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.

As Jesus is crucified, he also endures mockery and rejection. The religious leaders taunt him with the fact that he could save others but not himself. They did not realize the truth in their words. Yes, he saved others because he refused to save himself. He could not save himself because of his love for us. Seeing the way Jesus died, the Roman centurion declares that he "truly was the Son of God." We are left to answer the same question: "Who do you say that Jesus was?" 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:- Prayerfully consider and comment on one of the following: the tearing of the Temple veil, the Roman centurion's declaration about Jesus, human cruelty being used to serve God's purposes, the courage of Joseph of Arimathea at the end.- What does the cross reveal to you about the depths of human sin and of God’s love?- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the cross. Help me live in the freedom and gratitude your sacrifice has made possible.

Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate by the religious leaders, who accuse Him and seek His execution. Though Pilate recognizes that Jesus is innocent, he yields to the pressure of the crowd and condemns Jesus to be crucified. The Roman soldiers then mock him with a coronation using a purpose robe and crown of thorns. The irony is that Jesus is true king and lord of all. Will we recognize Jesus as our king or join with Pilate, the priests, and the crowds of people who all fail to recognize the truth?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 does Pilate’s decision reveal about the power of public pressure and fear of others?- Where might you be tempted to compromise truth to avoid conflict or criticism?- How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering deepen your gratitude and worship?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for enduring injustice and suffering for my sake; help me follow you with courage and gratitude.

It’s easy to assume we’ll have more time to repair a relationship, deepen our faith, or say what needs to be said. But some of life’s most important moments arrive without warning. What happens if the moment comes before we’re ready?· · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd

During the Passover meal, builds upon the meaning of the Passover meal by taking bread and wine and identifying them with his own body and blood. Jesus becomes the new Passover lamb. Even as betrayal and suffering approach, Jesus directs his disciples to remember his sacrificial love and to look forward with hope to the day when he will share this celebration with us in God’s kingdom.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 the bread and the cup mean to you? What do you believe that you are receiving during communion?- Pastor Dave said that communion is the central element of our worship service. To what extent is that true for you?- Where might God be inviting you to reflect more deeply on Jesus' covenant commitment to you, or on our covenant commitment to one another as family?- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for giving your body and blood for me. May your sacrifice always remind me that I am loved and called to love others.

In this passage, Jesus uses the illustration of a fig tree to teach his disciples about the signs of the times and remaining spiritually alert. Just as new leaves signal that summer is near, certain events will indicate that God’s purposes are unfolding. Yet Jesus makes clear that no one knows the exact day or hour of his return — not even the angels — so his followers must live in a constant state of readiness. The call is not to speculation but to watchfulness and faithful living, because the Son of Man could return at any time.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 does Jesus’ teaching about the fig tree reveal about spiritual awareness?- Why is it significant that no one knows the exact time of Christ’s return?- How can focusing too much on predicting the future distract from faithful living today?- Are there habits or attitudes that make you spiritually sleepy or distracted?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep my heart watchful as I faithfully live and love in anticipation of your return.

As they leave the Temple, Jesus' disciples take time to be impressed by the incredible stones used in its construction. In response, Jesus tells them to get a good look because these monumental stones would soon be reduced to rubble! Jesus warns them to be prepared but not to panic, for God will be with them even when all human institutions and relationships fail. Even the darkest of times will be an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus.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 kinds of fears or uncertainties about the future challenge your faith?- How can hardship become an opportunity to witness about Jesus?- What does this passage teach about the role of the Holy Spirit during times of pressure or persecution?- Where might God be calling you to stand firm in faith even when it is difficult?- Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith to endure hardship and to see the opportunities to share your light in dark times.

When a teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the most important, Jesus answers by quoting the Shema (their daily prayer): to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He then adds a second command — to love your neighbor as yourself — which cannot be separated from the first. Genuine faith is centered on sacrificial love because that expression of love is God's very nature.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 think Jesus connects love for God so closely with love for neighbor?- How have you seen faith practices (like going to church) help you to love? Have you seen faith practices sometimes distract you from loving God or others?- What might it look like if you were to live this commandment out more fully?- Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with love for you and help that love overflow to the people around me.

The Sadducees — who deny the resurrection — try to trap Jesus with a complicated hypothetical question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus exposes their misguided assumption that fails to realize the transformation we will experience. He also corrects their lack of belief in the resurrection by pointing to the writings of Moses that they consider authoritative. There God refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the present tense, even though they had died long ago. From the first books of the Bible, death has never been the final word. God has always had the final word!Sunday's message on Matthew 21:33-46 (parallel to Mark 12:1-12):https://youtu.be/T8kRTzkIcA0Looking 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 does this passage reveal about the importance of knowing both Scripture and God’s power (and heart)?- Why do you think the Sadducees might have struggled to believe in the resurrection?- How might limiting God to human assumptions affect your faith?- What hope does the promise of resurrection bring to your understanding of life and death?- Prayer: God of the living, deepen my understanding of your Word and strengthen my hope in your power to bring life.

It’s easy to believe we’re in charge of our time, our resources, and our future. But what if the story we’re living in belongs to someone else? Jesus tells a parable that challenges our deepest assumptions about control, ownership, and who the story is really about.· · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd

As Jesus and his disciples travel toward Jerusalem, he again warns them of his coming suffering, death, and resurrection. Despite this sobering news, James and John are more concerned to use this opportunity to further their own ambitions. Jesus patiently teaches them that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or status but about humility and service. Jesus invites them and us to join him, explaining that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.Theology Lab's "Beyond Simple Answers" podcast:- Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y3znraf2- Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4nv3fka5Looking 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 the contrast between Jesus’ upcoming trials vs. the disciples’ desire for status?- Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ mission?- How does Jesus redefine greatness and leadership in this passage?- Where might ambition or recognition shape your motivations more than service?- Prayer: Servant Lord, transform my heart to seek to serve others rather than to seek recognition.

In what is a very busy and critical time, people bring little children to Jesus. Rather than welcome them, the disciples try to send them away. Instead, Jesus insists on welcoming them and further insists that we must all become like little children if we wish to be with God. But how? In what way should we be like children? It seems that Jesus intends that we wrestle with this question, exploring the ways in which Jesus is inviting us to be the children of God that we are. 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 think the disciples tried to turn the children away?- In what ways do you think we are to be like children? In what ways do you think we are not to be like children?- What makes it difficult for you to answer Jesus' call to be more childlike?- Who in your life might need the kind of welcome and blessing Jesus models here?- Prayer: Jesus, give me a childlike heart that trusts you and leans on your loving embrace.

The disciples encounter someone who is casting out demons in Jesus' name and they proudly report to Jesus that they shut that man down. Jesus corrects them, teaching them to support and encourage everyone who is honoring Jesus. He also strongly warns against leading anyone away from God and into sin. He even urges radical action, using images of removing anything — even a foot, a hand, or an eye — that might lead us away from faithful 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/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you imagine that the disciples were so against another person using Jesus' name?- Left unchecked, comparison and competition can poison our spiritual lives. Where do you struggle against comparison and competition?- Jesus uses strong imagery of cutting off a foot, a hand, or plucking out an eye in our fight against sin. What steps might God be inviting you to take today?- Prayer: Lord, keep me far from pride and sin, honoring you in all I do.

A boy’s father pleads with Jesus to heal his son when Jesus' disciples are unable to help. He asks Jesus, "Help us, if you can." When Jesus questions his apparent lack of faith, the father replies, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” This honest request has become the prayer of many ever since. Jesus invites us in, doubts and all!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 see in the father's honesty about his doubts? Do you feel free to express your doubts? Why or why not?- What are the questions or struggles where you might ask Jesus to help your unbelief? - Why do you think the disciples were unable to cast out the demon?- How does prayer strengthen dependence on God rather than self-confidence?- Prayer: Lord, I believe — help my unbelief and teach me to depend on you in prayer.

Jesus heals a blind man, but only partially at first. Why? Shortly after, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, yet he rebukes Jesus when Jesus explains what it means to be the Messiah. In particular, Jesus lays out the necessity of his impending crucifixion. Peter thus reveals that he can see, but only partially, just like the blind man who needed further healing. Jesus also seeks to restore our vision fully, to see that the cross, to lay down one's life in love, is not the end of life but the path to a full life, now and for eternity. 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 the two-stage healing teach about spiritual growth and understanding?- Where do you see partial understanding in your own walk with Christ?- Why do you think that Peter was resistant to the idea of a suffering Messiah?- Jesus invites you to lay down your life and take up your cross? In concrete terms, what might that mean for you?- Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes more fully to who you are and give me the courage to follow where you lead.

Why do some people hear the same words about Jesus and walk away unchanged while others are transformed? If the message is the same, what makes the difference? Maybe the real question isn’t about the seed at all but the condition of the soil.· · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd