Holy Week Devotional

Setting Our Faces Toward Jerusalem:

A National Presbyterian Church Holy Week Devotional

Holy Week is the most significant week of the Christian calendar. This year our devotional will focus on Jesus’ final teachings to his disciples. These lessons are the culmination of his three year ministry and center on the divine revelation of who Jesus is: the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. These teachings are also forward-thinking: they provide the disciples instructions for after he’s gone and guidance to be his disciples to the world. May these daily devotions, meditation questions and prayers draw us closer to God and renew our commitments to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

Monday - John 12:44-46: Look for the light

Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me.  And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.  I have come as light in the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.”

  1. Why did Jesus clarify that to believe in him is to believe in God the Father? Why would that be important for the disciples to know?
  2. What darkness does Jesus dispel in the world? In your life?

Prayer: Holy God, thank you for sending your son Jesus to us to bring your light into our world. Thank you for the ways Jesus has transformed my life with his light, love and grace. Help me to see evidence of that light today, and may I praise you for it. Amen.

Tuesday - John 13:33-35: Love one another

love one another

Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me.  And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.  I have come as light in the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.”

  1. Why did Jesus clarify that to believe in him is to believe in God the Father? Why would that be important for the disciples to know?
  2. What darkness does Jesus dispel in the world? In your life?

Prayer: Loving God, thank you the gift of your son, Jesus, who came to reflect your light and love to our world. Help me to see others the way that you do, with love and compassion. May I demonstrate your love to those around me, so that I am known as your disciple. Amen.

Wednesday - John 14:4-6: Jesus Christ is the way

“And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

  1. Thomas speaks for the group when he confesses that he doesn’t know that they are headed toward Jesus’ death. Jesus responds with a declaration that he is God’s Messiah. Why do you think there was such a disconnect between Jesus and his disciples?
  2. Jesus is clear that the only way to God is through relationship with Jesus Christ. How does your life profess Jesus as the Savior?

Prayer: Merciful God, thank you for Jesus’ ministry and love toward me and that because of that love, I am always in your presence. Amen.

Thursday - John 14:25-27: The Holy Spirit is always with us

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

  1. Why would Jesus comfort his disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit? What is he instructing them to do?
  2. How does the Holy Spirit remind you of Jesus’ teachings and offer you comfort and peace?

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to your people. Thank you for your presence with us through the Holy Spirit. Help me to be more aware of this gift in my life, and to allow the Holy Spirit to encourage, teach and comfort me today. Amen.

Friday - John 15:5-8: Abide in me

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

  1. What does Jesus want the disciples to grasp from his metaphor of the vine and the branches? How will those lessons help them stay connected to Jesus after his death?
  2. What evidence do you display of your connection to Jesus? What good fruits are you producing?

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for your presence in my life and for the ways I reflect your character. Help me to show your love, goodness, gentleness, mercy and kindness to others today. Amen.

Saturday - John 17:25-26: The gift of Jesus

“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me.  I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

  1. These are the last words Jesus prays to God before he is betrayed, arrested, convicted, and crucified. They are a beautiful summary of Jesus’ ministry. What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with God, the world and the disciples?
  2. You were created by God to have a relationship with Jesus. How will you share that gift with others?

Prayer: Eternal God, thank you for your great love for me, and for sending your son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Thank you for this amazing gift of new life, and for the restored relationship with you that is behind it. May my praise for you be heartfelt, and my worship of you bring you honor and delight. Amen.