to Jerusalem to show everyone what he can do. It's clear that they do not understand Jesus' mission nor believe in Jesus' person. What do you do when those who are supposed to be closest to you misunderstand or even oppose what God is doing in and through you?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus' brothers clearly have different goals than Jesus. At the very least, they fail to understand what Jesus is trying to accomplish.- What kind of a role have your family and friends played in your spiritual walk? Have they been supportive? Have they been understanding?- Have you ever had to choose between pleasing your family or friends on the one hand, and pleasing God on the other? What happened? What might you do differently in the future?

The feeding of the 5,000 must have seemed like a high point of success to the disciples. The crowds were even ready to make Jesus king! But now these new disciples leave Jesus in droves. At what must have felt like a deep low to the disciples, Jesus asks, "Are you also going to leave?" Following Jesus can be both difficult and confusing, especially when those around us walk away from Jesus. How did Jesus' closest disciples find the strength to carry on? At the very least, by acknowledging that only Jesus has the words that give eternal life!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Imagine you were there to see Jesus' ministry magnified by seekers near and far. Then imagine most or all of them leaving -- disappointed, confused, or even angry. - How might this exit by so many have affected your faith? Perhaps imagine many people leaving your church, or leaving "the Church" in your nation or the world? How might that shifting tide affect your faith?- What keeps you following Jesus when it becomes difficult, or confusing, or when others walk away? Is your answer similar to Peter's (v68)?

After the feeding of the multitudes, crowds gathered around Jesus seeking something more. Jesus obliged their desire by offering them his flesh and blood. In fact, he insisted that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have eternal life. Unsurprisingly, the crowds were shocked and appalled at the suggestion. What did Jesus mean when he insisted on this shocking directive? How do we, today, feast on the flesh and blood of Jesus?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:When questioned, Jesus did not retreat from his suggestion. In fact, he insisted even more strongly that we must feast on his flesh and blood.- We are not told in the text why Jesus was so insistent on pushing this metaphor without explanation. It seems that it was his intent to shock and challenge his listeners. Do you have any guess as to why Jesus did so?- How do you obey Jesus' command? How do you feast on the flesh and blood of Jesus? How does Jesus' sacrificial love feed and sustain you?

As Jesus continues to teach the crowds that follow him to the other side of the lake, they begin to "murmur" or "grumble" about Jesus' claims. Their response is like a flashback to the rebellious Israelites who murmured and grumbled against Moses. At the same time, God seems to honor complaints, like in the Psalms. What's the difference? Why can one kind of negativity be the essence of unbelief and the other be included as part of sacred worship? Understanding the difference is critical to our spiritual connection to God and one another!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The crowd acts like the grumbling of the Israelites against Moses and God, yet many of the sacred Psalms of complaint (e.g. Psalm 88) are God-approved worship songs. - How would you explain the difference between grumbling and complaining? Why is grumbling rebellious while complaining to God has an honored place in worship?- What are some ways that you have moved from grumbling about God to instead complain to God? Is there an area of your life where God might be inviting you into more conversation?

What if the stories we tell ourselves in secret are shaping us more than we realize? In this sermon, Pastor Meghan DeJong unpacks John 3:13-21, revealing how Jesus steps into our hidden places with truth and light. Discover how the gospel rewrites the narratives we carry and invites us into a deeper freedom.-----👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

Bread and carbs receive a lot of negative press these days, but in Jesus' day, bread was life. Having been fed by Jesus, they clamor for more. More bread. But Jesus wants them to hunger for more than just bread that sustains physical life. He wants them to hunger for bread that sustains spiritual life, full life, eternal life! Though they do not understand, that daily bread is Jesus, the one who was sent by the Father to give us eternal life through faith and trust in him.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The crowds want bread but Jesus wants them to desire something much more than just full bellies -- he wants them to desire full life! - The crowds approach Jesus with curiosity because of the bread they were given. Why did you start to engage with Christ? What stoked your curiosity? What was the gateway or the first step that led to spiritual curiosity?- Jesus loves us as we are but also loves us too much to leave us as we are. He wants more for us. How does your prayer life reflect those deepening desires for God?

Because the people wanted to make Jesus king, Jesus slipped away to a quiet place. He re-emerged only under the cover of darkness while the disciples were caught in a storm in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. In the midst of their terror, Jesus tells them, "Do not be afraid. I am here!" This fifth of seven signs strongly hints that Jesus is not only God, but a God who is with us even in our deepest darkness!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:In the midst of a night of terror, Jesus calls to his disciples from the darkness and waves, telling them, "Do not be afraid. I am here."- What do you learn here about Jesus' power, authority, and identity? What do you learn about his love for his disciples, and for you?- The disciples were afraid for so many reasons but they were also terrified by Jesus' approach through the storm! What are the fears that make it hard for you to see and recognize God's presence, in the past or present?

The feeding of the five thousand is one of the few miracles included in all four gospels. John adds some fresh details to the story, especially the overtures that Jesus is like a new and greater Moses. In the first exodus, Moses led the Israelites from bondage in Egypt during the first Passover. At this Passover, Jesus is leading a new exodus, not out of Egypt, but out of slavery to sin and death! In response, the people want to make Jesus king but will their excitement and approval last?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Picture the scene -- imagine the sights and sounds, the people, the springtime grass on the hill, the approaching holiday, and the high expectancy that Jesus might be incredibly special. Imagine a confused Philip and Andrew, a helpful young boy, and the overflowing leftovers. - What would have stood out about this moment to you, and why?- An excitement overcame the crowd and they wanted to make Jesus king. Why do you imagine that Jesus fled from what must have seemed like the height of success to many?

Jesus had declared that the religious leaders who were attacking him were doing so because they did not have God's words in their hearts. Here he adds that he does not desire their approval because they also do not have the love of God in their hearts. How much more whole might our lives be if we were to seek God's love rather than seeking the "likes" of others?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus had told the religious leaders that they did not have the words of God in their hearts. Here Jesus adds that they do not have the love of God in their hearts.- What are some of the ways that God's Word has helped you know God's love for you? What are some of the ways that God's Word has encouraged you to show that love to others?- Jesus declares that he does not seek the approval of the religious leaders because they do not have the love of God in their hearts. How might your life be different if you were to seek approval only from those who love God?

We often talk about the evidence for believing in God, but what about the evidence for others to believe us? When attacked by the religious leaders, Jesus offers the testimony of John the Baptist and of God, both Father and Spirit. If nothing else, it should be clear that God is at work through Jesus' miracles and teachings. What might others see in us? What is the evidence that we can be trusted because God is at work in and through us?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:When Jesus is attacked by the religious leaders, he says that they should trust the testimony of others -- John the Baptist and God the Father.- Jesus points to the works his Father gave him to do (miracles and teachings) to show that the Father has sent him. How do you look at others to discern whether they are working for God or for someone or something else?- Avoiding false humility or pride, what have people seen in you as evidence that God is at work? What do you hope that people might see more in you in the future?

Was there an occasion when you boldly took a risk and it paid off? In this sermon, Pastor Taylors walks us through the story of Nicodemus (John 3:1-12), a revered teacher of the Jewish scriptures and a high ranking official, caught between curiosity and fear - and the powerful lesson his encounter with Jesus teaches us about faith. What does it mean to go "all in" on Christ? Discover why the only real gamble in life is thinking we can play it safe when it comes to following Him.

"Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." Jesus asserts a unique, complete harmony and identity with his heavenly Father. The religious leaders rightly understand this claim to be a blasphemous claim to divinity -- but only if it isn't true. If it is true, then Jesus has the power and the right to heal us and save us from death. This, the third sign, invites us to trust Jesus with our very lives!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The religious leaders were angry with Jesus for "working" on the Sabbath. Jesus' answer was to proclaim his unique authority as the Son who imitates the Father.- Signs point beyond themselves to something more important. The healing of the disabled man points to the truth that Jesus explains in today's passage. How would you explain that truth in your own words? What do we learn about Jesus from this miracle and its timing?- How might God be inviting you to believe and trust in Jesus so that you might be filled more with life and light?

So much of life is about timing, and much can be made of the timing of this miracle on a Sabbath. Another important aspect of timing is the timing of this miracle in the man's life. After the healing, Jesus reveals to the man that his condition is a result of his sin, and if he doesn't stop, his condition will be even worse than before he was healed. In other words, he receives Jesus' mercy even before he repents. Thus God's mercy is extended to him, and to us, not based on what we do but because of who Jesus is. What we do is meant to be a response to what Jesus does for us. That timing is everything! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Sickness often has nothing to do with our sin, but Jesus reveals that in this case, the man's condition was a direct result of his sin. But Jesus heals him first and confronts him about his sin only later.- What do you make of the fact that Jesus healed the man before he confronted him? - How might it affect your relationship with God to know that God extends grace to us before we have repented?- Might God be inviting you to extend grace and kindness to others who have yet to acknowledge their sins against you?

The third sign continues a theme of water. A man has waited by the Bethesda pool for 38 years for a slim chance at being healed! Perhaps surprisingly, when Jesus asks him if he would like to be healed, his answer is not a clear "yes"! It is not a stretch to imagine that Jesus asks us the same question and we, too, might have some hesitancy. How might Jesus want to heal you? And what might Jesus ask you to do in response?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The third sign starts with an invitation from Jesus to a man who is presumably waiting for healing, yet Jesus asks him, "Would you like to get well?"- We are not told directly why the man curiously does not say "yes" to Jesus after waiting for 38 years for healing! Why do you imagine that he skirted around Jesus' question?- Imagine that Jesus were to ask you, right now, "Would you like to get well?" How might you answer him? Would there be any hesitancy? And what might Jesus ask you to do in response to his healing power?

Many people today talk about "manifesting" some kind of inner reality into being. In this second of seven signs, Jesus literally manifests his truth -- he speaks and reality conforms to his will. Who can speak a word and have it come into being? Since the beginning of time, there has been only one being with this kind of power. This power displayed in this sign hints at the true identity of Jesus!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:A royal official asks for healing for his son and the way Jesus heals him hints at Jesus' true identity and his true character as well.- Have you ever been asked to help or forgive someone you might consider an enemy? What does it say about Jesus that he helps this man? How might this moment encourage you when you feel "too sinful" to approach God?- Why do you trust Jesus? Were there "signs and wonders" that have propelled your faith journey forward? Have the reasons for your faith changed over time?

Jesus uses the encounter with the Samaritan woman to teach the disciples a lesson. He explains that sometimes it is the time to plant seeds of spiritual curiosity, and sometimes it is a time to harvest the spiritual life that comes from those seeds. Are there relationships in which you are planting seeds of curiosity? Are there relationships in which God might have you invite that curiosity to become conviction and commitment?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The woman runs into town, bringing word of Jesus. Meanwhile, the disciples are perplexed.- The disciples ask Jesus to eat, to which he responds that he has food that they know nothing about. How might you explain to them what Jesus was saying?- Jesus says that there are some who plant and some who harvest. Are there relationships where you are helping to plant seeds of spiritual curiosity? Are there relationships in which God might have you invite that curiosity to become conviction and commitment?

Is your faith feeling flat, stale, or just... blah? What if the missing ingredient is the one thing that could radically change everything? In the third sermon of Highrock’s winter series, Pastor Dave Swaim dives into John 2:1-11 to uncover what’s been holding your spiritual life back.

Throughout this conversation, Jesus keeps a strong focus on the purpose of their encounter -- that God is seeking those who will worship in spirit and truth (vv23-24). The woman attempts to deflect the conversation several times but Jesus stays on track. Even her final appeal to a future Messiah who will answer all these questions is something that Jesus turns back to him -- he is that Messiah. In our connections with God and one another, it is easy to lose focus. We are reminded that it is all about Jesus, the living God, who comes even to those of us who believe we are not worthy of God's attention at all!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The woman brings up a number of important topics, but topics that are still tangents to the true purpose of their meeting. Jesus is calling her to connect with the living God!- What are some of the ways that we decline to make connections with people who are "far" from God? When we do connect, what are some of the ways we get distracted by less important matters? How might a prayer-filled focus on Jesus help to keep you on course?- Have you ever felt that you were not worth Jesus' attention? How might this story challenge some of those assumptions?

Jesus had to go through Samaria (v4). But why? Jews almost always avoided traveling through Samaria, even though it might add several days to their journey. We're left to guess that this apparently chance encounter with a woman at a well was actually an appointment that Jesus felt he had to keep. What might it mean for us to follow Jesus by crossing boundaries that carry risk or cost for us?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus had to go through Samaria, apparently because this meeting was too important to miss.- What might it mean for you to follow Jesus' example in crossing boundaries -- religious, ethnic, social, political, and gender boundaries? How might following Jesus involve either cost or risk?- The woman is invited to serve Jesus but really it's an invitation to be blessed beyond measure. The cost and risk to her is miniscule compared to what Jesus intends to give. How does this challenge your typical vision of serving?

One of the most important and paradoxical spiritual truths is that that we do not climb a ladder of success but instead descend into greatness! John the Baptist understood this truth, but how was he able to celebrate the success of another - a success that came at his own expense? Today we explore the powerful principle declared by John, that he - Jesus - must become more and we must become less.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:John the Baptist's disciples raise a question about baptism but their true issue is the growth of Jesus' ministry at the expense of John's.- Have you ever felt jealous of the spirituality or spiritual success of another person? Have you ever made a spiritual impact in someone's life and they failed to give you proper recognition? How did you handle these feelings? How might you want to handle them differently in the future?- What might it mean today for Jesus to become more and for you to become less (v30)?

Nicodemus had asked Jesus how he might be born again. Jesus here explains that the Son of Man must be raised up, hinting at his coming crucifixion. "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Just like the bronze serpent raised up on a pole in Number 21, Jesus must be raised up and we must look to him for life. What does it mean for you to look to Jesus today for life?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:During the Exodus, the people who were bitten by snakes had to look at a bronze serpent lifted up on a pole (Numbers 21:4ff). Jesus says that he must also be lifted up that we might have life. - What does it mean for you to look to Jesus for life? In your day-to-day life, how do you look to Jesus? How might God be inviting you to look more deeply or earnestly? - Consider memorizing John 3:16-17, perhaps in another language if you speak a second language.

The idea of being "born again" is one that caused controversy and confusion from the very beginning! Jesus himself introduced this idea and language in his conversation with Nicodemus, the religious leader who had come to Jesus under cover of darkness. But what does it mean to be born again? And how does it happen? Are there limitations to what we can understand about this work of God's Spirit?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The idea of being "born again" produced a strong reaction in Nicodemus, a common reaction that has changed little in two thousand years!- Nicodemus had some immediate questions and misunderstandings. What are some of the questions or misunderstandings about being "born again" that you have had or heard?- If you were teaching children in Sunday School, how might you explain the idea of being "born again" to them? How might you explain the idea to a close friend?

Sometimes, following Jesus feels complicated or confusing, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this sermon #2 of Highrock's winter sermon series, Pastor Richard shares 4 insights from that can re-ignite your passion to follow Jesus.

The first sign, wine at a wedding, hints at Jesus' pursuit of his bride, the people of God. Immediately afterwards, we see Jesus squaring off against people who would stand in the way of that pursuit. The terrible irony in this case is that it is the religious leadership who stands in the way of this connection! Jesus demonstrates that true religion should never put a barrier between people and God. Jesus passionately pursues the removal of all such obstacles.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:In the Temple itself, Jesus squares off against those who would stand in the way of people coming to God!- How have religion, religious practices, and religious people been helpful in your faith journey? Have have they been a barrier to connection with God?- In the final verse, we see that Jesus knows the darkness of human hearts. He may not trust us, but he loves us. Is there any way in which God might be inviting you to love people whom you do not fully trust?

The Gospel of John highlights seven signs that are meant to reveal Jesus to us, and the first is the turning of water to wine at a wedding at his mother's suggestion. Mary never seems to doubt what Jesus will do. Her only request is for others to do whatever Jesus tells them. Mary's words call to us as well. If you want to see the blessing of God unleashed in your life, do whatever Jesus tells you!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The first of seven signs in John's Gospel is the turning of water to wine at a wedding. Why this sign?- Mary directs the servants to "do whatever he (Jesus) tells you!" How have you experienced blessing from following that principle in your life? Where do you continue to resist that kind of direction?- The servants were likely confused by Jesus' instructions, and perhaps frustrated by the work needed for something that didn't seem to make sense. But their faithfulness was critical. How does their example challenge you?

Jesus selects his first disciples and we can discern a pattern in his approach. Jesus starts with the question, "What do you want?" and to each question or objection, a simple answer is offered: "Come and see!" What do you want from Jesus? Are there others whom you might invite to come and see?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus' approach to discipleship is very simple yet challenging to our assumptions.- Jesus asks the first two disciples, "What do you want?" They initially take this question at a surface level but Jesus will lead them far deeper. What do you want from following Jesus? How has Jesus led you to deeper desires over time?- Jesus' approach to discipleship is both relational and experiential, "Come and see!" How might this simple approach to evangelism and discipleship affect how you seek to lead others to Jesus? Who might you ask to "Come and see!"?

Today's passage continues the interaction between John the Baptist and Jesus. John uses two images that both point to something that we need but cannot provide for ourselves. First, as the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus will fully remedy our brokenness and sin. Second, Jesus offers us a baptism, a cleansing rebirth, that is not only of water, but of the Holy Spirit of God. Both images point to a redeemed life that only Jesus can offer to us!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:John continues to testify about the greatness of Jesus, that Jesus will do what must be done and what we cannot do.- John calls Jesus "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (v29). What do you understand John to be saying? Are there ways that we are tempted to forget that only Jesus can truly remedy our sin?- In another reference to what only Jesus can do, John says in v33 that he baptizes with water but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What do you understand John to mean? How have you experienced this baptism?