Highrock Church

Why bother going to church?Is church just a spiritual pick-me-up, a Sunday habit, or something far more? In this sermon, Pastor Richard Lee challenges us to rethink not only why we show up to church, but how we show up - and what might be missing when we don't. If you've ever felt like a spectator in your own faith, this one's for you. · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd

Many of Paul's listeners might hear Paul to be saying that the Gentiles are replacing Israel. That would be a misunderstanding! Rather, Gentiles are like wild branches being grafted into a cultivated tree. No matter who we are, our inclusion is not a birthright or something God owes to us. Instead, our connection must always be one of gratitude and humility!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Paul has been addressing the question of Israel. We are now two-and-a-half chapters into his three chapter answer.- After two-and-a-half chapters, how do you understand the spiritual relationship between Gentiles, Jews, and Israel as a people? How might you explain this idea to a children's Sunday school class? Just as importantly, what are some of the questions that remain? (And there might be many!)- What encouragement do you take from this passage, that you are like a wild branch that was grafted into the gardener's cultivated tree?

Sometimes you don't know what you have until you lose it. That, says Paul, was the situation for Israel. Sometimes we, too, forget the privilege it is to know God in Christ! Israel's failure to value the gift of God serves as a warning to all who might be tempted to take God's grace for granted.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Many in Israel had lost what they had taken for granted. Treating their spiritual privilege as a birthright caused them to lose sight of its incredible value.- Have you ever taken a blessing for granted? Perhaps it was a possession, a position, or even a person? What happened, and what were the consequences of taking that blessing for granted?- How do you avoid taking good things for granted? How do you refresh your appreciation and gratitude for God and the blessings of God?

The continuing place of Israel in God's plan might seem like an academic discussion but for Paul, it was deeply personal. He brings up the story of Elijah, who at one point thought he was the only person left who had not abandoned the God of Israel for other gods. But God was with Elijah, along with several thousand others who had remained faithful. Paul likely felt similarly at times. But no matter how alone we might feel at any given moment, we are not alone. God is with us, and so are many others! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Paul's reference to Elijah is found in 1 Kings 19. Elijah felt so alone and depressed that he was barely able to continue on.- Have you ever felt alone in following God in your family or your community? Have you ever felt like being faithful to God led to a place of hopelessness? What happened? What, if anything, helped bring you out of that pit of despair?- Elijah was reminded that he was not alone. Elijah's story was likely a reminder to Paul that he was not alone. What or who can help remind you that you are not alone?

Can jealousy ever be a good thing? Over a thousand years before Jesus, God told Israel that they would one day become jealous of the Gentiles for the spiritual blessings that they would be enjoying. Even today, Jesus can showcase blessings through his followers so that others will be provoked to desire what God is offering not just to a select few, but graciously to all!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Sometimes, we discover what we truly desire only when we see it being enjoyed by others.- Have you ever been jealous of a good thing you saw someone else enjoying? In particular, did that desire ever cause you to make a choice or a change to gain that same experience for yourself? Recall and describe that process.- Is there someone in your life who you wish would draw closer to Christ? How might you prayerfully invite them to witness and experience the good things shared by those who follow Jesus?

Have you ever wondered how God feels about you? Have you ever wondered if you're good enough, smart enough, or loving enough to be acceptable to God? The Apostle Paul is clear that many had made the answers to these questions far too complicated. Who will be acceptable to God? Who will God rescue from the darkness of this world? "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!"Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Paul says that the message is clear – that we must declare with our mouths and believe with our hearts that Jesus is Lord, raised from the dead.- If someone asked you how they could get right with God, how might you answer? Has that answer changed over time, and if so, how did your understanding change?- What does "declaring with your mouth" and "believing with your heart" look like in your life? Why is each of these important? Which is more challenging for you?

Have you ever wondered what happens when you hit rock bottom in your faith? What if the thing you regret most could actually become the turning point of your story? Check out this finale of Highrock's sermon series “Witness” as Pastor Taylor Burgoyne unpacks a surprising beachside encounter that just might change how you see grace, failure, and second chances.· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

When can a good thing be bad? When it gets in the way of something more important. In this case, our own good behavior can become a bad thing if it leads us to trust in our own goodness rather than the grace of God. Such "goodness" becomes self-righteousness that produces resentment rather than love, entitlement rather than gratitude. We must repent and turn away from making any good thing a substitute for the love of God in Jesus Christ.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus becomes a stumbling block whenever we make anything, even a good thing like faithful obedience, into a substitute for the love and grace of God.- Have you ever felt that you deserved something good from God more than someone else? What was the good thing in you that you thought made you more deserving of God's love?- The older brother in the parable of the prodigal (Luke 15:11-32) was angry because he felt that he was more deserving of the father's love. What might help him, or you, celebrate rather than resent his "less-deserving" sibling?

Who are your people? This question was central for the church in Rome and for Paul's entire ministry! Which matters more -- physical lineage from Israel or the offer of grace extended to all people? As difficult as it might be to accept, God had long declared that God's people would be a collection of those who responded to the promises of God in faith. Whatever might seek to divide us, God calls us to be united by the love of God in Jesus Christ!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:It's common for the Bible to talk about our common identity, our group identity, but that group is made up of people who have individually responded to God's promises. - How has faith in Jesus changed how you love people who also follow Jesus and those who do not?- What are some of the associations in the world (politics, race, sexual ethics, social class, age, culture, etc.) that you see challenging unity in the local and global church? Which do you find most challenging?

After Jesus restores Peter, you might imagine that he would be filled with gratitude, despite the warning about the way he would one day die as a martyr for Jesus. Instead, we see Peter turn around immediately and ask regarding John, "What about him?" Comparison kills joy and community. Instead, Jesus instructs Peter and us to focus on what God calls each of us to do in following him.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:You might imagine that Peter would be overcome with joy about his restoration but he immediately focuses on his rivalry with John.- How have you seen comparison kill joy in you, or even kill love within a family or community? What choices do you have when tempted to compare yourself to others?- Is there anyone you feel jealous of or resentful towards because of the blessings God has given them? What might God be inviting you to do to reclaim the joy of your own walk with Jesus?

Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" and each time, Peter says "Yes." By the time Jesus asks Peter a third time, Peter is hurt by the question. Why does Jesus keep asking the same question? As we may suspect, Jesus desires not to hurt Peter but to heal him, and to invite us to be healed as well.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Imagine yourself in Peter's place.- Jesus first asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these?" If you were Peter in this situation, what might Jesus be asking you? Do you love Jesus more than these ________ (fill in the blank). What might be in that blank space?- By asking three times, Jesus is perhaps inviting Peter to redo or undo three bad decisions (his three denials) – to get it right this time. What is a something that Jesus might invite you to get right this time? What lesson might he want you to learn from your past?

If you were to have a supernatural encounter with God, where do you imagine it might happen? Probably not at a campfire cook-out on the beach! Jesus uses this moment to continue the process of restoring and strengthening Peter and the rest of the disciples. Peter imagines that his failure is the end of the story for him but Jesus continues to show him that his failure, and ours, is only part of the picture!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The disciples arrive on the beach to find that Jesus has cooked breakfast for them.- Can you recall a time when God "showed up" for you in a mundane, everyday moment like breakfast on a beach with friends?- What might help you to keep your eyes open for God's presence in such moments?- Jesus uses this moment to acknowledge Peter's failure without making too much of it. What helps you to keep your spiritual failures in perspective?

Faith and doubt might seem like opposites, but what if they actually go hand in hand? This sermon explores how even our questions and uncertainties can lead us closer to Jesus—and why a little doubt doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. · · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

What do you do when there seems to be no way forward? Quite often, we're tempted to go back to what we used to do. The disciples return to Galilee and begin fishing again. But Jesus is not finished with them. Have you ever felt that God was done with you -- that you had failed in some unforgivable way? We can learn through Peter even our worst failures cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Peter needs to hear and see, once again, that he still matters to Jesus.- Have you ever felt spiritually disqualified or that God was disappointed or even disgusted with you? How long and in how many ways did you need to experience God's gracious affirmation to feel restored? Or are you still waiting?- Quite often, there is a large gap of time between realizing who Jesus is and realizing who we are in Christ. What do you understand about your identity in Christ and how have you come to understand?

John's Gospel reaches a climax in this scene. Jesus appears to Thomas, a disciple who refuses to believe until he can see Jesus for himself. When he does, he believes Jesus and acknowledges him as "My Lord and my God!" We may not see Jesus in the flesh, but we have the opportunity to see Jesus through one another, the very body of Christ. Who has shown you the glimpse of Jesus?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:These signs are recorded to strengthen our faith and lead to a Thomas-like moment when we too can believe Jesus and follow him as Lord.- Where have you seen glimpses of Jesus? How did Jesus make himself known to you in a way that led to your confession of faith?- Who has God given you to love? How might Jesus be inviting you to love others in the way that he has loved you? Who might you invite into community to see the love of Jesus displayed?

Sermon by Pastor Meghan DeJong in the series, "Witness: The Firsthand Faith of John"· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

-- Note: No devo tomorrow, April 30. We'll be at a staff overnight retreat --That Easter Sunday evening, Jesus appeared amongst the fearful disciples. Jesus' presence displaced their fear with joy and peace. But Jesus came to give them something even more -- a commission and the power to live out their calling. That power was the Spirit that Jesus breathed upon them, the same Spirit that God still breathes upon us today.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Pastor Meghan's 4/27 Sermon:https://youtu.be/9d2OiMN4kY0For Reflection:Jesus was passing his mission to the disciples. They would need power to do what Jesus was calling them to do -- the power of the Spirit! - There are some things that God calls us all to do and there are some things that are more individual. What is your sense of what God has called you to do? Whom has God called you to love in the name of Jesus?- What are some of the challenges you've experienced in loving and forgiving people? How has God's power, God's Spirit, shown up in those struggles?

Mary Magdalene searches for Jesus unsuccessfully until he calls her by name. He knows her and she knows him. But Jesus also reveals something new to her -- that she and the other disciples are now true children of God!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Mary Magdalene seems unable to find Jesus until he calls her by name.- What does it mean to you to know that through faith in Jesus, you are a true child of God? (John 1:12 "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.")- God knows us better than we know ourselves. In many ways, God reveals to us who we are and who we were meant to be. In your walk with God, how have you come to know who you are?

Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb on Sunday morning and find it empty. She rushes to inform Peter and John, who run to the tomb to find it empty, just as Mary had said. It was only then that John finally believed. John had followed Jesus all along but it wasn't until that moment that he finally understood. What did John finally understand, and what are we to take away as well? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Entering into the empty tomb, John finally believed what Jesus had said.- Imagine being with John as he entered the tomb. What details would have caught your eye? What questions might you have had at that moment?- John could have believed the many times when Jesus said that he must rise from the dead. John could have believed later when seeing Jesus alive, like many of the other disciples. What do you imagine it was about the empty tomb that allowed John to believe at that moment?

Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. Joseph was a member of Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, but he was a secret disciple out of fear of the other religious leaders. He was much like Nicodemus, another secret disciple, who joined him in burying Jesus. Like Joseph and Nicodemus, does fear make us secret disciples as well?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Joseph and Nicodemus had power and position but their privilege made them fearful of what they might lose.- Have you ever lost anything for following Jesus? Friendships, status, opportunities? What do you fear that you might lose if you were more bold and open about your faith?- Non-Christians often resist when someone shares their faith in a way that is argumentative. Those same people are often receptive when faith is expressed as love and joy. Is there a way in which God might want you to be more openly loving and celebratory with others?

The soldiers saw that Jesus was clearly already dead. Just to be sure, a soldier pierced Jesus' side with a spear. Such detail might seem unnecessary but both then and now, there have been those who have doubted Jesus' death. In addition to these details, John testifies that he saw it with his own eyes. The clarity of Jesus' death is a kindness for those whose hope is in the ensuing resurrection!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:On that Good Friday, John likely did not imagine that there would be people who would doubt the death of Jesus. But by the time he wrote the Gospel of John, numerous groups had raised that very question.- What people or groups of people do you imagine might doubt the death of Jesus? It might seem easier to doubt that Jesus came back from the dead than to doubt his death in the first place, so why doubt his death?- What does Jesus' death mean to you?

As Jesus died upon the cross, he declared, "It is finished!" His work was complete. Everything that the Father had given him to do, Jesus brought to fullness and completion. But is there another meaning, a further implication to what Jesus declared? What does it mean for us to hear Jesus say, "It is finished!"?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:As Jesus breathed his last, he declared, "tetelestai!" -- "It is finished" or "Pail in full".- What are some of the debts that you currently carry that weigh upon you, whether financial, relational, spiritual or otherwise? What is the expectation of repayment? What would be the consequences for failing to replay?- What does it mean for you to hear Jesus say, "Paid in full!"? How have you understood this phrase in the past? How do you understand it now? How might believing this truth affect how you live today?

The Jewish people had been waiting for the Messiah, a promised king, for centuries. They knew that he would be a descendant of King David, which Jesus was, but how could a crucified Jesus possible be the king they were expecting? But as the Gospel of John shows us, the crucifixion was not a mark against Jesus being the long-expected savior. Instead, the crucifixion was precisely how he would save us, and indeed, long-foretold by King David himself!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:The charge written above Jesus' head, "King of the Jews", was likely intended to be an ironic jab at the religious leaders rather than a declaration of faith.- Many people wondered how a crucified criminal could possibly be the promised Messiah. How do you see today's text addressing those concerns?- Jesus' victory and God's plan was accomplished through what appeared to be a total defeat. How might you be able to take this moment with you so that you can trust God in dark moments in your own story?

Sermon by Pastor Taylor Burgoyne in the series, "Witness: The Firsthand Faith of John"· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

Sermon by Pastor John Mury in the series, "Witness: The Firsthand Faith of John"· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

When Pilate considers that Jesus might be more than human, it strikes him with fear. Even so, he is even more afraid of Caesar. The religious leaders are no different, saying to Pilate, "We have no king but Caesar!" Who determines what is right in our lives? Who sets the priorities? Do we bend our will for the approval of the crowds, to satisfy the demands of those in power or the demands of our own comfort, pleasure, or security? Or does God alone sit on the throne?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Holy Week at Highrock:Maundy Thursday Dinners:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/maundy-thursday-2025Good Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/good-friday-2025Easter Sunday Celebrations:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easter-sunday-2025For Reflection:Jesus confidently declared that all authority, even Pilate's, rested in God alone (v11).- Try to imagine the fears that motivated each of the involved parties: Pilate, the priests, and the crowds that were manipulated by the priests. In each case, what or whom did they fear? In what or whom did they place their faith?- Who do you identify with most throughout this trial at the governor's palace? What choice or choices do you face in which God is inviting you to lean into faith rather than fear?

How do we respond to those who oppose and betray us? The Roman guards took delight in their cruelty to Jesus. Pilate simply wanted to wash his hands of it all. But Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, though they would soon abandon him. He also washed the feet of Judas, who would soon betray him. And Jesus then told them to love one another as Jesus had loved. We can and should oppose those who practice dehumanization and cruelty, but always out of love -- including love for the offender.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Holy Week at Highrock:Maundy Thursday Dinners:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/maundy-thursday-2025Good Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/good-friday-2025Easter Sunday Celebrations:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easter-sunday-2025For Reflection:Jesus opposes evil throughout his ministry yet he never participates in mockery or violence. He loved even Judas to the end, and taught us to love one another in the same way.- In what ways is it tempting to be like the soldiers, to take delight in mocking those we believe to be on the wrong side?- In what ways is it tempting to be like the priests, with a moral vision that is clouded by self-interest, a moral vision that acts as if the ends justify the means?- In what ways is it tempting to be like Pilate, attempting to escape any responsibility?

Daily Devo | What is Truth? (John 18:33-40)The Roman governor Pilate takes Jesus inside for a private conversation. Pilate asks Jesus two questions: "What have you done?" and "What is truth?" Pilate is looking for a way to get himself and Jesus out of this situation but Jesus' isn't helping. In the end, he offers Jesus of Nazareth to the crowds, but they call for Jesus Barabbas instead -- someone who was much more willing to use political force and violence.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Holy Week at Highrock:Maundy Thursday Dinners:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/maundy-thursday-2025Good Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/good-friday-2025Easter Sunday Celebrations:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easter-sunday-2025For Reflection:Today's questions are implicit in the passage:- What is truth? Like in Pilate's world, is truth a weapon -- an idea to be used to attain political goals? Or is truth a call to live more faithfully and sacrificially? How has truth formed and changed you in Christ?- Which Jesus do you want? If you had been in the crowd that day, chafing under a Roman emperor, would you have wanted the Jesus whose kingdom was not of this world or would you have wanted Jesus Barabbas, the one ready to bring the fight to your enemies? What implications might there be for today?

The Jewish leaders know they are not in charge as they do not have the legal power to execute Jesus. They go to the Roman governor, Pilate, who alone has the power to have Jesus killed. But is Pilate truly in charge? He is in a weaker position than most realized. In the end, they are all moving according to the plan of God, the only one who is truly in control of these events.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Holy Week at Highrock:Maundy Thursday Dinners:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/maundy-thursday-2025Good Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/good-friday-2025Easter Sunday Celebrations:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easter-sunday-2025For Reflection:All the parties are confronted by the limits of their own power as they seek to advance their goals.- People often convince themselves that God is on their side. How might the religious leaders have justified their plans to eliminate Jesus? How might Pilate have justified his attempt to wash his hands of this matter?- Rather than assume that God is on our side, we are challenged to ask if we are on God's side. How might this question have challenged the players in this drama? How might that question challenge you in your life today?

Daily Devo | Getting Back Up Again (John 18:15-27)Jesus predicted Judas' betrayal and he also predicted Peter's as well. One of the biggest differences was that Peter wanted to be restored while Judas ran and took matters into his own hands. We will all fall. The question is whether we will trust that Jesus is ready to restore us. Yes, we all fall, but will we trust Jesus enough to get back up again?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Holy Week at Highrock:Maundy Thursday Dinners:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/maundy-thursday-2025Good Friday Services:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/good-friday-2025Easter Sunday Celebrations:https://www.highrock.org/calendar/easter-sunday-2025For Reflection:Despite his earlier promise, Peter failed Jesus.- Picture Jesus inside, being questioned by the authorities while Peter is outside, being questioned by the servants. Have you ever felt like Peter? Too fearful to stand with Jesus? What was that scene like in your life?- Jesus predicted that all the disciples would abandon him, but he told them so they wouldn't be shocked but have peace (John 16:32-33). How do you imagine Jesus responding to you and your sins, betrayals, and failures?

As Judas arrives with the soldiers to arrest Jesus, Jesus comes forward asking who they are looking for. When the soldiers say that Jesus is the one they're looking for, Jesus answers, "I am he" -- I am the one. In some sense we're all looking for Jesus -- tne one who will bring us true freedom and life, even if we do not recognize who he is or why we're ultimately looking.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:When people came looking for Jesus, he responded, "I am he." There was power in Jesus' words and fear in their response, but Jesus asked again, "Who is it you want?"- The people in this scene all had different reasons they were looking for Jesus. When you first began to consider Jesus, when you first came looking, what were you looking for? Why were you searching for Jesus?- How have you changed since then? Why do you look for Jesus today? Who or what do you seek from Jesus?

At the end of his prayer, Jesus moves beyond himself and his closest disciples to all those who will believe because of their message. In other words, he prays for us! He prays that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. Apparently, even Jesus must be patient in prayer! In the meantime, are we taking seriously this earnest desire of Jesus?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus desired that we would be one just as he and the Father are one.- Can you recall a time when you experienced a taste of this kind of unity in Christian community? What was it like? What was it that helped that unity transcend all the differences that so often divide us? If it was temporary, why was it so?- Who do you find it difficult to love in the church, or in your church, today? What help might you need to give you the necessary curiosity, courage, and compassion?

In the second part of his extended prayer, Jesus prays for those closest to him, referring to them as those whom God had given him. He prays for their unity and their protection. Who has God given you to love? How might God want you to care for them and protect them from the forces that threaten to tear us apart?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus prayed to the unity and protection of those closest to him. - Who has God given you to love? We touched on this question yesterday. How might God desire you to love them?- Jesus would soon leave the disciples and they (and we) would become Christ's body in the world. "You may be the only Jesus some people will ever see." What will others see of Jesus in you? Is there any specific way in which God might be inviting you to grow to give a clearer picture of God to others?

This chapter is one of the rare insights we have into how Jesus prayed. That insight is also an invitation for us to join Jesus and make his prayer our own. Like Jesus, we can bring glory to God by completing the work that God gives us to do and also to give others a clearer picture of God by how we live and love. Jesus gave glory to God in these ways and we can play our part as well!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus' prayer is an invitation to pray and live like Jesus!- Jesus prayed for glory so that he might glorify God all the more. And one of the ways he glorified God was to complete the work that God gave him to do (v4). What is your understanding of the work that God has given you to do? What is the part that you believe God has given you to play?- Another way that Jesus glorified God was to reveal God to those God had given him to love (v6). Who has God given you to love? How might you give them a clearer picture of God by how you live and love?

Building on his desire that his disciples would not lose their faith or their joy, Jesus reveals an even greater truth to them. He declares that after he returns, they will be able to ask the Father anything in Jesus' name, and the Father will hear them! There is a shocking revelation hidden in this promise, one that we will explore today!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus shares his final teaching with his disciples.- Jesus says that they may ask for anything "in his name" (vv. 23, 24, 26). How do you understand that limitation? What makes a prayer "in his name"?- Jesus shows the disciples that he knows what they are thinking (v.30) and even how they will desert him (v.32). He demonstrates this knowledge so they will know that all their failures will never stop him from loving them (v.33). What do you learn about Jesus' love for you? How might you be inspired to love others in your life?

Even relatively minor pains that lack purpose and predictability can cause intense suffering -- chronic headaches, for instance. In contrast, much greater pains can actually lead to joy. Jesus uses the example of childbirth. Thought very intense, it is only for a time and it leads to something wonderful! In the same way, Jesus wants his disciples to know that their pain will end and lead to even greater joy.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Like childbirth, Jesus tells his disciples that there is purpose and predictability in their pain. Their pain will end and something better awaits them on the other side. - How might keeping these truths in mind help you to keep hold of faith and joy during the hard times in your life? - Pastor Dave spoke of three traditions in the church -- the Word, the Spirit, and the Incarnation. Like with Mary, the Spirit enters into us to form Christ within us. How have you seen Christ formed in you? In what ways do you still long to see Christ more fully formed in you?

Jesus continues to warn his disciples that bad times are coming. This warning is not meant to help them avoid the danger -- that would be impossible. Instead, they might remember that God is in control even in the darkest times. In fact, it is better that Jesus should leave because it is the only way for us to receive God's Spirit. That promise sounds very important, but what does it truly mean?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus gives his disciples a warning and a promise, and both are intended to help them (and us) through the darkest of times.- Why do you imagine that Jesus gives a warning if that warning cannot help us to avoid the danger? Why do you think Jesus warns us about difficult times ahead?- Jesus said that it is better for us that he leaves because only then can we receive the Advocate, the Spirit. If someone were to ask you to explain how we are better off in Jesus' absence, how might you answer?

Jesus warns his disciples that they will face persecution. The same world that persecutes Jesus will also persecute his followers. This prediction of persecution might sound paranoid, but history has demonstrated its truth. More importantly, paranoia would be an excuse to retreat from the world but Jesus encourages us to continue loving others and bearing witness to the loving faithfulness of Jesus our Lord.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/You can learn about, pray for, and support persecuted Christian sisters and brothers around the world at http://www.opendoors.org/ -- click on the map to learn more!For Reflection:Jesus warns us that those who hate Jesus will also hate those who follow Jesus.- Have you faced persecution from friends, co-workers, or family for following Jesus? Has it changed over time? Have you changed over time? Has your response changed?- What helps to give you courage to speak about and follow Jesus in visible and loving ways today?- Spend some time praying for Christians who are actively persecuted today. You can read personal stories by clicking on various nations on the map at opendoors.org

Feeling stuck in a season of spiritual winter? When life feels overwhelming, and hope seems distant, what does it mean to stay connected to the Vine? In this sermon, Pastor Meghan DeJong unpacks John 15:1-8, exploring how true growth sometimes requires dormancy, pruning, and trust in the Gardener. If you’re longing for renewal but struggling to see the fruit, this conversation is for you.· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

As Jesus continues to share with the disciples after the last supper, he shares his deepest desire is that they remain in his love (v9). They don't have to enter his love or earn his favor -- they already have it! Jesus chose them, and chooses us, long before we ever choose him. Our task is to stay connected and to allow his love to change us and everything we do and desire.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus tells us that obedience does not earn his love. We are already loved. Obedience allows us to stay connected to that love.- Have you ever had the experience of distancing yourself from God or even walking away for a time? What helped to bring you back? How might your experience have been different if you were convinced that you never had to earn God's favor or forgiveness?- How has your experience of Jesus' love changed the way you love others? If possible, think of a specific example.

Jesus proclaims to his disciples that he is the true vine, we are the branches, and God the Father is the gardener who tends the vine. Some branches fail to produce fruit and are cut away. Some branches produce fruit and are pruned to produce even more. Either way, you're going to get cut! But connection to the life found in Jesus determines the outcome of that pruning.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:All the branches get cut, but the result is determined by whether the branch remains connected to the vine.- How have you experienced pruning in the past, where God used painful loss to increase your ability to love (i.e. the fruit)?- Has loss ever led you to disconnect from Jesus, even for a time? What happened and what helped to bring you back?- What helps to deepen and strengthen your connection to Jesus, the vine? How might God be inviting you to connect more deeply even now?

As the "ruler of this world approaches" (v30), Jesus tells his disciples to not be troubled or afraid. How could they overcome their fear in such a moment? Jesus promises them peace, a kind of peace that only he can give. What is this peace and how can we find it when darkness approaches?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus offers his disciples a peace that the world cannot give -- peace with God and one another!- In your own words, what is so special about the peace that Jesus offers? Why is it a peace that the world cannot give, and when is a time when you experienced this peace?- What things tend to disturb your experience of the peace that Jesus gives? For the disciples it was confusion, fear, oppression by those in power, and the "ruler of this world". What robs you of peace and how might Jesus be inviting you to reconnect with the peace of mind and heart he offers?

As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, he makes several promises of what will happen in his absence. First, his disciples will do even greater things than Jesus. How is that possible? Second, he promises to answer any prayer in his name. Really, any prayer? Third, he promises to send us the Holy Spirit, through whom he will be with us always. How do we understand and live into these incredible promises?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus makes several promises of what his disciples can expect in his absence.- With so many promises given in such a small space, which of them seems most important to you at this time in your life? The promise to do greater things (v12), the promise about prayer (v13-14), the promise of the Holy Spirit (v16-17), or the promise to reveal himself to anyone who obeys his command out of love (v21)?- Why might that particular promise appeal to you in this moment? Pray about that promise throughout the day.

Jesus has already said that he is the "resurrection and the life" (John 11:26). Here he claims also to be "the way" -- the only way to the Father. But what does it mean that he is "the truth"? A listener today might also find Jesus' claim to be the only way to be offensive and close-minded. Is Jesus' declaration meant to be divisive, or invitational? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:"I am the way, the truth, and the life." Even Jesus' closest disciples had difficulty with what Jesus said.- Suppose a child asked you what this statement meant, perhaps in Sunday school. How might you answer?- Even if Jesus intended to be invitational, Christians have often not been good bearers of this message. What are some ways that we might follow what Jesus did (e.g. humbly washing feet, forgiving enemies, laying down his life, etc.) that might help people more receptive to Jesus' claim to be "the way"?

Jesus gives his disciples a new command -- to love one another as he has loved them. They had already known God's command to love one another. What was new about the command was Jesus' example. They were not only to love one another, but love one another in the way that Jesus was loving them. It is a command to love, but one that proceeds out of first receiving the life-transforming love of Jesus.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:What might seem like the darkest moment becomes the very moment when Jesus most clearly reveals who he is and what he has come to do -- to love us and have us follow his example.- You cannot give away what you have not received. How has Jesus loved you? When and how have you come to experience that love?- The way that Jesus' disciples were to change the world was by loving one another. How might God be inviting you to participate in changing the world by loving someone today?

John's portrayal of the Last Supper began with the declaration that Jesus loved his disciples to the very end (v1). These final moments of love are embodied in Jesus washing their feet, but perhaps even more in his extension of grace and friendship to the one who would soon betray him! We may be tempted to feel that we are beyond hope but Jesus continues to extend grace and friendship to us as well.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:With John to his right and Judas presumably to his left, Jesus loves his disciples to the very end.- Have you ever felt like a John, close and intimate with Jesus? Describe that moment or time in your life.- Have you ever felt like a Judas, turning or running away from Jesus "into the night" (v30)? What happened, and what helped to bring you back?- How might Jesus' offer of love and grace right up to the very end challenge how you love others in your life?

If Jesus offered a hidden antidote to all your fears and worries, would you pay attention? What if the key wasn’t found in understanding your present struggles, but in seeing heaven more clearly? In this sermon, Pastor Dave invites us to shift our perspective and embrace a life transformed by eternity.· · ·👉🏻 Sermons in the "Witness" series: https://tinyurl.com/3c8564ku👉🏻 Dive deeper into John: https://tinyurl.com/4vcwrfv8

Jesus is our teacher and lord -- that is true. But Jesus is also our servant, which he proves by washing the feet of the disciples. Every good thing finds its fullness in Jesus and he wants us to share in this ultimate blessing, which is why he calls us to do likewise. Jesus calls us to humbly serve one another, which is the path to both closeness with Jesus and blessing from the Father (v17).Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus is a servant. If we are to follow him, we must be servants as well.- The disciples were shocked by the way Jesus served them, doing the most humble (or humiliating!) of tasks. Almost as shocking, he called them to do the same for one another. What are some of the ways that others have served you in the name of Jesus?- Is there a way that Jesus may be calling you to serve with him? Perhaps a way that seems almost too radical or humbling to consider?

"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table... and began to wash the disciples' feet." Jesus knew who he was, whose he was, where he had come from, and where he was going. This significance and security enabled him to serve. What is the foundation of our significance and security? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus knew who and whose he was, and this foundation allowed him to love and serve fully to the end.- As you think about your own significance and security, what do you look to in your own life? Who are the people and what are the positions that give you a sense of who you are?- What helps you to grow stronger in your identity as a child of God and your confidence about your future? How might security in those areas give you the security to serve others as Jesus does?

Many did not believe. Some did believe but remained hidden for fear of what others might think. Jesus addresses them all by reminding them that he is the light sent into the world to lead people out of darkness. They must choose. Will they remain in darkness? Or will they trust Jesus enough to lead them to light and life? That choice is ours as well.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus offered the crowd (and us) a choice -- we can remain as we are, without hope, or we can follow him from darkness into the light.- What is one way you have experience Jesus and his teachings leading you into better places? What helped you to trust Jesus enough to follow him in that way?- Spend a moment in thoughtful prayer and ask whether there is some way in which Jesus might be inviting you to trust him enough to take another step of faith today.