Digging Deeper Devotionals Week of April 1st

Day 1:

The Triumphal Entry as Fulfillment of Prophecy

Read: Matthew 21:1-10

Background:

Matthew recounts the events of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which occurred five days before the Passover. This day, known as Passover Lamb selection day, holds significant symbolism as Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb without blemish, enters Jerusalem. The crowd’s enthusiastic response and the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy emphasize Jesus’ divine selection as the sacrificial Lamb. The triumphal entry serves as a declaration by God that Jesus is the chosen Passover Lamb, destined to provide deliverance from sin and death.

Key Words:

– Passover (Strong’s G3957): Refers to the Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

– Lamb (Strong’s G721): Symbolizes innocence and sacrificial atonement, particularly in the context of Passover.

– Prophecy (Strong’s G4394): Denotes a divine revelation or prediction concerning future events.

Key Theological Truths:

1. Divine selection of Jesus as the Passover Lamb: Matthew’s gospel highlights the theological significance of Jesus’ triumphal entry in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. God’s deliberate timing and fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy affirm Jesus as the chosen Passover Lamb, appointed for the redemption of humanity (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
2. Jesus’ sacrificial role in delivering from sin: The Bible’s story of redemption underscores the atoning significance of Jesus’ role as the Passover Lamb. His sacrificial death on the cross provides deliverance from the bondage of sin and fulfills God’s redemptive plan for humanity (Grudem, Systematic Theology).

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Jesus’ triumphal entry fulfill Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah?

2. Reflect on the symbolism of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. How does His sacrificial role impact your understanding of redemption?

3. Consider the crowd’s response to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. How does their acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah challenge your own response to His identity and mission?

Application: Take time to reflect on Jesus’ role as the chosen Passover Lamb and its implications for your life. What role has God chosen for you in your calling, gifts and work in the Kingdom? Accept the call, use the gifts and continue the Kingdom work or get started by volunteering to serve at church.

Day 2:

Jesus’ Sacrificial Atonement

Read: Mark 15:20-39

Background:

Mark recounts the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing His sacrificial death as the fulfillment of His role as the Passover Lamb. Jesus’ crucifixion occurred at the third hour of the day, aligning with the traditional time when the Passover Lamb was slain. His cry of abandonment, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” echoes the agony of bearing the sins of humanity. The shofar sounded at the third hour symbolizes the completion of Jesus’ sacrificial atonement for sin.

Key Words:

– Crucifixion (Strong’s G4716): Refers to the method of execution by which Jesus was put to death, symbolizing His sacrificial offering for sin.

– Abandoned (Strong’s G1459): Denotes forsakenness or desertion, reflecting Jesus’ experience of bearing the weight of humanity’s sins.

– Atonement (Strong’s G2643): Signifies reconciliation or restoration of relationship, particularly in the context of Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Key Theological Truths:

1. Jesus’ identification as the sinless Lamb of God: The Bible affirms Jesus’ sinlessness and innocence as the sacrificial Lamb. His substitutionary death on the cross satisfies the requirements for atonement, providing redemption for humanity’s sins (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).
2. Completion of Jesus’ atoning work: Mark’s gospel highlights the significance of Jesus’ cry of abandonment on the cross. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus bears the full weight of humanity’s sin and experiences separation from God, fulfilling the requirements for atonement and reconciliation (Grudem, Systematic Theology).

Questions for Reflection:

1. Reflect on Jesus’ cry of abandonment on the cross. How does His willingness to bear the consequences of sin demonstrate His sacrificial love for humanity?

2. Consider the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion as the completion of His atoning work. How does His death provide assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation with God?

3. Reflect on the shofar sounding at the third hour. How does this symbolize the fulfillment of Jesus’ role as the Passover Lamb and the completion of His sacrificial atonement?

Application:

Sin separates us from God and Jesus experienced that on the cross. Do you feel separated from God and alone in your Christian faith? Pray and ask God to reveal any sins that may hindering your fellowship with Him.  Remember, sin can be active (doing wrong) or passive (not doing right). Regardless, confess, repent and abide in Him.

Day 3:

The Resurrection as Proof of Jesus’ Identity

Read: Isaiah 53:11 & Luke 11:29-30

Background:

Isaiah prophesies about the suffering and exaltation of the Servant of the Lord, who will bear the iniquities of humanity and bring salvation. Jesus refers to Jonah as a sign to the people, pointing to His own impending death and resurrection. The resurrection serves as the ultimate proof of Jesus’ identity as the sinless Lamb of God and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Key Words:

– Resurrection (Strong’s H6869): Denotes the act of rising from the dead, particularly in the context of Jesus’ victory over death.

– Sign (Strong’s H226): Refers to a miraculous token or indication, highlighting the significance of Jesus’ resurrection as a divine confirmation.

– Exalted (Strong’s H7311): Signifies being lifted up or elevated, reflecting Jesus’ triumph over sin and death through His resurrection.

Key Theological Truths:

1. The resurrection as proof of Jesus’ identity: The Bible emphasizes the resurrection as the decisive proof of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. His triumph over death validates His claims and fulfills Old Testament prophecies, providing assurance of salvation for believers (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
2. Jesus’ resurrection as the basis for faith: The Bible underscores the significance of Jesus’ resurrection in establishing faith in Him. Through His resurrection, Jesus overcomes sin and death, offering new life and hope to all who believe in Him (Grudem, Systematic Theology).

Questions for Reflection:

1. Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection as proof of His identity as the Messiah. How does His triumph over death strengthen your faith?

2. Consider Jesus’ reference to Jonah as a sign. How does His resurrection fulfill this sign and confirm His authority?

3. Reflect on the implications of Jesus’ exaltation following His resurrection. How does His victory over death impact your understanding of salvation and eternal life?

Application:

Meditate on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and its transformative power in your life. Recall how you came to experience the power of the resurrection in a specific area of your life. Refocus on your current walk with Christ and ask Him to reveal the next area that He wants you to experience a resurrected life in. Repeat those experiences in faith and ask God to transform that area of your life.

Day 4:

Redemption through the Precious Blood of Christ

Read: 1 Peter 1:18-21

Background:

Peter emphasizes the preciousness of Christ’s blood shed for the redemption of believers. He contrasts the perishable nature of earthly wealth with the invaluable price paid by Jesus’ unblemished and spotless sacrifice. Christ’s sacrificial death, foreknown before the foundation of the world, was revealed in the last times for the salvation of humanity. Through belief in Jesus, who was raised from the dead by God, believers place their faith and hope in God’s redemptive work.

Key Words:

– Redemption (Strong’s G3083): Denotes liberation or release through payment of a ransom, highlighting the deliverance secured by Christ’s sacrificial death.

– Precious (Strong’s G5093): Signifies value or worth beyond measure, emphasizing the priceless nature of Christ’s blood.

– Unblemished (Strong’s G299): Refers to being without fault or defect, reflecting the purity and perfection of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Key Theological Truths:

1. Redemption through Christ’s sacrificial blood: The Bible underscores the concept of redemption through the precious blood of Christ. His sacrificial death serves as the ransom payment for humanity’s sins, securing liberation from bondage and eternal salvation for believers (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).
2. Faith and hope in God’s redemptive work: Peter’s epistle highlights the role of faith and hope in God’s redemptive plan. Believers trust in Jesus, who was raised from the dead, as the source of salvation and place their hope in God’s promise of eternal life (Grudem, Systematic Theology).

Questions for Reflection:

1. Reflect on the concept of redemption through Christ’s precious blood. How does His sacrificial death provide liberation and deliverance from sin?

2. Consider the value of Christ’s unblemished sacrifice in contrast to perishable wealth. How does this perspective shape your understanding of salvation?

3. Reflect on the role of faith and hope in God’s redemptive work. How does belief in Jesus’ resurrection impact your trust in God’s promises?

Application:

Meditate on the priceless nature of Christ’s sacrificial blood and its power to redeem and restore. What areas of your life has God asked you to sacrifice for the Kingdom? Comfort, recreation, control, power, identity? Surrender any doubts or fears to God, and ask for the strength to sacrifice and follow Him.

Day 5:

Embracing the Life-Giving Power of Jesus

Read: John 1:1-5

Background:

John introduces Jesus as the Word who was with God in the beginning and was God Himself. Through Him, all things were made, and in Him was life, which became the light of humanity. Jesus embodies the life-giving power of God, bringing illumination and transformation to all who believe in Him.

Key Words:

– Word (Strong’s G3056): Refers to the divine expression or communication of God, highlighting Jesus’ role as the embodiment of God’s revelation.

– Life (Strong’s G2222): Signifies vitality or existence, emphasizing Jesus’ capacity to impart spiritual and eternal life.

– Light (Strong’s G5457): Denotes illumination or revelation, symbolizing the transformative impact of Jesus’ presence and teachings.

Key Theological Truths:

1. Jesus as the divine Word and source of life: John’s gospel emphasizes Jesus’ preexistence as the Word of God who brings life and light to humanity. His eternal nature and creative power affirm His identity as the source of life and illumination (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
2. The transformative power of Jesus’ light: The Gospel of John underscores the significance of Jesus’ light in dispelling darkness and revealing truth. Through His teachings and presence, Jesus brings enlightenment and spiritual understanding, leading to transformation and new life (Grudem, Systematic Theology).

Questions for Reflection:

1. Reflect on Jesus as the divine Word who brings life and light. How does His eternal nature and creative power impact your understanding of His identity?

2. Consider the transformative power of Jesus’ light in dispelling darkness and revealing truth. How does His presence bring illumination and spiritual understanding to your life?

3. Reflect on the life-giving power of Jesus. How does belief in Him as the source of eternal life shape your perspective on existence and purpose?

Application:

Embrace Jesus as the divine Word who brings life and light to your life. Seek to abide in His presence through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Commit to fully participating in the vision and mission of FBCE to Love, Learn and Live like Jesus.