DAILY DEVOTIONS LEADING UP TO EASTER

Easter Unplugged 2012

For most Christians there are two great days on the church calendar, Christmas and Easter. However, we often are too busy to stop and truly reflect on what the birth, death, and the resurrection of Christ means to

us. We fill our days ahead of Christmas and Easter with shopping, buying new outfits, filling up eggs, wrapping boxes, going to parties, school functions, sports, and on and on.

Please, let this Easter be different for you and/or your family. As a church family let us do something different. We want to challenge you to step away from the computer for a week (except for school work and employment), turn off the television, unplug the headphones, and focus on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Some of our pastors and directors have written a daily devotional for the week with application and prayer points for each day leading up to Easter Sunday. We want to encourage you to set aside time each day during the week to read the daily devotion and scripture passage and pray. If you have young children at home our Children’s Ministry has put together a wonderful packet for families to use.

Stop this week and marvel at what Jesus did for us. Please do not let this Easter pass by as a Christian having not truly reflected on the sacrifice and resurrection.

“But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what happened.” Luke 24:12

Unplugged–Day 1by Pastor Mark BarrettREAD MATTHEW 26:36-46

I would like you to read Matthew 26: 36-45 through the lens of 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Our greatest struggle in this life is the struggle we have with righteousness. Unrighteousness comes easy to us but righteousness–not so much. It is hard to be holy. Jesus had the same problem in reverse. He was perfect holiness in human flesh. It was easy for him to be righteous. He never sinned. He was tempted in all ways and was without sin. Therefore righteousness would not have been a struggle for Jesus in the same way unrighteousness is not a struggle for us. When Jesus prays, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” what cup is he talking about? We always assume it was the cup of God’s wrath but maybe it’s a little more than that. Jesus the perfect gem from heaven, holy God in human flesh would become sin on the cross for us. He knew no sin and yet bore our sin. I believe what caused Jesus to be very sorrowful; even to death was that he would experience something he had never experienced…sin.

It was not the nails, or the abuse or the beating that caused him such anguish. He had 33 and a half years to prepare for that. It was the prospect of becoming sin. Jesus would be punishment for sins he did not commit. Why? Because he “knew” no sin. In other words, he knew no sin in his personal experience. In a very real way

Jesus was going to experience what Adam experienced in the garden (even though Jesus never ate the fruit)–total and complete separation from God for sin.

When I think of Jesus praying in the garden with such sorrow of heart to the point of death, knowing that he is going to the cross to pay for crimes he did not commit, my problems seem inconsequential.

When I see my Lord in the garden of Gethsemane, “sorrowful, even to death,” I know in my mind that the cross is totally unnecessary. That is, Jesus could have stopped the whole process and yet he falls on his face and prays, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” I stand speechless. He was going to the cross to bear in his body the sins of those the father had given him. Jesus was going to pay the ultimate price for sins he had never committed. He was the innocent, perfect son of God and he knew no sin and yet would become sin for us.

Application:When you think of all Christ suffered for the glory of God and his love for you take some time to reflect on Romans 8:35–39. In thinking about his sacrifice for our sins does it make you think about your righteousness?

Prayer points:• Thank God today for the sacrifice of His son.• Ask God to give you the opportunity to share the gospel with someone today. 

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Unplugged–Day 2... by Pastor Kent KolstadREAD MATTHEW 26:47-56

The betrayal in the garden is the beginning of the end of Jesus life and ministry here on earth. It is a day that has gone down in history books because of the infamous kiss from one of his disciples. In addition, it is also the beginning

of the end of another man named Judas. He is an individual who had tremendous opportunities and privileges while walking with Christ and the other disciples. We get a glimpse of how patient the love of our Lord Jesus Christ is through the life of this man. The Lord Jesus was merciful for all the days and nights they spent together. In fact, if you noticed in your reading even in this night of betrayal Jesus called him ‘friend’ in verse 50 of Matthew 26.

Not only do we see wonderful and remarkable patience from Jesus but, we also see compassion. The parallel passage in Luke tells us (Luke 22:50) it was in the Garden that night that Peter drew his sword, in what was his attempt to defend Jesus. Here he cuts of the ear of one of the men who had come to arrest Jesus. Jesus response is very compassionate when he heals the man, reattaching the ear. So do we see our enemies in the same way Jesus did?

When we think about Judas do we see him as a man who followed Christ for three long years? Do we see him like the other disciples? He was a man who did leave whatever position or job he previously held and followed Christ. He did stick around when other disciples turned and no longer walked with Jesus (John 6:66). In fact, if we follow him through the gospel accounts we find he became the treasurer

of the group (John 12:6). Judas seemed to be like the other disciples–at least on the outside. Yet we find out he was a man who valued money more than anything else. We can see just a bit earlier in the gospel (Matthew 26:6-13) that Judas was indignant (we might use the term outraged) when Mary anointed the Lord’s feet with costly perfume. John brings out the fact that Judas anger stemmed from his love of money (see John 12:1-8) and that he would “help himself” to the money he held. This was certainly a major tipping point for Judas. In Mathew’s account, he went to the Chief priests immediately after this, and took thirty pieces of silver and waited for the time to betray Jesus.

Application:As believers, we also have to be very careful not to take advantage of the Lord’s willingness to be patient with us. (See Ps. 103:8) Can you think of any ways this could apply to you? (See also 2 Timothy 2:24 and 2 Peter 3:9.) Remember His words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44) where he said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Consider the opportunities we have in our lives to be like this. What did Jesus teach about money in Matthew 6:19-24? What did Paul teach about money to Timothy? (See 1 Timothy 6:10.)

Prayer point:• Lastly, think about a time you have been betrayed. • What lessons can we learn from Jesus in this regard? • Remember Jesus words, “Pray for those who persecute you.”

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Unplugged–Day 3by Pastor Matt MaasREAD MATTHEW 26:57-75

HAVE YOU EVER HAD YOUR LIFE FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN? Observing from the outskirts, Peter is watching with his own eyes, Jesus, his master, before the council confirming his status as the Son of God and

receiving judgment from his accusers…a call for death. This must have been a horrific sight and felt like a nightmare as the one to whom he pledged his life was now sentenced to lose his. Peter’s life was being flipped upside down.

HAVE YOU EVER DENIED CHRIST?As Peter finds himself alone and shaken by the events of the day, he is tested…first from, of all people, a slave girl. Surely he’d have enough conviction to pass this test–but Peter demonstrates that he cares more about his own life than about his Lord’s honor and this begins a string of three denials. Peter was denying the Lord he had promised never to deny.

It’s amazing how we can be “ready for anything” yet when something comes that we didn’t plan or foresee coming, we can be rattled just as Peter was and respond just as he did. Peter planned to follow a Messiah whose kingdom did not involve the cross; but he proved unprepared when the time came to take up his own cross and follow the Lord.

Denying Jesus is an everyday temptation for every believer and it doesn’t even take a life-changing event for us to respond like Peter did that night. We may not deny Jesus in the same manner Peter did, but we may deny, with our words and deeds, the very one who gave Himself for us. Maybe it’s in what is not said or done that

we deny the power of our risen savior in our life. Are you prepared to follow the Messiah, even when life, which has a way of turning upside down–does?

HAVE YOU PREPARED YOURSELF?Peter’s denial didn’t just happen. It was something he had not prepared himself for, because his heart and mind were not in tune with the truth that Jesus constantly spoke of. He was shallow. His convictions about Jesus were not enough to produce the correct outward responses. Peter is just like many, if not all of us. How many times do you find yourself not in unity with the Word but more in tune with how the world would respond? “Save yourself,” “what’s best for my status” ring inside us all the time. Self-preservation is a mighty temptation even to the strongest follower of Jesus. Peter didn’t have the ability to completely see the end of the story, but we have it recorded in the Bible. I can’t sit here and say I would have done any better than Peter that night, but I want to, if put into that type of position. We need to live with the end in mind. Jesus gave us sobering words in Matthew 10:32-33, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

Application: When presented with the temptation to deny Jesus in your life, have courage and strength to stand firm in the face of fear, doubt or persecution.

Prayer Points:• Pray for boldness to share Jesus and Easter with those whom you might fear

rejection!• Ask God to prepare you for times in your day where you can affirm Jesus as

Savior to others!

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Unplugged–Day 4 by Pastor Bryan BoumaREAD MATTHEW 27:11-31

The crowd wanted to crucify Jesus because they couldn’t open their eyes to the truth of who Jesus was. Though some in the crowd were against him for some time, many had just cheered him into Jerusalem. Some of these were probably

undecided about what should happen to him or who he really was. At that moment they determined to hate him. They were turned against him by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They knowingly blinded themselves to the truth about Jesus, what they knew about him, what they had witnessed throughout his ministry, and ended up on the side of the leaders. Jesus indeed was the wedge and since they could not get on the side of following him and confessing him as Lord, they had to turn against him.

Sin is mysterious. What they did seems to defy reason and it is baffling why they hated Jesus so much. They weren’t willing to make the confession that he was indeed the Son of God, so they had to have him killed for blasphemy. The nature of sin is this kind of denial of the Truth, the refusal to accept Jesus as Lord, and it leads to crucifying him. The people were bold and so reckless in their proclamation that they would receive the responsibility for Jesus’ blood. They really didn’t know what they were saying; they knew not what they did. Apparently they decided to write him off as a weird rabbi who was self-deluded. They were utterly reckless in that

they did not consider the consequences of what they were saying – what if he really was who he said he was, the Son of God, come down in the flesh? Instead they were caught up in the moment of uniting against Jesus, and their statement is so ironic because ultimately it was Jesus’ blood that was shed to atone for their ignorance, recklessness, and ultimate rejection of God.

Application: We are engaging in this kind of recklessness whenever we choose to sin by rejecting Jesus as Lord in some area or situation of life. When we decide to give in to our anger or lust or pride we are being reckless, casting off the lordship of Christ, and forging ahead with our own will–like the crowd. We need to maintain the proper fear of God, recognize who Jesus is, and what implication that has for our life. This is so we will take pauses before following our sinful impulses and recognize the choice to assert Jesus’ lordship over me.

Prayer Points:• Accept the fact Jesus came to live a blameless life and be sacrificed on the cross

for your sins. • Ask God to search your heart and show you how you might be sinning by

rejecting Jesus in areas of you life. • Confess any times you have tried to cast off the lordship of Christ and do things

on your own. • Thank God for His solution for Sin. Jesus.

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Unplugged–Day 5 by Pastor Jim SewellREAD MATTHEW 27:32-65

Jesus’ crucifixion prepares the way for the most significant event in history as he is nailed to a cross between two thieves. As He takes His destined place on the cross, we see many other events unfolding. Looking closely at the activity

surrounding the cross that day, most of us who would call ourselves Christians are surprised, repulsed, or shocked at what we see. The mobs of people are determined to do away with Jesus. They wanted Him gone. They wanted Him dead. They wanted no part of His truth, His words, or His stories and illustrations that cut deep to the heart of their sin. With the religious leaders leading the charge, they lied and applied pressure in all the right places to get what they wanted. And all the while, they were fulfilling God’s plan. In the end, some would even admit that “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54).

When we read God’s word and see all of the proof that Jesus provided in who He was, we wonder how could they not know? How could they miss it? How could they completely reject His message as He stood in their presence and performed miracles that demonstrated His power? But as we look closely at the people’s disbelieving remarks: “If you are the Son of God …” (27:40); the mocking gossip among the religious leaders for more proof “…let him come down now and we will believe in him.” (27:42); and “He saved others; He cannot save himself” (27:42), it’s not far away from what we do to Jesus today. We ignore His word. Our faith is absent or weak. We choose what to believe as true and reject the Savior.

Even with the all of the mocking and rejection taking place in the turmoil of the day, two very important actions unfold. These events marked an enormous change for all of mankind. First, with a piercing and thunderous cry Jesus proclaims, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (27:46). With these words, He doesn’t simply repeat Ps. 22:1 as a trite statement of despair. His loud voice proclaims what we will never have to experience. He has taken the total outpouring of God’s wrath in our place, and indeed for all mankind. As He bears the enormity of this wrath, His experience of abandonment and desperation is immeasurable. At His time of greatest need, He cries out “Where did you go, God?”

Second, as Jesus voluntarily gives up His spirit (27:50), the barrier and separation from the most holy place–God’s presence–is torn away. “The veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (27:51). With Jesus’ death, this intricate curtain that measured sixty feet in height was torn wide open for all to enter His presence to establish a personal relationship with Him. No longer was His presence off limits to anyone who wasn’t the highest of priests. The barrier was forever removed. We now have direct access to Him. Hallelujah!

Application: You have the privilege of going directly into God’s presence with your praises, your thanksgiving, and your many needs and requests. The great thing is that He really wants you to come to Him. He wants to hear from you. He misses you when you stay away. He notices when you forget to talk to Him.

Prayer Points:• Thank God for sending His son to die for you and to take the punishment that

you would have received.• Ask God to show you any way you might be mocking or rejecting Him in your

life. Ask Him to show you how you’ve been deceived and have allowed a barrier to exist between Him and you.

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Unplugged–Day 6 by Cindy WrayREAD MATTHEW 28:1-20

The horror of the crucifixion is over. Jesus is dead and buried. One of His followers, accompanied by two female disciples, has carried His tortured body to the tomb carved out of the side of a hill. The darkness that enveloped

the land as Jesus hung dying on a wicked cross has spread into the hearts of His followers bringing fear, unbelief and despair. Faithful women who were with Him at the cross return to the tomb as soon as possible after the Sabbath day, hoping to gain access to the body to prepare it for burial (Mark 16:1-3).

The dramatic wonder of what happens next is easily lost from a distance of over 2000 years in the familiarity of the story. These women come in deep sorrow, fully expecting to find the dead body of a loved one in the latter stages of rigor mortis. Instead, they find a magnificent angel clothed in light proclaiming news too good to be true. Jesus is not lying lifeless in a man-made tomb defeated by His enemies and gone from them forever. “He is not here, He has risen,” the angel reports: these splendor-filled words banish the darkness of the night that brought the grieving women here.

I, too, once stood outside a tomb in Israel believed to be the very spot where Jesus was placed after His death. As I moved towards the entrance of the tomb in the early morning’s light, I read those same words aptly placed on a wooden sign above the entrance: “He is not here, He has risen.” Even many centuries after that original resurrection morning, those words brought me to my knees in wonder.

“He is not here, He has risen.” As you read this passage in Matthew about an event unparalleled in history, take a moment to let the wonder of it wash over you.

Death did not come as a surprise to Jesus – it happened just “as He said.” Yet, his followers did not understand or even remember His saying so. Death had come so sudden, so violent–and so real. But now, in the space of only three days, everything has changed. Jesus, once dead, is alive. Can a man rise from the dead just as He predicted He would? The awe-struck women meet the risen Lord face to face as they run to shout the news. In that moment, they take the only action worthy of such an encounter–they fall on their knees and worship Him, and then go and do as He commands. As we fully grasp the significance of this moment on which all history hinges and our eternity depends, can we do any less?

Application:As this Easter morning approaches, take time to wonder at that first Easter–and worship the risen Lord. Because He has risen, we know that His death completely paid the price for all our sins and unworthiness. The sacrifice was accepted. God’s wrath on our sin has been replaced by His favor towards those who believe. We know, too, that death is not final. Just as Jesus lives, we will live. We know that the resurrected presence of Jesus is with us always (the whole of every day) through all life’s circumstances–each day as we live it (Matthew 28:20). Lastly, we know that His constant presence provides on-going power to live a life that pleases Him. Therefore, drawing on that presence and power, let the wonder and the worship of this Easter compel you to go and do as He commands (Matthew 28:7,10,19).

Prayer Points:• I pray that the wonder of the resurrection will take root in my heart this Easter.• That I will be thus empowered to go and tell at least one person of the

resurrection and all it means for those who believe in Him.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS LEADING UP TO EASTER