Behold the Lamb

Day 47 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jerrika DickersonAs the women approach the tomb at dawn, they discover what they never expected—while they were waiting, God was already at work. The resurrection reminds us that even in seasons of silence, grief, or uncertainty, God is not idle; He is accomplishing what we cannot see. In this episode, we’re invited to embrace Sabbath rest not as inactivity, but as trust—believing that because Jesus has secured the victory, we can rest in the confidence that God is always working on our behalf.ScriptureMatthew 28:1Reflection QuestionsWhere are you tempted to rush instead of rest?What does Sabbath look like in your week—not just a day off, but real soul rest in God?How does the resurrection give you confidence to rest, even in seasons when you don’t yet see the victory?Are you willing to trust that God is working, even when it looks like nothing is happening?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever had to wait for something really good? What did it feel like to wait?Easter reminds us that Jesus is alive! What does that mean to you?Spiritual Practice - SabbathSabbath is hard enough for us when we aren’t going through a major trial of some kind. Odds are, there is an area of your life that feels dark and too heavy to hold. But resurrection means God is working even in what feels lifeless. Today, you are going to lay it down. It is time to rest.If a full day feels out of reach, start with half a day or even an evening. Sabbath is not about perfection; it’s about creating sacred space to stop, rest, delight, and worship.During this time, put your phone away. Stop obsessing over how you are going to solve the issues in your life and trust God instead. Ask yourself: What brings rest to my body and joy to my spirit? And then do those things. Fill your Sabbath with what restores your spirit. Sabbath is not meant to restrict us; it is meant to free us.Ideas for Sabbath:Worship or attend churchTake a walk in natureShare a slow meal with loved onesRead Scripture or a good bookNap, journal, listen to musicAs you rest today, remember: the tomb is empty, the Savior lives, and the story isn’t over. Rest in that truth.

Day 46 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Glyn McKayJesus’ final command wasn’t just to “go,” but to live on mission as you are going. The Great Commission is not limited to distant places—it’s a call to make disciples in the everyday moments of life. In this episode, we’re reminded that wherever we are—at work, at home, or on the move—we are sent, and we do not go alone. The One with all authority goes with us, empowering us to live out His mission every step of the way.ScriptureMatthew 28:16-20Reflection QuestionsAre you waiting for a “big moment” to share your faith or disciple someone?Where do you already go every week, where God may be calling you to open your eyes and engage?Have you let the idea of evangelism become intimidating, instead of relational?Kid-Friendly QuestionWho are some people at school or in your neighborhood that you think Jesus wants you to be kind to or talk to about Him?Spiritual Practice - Community and Evangelism1. Build Intentional CommunityIdentify 1–2 people in your daily or weekly rhythms who don’t know Christ or need encouragement in their faith. Invite them for coffee, a meal, or into your family’s life.2. Live Missionally Where You AreWrite down 3 places you regularly go (e.g., gym, school drop-off, work). Ask God to show you how to be a disciple-maker as you are going into those spaces.3. Pray the Commission DailyEach morning this week, pray Matthew 28:18–20 aloud. Let it frame your day with purpose.

Day 45 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Angela ObaniAs the disciples obey Jesus and go to meet Him, some arrive with worship—and others with doubt. Yet Jesus meets them all, revealing that He is not deterred by honest questions but draws near to open their eyes. From mountaintop encounters to ordinary meals, His presence transforms uncertainty into clarity and worship into witness. In this episode, we’re invited to seek Him, trust Him, and remain open to how He reveals Himself—knowing that when He does, everything changes.ScriptureMatthew 28:16-17, Luke 24:30-31Reflection QuestionsWhere do you go to meet with Jesus?In what ways do you need to be remade, like the disciples on the mountain?How are you demonstrating the faith of the travelers to share and be welcoming?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhen you have quiet time with God, who is He telling you to share Jesus with?Spiritual Practice - Silence & StillnessPray and ask God to reveal a dedicated place where you may consistently have a quiet time to experience His presence and worship in solitude.Set calendar requests and alarms to block out and remind you of these times.Sit in silence and reflect on ways your eyes need to be opened for Jesus.As you sit in stillness, thank Him for always keeping His promises and meeting you wherever you are.

Day 44 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author: Arlene SanabriaVoice: Maddie HuangWhen the women encounter the risen Jesus, they fall at His feet in worship—but He doesn’t leave them there. He lifts them with a mission: “Do not be afraid… go and tell.” This moment reveals the pattern of discipleship—encounter, worship, then witness. In this episode, we’re reminded that true worship doesn’t end at His feet; it overflows into obedience, as we are sent to share the hope of the risen Christ with others.ScriptureMatthew 28:9-10Reflection QuestionsAm I truly surrendering my heart in worship, or just acknowledging Jesus without fully engaging?What is keeping me from moving from worship to action?Who is Jesus sending me to today with a message of hope?What fear do I need to surrender to Jesus in order to obey His call?How can my personal worship become a public witness this week?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhat would you do if you saw Jesus in front of you?How can you tell someone that Jesus is alive?Is there someone you can show God’s love to today?Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipTake a few moments today to reflect on who Jesus is and what He has done in your life. Make a short list of five things you’re thankful for—big or small. Then, turn those into words of worship. Say out loud or write a simple prayer of thanks:“Jesus, I praise You because...” or “Thank You, Lord, for...”Let your gratitude lead you into worship. True worship naturally leads to mission—when your heart is full of thanks, your mouth will overflow with testimony. The same Jesus who met the women on the road walks with you today.Worship Him not only with your words, but with your willingness to go and tell.

Day 43 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Erin. BentonWhen confronted with the truth of the resurrection, the guards chose comfort over conviction—trading what they knew was real for what felt safe. This moment exposes a choice we all face: will we confess the truth of Jesus with our lives, or suppress it to protect our comfort? In this episode, we’re invited to choose truth over convenience, aligning not just our words, but our lives with the reality that Jesus is risen.ScriptureMatthew 28:11-15Reflection QuestionsWhere in my life am I tempted to deny the truth of who Jesus is, for fear of discomfort or inconvenience?What might God be inviting me to confess, either in my heart or through my actions, that I’ve been holding back?How might fasting reveal areas where I am choosing the comfort of this world over the truth of Christ’s resurrection?Kid-Friendly QuestionIs there something that you could give up, go without, fast from that would help you spend more time with Jesus?Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingAlthough we may have been practicing fasting as just a discipline throughout Lent, take this opportunity to fast with joy during Holy Week. Thank the Lord for wanting to transform us into His image and giving us practices for doing that. Take that humility that fasting created this season and turn it into thanksgiving and joy towards the One who wants to be with us!

Day 42 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinThe angel’s invitation is simple but powerful: “Come, see the place.” The tomb is empty—and that emptiness changes everything. What once held death, sin, and shame now holds nothing because Jesus has fully paid the price and defeated the grave. In this episode, we’re invited to look again at the empty tomb and remember that there is no debt left, no condemnation remaining, and nothing separating us from God—because He is risen.ScriptureMatthew 28:5-6Reflection QuestionsWhat am I still carrying that Jesus already took to the tomb and left there?How does the emptiness of the tomb speak to specific guilt or shame I’m holding onto?What expectations do I need to surrender to see God’s reality instead?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf Jesus took all our bad choices to the tomb and left them there when He came back to life, what does that mean about how God sees you?Spiritual Practice - PrayerPractice the “I felt , because , so I ” prayer pattern, then turn to the truth of the empty tomb. How to Practice:Name your feeling and source: “I felt (afraid, guilty, weak) because …” Confess your response: “So I (tried to control, quit, yelled).”Turn to the empty tomb: “But Jesus carried my(fear, guilt, shame) to the grave and left it there. The tomb is empty.”Examples:“I felt guilty because of my failures, so I avoided God. But my guilt isn’t in that tomb anymore.”“I felt angry because I was hurt, so I held onto bitterness. But Jesus took my pain and left it in the grave.”Let the emptiness of the tomb speak to whatever you’re carrying that doesn’t belong to you anymore.

Day 41 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jason ParedesJesus’ final command was never just to teach His words—but to form disciples who obey them. In a culture where it’s easy to talk about faith without living it, this passage calls us beyond knowledge into action. In this episode, we’re challenged to examine whether our faith is merely spoken or truly practiced, remembering that real discipleship is not just hearing the Word—but doing it.ScriptureMatthew 28:19-20Reflection QuestionsWhat are some things that you already know you should be obeying but still haven’t taken up in action? In other words, where do you see disobedience in your life?How can you read God’s word toward action and not just knowledge?How can accountability help you more from knowing Christ’s commands to observing Christ’s commands?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf your parents tell you to clean your room, and you spend the afternoon memorizing their command instead of doing it, how will this make your parents feel? Why?Spiritual Practice - Meditation & MemorizationMemorize the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), but as you do, ask yourself how you can put this into practice. Come up with 2 or 3 action steps you can take based on this truth so that you can become a doer and not just a hearer of the word.

This is the week everything has been leading toward. Every moment of Lent has prepared our hearts to enter the final days of Jesus’ earthly life—His betrayal, suffering, death, burial, and ultimate victory over the grave.Holy Week invites us to slow down and behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.These days are sacred ground. Walk through them not as a distant observer of history, but as a beloved disciple following your Savior to the cross.This week follows the format of all the weeks of breaking down the text each day. This means that you will focus on the part of Matthew after the resurrection each day. Do not feel obligated to read that one. You can read some of the past devotionals that discuss what happened at the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, etc. You can sit in that moment with our risen Lord during the week in addition to these devotionals. However, we do hope that each reflection this week draws you nearer to the suffering and love of Christ, to help you see with fresh eyes what He endured for your redemption, and to rest in the hope that death is not the end.As we approach Resurrection Sunday, may your heart be broken, stilled, and then awakened to the fullness of His victory.Join us as we walk through Holy Week together at Fielder Church. You can find the details for all services at www.fielder.org/holyweek

Day 40 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Erin BentonIn the quiet after the cross, everything feels still—hopes shattered, questions unanswered, and the Savior laid in a tomb. Yet beneath the silence, God is still at work. This moment of waiting reveals that the Sabbath is not wasted time, but a sacred space where trust is formed and faith is refined. In this episode, we’re invited to embrace the stillness, remembering that even when nothing seems to be happening, God is preparing what comes next.ScriptureLuke 23:50-56Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you currently being asked to wait rather than act—and what emotions does that waiting surface in you? (Fear, frustration, grief, trust, surrender, hope?)What does it look like for you to trust God’s work when you cannot see progress or outcomes—especially in seasons of silence?How can practicing intentional stillness this Sabbath help you declare trust in God’s timing rather than your own effort?Spiritual Practice - SabbathIn our own lives, there are times when we are in seasons of waiting, seasons where things feel still and nothing seems to be changing. But let us remember that rest doesn’t mean inactivity; it’s a moment to trust God and reflect on His sovereignty. Sometimes, in the silence, God is preparing something powerful.The silent Sabbathis a reminder that waitingis part of God’s timing. The tomb was silent that day, but not for long. God was at work, preparing the victory of the resurrection.

Day 39 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Maddie HuangIn the shadow of the cross, two criminals hang beside Jesus—one hardens his heart, while the other turns in humble faith. In his final moments, with nothing to offer but his need, the repentant thief receives immediate grace and the promise of eternal life. This episode reveals the power of the gospel: that salvation is not earned, but received—and that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus, even in the final hour.ScriptureMatthew 27:38-40Reflection QuestionsHave you ever considered someone beyond the reach of God’s grace? How does the story of the repentant criminal challenge that view?When have you personally experienced grace at your lowest point?Is there a sin or burden you need to openly confess and release today?Who can you specifically begin praying for and sharing the gospel with this week?Kid-Friendly QuestionWho do you know that needs to hear how much Jesus loves them? How can you show and tell them about His love this week?Spiritual Practice - Community & EvangelismThis week, intentionally share the gospel with someone who doesn’t yet know Christ. Clearly communicate our human guilt, the reality of divine judgment, and the extraordinary grace offered by Jesus. Pray for specific opportunities, trusting the Holy Spirit to open hearts as you speak truth boldly and compassionately. Trust God to use your courageous obedience. If you need a refresher on how to share the gospel, you can check out “3-Circles Training Video.”

Day 38 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Marvin SchaeferWith His final words—“It is finished”—Jesus declares that the work of redemption is complete. What looked like defeat was actually victory, as His death satisfied the wrath of God, tore the veil separating us from His presence, and opened the way for new life. In this episode, we see that because of the cross, we are no longer distant from God—we are invited into full, confident relationship with Him, forever changed by what Christ has accomplished.ScriptureMatthew 27:51-53, John 19:30Reflection Questions & Spiritual Practice1. Sit in the Finished WorkSpend 10–15 minutes in complete silence, meditating on these three words:“It is finished.”Don’t pray. Don’t journal. Don’t try to do. Simply be still in the presence of the God who tore the veil so He could be with you.Why it matters:Just as Jesus’ death split the curtain and opened access, stillness helps us remember this access. It’s a practice of holy attentiveness to grace already given.2. Reflect on What God Has Torn DownAsk the Holy Spirit to reveal what “curtains” of fear, guilt, or striving you still hold up—even though they’ve been torn. Sit in silence and let Him speak.Practice:Light a candle or visualize the temple curtain tearing.As you sit, ask: “What separation do I still falsely believe exists between God and me?”When something comes to mind, whisper: “It is finished.”3. Embrace the Awe of ResurrectionGo outside in silence. Walk slowly, without music or distractions. Meditate on the truth that graves were opened—and that death has lost its sting.Reflection Prompt:“What would it look like to live today as someone whose grave has already been opened?”4. Celebrate Access Together –Family activityActivity:Gather your family and create a simple “curtain” using a bedsheet, blanket, or large piece of fabric. Hang or hold it up so that it blocks a doorway or hallway in your home. Begin on one side together, and talk briefly about how, before Jesus’ death, humanity was separated from God’s presence by the temple curtain.Then, at the right moment, tear the sheet down together (or dramatically pull it aside)as you read Matthew 27:51 out loud:“At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split…”Afterward, walk together through the space where the “curtain” once hung and enter the other side as a family—symbolizing your access to God’s presence through Jesus.Reflection Prompt“Now that the curtain has been torn, how can we live like a family who has full access to God’s presence?”

Day 37 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Maureen EvansWhile many fled, the women stayed. They stood at a distance, watching the crucifixion with courage, grief, and unwavering devotion. In a culture that overlooked them, Jesus saw their faithfulness—and later entrusted them with the first news of His resurrection. This episode reminds us that God honors those who remain near in the hardest moments and often chooses the overlooked to carry His greatest message.ScriptureMatthew 27:55-56Reflection QuestionsAm I willing to speak about Jesus to those around me, even when it may lead to rejection or discomfort? How can I remain faithful like the women who stayed near the cross?Do I ever overlook the people in Scripture whom Jesus chose to honor or use for His purposes? What might that reveal about the way I view others today?The women watched from a distance but stayed near in heart. How can I draw near to Jesus even when I can’t see what He’s doing?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever felt left out or unseen? How does it make you feel to know that Jesus always sees and values you?The women told others that Jesus was alive! Who could you tell about Jesus this week?Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipIn this exercise, you will need a journal. Take a few moments each day and write out the ways you have witnessed God move in your life. After you write your thoughts for the day, turn your heart towards worship. You can sit and sing out a song or listen and follow the words to music. Do this for at least two weeks and see how much you have to be thankful for.

Day 36 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Carlos MontoyaAs Jesus cries out from the cross, quoting Psalm 22, we witness the depth of His suffering—and the cost of our salvation. In that moment, He fully bears the weight of sin and experiences the anguish of separation so that we would never be forsaken. This episode invites us to sit in the tension of lament and hope, reminding us that even when God feels distant, He hears our cries and is faithfully working redemption through our pain.ScriptureMatthew 27:46Reflection QuestionsWhen have you felt abandoned or distant from God, and how did you respond in that moment? How does Jesus’ cry from the cross help you understand that feeling in a new light?What does it mean to you that Jesus willingly experienced separation and suffering so that we could be reconciled with God?How can Psalm 22—moving from lament to praise—guide your journey through suffering and into hope?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever asked God where He is? How has God answered this question? How has God reminded you of His presence?Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingFirst John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Spend time confessing to God about times you’ve doubted His presence, moments you’ve turned away from Him in pain, and sins that weigh on your heart. Write these down in a journal,asking God to forgive you for these.As you fast from sundown yesterday through Encounter tonight, let your hunger or longing remind you of Jesus’ suffering on your behalf, your deep need for God’s presence, and the hope of resurrection and restoration. Let the pangs of hunger be a time of prayer that Jesus is better than food and that His suffering led to your salvation, which is found only through Him.

Day 35 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Erin BentonEven in the agony of the cross, Jesus responds not with resistance, but with complete trust—offering forgiveness to His enemies and entrusting His life fully into the Father’s hands. His words reveal a deep confidence in God’s character, showing us that trust is not the absence of pain, but surrender in the middle of it. In this episode, we’re invited to follow His example—learning that even when life feels uncertain, we can rest in the faithful hands of a good and sovereign Father.ScriptureLuke 23:34, 46Reflection QuestionsWhat areas of my life am I holding back from God because I fear the outcome?Can I forgive others while I’m still hurting, like Jesus did?Am I willing to say alongside Jesus, “Into Your hands I commit my spirit,” even when the path ahead is uncertain?Trust isn’t about understanding everything. Trust is about believing in God’s character when nothing makes sense. Pray and ask God to increase your trust in Him and His plans.Kid-Friendly QuestionWhen do I find it hard to forgive others? How might Jesus want me to forgive someone who has hurt me?Spiritual Practice - PrayerSet aside some intentional time to spend in prayer today. The battle is won through time spent on our knees in surrender. Spend time worshipping the Father for who He is and how He is faithful and never changing. Cry out on behalf of the lost. Cast all of your burdens and cares at His feet, ask God to increase your trust in His faithfulness.Father,In the moments when suffering surrounds me, and questions rise in my heart, remind me of Jesus, who trusted You completely, even in the agony of the cross.Help me to forgive as He forgave. Help me to surrender as He surrendered. Let my life echo His final words: “Into Your hands, I commit my spirit.”Because even in the darkness, You are still worthy of my trust. Amen.

Day 34 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Glyn McKayAs darkness covers the land at the cross, it marks more than a moment in history—it reveals the weight of sin and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. What looks like defeat is actually the turning point of redemption, where Jesus bears the full judgment of sin so that we can be brought near to God. In this episode, we see that God’s light often shines brightest in the darkest moments, reminding us that even when His work feels hidden, He is accomplishing something greater than we can see.ScriptureMatthew 27:45-56Reflection QuestionsWhat areas of your life feel like they are covered in darkness right now? How does the cross help reframe that experience?Have you ever felt like God was silent or absent—only to look back and see that He was working all along?What does it mean to you that God’s greatest victory came through suffering? How might that change the way you view your own pain?Where might God be calling you to trust that His light is working even when you cannot see it?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhen you’re scared or feel alone, what helps you remember that Jesus is still with you? (You can remind them: Even in the dark, Jesus is the Light.)Spiritual Practice - Meditation & MemorizationMeditate: Spend 5–10 minutes in quiet prayer reflecting on Jesus’ words in verse 46. Ask Him to help you trust His presence even when you feel forsaken.Memorize: Commit 2 Corinthians 4:6 to memory this week. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Use it as a reminder that when life feels like night, God is still working toward dawn.Journal Prompt: Where in your life does it feel dark right now? Write down how you might trust God’s presence and purpose even when you can’t see the light.

Day 33 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinJudas feels the weight of his sin—but instead of running to Jesus, he tries to fix it with the very thing that led him there: money. His remorse is real, but it reveals a deeper misunderstanding of grace—he attempts to purchase what can only be received. This episode exposes how easily we try to use our idols to repair the damage they caused, reminding us that true repentance isn’t about proving ourselves, but trusting in the finished work of Christ.ScriptureMatthew 27:3Reflection QuestionsWhere are you trying to use your idol to fix what your idol has broken?How might your approach to spiritual disciplines reveal you’re still trying to earn what Christ has already provided?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf you broke something valuable, would bringing money to your parents fix the relationship, or would saying “I’m sorry” and accepting their forgiveness work better?Spiritual Practice - SabbathToday, practice receiving rather than achieving your way back to God.Write down one area where you’ve been trying to “pay God back” through religious performance. Ask yourself: “What idol am I using to try to earn what grace offers freely?”Instead of making your Sabbath productive, make it receptive. Spend time simply enjoying God’s presence without trying to impress Him. Read Scripture for delight, not duty. Pray for connection, not performance.Before bed, ask: “What did I receive from God today that I didn’t earn?” Thank Him specifically for grace that can’t be purchased.

Day 32 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinIn a stunning reversal, the same crowds who once praised Jesus now call for His crucifixion—not out of sudden hatred, but because they were persuaded by the voices they trusted. This moment reveals how easily hearts can be shaped by influence, especially when authority is misused. In this episode, we’re invited to examine the voices forming our own beliefs and to respond to others not with judgment, but with the same compassion Jesus showed—recognizing how deeply we all need truth, grace, and a faithful Shepherd.ScriptureMatthew 27:20Reflection QuestionsWho in your life has been “persuaded” by cultural voices to trade Jesus for something else? How has your response been more like judgment than Jesus’ compassion?What voices in your own life have you trusted that might be leading you away from Jesus without you realizing it?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf someone you trusted told you something that wasn’t true, would that be your fault for believing them? How can we help people who have been told lies about Jesus?Spiritual Practice - Community & EvangelismToday, practice Jesus’ approach to those who have been persuaded away from truth.Write down the names of 2-3 people in your life who seem to have traded Jesus for cultural alternatives (political ideologies, lifestyle choices, philosophical systems). Instead of listing what’s wrong with their choices, write: “They have been persuaded by .”

Day 31 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Savon PenaJesus stands silent as the crowd chooses Barabbas—the guilty walks free, and the innocent stays. This moment isn’t weakness; it’s redemption unfolding. In His stillness, Jesus willingly takes the place of sinners, absorbing the punishment we deserved so we could walk in freedom. This episode invites us to slow down and feel the weight of that exchange—because we are Barabbas. And because He stayed, we get to walk free.ScriptureMatthew 27:17, 26Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life have you walked away free, knowing deep down it should have been you who paid the cost?What would change in your posture toward Jesus if you slowed down long enough to truly sit in the weight of what His silence accomplished for you?How might you live differently today knowing that Jesus stayed when He could have walked away?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever broken something that cost money to fix? Have you ever had someone else pay for it? (Parents can help remind them of examples)How did that make you feel? What are the things that we have broken by our sin that Jesus’ death and resurrection fixes?Spiritual Practice - Silence & StillnessToday, find a moment to sit in silence for at least five minutes. No phone, no music, no agenda. Just be in the presence of the Father, remembering that you were able to walk because Jesus stayed.As you sit, notice what rises in your heart. If condemnation or guilt begins to surface, don’t run from it—bring it into the light. Agree honestly with the sins that come to mind. We did do those things. But then, listen for Jesus’ response: “I paid for that.”Wait there. Let the reality of His payment sink in—the Son of God stood silent so you could stand forgiven. Feel the weight of His mercy, and the freedom that flows from it.If you want to declare it out loud, do so with gratitude and faith: “Jesus, my Lord, paid for that.”

Day 30 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jim ParksAs the soldiers mock Jesus with words that sound like worship—“Hail, King of the Jews”—their actions expose a sobering truth: it is possible to say the right things about Jesus while our hearts remain far from Him. This moment reveals that true worship is not merely about correct language, but a surrendered heart that honors Christ as He truly is. In this episode, we are invited to examine our own worship, remembering that because of the gospel, we can draw near with sincerity, reverence, and hearts fully devoted to our King.ScriptureMatthew 27:28-29Reflection QuestionsHas the Spirit brought conviction that your words of worship have not been with a heart to honor Jesus? If so, spend a few moments in confession. Tell Him that you are sorry and that you desire to honor Him with your words of worship.Plan a time to worship Jesus today. Why not right now? Choose a song of worship to sing along with. Sing a new song to him. Make a joyful noise. Yes, that’s worship too! Glorify Jesus as King with a heart posture to honor Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. He is worthy of your worship!Kid-Friendly QuestionWhat are good words that you would say about Jesus? You can use Galatians 5:22-23 as prompts if needed.) Allow your child to use the words they thought of to praise Jesus in prayer. They can start by saying,“ Jesus, I praise you for...”Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipToday, practice resting in God’s available power rather than your own limited strength.Begin your Sabbath by reading Matthew 26:53 aloud. Write down three things you’ve been trying to control this week. Next to each one, write: “God has 72,000 angels available for this.”Set aside 30 minutes to solve zero problems. No phone, no planning, no fixing. If anxiety about undone tasks surfaces, remind yourself: “The God who commands legions of angels can handle this while I rest.”

Day 29 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Richard McKayBefore Pilate and the mocking soldiers, Jesus responds to injustice not with defense, but with deliberate silence—choosing surrender over self-preservation. His quiet strength reveals that the Kingdom of God advances not through force, but through sacrificial love that absorbs suffering to accomplish redemption. This episode invites us to follow Christ’s example, trusting that in our own suffering, God is at work—using humble, faithful obedience to display the power of the gospel.ScriptureMatthew 27:11-14, 27:27-31Reflection QuestionsHave you ever felt the urge to defend yourself but sensed God calling you to remain quiet? What did you learn from that experience?Is there someone you need to forgive who has mocked or misunderstood you? How could releasing that need for justice become a witness to them?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? What would it feel like to trust God to take care of the problem instead of arguing back?Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingFasting is all about surrendering your wants and desires in order to open yourself to receive more of God. It could even be considered a way to enter into Jesus’ suffering in a small way. Fasting may also lead us to feel more uncomfortable, easily agitated, or less in control of our responses. Consider the suffering that Jesus endured and His self-control when given chances to defend himself. Pay attention today to ways that you jump to defensiveness or harshness and ask God to lead you to a posture of humility and obedience to His Word.

Day 28 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Glyn McKayJudas and Peter both failed Jesus, but their stories diverge in what they did with their sorrow. Judas turned inward in despair, trying to deal with his guilt alone, while Peter’s grief led him back to the Savior, who restored and recommissioned him. This episode reminds us that true repentance is more than regret—it is returning to Jesus, where grace transforms even our deepest failures into the beginning of new life.ScriptureMatthew 27:3-11 and John 21:15-19Reflection QuestionsWhen have I responded to sin or failure with shame and isolation insteadof bringing it to Jesus?What’s the difference between regret and repentance in my own life? Have I truly brought my heart to Jesus, or just felt bad about what I did?How does Peter’s restoration help me see failure differently?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever messed up and felt like hiding? What do you think Jesus would say to you if He sat down next to you right now?Spiritual Practice - PrayerThe “Prayer of Examen” is an ancient practice of reflectionwith Jesus. It helps you become aware of where you’ve drifted, where He’s been present, and where He’s calling you to return. Like Peter, we bring our failure to the shore and let Jesus meet us there with grace.1. Invite God’s PresenceBegin in silence. Breathedeeply.Pray: “Lord Jesus, You see me and love me. As I look back, help me see through Your eyes—truthfully, and with grace.”2. Review with GratitudeLook back on your day (or a specific moment of failure) with thankfulness.Ask:Where did I experience Your kindness today?When did I feel alive, at peace, or aware of Your presence?Give thanks for those moments.3. Face What Was BrokenNow reflect honestly on any moment when:You denied Christ in your words, choices, or silenceYou acted in fear, pride, or selfishnessYou carried guiltwithout turning to HimAsk: “Jesus, where did I miss You today? Where did I turn away instead of toward You?”Speak those moments to Him without hiding. If they don’t come immediately, wait until the Spirit reveals something you should confess.4. Receive RestorationLet His mercy meet you. Receive His forgiveness—not because you’ve earned it, but because He gives it freely.Pray: “Lord, I’m sorry. I do love You. Thank You for loving me first.”

Day 27 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jerrika DickersonStanding before Pilate and facing false accusations, Jesus offers no defense—fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who “did not open His mouth.” His silence was not weakness, but quiet confidence rooted in the Father’s plan and the truth of God’s Word. This episode invites us to step away from the noise of our world, anchor our hearts in Scripture, and discover the steady peace that comes from trusting the voice of God above every other voice.ScriptureMatthew 27:14Reflection QuestionsHow would your week look different if you truly believed that God's Word could anchor your heart and guide your reactions? What one intentional step can you take to make Scripture a louder voice in your life?What voices have been shaping your thoughts lately — social media, news, opinions, or God’s Word? What changes might you need to make to tune into God's voice more clearly?Spiritual Practice - Meditation & MemorizationJesus’ silence before Pilate wasn’t weakness—it was the Word alive in Him. Isaiah had written, “He did not open His mouth…like a lamb led to the slaughter.” Jesus knew Scripture so deeply that it shaped His response.This week, let His Word shape yours.Write it. Copy Matthew 27:14 and Isaiah 53:7 by hand.Repeat it. Read them aloud morning and night, slowing down on each phrase.Chew on it. When tempted to react or defend yourself, whisper: “He gave no answer.”Keep it. Memorize both verses by week’s end. Let them anchor your peace and guide your tongue.

Day 26 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Maddie HuangIn Luke’s account of Peter’s denial, the moment turns when “the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” That piercing gaze was not condemnation but compassionate truth—an encounter that exposed Peter’s failure while awakening him to repentance and grace. This episode invites us to rest in the God who sees us fully and provides for us completely, reminding us that Christ’s gaze interrupts our striving and calls us back to the security of His finished work.ScriptureLuke 22:54-62Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you still trying to prove your worth to God or others?When you think of Jesus looking at you, do you imagine disappointment or compassion?How might Sabbath rest—stopping, ceasing, trusting—reshape the way you see your failures and your identity?Kid-Friendly QuestionHow do you feel when someone you love looks at you with kindness, even if you’ve made a mistake? Spiritual Practice - SabbathToday, practice Sabbath by intentionally ceasing—not because your work is complete, but because Christ’s is.Stop: Lay aside your to-do list. Put down the phone. Let the unfinished things remain unfinished.Remember: Whisper this truth: “My worth is not in what I do, but in what Jesus has done.”Behold: Take 5–10 minutes of quiet, picturing Jesus looking at you—not with condemnation, but with love. Let His gaze quiet your striving and calm your shame.Delight: Fill your day with something that refreshes your soul—singing, walking, reading, or sharing a slow meal. Let your rest be worship.

Day 25 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Glyn McKayAfter Peter’s devastating denial, shame could have been the end of his story—but Jesus meets him with grace on the shore and restores him with a threefold question of love. In that moment, repentance becomes more than forgiveness; it becomes recommissioning as Jesus entrusts Peter with the care of His flock. This episode reveals the gospel pattern: Christ not only restores the repentant heart, but sends it forward with renewed purpose in His mission.ScriptureJohn 18:15-27 and John 21:15-19Reflection QuestionsWhere have I let shame or failure convince me that I am disqualified from being used by God?How has God already used past failures to deepen my compassion or shape my calling?What “sheep” has Jesus entrusted to my care?Kid-Friendly QuestionPeter messed up, but Jesus still gave him a job to do. What does that tell you about how much Jesus loves you—evenwhen you make mistakes?Spiritual Practice - Community and EvangelismJesus didn’t just forgive Peter—Hesent him. The same is true for us. We are not only recipients of grace, but carriers of it. Below is one way to examine and pray for those whom God has placed in your life:1. Who are some people God has asked me to pour into?Jesus gave Peter people to love and lead. Ask: “Lord, who have You placed in my life that I can love, serve, or share the gospel with?”Write down 2–3 names. These might be:Neighbors CoworkersClassmatesTeammatesFamily membersSomeone who’s drifting or hurting2. Pray intentionally for them.Pray specifically for each person. Here are some intentional prayers to pray:That God would soften their heartThat they’d encounterJesusThat you’d have the courage and clarity to reach out3. Choose one action this week.Take one small step to“feed His sheep”:Send a text checking in on someoneInvite someone for coffee or a mealShare a Scripture or story that encouraged youVolunteer or show up for someone who’s strugglingInvite someone to church or a spiritual conversation

Day 24 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author: Arlene SanabriaVoice: Maddie HuangWhen the rooster crowed, Peter’s failure was exposed—but so was the mercy of Christ. In that moment of bitter weeping, the sound that marked his denial also became the first note of his restoration, awakening him to the grace Jesus had already promised. This episode reminds us that God’s grace often meets us at the lowest point of our failure, calling us to repentance, restoration, and renewed purpose in His kingdom.ScriptureMatthew 26:74-75Reflection QuestionsHave I denied or disconnected my faith in Jesus through my words, actions, or silenceWhat has been my “rooster crow”—that moment I woke up to my deep need for graceAm I letting failure define me, or am I letting it lead me to repentance and restoration?What words of Jesus do I need to remember today?Am I extending the same grace I’ve received from Jesus to those who have failed?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhy do you think Peter said he didn’t know Jesus?How do you think Jesus felt when Peter denied Him?Have you ever made a mistake and then asked for forgiveness? What happened afterward?Can you think of a time you felt God’s love even after doing something wrong? Spiritual Practice - Silence & StillnessFind a quiet place with no distractions. Sit in stillness before God for 5 minutes.Breathe deeply, and when you’re ready, slowly pray this verse from Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”Pay attention to what risesin your heart. Is there a word, a sound, or a moment God is using to draw you closer? Let His grace meet you there.

Day 23 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Becky TeixeiraAfter Peter’s denial, the rooster’s crow forces him to confront the painful truth of his failure—but Jesus had already spoken a deeper word over his life. Long before Peter fell, Christ had prayed for his faith and promised his restoration. This episode reminds us that our failures do not surprise the Savior; instead, they become the place where grace meets us, leading us from shame to repentance and from brokenness to worship.ScriptureMatthew 26:75Reflection QuestionsHow do I usually respondwhen I fail - do I run from God into shame? Or do I run to Him in humility?Do I believe that God loves me not because of what I can do or what I can earn, but because Christ already made a way on the cross for my restoration?How can I praise God when I’m faced with failure? What are some practical steps I can take to not let my failure speak to my identity, but allow the gospel to remind me of my identity?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever made a mistake and felt really bad about it? What did you do next?What does it show about Jesus that He still loved Peter even after Peter messed up?What’s one way you can thank Jesus today for forgiving you? Spiritual Practice - SabbathSpiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipAfter fasting strips you bare, worship reorients your vision. You remember who sits on the throne—and it’s not you.Begin with gratitude. List three ways Jesus has already met you in your weakness this week. Thank Him for praying for you. Let gratitude lead you into worship.Name who God is. Pick a name of God and declare it out loud.YHWH-Jireh, my Provider.YHWH-Rapha, my Healer.The Lord my Shepherd, who restores my soul.As you speak these truths, let your heart realign with His authority and goodness.Sing or speak your praise. Play a worship song orread apsalm aloud—Psalm 100, Psalm 103, or Psalm 145. Each declaration dethrones the idols of shame and self-reliance.End in recognition, not performance. Sit quietly and whisper: “You are worthy.” Peter’s story didn’t end in silence—it ended in song. Let worship rise not from earning, but from beholding. Let your praise be the sound of a restored relationship. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and Hiscourts with praise.” As you do, may your eyes lift from your failure to your faithful King—Jesus, the One who already planned your return.

Day 22 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Molly InskeepBoth Judas and Peter failed Jesus. Both felt deep sorrow. But their stories diverge in what they did with their shame. Judas turned inward in despair, trying to fix his guilt alone, while Peter’s bitter weeping became the doorway back to grace—reminding us that the difference is not the depth of our sin, but whether our remorse drives us away from Christ or back into His mercy. This episode invites us to lay down self-condemnation, confess openly, and trust the Savior who carried our shame so it would not carry us.ScriptureMatthew 26:75; 27:3-5Reflection QuestionsWhat does your moment of confession reveal? Do you believe He is waiting for you to come home?Do you trust His grace more than your guilt and shame?Am I more focused on feeling bad or being made new?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever made a mistake and tried to fix it yourself? What would it feel like to tell Jesus the truth and trust that He still loves you?Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingWhen shame rises, you have a choice: to hide like Judas or to return like Peter. Fasting gives space to see which way your heart is leaning. In confession, we stop running and face what we’ve tried to conceal—trusting that Jesus already carried our shame to the cross.From Tuesday dinner to Wednesday’s Encounter, fast with us.Use each empty meal not for striving, but for surrender.Practice this rhythm:Begin with prayer. Ask the Spirit to reveal what you’ve been hiding—your fears, sins, and self-sufficiency. (Psalm 139:23–24)Fast from food. As your stomach aches, let hunger remind you that your deepest need isn’t bread—it’s grace.Let what surfaces speak. Irritation, anxiety, or restlessness aren’t failures of fasting; they’re windows into your heart. Write them down. Bring them to Jesus.Confess instead of conceal. Don’t try to fix what you find. Bring it into the light. Say aloud, “Jesus, You already carried this for me.”Share with a trusted friend. Like Peter returning to his brothers, let community hold what shame tempts you to hide.Break your fast with gratitude. As you eat again, remember: your freedom was bought with broken bread and poured-out blood.Expect resistance. Shame will whisper, “You can’t go back.” But Jesus’ cross silences that voice. Hebore your shame, so failure doesn’t have todefine you. Fasting andconfession are how werefuse despair and return to grace—how we, like Peter, let our sorrow become surrender.

Day 21 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinPeter’s first denial was not his last—and that is the tragedy. Though Jesus had warned him, Peter drifts step by step, revealing how sin rarely erupts in a single act of rebellion but unfolds through small compromises that harden the heart. In this episode, we confront the subtle momentum of spiritual drift and cling to the mercy of Christ, who sends His Spirit to awaken, convict, and restore us before the spiral goes further than we ever intended.ScriptureMatthew 26:70Reflection QuestionsWhere are you sensing spiritual drift but telling yourself it’s not serious enough to address yet?What would it look like to turn toward Jesus now instead of waiting for your “rooster crow” moment?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf you were walking away from home and realized you were lost, would it be better to turn around right away or keep walking until it got dark?Spiritual Practice - PrayerToday’s prayer focuses on early recognition and quick return to Jesus. Remember: The goal isn’t perfection; it’s quick return. The moment you sense yourself drifting, that’s the invitation to come back home.Step 1: Quiet ExaminationSit quietly and picture Jesus looking at you with love, not condemnation. Ask Him: “Where am I drifting from You? What small compromises am I making that could lead me further away? Where is there sin that I can not even see?”Step 2: Listen Before DefendingDon’t immediately justifyor excuse what comes to mind. Just listen. Let Him show you areas of drift you might have minimized or ignored. Remember, this is correction from a loving Father, not condemnation.Step 3: Early Return PrayerFor each area He shows you, pray: “Jesus, I see where I’m moving away from You in ___ . I don’t want to wait until this becomes a bigger problem. I turn back to You now. Help me stay close.”Step 4: Preventive AccountabilityChoose one trustedperson to share what God showed you. Ask them to help you stay alert to spiritual drift instead of waiting for crisis to wake you up.

Day 20 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jared YatesPeter, bold enough to walk on water and confess Jesus as the Christ, crumbles before the questions of a servant girl—revealing how quickly fear can overpower even sincere faith. His three denials expose the fragility of self-reliance and the painful spiral of shame that follows failure. Yet this episode reminds us that our worst moments are not the end of our story—because the same Jesus Peter denied would later restore him, proving that grace is greater than fear and calling us to place our faith not in ourselves, but in Him.ScriptureMatthew 26:69-75Reflection QuestionsWhat lies did Satan say to you in that moment? Are any of those lies still with you? What truth from Jesus do you need to replace those lies with?Is your faith in yourself and what you can do for Jesus? Or is it in Jesus and what He can do through you? If it’s in you, what are some things you need to start doing to transfer your faith to Jesus?Kid-Friendly QuestionCan you think of a time when your fear caused you to shrink back from what God was calling you to do? Spiritual Practice - Meditation & MemorizationSpend a few minutes thanking Jesus for restoring you, like He restored Peter, after any failures.Write down any lies from Satan you are believing about your worth and value. Then write down the truth of who Jesus says you are.Read over 2 Corinthians 5:17. Try to memorize it and speak it throughout the day. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Day 19 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinAt the Last Supper, every disciple asks, “Is it I, Lord?”—but Judas’ subtle shift to “Rabbi” reveals a heart already drifting. Though Jesus knew the betrayal that was coming, Judas still bore responsibility for his choice, reminding us that conviction is both a warning and an invitation. This episode calls us to examine our own hearts, respond to the Spirit’s prompting, and ask with sincerity, “Is it I, Lord?”—while there is still time to turn and be made clean.ScriptureMatthew 26:53Reflection QuestionsWhat situations in your life reveal that you don’t really believe God has unlimited resources available to you?How might your week change if you truly believed the Father has all power—even when He chooses not to use it the way you expect?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf your dad were the strongest personin the whole world, would you worry about bullies? How does knowing God is the strongest help us not worry?Spiritual Practice - SabbathToday, practice resting in God’s available power rather than your ownlimited strength.Begin your Sabbath by reading Matthew 26:53 aloud. Write down three things you’ve been trying to control this week. Next to each one, write: “God has 72,000 angels available for this.”Set aside 30 minutes to solve zero problems. No phone, no planning, no fixing. If anxiety aboutundone tasks surfaces, remind yourself: “The God who commands legionsof angels can handle this while I rest.”

Day 18 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jared YatesIn the darkest hour of His arrest, “all” the disciples flee, leaving Jesus utterly alone—revealing the crushing weight of abandonment and shame He willingly bore. The One who had absorbed the disgrace of others now stands isolated, fully entering the human ache of rejection. Yet this episode does not end in bitterness, but in breathtaking grace: the risen Christ pursues the very friends who ran, showing us that gospel love chooses restoration over self-protection every time.ScriptureMatthew 26:55-56Reflection QuestionsWho in your life has abandoned you when association became costly? Are you choosing self-protection or following Jesus’ pattern of pursuing restoration?Is there someone who wronged you that Jesus is calling you to give up your right to claim justice, choosing instead to take the first step back?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever had a friend stop playing with you when other kids were mean to you? How do you think Jesus felt when His friends ran away? What would it look like to be a friend who stays?Spiritual Practice - Community & EvangelismWrite down the name of one person who has abandoned or wronged you when you needed them most. Ask yourself: “Am I protecting my image and honor, or am I willing to give those up for the sake of relationship like Jesus did?” Pray: “Jesus, You gave up Your right to revenge and shame those who hurt You. Help me follow Your example.”Remember: Love doesn’t wait for the other person to make the first move. It pursues, even after abandonment, because it values relationship over self-protection. Jesus walked this path first and invites us to follow His example.

Day 17 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinBefore false witnesses and twisted accusations, Jesus remains silent—not out of weakness, but out of sovereign confidence in the Father’s plan. When the decisive question comes, He breaks that silence to declare His true identity as the Son of Man who will be seated at the right hand of Power. In this episode, we learn that we do not overcome lies by frantic self-defense, but by standing firmly in the unshakable truth of who Christ is—and who we are in Him.ScriptureMatthew 26:63Reflection QuestionsWhat false accusations have you been trying to defend yourself against instead of resting in who God says you are?How might silence reveal lies you’ve been believing that you need to counter with God’s truth about your identity?Kid-Friendly QuestionIf someone said something mean and untrue about you, would it be better to argue with them or remember what your parents say is true about you?Spiritual Practice - Silence & StillnessToday, practice Jesus’ approach to lies and truth in the quiet.Prepare forSilence (10 minutes):Find a completely quiet space. No music, no phone, no distractions. Sit comfortably and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal both lies you’ve believedand truths you need to embrace.Listen to the voices (5 minutes):Don’t be surprisedif accusations get louder in the silence. Write down what you hear without defendingor arguing. You might hear: “You’re not really a Christian,” “God is disappointed in you,” “You’ll never change,” “You’re not valuable.”Combat with Truth (10 minutes):For each lie, don’t try to analyze where it came from or why it’s wrong. Instead, declare a specific truth from Scripture about your identity in Christ or listen to the Spirit remind you of truth.

Day 16 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Becky TeixeiraAs Jesus is arrested in Gethsemane, He does not resist or defend Himself—instead, He declares that “all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” In the face of betrayal and injustice, Christ anchors the moment not in chaos, but in the sovereign promises of God spoken long before through the Law and the Prophets. This episode reminds us that even in our darkest hours, God is a promise-keeper, and the obedience of Jesus proves that His redemptive plan cannot fail.ScriptureMatthew 26:54-56Reflection QuestionsWhen I am discouraged or feel down, where do I tend to turn to for comfort? How can I instead ponder the gospel and God’s promises?Where do I question God’s promises or plans for my life? Do I honestly believe He keeps His promises?When I see Jesus’ willingness to endure the cross and suffer to be obedient to the Father’s will, how can I use that to reframe how I see my own seasons of suffering?Kid-Friendly QuestionThe Bible says everything that happened to Jesus was part of God’s plan. How does it make you feel to know that God always keeps His promises? What’s one promise from the Bible that helps you when you feel scared, sad, or alone? How can you thank Jesus today for keeping every promise God made?Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipAfter fasting strips you bare, worship reorients your vision. You remember who sits on the throne—and it’s not you.Begin with gratitude. List three ways Jesus has already met you in your weakness this week. Thank Him for praying for you. Let gratitude lead you into worship.Name who God is. Pick a name of God and declare it out loud.YHWH-Jireh, my Provider.YHWH-Rapha, my Healer.The Lord my Shepherd, who restores my soul.As you speak these truths, let your heart realign with His authority and goodness.Sing or speak your praise. Play a worship song orread apsalm aloud—Psalm 100, Psalm 103, or Psalm 145. Each declaration dethrones the idols of shame and self-reliance.End in recognition, not performance. Sit quietly and whisper: “You are worthy.” Peter’s story didn’t end in silence—it ended in song. Let worship rise not from earning, but from beholding. Let your praise be the sound of a restored relationship. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and Hiscourts with praise.” As you do, may your eyes lift from your failure to your faithful King—Jesus, the One who already planned your return.

Day 15 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Chase AkinWhen Peter draws his sword in Gethsemane, it seems like courage—but Jesus’ command to “put your sword back in its place” exposes a deeper misunderstanding about the nature of His Kingdom. The way of Christ is not advanced by self-reliant strength or anxious control, but by trust in the Father’s sovereign plan, even when it leads through suffering. In this episode, we confront our instinct to protect God with our own strategies and learn instead to surrender our swords, rest in His power, and follow the path of obedient faith.ScriptureMatthew 26:51-52Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you reaching for the sword instead of trusting God’s protection? What “kingdoms” are you trying to defend that God hasn’t asked you to fight for?How does your typical response to crisis reveal what you really believe about God’s power and timing?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhen something scary happens, do you try to fix it yourself or ask for help? How can we remember that God is always bigger than our problems?Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingAs you fast today, pay attention to what “swords” you instinctively reach for when discomfort hits. Use these confession prompts:Write down three areas where you’ve been “stepping in front of God’s plan” with your own solutions. Confess specifically: “God, I’ve been trying to protect/control instead of trusting You with it.”

Day 14 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Carlos MontoyaIn the garden, Judas identifies Jesus not with a weapon, but with a kiss—an act meant to signify love, now twisted into betrayal. While Judas cloaks deception in affection and calls Him “Rabbi,” Jesus responds by calling him “friend,” revealing a heart that moves toward sinners even in the moment of treachery. This episode exposes the deceptive nature of sin and magnifies the greater truth of the gospel: the kiss that led to the cross became the doorway through which Christ bore our sins and made reconciliation possible.ScriptureMatthew 26:47-50Reflection QuestionsWhy did I circle the words in this passage? What do they say about what God is speaking to me?How have I sinned and tried to mask it behind something good?How does Jesus’ response to this betrayal challenge my understanding of forgiveness?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhat is your definition of a friend? Jesus calls us friends. How does that make you feel?Spiritual Practice - PrayerSpend some time asking God to reveal areas in your life where you have sinned and have masked them behind an action that you are using to justify your sin. Once He reveals these to you, spend some time praying and thanking God for the forgiveness of sins. A great practice is journaling your prayers to God, as He will continue to speak to you and reveal more of Him and your sin in your life that He is asking you to give over to Him.

Day 13 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author: Elizabeth ParksVoice: Molly InskeepAs Jesus stands before an unjust tribunal, what appears to be weakness is actually restrained power and unwavering obedience. In declaring Himself the Son of Man who will be “seated at the right hand of Power,” Jesus points beyond the cross to His exaltation, victory, and coming glory. This episode reminds us that through union with Christ, believers share in that risen position—anchored not in present darkness, but in the eternal triumph of the One who reigns.ScriptureMatthew 26:57-64, Ephesians 2:4-6Reflection QuestionsHow do you think the disciples must have felt as they watched Jesus on trial before the high priest?What situations in your life make you feel helpless or hopeless?Never forget that this life is not the end of the story. Eternity awaits us, and no eye has seen, no ear has heard what awaits us there. Hope is never lost! What feels heavy or hopeless in your life right now? How does that situation change when you truly believe that eternity is your reality?Kid-Friendly QuestionHow do you think Jesus felt when people said mean or untrue thingsabout Him?Heaven is our forever home! What do you think heaven will be like? How does thinking about heaven make you feel better when things are hard? Spiritual Practice - Meditation & MemorizationSpend some time memorizing and meditating on these verses:“But God, being rich in mercy becauseof the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6

Day 12 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author: Elizabeth ParksVoice: Maddie HuangIn the garden, as betrayal unfolds and Jesus declares, “This is your hour, and the power of darkness,” it appears as though evil has won and the light has gone out. Yet this was no loss of control—Christ willingly stepped into that hour, submitting to the Father’s will to rescue those enslaved to sin and transfer them into His Kingdom. This episode invites us to face the reality of darkness with hope, remembering that its reign is temporary, but the victory of our crucified and risen King is eternal.ScriptureMatthew 26:36-56, Luke 22:52-53Reflection QuestionsWhat troubles in your life are too powerful for the same power that raised Jesusfrom the grave?How can you claim victory today as you look at what Jesus accomplished on the cross?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever been afraid of the dark? How does knowing Jesus is always in control help you when you feel that way?Spiritual Practice -SabbathToday, practice resting in Christ’s finished work—the truth that light still reigns, even when darkness feels near.Stop: Cease striving. Lay down the need to prove yourself or finish the list. Whisper, “It is finished.”Remember: Read Matthew 26:36–56 again. Picture Jesus calmly allowing His arrest—fully sovereign, yet choosing obedience.Trust: Write down one thing you’re trying to control. Pray, “Jesus, You reign even here. I trust You.”Rest: Spend 20 minutes in quiet. Breathe deeply and rest in the truth that He holds everything together—even while you stop.Rejoice: End your Sabbath by singing or listening to All Hail King Jesus. Let worship replace worry and rest declare: the Light has already won.

Day 11 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jerrika DickersonIn Gethsemane, at the height of His sorrow, Jesus invites His closest disciples to “watch with Me,” revealing that even the sinless Son of God did not embrace suffering in isolation. In His deepest anguish, He models both dependence on the Father and the importance of faithful companionship in seasons of trial. This episode calls us to draw near to Christ in prayer, walk with one another in suffering, and let what God forms in private overflow into bold, gospel-shaped living.ScriptureMatthew 26:38, Mark 14:34Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you spiritually wrestling? Have you invited your community to come near to you while you are vulnerable and sorrowful?How are you sharing your testimony of transformation? What practical ways could you express your gospel transformation with those around you?Kid-Friendly QuestionHaveyour parents ever invited you in to help on a project? Do you think that they always needed your help, or do you think sometimes they just wanted to be with you? What do you think God invitesyou to do because He wants to be with you? Spiritual Practice - Community & EvangelismPractice community by sharing burdens in prayer today.Either share your burdens with someone else and allow them the privilege of praying with you and walking with youOr help someonetoday and be with them as they are carryinga burden to the Lord. Pray with them and intercede on their behalfFinally, like all Saturdays during this season, consider sharing what Jesus has done. Share the gospel with someone who may need to hear that Jesus has been there before. He has walked through that.

Day 10 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Maddie HuangIn Gethsemane, we witness the crushing sorrow of the sinless Son of God as He begins to bear the weight of the cup set before Him. His grief was not fear of physical pain, but the staggering reality of carrying human sin and facing the wrath our rebellion deserved. In this episode, we stand on holy ground—seeing both the depth of Christ’s love and the hope we have because He entered our sorrow, surrendered in obedience, and secured redemption for all who trust in Him.ScriptureMatthew 26:36-39Reflection QuestionsWhen your heart is heavy, what is your default response—distraction, striving, or stillness?What does Gethsemane teach you about the emotional life of Jesus?Where do you need to stop runningand begin watchingwith Him?Who around you might need your quietpresence more than your advice?If you are not in a season of sorrow, how might Jesus be inviting you to carry someone else’s burden—or to prepare your heart for a future season of grief?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhen you’re sad, do you talk to Jesus? If you sat with Him in a quiet place to pray, what do you think He would say to you? Spiritual Practice - Silence & StillnessDon’t rush past the garden.Set aside time today to be still before God—notto ask, not to fix, not to explain. Just be. Let silence hold space for sorrow. Let the stillnessreveal what you’re carrying. And let Jesus meet you there.Sit in silencefor 10 minutes.If your mind wanders, return to this simple prayer: “Jesus, You know sorrow. You are with me here.”Sometimes, the victoryis not found in doing, but in staying. Not in words, but in presence. Not in conquering sorrow, but in meeting God in the middle of it.

Day 9 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Savon PenaIn the garden, Jesus commands His disciples to “watch and pray,” even as they succumb to weakness—yet He Himself returns again and again to the Father in persistent, obedient prayer. Where the disciples’ flesh failed, Christ remained vigilant, surrendering fully to the Father’s will and moving steadfastly toward the cross. This episode invites us to behold an obedience that not only secured our salvation, but also stirs our gratitude and calls us into worshipful, vigilant dependence on God.ScriptureMatthew 26:41,44Reflection QuestionsWhat is an area in your life where your spirit feels willing, but your flesh feels weak? How can prayer help you stay alert in that moment?How does Jesus’ obedience even when he was tired, sorrowful and facing the cross lead you to worship and trust him more?Why do you think Jesus kept praying the same words repeatedly in the garden? What does that teach you about how God wants you to pray?Kid-Friendly QuestionHow late could you stay up at night doing your favorite thing? What if I told you we would stay up that late just praying? Could you do it? Why or why not? Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipPush yourself towards longer thanksgiving today. In light of Jesus’ long prayer night, give yourself plenty of time today to thank and praise the Lord without asking for anything. You can listen to music, sing, read a psalm, but give yourself plenty of time for this today.

Day 8 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Marvin SchaeferIn the stillness of Gethsemane, as Jesus agonizes in prayer, He gives a clear command to His disciples: “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.” Their failure to stay awake exposes the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit—a struggle every believer knows well. In this episode, we discover that vigilant prayer is not optional but essential, preparing our hearts to stand firm in temptation and drawing us into the abundant life secured by Christ’s obedience.ScriptureMatthew 28:40-41Reflection QuestionsWhatis currently distracting you or lullingyou into spiritual sleep, keeping you from livingwith ongoing, vigilant prayer?What do you need to say no to in order to say yes to prayer?In what ways have you been reactive instead of proactive when facing trials and temptations?How can you reorder your life to prioritize “watching and praying” with Jesus?Kid-Friendly QuestionSometimes we get distracted, just like the disciples. What are some things that make it hard for you to spend time praying or talking to God? Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingTake a deep breath. Slow down. Invite the Holy Spirit tosearch your heart.Where have you been unprepared, distracted, or reactive toward trials and temptationsWhat “curtains” of distraction or self-reliance are keeping you from vigilant prayer?How is God inviting you to reorderyour life to prioritize time with Him?Confess where you’ve fallen short. Receive His forgiveness. Write down one change you sense the Spirit leading youto make. Share it with someonewho can encourage you and hold you accountable.

Day 7 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Richard McKayIn Gethsemane, we witness the raw honesty of the Son of God as He prays, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39), submitting fully to the Father’s redemptive plan. This was no passive resignation—it was costly obedience, as Jesus willingly stepped toward the cup of suffering and bore the wrath we deserved. In this episode, we are invited to see that true surrender is not the absence of struggle, but Spirit-empowered faithfulness that aligns our will with God’s and joins us to His mission in the world.ScriptureMatthew 26:39Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you sensing a tension between your will and God’s will? Is there something that God is asking you to surrender, change, or say “yes” to, even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient?What is your typical response when obedience seems costly or difficult? What practical ways could you practice immediate obedience instead of delayed obedience?How could you practice small acts of immediate obediencethis week to strengthen your trust in God for larger moments of surrender?Kid-Friendly QuestionCan you think of a time when doing the right thing was hard? How did it feel to choosewhat was right anyway? How could the Holy Spirit help you make the right decisionslike the Father helped Jesus? Spiritual Practice - Prayer“Listening Prayer” is when we stop trying to tell God what we want from Him and we open up to what He wants to teach us or ask us to surrender. Take some time today—or a few times this week—to stop and listen to what God is asking you to do and take the steps needed to be obedient to Him. It may take you time to listen to Him, which is why tomorrow we will see how important vigilance is in our prayer life. Start today, take some time to stop and listen.Prepare your space and your heart. Set aside 10–15 minutes in a quiet place. Have a journaland a pen ready, but don’t jump to writing. Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to speak and help you listen.Pray Jesus’ words slowly and reflectively: “Not as I will, but as You will.” Repeat the phrase several times. Let it become a rhythm of surrender as you breathe in and out.Ask: “God, what is it that you are asking me to do? Is there a step of obedience that youare calling me to submit to even if it feels hard?” Sit in silence and listen. Don’t rush. Pay attention to anything the Spirit brings to mind—a person, a decision, a risk, a calling.Write it down. Record anything you sense. It may be as simple as a conversation you’ve been avoiding, or a commitment to forgive, or a call to serve in some capacity.Respond in prayer. End your time by writing or praying aloud a prayer of surrender—your own version of“not mywill, butYours.” Maybe you need to ask God to give you the strength to obey what He has asked you to do.Join us in fasting each week from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening as we walk with Jesus through the season of Lent.

Day 6 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Lydia PineroIn the Garden of Gethsemane, we see prayer at its most costly—Jesus returning again and again to the Father, sweating drops like blood as He carries the weight of redemption (Matthew 26:44; Luke 22:44). This is not polished or performative prayer, but agonizing intercession—love that labors, wrestles, and persists in obedience even when no one is watching. In this episode, we learn that true intercession is spiritual warfare, Spirit-empowered dependence, and a participation in Christ’s own burden-bearing love for the world.ScriptureMatthew 26:44, Luke 22:44Reflection QuestionsWhat do these passages show me about Jesus’ love for me?What does it mean for me to “pray more earnestly” with the Spirit’s help when it is hard?Who is God asking me to intercede for, as Jesus interceded for me?Kid-Friendly QuestionHave you ever prayed for someone and felt like you did not know what to say? What do you think God is doing in those moments?Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingRead and memorize this passage (shortened)“The Spirit helps us in our weakness... He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 (ESV)

Day 5 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Erick SostreAt the Last Supper, Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives the bread—revealing that His body and blood are not earned, but freely given as the gift of the new covenant. In this sacred moment, salvation is defined not by human striving, but by divine grace poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This episode invites us to lay down our instinct to achieve God’s favor, receive Christ’s finished work with humility, and rest in the unshakable promise of the coming Kingdom.ScriptureMatthew 26:26-29Reflection QuestionsAre you living as receivers of grace, or are you still trying to be earners of favor?Where in your life are you still trying to prove your worthto God or others?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhen someone gives you a present, do you have to pay for it or earn it? How is Jesus giving us His love, like giving us the best present ever? Spiritual Practice - SabbathToday, practice the discipline of receiving God’s grace without trying to earn it. Here’s how:Prepare with humility: With the congregation, this morning when you take the bread and grape juice do it slowly. Come not as one who has earned this moment, but as one who simply receives.Reflect on the giving: Slowly read the passage again. Focus on the word “gave” each time it appears. Jesus gave the bread. Jesus gave the cup. Meditate on this reality.Receive consciously: Take the bread, saying, “Jesus, I receive Your body given for me.” Take the cup saying, “Jesus, I receive Your blood poured out for me.” Don’t rush through this.Rest in the future confidence: Spend time thanking God that becauseof Christ’s finished work, you can rest confidently in your future with Him, even in areas where you don’t yet see the fullness of His work.Practice receiving throughout the day: Each time you eat or drink today, pause briefly to remember that you are a receiver of God’s grace. Let this posture of receiving, rather than earning, shape your Sabbath rest.For more tools and practical ideas on practicing the Sabbath, visit fielder.org/sabbath.

Day 4 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Marvin SchaeferAt the Passover table, Jesus transforms an ancient meal into a living proclamation of redemption, declaring the bread to be His body and the cup to be His blood of the new covenant. No longer pointing to a yearly sacrifice, the meal now reveals Christ as the true Lamb of God whose once-for-all atonement secures forgiveness and freedom from sin. In this episode, we remember that the Lord’s Supper is not mere symbolism, but a sacred invitation to proclaim His death, receive His grace, and await the day we will drink the cup with Him in His Kingdom.ScriptureMatthew 26:26-29Reflection QuestionsRespond with Reverence and Gratitude. Reflect on the weight of your sin and the depth of Christ’s love displayed in the brokenbody and poured-out blood.Kid-friendly question: “Jesus gave His body and blood so we could be forgiven and be part of God’s family. How can we show Him we are thankfulfor His sacrifice?”Next time you take Communion, pause to consider: “It was my sin that required this sacrifice. Thank you, Jesus.”Examine Your Heart Before the TableAs Paul instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:28, examine yourself before partaking. Are you harboring unconfessed sin, bitterness, or apathy toward the cross?Let the Lord’s Supper be a time of repentance and realignment with God’s grace.Embrace Unity with the Body ofChristCommunion is not only vertical (between you and God) but horizontal (between you and others in the body). If you are in a community group, consider sharing a meal together and taking communion together.Ask: Am I walking in unity with fellow believers? Am I seeking reconciliation where there is division?The shared cup reminds us: we are one family, saved by the same blood.Live as One Who Has Been Bought with a PriceJesus gave His body and blood to make you new. Live in light of that sacrifice.Ask: Is my life a reflection of the covenant I’ve entered into through Christ?Let Communion inspire daily obedience, holy living, and missional urgency.Look Forward with HopeEvery time we take the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Cor. 11:26).Use Communion to stir longing for Christ’s return and the greatfeast in His Kingdom. Spiritual Practice - Community & EvangelismWhen Jesus passed one cup, He was forming one family—redeemed and united by His blood. Communion reminds us that we’re not just forgiven individually; we belong to one anotherand are sent together to share His grace.Reach out to one person in your faith community today—encourage, pray, or share a meal.Ask God to show you one person outside that community who needs to be invited in.Pray: “Jesus, You gave Your body for me. Help me give my life for others.”

Day 3 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Glyn McKayAt the Last Supper, beneath the intimacy of shared bread and covenant promises, a deeper spiritual battle was unfolding in Judas’ heart. Though he walked closely with Jesus, quiet compromise, unchecked sin, and misplaced expectations created space for the enemy to work—reminding us that proximity to Christ is not the same as surrender to Him. In this episode, we confront the reality of spiritual warfare and learn how abiding in Christ, guarding our hearts, and listening to the Spirit are how we deny access to the enemy and remain faithful to our Savior.ScriptureJohn 13, 17:9-19Reflection QuestionsAre there quiet compromises in my life that may be giving the enemy a foothold?What thoughts, habits, or desires have I left unchecked that could be hardening my heart?In what ways am I close to Jesus in proximity, but distant in spirit? How can I move from simply doing spiritual things to genuinely abiding in Him?When have I been disappointed with God’s plan because it didn’t match my own? How can I trust Jesus as the suffering servant, not just as a conquering king?Kid-Friendly QuestionJudas stayed close to Jesus but didn’t listen to Him—how can you stay close to Jesus with your heart, not just your body?Spiritual Practice - Silence & StillnessThe world is full of chaotic voices trying to tell us which way to go and what to do. Instead, practicebeing quiet and listening for the voice of God. Are there areas He is leading you to listen to Him more? What are some lies from the enemy you have begun to believe?How to practice it:Find a quiet placeSet a timer for 2 to 5 minutes to intentionally block out anything else.Ask God to speak by praying something like, “God, I am here and listening.”Sit in silence, quiet your mind, and allow the Spirit to teach you and lead you.

Day 2 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Jim ParksOn the night before the cross, as Jesus shared His final Passover meal, Scripture tells us He gave thanks—fully aware of the suffering that lay ahead. In this moment, gratitude was not tied to comfort, but anchored in the faithfulness of God and the redemption He was about to accomplish. This episode invites us to rediscover costly gratitude—learning to give thanks not because life is easy, but because our God is faithful in every season.ScriptureMatthew 26:27Reflection QuestionsHow have I allowed my current circumstances to turn me away from or towards a heart of thanksgiving?Spend a few moments reflecting on the times that God has been faithful to you. If you are having trouble remembering, ask the Holy Spirit in prayer to remind you.Take your journal and write down the moments God brings to mind, and give thanks to God for each moment.Kid-Friendly QuestionAsk your child/children to share somethingfor which they are thankful. It could be a favoriteperson, a special toy, or something they love to do. Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & WorshipAs an ongoing practice for journaling, create a “Thanksgiving” or “Gratitude” list each morning.Write down the date on your page.Ask the Lord in prayerto remind you of moments to give thanks.Listen to Him.Then write them down. It may be one or multiple moments.Make it a practice each day to update your “Thanksgiving” list in your journal. As you start this practice, it will remind you to keep your eyes on the Lord in all of your circumstances.

Day 1 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross. Author & Voice: Angela ObaniAt the Last Supper, every disciple asks, “Is it I, Lord?”—but Judas’ subtle shift to “Rabbi” reveals a heart already drifting. Though Jesus knew the betrayal that was coming, Judas still bore responsibility for his choice, reminding us that conviction is both a warning and an invitation. This episode calls us to examine our own hearts, respond to the Spirit’s prompting, and ask with sincerity, “Is it I, Lord?”—while there is still time to turn and be made clean.ScriptureMatthew 26:25, John 13:11Reflection QuestionsHow many times have you pretended right-doing to blend in or look good in the eyes of others?When have you ever acted shocked about something while secretly doing the same things?Do you ask the question of God, “Is it I?” already knowing the answer is yes?Kid-Friendly QuestionWhat can you do to take a spiritual “bath” and clean out your heart from any wrong choices, thoughts, or words today? Spiritual Practice - Confession & FastingFast unto the Lord today as an act of worship and dependence on Him.Set aside time to meet with Jesus in honest confession.Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal any sin or unbelief.Confess your sins and receive the cleansing and forgiveness promised through Christ (1 John 1:9).Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to turn from sin and walk in righteousness.Join us in fasting each week from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening as we walk with Jesus through the season of Lent.

Welcome to the Lenten Devotional Podcast!In this opening episode, we set the heart and vision behind Behold the Lamb—a devotional designed to be transformative, not just informative. Our prayer is that this season would lead you into genuine repentance, deeper intimacy with Christ, and renewed anticipation as we move toward Holy Week.02:45 - Overview of the Spiritual DisciplinesMonday - Meditation & Memorization (02:45)Tuesday - Prayer (04:19)Wednesday - Fasting & Confession (05:54)Thursday - Thankfulness & Worship (07:41)Friday - Silence & Stillness (09:16)Saturday - Community & Evangelism (10:40)Sunday - Sabbath (12:19)In This EpisodeThe purpose behind this 47-day journeyWhy Lent is about transformation, not just informationThe intentional rhythm of daily spiritual practicesThe beauty of diverse voices united in shared theologyHow this devotional reflects the richness and variety of Scripture itselfAn invitation to walk through this season in community