ReflectionI wonder if you’ve ever had a moment when you’re just stunned? When words escape you? Well, the disciples here experience exactly that. There were reports of the resurrection from some of the women, Peter had gone into the tomb and only found the linen cloths, and two of the disciples had met Jesus while walking and then eating together. So naturally, the disciples discuss all of these events but as they are speaking, Jesus stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’. The result? Stunned silence. The disciples thought that he was a ghost but in reality, it was Jesus. He is risen! He didn’t stay dead and in fact, Jesus won the victory over death by death itself!He insists that he is real and not a ghost by pointing out his hands and his feet and by eating real food. He is really alive and this was the plan all along. It was written about him for thousands of years before him. He reigns victorious over sin and death and so now, sins can be forgiven for all who repent and believe in Jesus. This good news was to be firstly peached in Jerusalem and then, as we see in Acts, to the ends of the earth.This is indeed great news. We can be part of the kingdom, we can have forgiveness, we can have peace, we can have rest, we can have certainty of the future, all because our great King Jesus died and rose again. There is no one else like our God. There is nothing else in this world that can compare to having this sure and certain hope. So let us once again cast ourselves on the mercy and grace of God afresh this Easter. MCQuestionsWhat does the resurrection of Jesus achieve? Why is it so fundamental to our faith?If you were to tell someone about the Gospel in under a minute, what would you say?What could you do this Easter to intentionally see God’s mercy afresh?PrayerLord God, you are victorious and you have the authority over all things including death itself. Thank you for the resurrection of Jesus and help us to be continually renewed and refreshed in your good news day by day. Amen.

Reflection I wonder if you’ve ever had a moment when you’re just stunned? When words escape you? Well, the disciples here experience exactly that. There were reports of the resurrection from some of the women, Peter had gone into the tomb and only found the linen cloths, and two of the disciples had met Jesus while walking and then eating together. So naturally, the disciples discuss all of these events but as they are speaking, Jesus stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’. The result? Stunned silence. The disciples thought that he was a ghost but in reality, it was Jesus. He is risen! He didn’t stay dead and in fact, Jesus won the victory over death by death itself! He insists that he is real and not a ghost by pointing out his hands and his feet and by eating real food. He is really alive and this was the plan all along. It was written about him for thousands of years before him. He reigns victorious over sin and death and so now, sins can be forgiven for all who repent and believe in Jesus. This good news was to be firstly peached in Jerusalem and then, as we see in Acts, to the ends of the earth. This is indeed great news. We can be part of the kingdom, we can have forgiveness, we can have peace, we can have rest, we can have certainty of the future, all because our great King Jesus died and rose again. There is no one else like our God. There is nothing else in this world that can compare to having this sure and certain hope. So let us once again cast ourselves on the mercy and grace of God afresh this Easter. MC Questions What does the resurrection of Jesus achieve? Why is it so fundamental to our faith? If you were to tell someone about the Gospel in under a minute, what would you say? What could you do this Easter to intentionally see God’s mercy afresh? Prayer Lord God, you are victorious and you have the authority over all things including death itself. Thank you for the resurrection of Jesus and help us to be continually renewed and refreshed in your good news day by day. Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 40 - Luke 24:36-49

ReflectionIn the space of a night and morning, Jesus has been betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, mocked and beaten by the guards, condemned by the Sanhedrin, sent away by Pilot, questioned by Herod, sent back to Pilot, rejected by the crowds in favour of a murderer, handed over by Pilot, and crucified. What is Jesus’ response? Verse 34 says, “then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He forgives them even while he is nailed to the cross, even while they cast lots for his clothes.Now, the sun is darkened from 12 PM until 3 PM as the light of the world is put to death. The sins of the whole world were put on Jesus on that tree. My sin was put on him, your sin was put on him. The punishment, the burden, and the shame was taken by him. So now having been freed from sin, there is now no barrier between us and God. The curtain that separated the people from the Holy of Holies in the temple was torn. Access to God is now not just for the high priest once a year, but now free for all who turn to Christ! But during the darkness and after the tearing of the curtain, Jesus cried out to God and Jesus died. We can sometimes let this wash over us but let’s just look at those words again. Jesus died. The son of God is dead. Our Lord and Saviour dies on our behalf. How incredible is our God!After he died, Luke records the reactions of different people. The centurion who was responsible for other troops actually praised God and realised that Jesus was innocent. Others who were there went home beating their breasts as a sign of repentance. Then a man named Joseph who was part of the Sanhedrin but didn’t agree with Jesus’ killing comes and in an act of tenderness, kindness, and possibly worship, takes Jesus’ lifeless, bruised, and battered body off the cross and lays him in his tomb. Our only plausible response in view of God’s mercy is to lay down our lives as living sacrifices to him. MCQuestionsWhy was Jesus crucified? What does his death achieve?PrayerLoving Father, we are so thankful for Jesus’ death on the cross, saving us from sin, and giving us access to you. Help us to never take this for granted. Amen.

Reflection In the space of a night and morning, Jesus has been betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, mocked and beaten by the guards, condemned by the Sanhedrin, sent away by Pilot, questioned by Herod, sent back to Pilot, rejected by the crowds in favour of a murderer, handed over by Pilot, and crucified. What is Jesus’ response? Verse 34 says, “then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He forgives them even while he is nailed to the cross, even while they cast lots for his clothes. Now, the sun is darkened from 12 PM until 3 PM as the light of the world is put to death. The sins of the whole world were put on Jesus on that tree. My sin was put on him, your sin was put on him. The punishment, the burden, and the shame was taken by him. So now having been freed from sin, there is now no barrier between us and God. The curtain that separated the people from the Holy of Holies in the temple was torn. Access to God is now not just for the high priest once a year, but now free for all who turn to Christ! But during the darkness and after the tearing of the curtain, Jesus cried out to God and Jesus died. We can sometimes let this wash over us but let’s just look at those words again. Jesus died. The son of God is dead. Our Lord and Saviour dies on our behalf. How incredible is our God! After he died, Luke records the reactions of different people. The centurion who was responsible for other troops actually praised God and realised that Jesus was innocent. Others who were there went home beating their breasts as a sign of repentance. Then a man named Joseph who was part of the Sanhedrin but didn’t agree with Jesus’ killing comes and in an act of tenderness, kindness, and possibly worship, takes Jesus’ lifeless, bruised, and battered body off the cross and lays him in his tomb. Our only plausible response in view of God’s mercy is to lay down our lives as living sacrifices to him. MC Questions Why was Jesus crucified? What does his death achieve? Prayer Loving Father, we are so thankful for Jesus’ death on the cross, saving us from sin, and giving us access to you. Help us to never take this for granted. Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 39 - Luke 23:44-56

ReflectionJesus’ disciples in yesterday’s passage were found sleeping and again Jesus told them to continue to pray but then he was interrupted by his betrayer. Judas comes into the scene with a crowd. This was one of the twelve, one of Jesus’ closest friends, closest followers but here he is betraying Jesus. He comes to him to kiss him as if greeting him as a friend. The greek word for ‘kiss’ has the same root as the word ‘to love’. Judas’ kiss was far from a kiss of love though. But Jesus isn’t surprised in the slightest. He is completely in control and knows that this was all to happen. He even questions Judas.His disciples though don’t know what is happening though. They begin to do what any human would do to try and defend their leader. They prepare for a fight. One even cuts off the ear of a servant! So does Jesus go with them and run free and take advantage of the distraction?! Most certainly not. Jesus rejects their violent impulses and even heals the servant of the one who wanted him dead. Even in the midst of his arrest, Jesus has immense love his enemies. Even in the mess of this evening, God’s plans are completely and utterly on track.Jesus then turns to the mob who came to him. He hasn’t done anything wrong, he had no plans to overthrow the authorities, and yet they still came to arrest him. Jesus was innocent and this crowd are the ones who are in the wrong. But Jesus submits and tells them that this is their hour. This is the time when the world can do the worst to God, when the world can go with every sinful desire, and do the ultimate act of rejection by putting him to death. But at the very same time, this is the hour that God had in mind since before the foundations of the earth were laid. For when humanity puts Jesus to death, this is when Jesus will take the sin of the world upon himself, drink the cup of God’s wrath, and secure us for eternity and snatch us from death’s jaws. MCQuestionsHow is this one of the most tragic but one of the greatest moments in history?PrayerLord God, thank you for the sure and certain promise of forgiveness of sins through Jesus. We are sorry for the times when we reject you and your rule. Please keep us from sin and grant us true repentance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Jesus’ disciples in yesterday’s passage were found sleeping and again Jesus told them to continue to pray but then he was interrupted by his betrayer. Judas comes into the scene with a crowd. This was one of the twelve, one of Jesus’ closest friends, closest followers but here he is betraying Jesus. He comes to him to kiss him as if greeting him as a friend. The greek word for ‘kiss’ has the same root as the word ‘to love’. Judas’ kiss was far from a kiss of love though. But Jesus isn’t surprised in the slightest. He is completely in control and knows that this was all to happen. He even questions Judas. His disciples though don’t know what is happening though. They begin to do what any human would do to try and defend their leader. They prepare for a fight. One even cuts off the ear of a servant! So does Jesus go with them and run free and take advantage of the distraction?! Most certainly not. Jesus rejects their violent impulses and even heals the servant of the one who wanted him dead. Even in the midst of his arrest, Jesus has immense love his enemies. Even in the mess of this evening, God’s plans are completely and utterly on track. Jesus then turns to the mob who came to him. He hasn’t done anything wrong, he had no plans to overthrow the authorities, and yet they still came to arrest him. Jesus was innocent and this crowd are the ones who are in the wrong. But Jesus submits and tells them that this is their hour. This is the time when the world can do the worst to God, when the world can go with every sinful desire, and do the ultimate act of rejection by putting him to death. But at the very same time, this is the hour that God had in mind since before the foundations of the earth were laid. For when humanity puts Jesus to death, this is when Jesus will take the sin of the world upon himself, drink the cup of God’s wrath, and secure us for eternity and snatch us from death’s jaws. MC Questions How is this one of the most tragic but one of the greatest moments in history? Prayer Lord God, thank you for the sure and certain promise of forgiveness of sins through Jesus. We are sorry for the times when we reject you and your rule. Please keep us from sin and grant us true repentance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 38 - Luke 22:47-53

ReflectionEvery week in church and maybe more often than that for some, we pray the Lord’s Prayer and in it we pray, ‘your will be done’. We can rattle this off without thinking about what it really means. Here, Jesus knows exactly what it means.His time has come and he and the disciples go to the Mount of Olives to pray and this time it will be the last. He tells his disciples to pray that they won’t fall into temptation and he tells them to do it again in verse 36. I know that if I was there and was about to see Jesus arrested and killed, I would be tempted to just lose heart, walk away, and give up. But Jesus’ command is to pray.After telling them the first time, Jesus goes around the corner, kneels, and prays. He knows what is ahead of him. He knows that the Father’s plan for salvation means he will be humiliated, experience terrible suffering, and experience the wrath of the Father. It’s going to be excruciating and so he asks the Father to take the cup away, to take away the wrath and all that is ahead. He’s in agony! But his prayer doesn’t end there. He ends by saying ‘yet not my will, but yours be done’. Jesus submits himself to the Father’s will even if it means going ahead with the plan for salvation through the cross. He prayed again through tears, through weakness, and through trouble.This is what it means to pray and live out ‘your will be done’. It means God’s will above our comfort, God’s will above our money, God’s will above our careers, God’s will above our best laid out plans, and it could mean God’s will above our lives. But why should we follow God’s will? Because he is God and because he knows what it is like. Jesus has wrestled with this question, experienced everything we could ever experience and more. Our God is the one who serves us even to death because of his love for us. May his will be done. MCQuestionsWhere in your life may you not be submitting to the will of the Father?PrayerOur Father in heaven, how can we thank you enough for Jesus? Thank you that he submitted to your will even to the point of taking your wrath that we deserved. Help us to seek your will above all else, to live it out, and please expose our hearts for where we aren’t submitting to it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Every week in church and maybe more often than that for some, we pray the Lord’s Prayer and in it we pray, ‘your will be done’. We can rattle this off without thinking about what it really means. Here, Jesus knows exactly what it means. His time has come and he and the disciples go to the Mount of Olives to pray and this time it will be the last. He tells his disciples to pray that they won’t fall into temptation and he tells them to do it again in verse 36. I know that if I was there and was about to see Jesus arrested and killed, I would be tempted to just lose heart, walk away, and give up. But Jesus’ command is to pray. After telling them the first time, Jesus goes around the corner, kneels, and prays. He knows what is ahead of him. He knows that the Father’s plan for salvation means he will be humiliated, experience terrible suffering, and experience the wrath of the Father. It’s going to be excruciating and so he asks the Father to take the cup away, to take away the wrath and all that is ahead. He’s in agony! But his prayer doesn’t end there. He ends by saying ‘yet not my will, but yours be done’. Jesus submits himself to the Father’s will even if it means going ahead with the plan for salvation through the cross. He prayed again through tears, through weakness, and through trouble. This is what it means to pray and live out ‘your will be done’. It means God’s will above our comfort, God’s will above our money, God’s will above our careers, God’s will above our best laid out plans, and it could mean God’s will above our lives. But why should we follow God’s will? Because he is God and because he knows what it is like. Jesus has wrestled with this question, experienced everything we could ever experience and more. Our God is the one who serves us even to death because of his love for us. May his will be done. MC Questions Where in your life may you not be submitting to the will of the Father? Prayer Our Father in heaven, how can we thank you enough for Jesus? Thank you that he submitted to your will even to the point of taking your wrath that we deserved. Help us to seek your will above all else, to live it out, and please expose our hearts for where we aren’t submitting to it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 37 - Luke 22:39-46

After a meal like none other, the disciples start having a dispute like none other. It is really quite remarkable that even after Jesus has been with them for so long and told them about his death that this argument comes up. They begin to argue among themselves about who is going to be the greatest! However, Jesus puts an end to that conversation quickly and turns the definition of ‘the greatest’ right on its head.The pagan lords, rulers, and kings really had an overwhelming pride. They may have done good things but only to receive honour and be praised by other people. They loved the names people called them such as ‘Lord’ or ‘Your Grace’. That was the common perception of what it meant to be great! But Jesus says that followers of him are to have nothing to do with such things. The way to greatness is to be like the least, the youngest. The one who rules or is in leadership should be the one who serves.General knowledge and common sense will inform us that the one who is at the dinner table is the one who is greater. If you’ve watched any shows like Downton Abbey you’ll know this almost instinctively! But Jesus doesn’t just tell his disciples that it isn’t to be like this anymore but Jesus is going to demonstrate it fully and comprehensively. He is the one who came down to earth from heaven, in order to live among human beings, and ultimately to die for us to serve us. He is the one who truly serves. And so then if we want to be great, then we are called to follow his example. MCQuestionsRight here in Australia now, what do we consider to be the traits of one who is great?What is Jesus’ standard of greatness? How has he demonstrated this?How could you follow his example?PrayerGracious God, thank you for the way in which you have served us through Jesus. Please keep us from pride and keep us from seeking human greatness, but help us to look for ways in which to serve others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

After a meal like none other, the disciples start having a dispute like none other. It is really quite remarkable that even after Jesus has been with them for so long and told them about his death that this argument comes up. They begin to argue among themselves about who is going to be the greatest! However, Jesus puts an end to that conversation quickly and turns the definition of ‘the greatest’ right on its head. The pagan lords, rulers, and kings really had an overwhelming pride. They may have done good things but only to receive honour and be praised by other people. They loved the names people called them such as ‘Lord’ or ‘Your Grace’. That was the common perception of what it meant to be great! But Jesus says that followers of him are to have nothing to do with such things. The way to greatness is to be like the least, the youngest. The one who rules or is in leadership should be the one who serves. General knowledge and common sense will inform us that the one who is at the dinner table is the one who is greater. If you’ve watched any shows like Downton Abbey you’ll know this almost instinctively! But Jesus doesn’t just tell his disciples that it isn’t to be like this anymore but Jesus is going to demonstrate it fully and comprehensively. He is the one who came down to earth from heaven, in order to live among human beings, and ultimately to die for us to serve us. He is the one who truly serves. And so then if we want to be great, then we are called to follow his example. MC Questions Right here in Australia now, what do we consider to be the traits of one who is great? What is Jesus’ standard of greatness? How has he demonstrated this? How could you follow his example? Prayer Gracious God, thank you for the way in which you have served us through Jesus. Please keep us from pride and keep us from seeking human greatness, but help us to look for ways in which to serve others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 36 - 22:24-30

ReflectionIn the past two chapters of Luke, Jesus has been questioned by the religious leaders, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the scribes. The result of his answers was that not one of them was able to accuse him of any wrongdoing, and they weren’t going to arrest him because all the crowds loved him! Arresting him would create a riot! Then, Jesus taught about the destruction of Jerusalem that was going to come in around 70AD and then he taught about the return of the Son of Man. However, the leaders were still determined to arrest and kill Jesus and Judas has agreed to betray Jesus for some cash. And today, it comes time for the Passover meal.The Passover meal was the meal where the Jewish nation celebrated and remembered their rescue from Egypt, and the gracious provision of God to spare the firstborn Son for those households that sacrificed and ate the lamb. This had been happening ever since the days of Moses, for thousands of years! But this Passover was going to be like none other. Jesus takes a cup and says that he won’t drink again of it until the kingdom of God comes.He takes bread, breaks it and says that it is his body. Then he takes a cup and says that it is the new covenant in his blood. In short, he makes the meal all about him because he is the ultimate fulfilment of the Passover. Instead of rescue from the angel of death going over the land, we need rescue from sin and death. Instead of a lamb dying in our place, Jesus is going to die in our place. So now whenever we have this meal, we celebrate and remember God’s gracious provision of Jesus. Innocent, yet broken on our behalf, and raised securing a new promise of life with him for eternity. MCQuestionsWhat was the Passover meant to represent or help the Israelites remember?How does Jesus fulfil the Passover? What can help us remember our great rescue?PrayerLord God, thank you for the provision of Jesus who died in our place and rose again. Help us every time we come to the Lord’s Supper to remember this afresh and be renewed by the hope of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection In the past two chapters of Luke, Jesus has been questioned by the religious leaders, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the scribes. The result of his answers was that not one of them was able to accuse him of any wrongdoing, and they weren’t going to arrest him because all the crowds loved him! Arresting him would create a riot! Then, Jesus taught about the destruction of Jerusalem that was going to come in around 70AD and then he taught about the return of the Son of Man. However, the leaders were still determined to arrest and kill Jesus and Judas has agreed to betray Jesus for some cash. And today, it comes time for the Passover meal. The Passover meal was the meal where the Jewish nation celebrated and remembered their rescue from Egypt, and the gracious provision of God to spare the firstborn Son for those households that sacrificed and ate the lamb. This had been happening ever since the days of Moses, for thousands of years! But this Passover was going to be like none other. Jesus takes a cup and says that he won’t drink again of it until the kingdom of God comes. He takes bread, breaks it and says that it is his body. Then he takes a cup and says that it is the new covenant in his blood. In short, he makes the meal all about him because he is the ultimate fulfilment of the Passover. Instead of rescue from the angel of death going over the land, we need rescue from sin and death. Instead of a lamb dying in our place, Jesus is going to die in our place. So now whenever we have this meal, we celebrate and remember God’s gracious provision of Jesus. Innocent, yet broken on our behalf, and raised securing a new promise of life with him for eternity. MC Questions What was the Passover meant to represent or help the Israelites remember? How does Jesus fulfil the Passover? What can help us remember our great rescue? Prayer Lord God, thank you for the provision of Jesus who died in our place and rose again. Help us every time we come to the Lord’s Supper to remember this afresh and be renewed by the hope of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 35 - Luke 22:14-22

ReflectionJesus has just drawn near to the city and people were praising him and proclaiming him as King. It’s a phenomenal picture and would have been such a joyous occasion for those who had been faithfully waiting for the coming of the Messiah. However, instead of rejoicing, Jesus laments. He weeps and expresses his sorrow aloud. He knows that this city, that his chosen people were going to reject him. Jesus has an immense amount of love for this city and the people of Israel just like a parent has for their child. God has seen them throughout the ages coming to him, rejecting him, submitting to his punishment, and then return to him time after time again. He has been there for his people, he has raised up judges, prophets and kings but they didn’t fit their hearts on him. Now he has sent them his one and only son. In him, they can find peace, but they won’t. They won’t turn to him and so he weeps.Moreover, he weeps because he knows what will happen to these people. He knows that in just 40 years time or so it will all be gone. The people inside the walls will be trapped, experience hunger and famine, weep and wail, and then the Romans will come and enter killing women, children, and men on every street, every corner. And so Jesus weeps. This is Jesus’ heart for all who reject him. This is Jesus’ heart for the unbeliever. He has humbled himself to this earth, he has died and rose again for them, he has given every opportunity for them to have peace with God, so how sad it is when someone doesn’t turn and repent when hearing the good news.In his commentary on Matthew, 20th-century bishop JC Ryle writes, “There is nothing wanting on God’s part for the salvation of sinners’ souls: no one will ever be able to say at last that it was God’s fault if he is not saved. The Father is ready to love and receive; the Son is ready to pardon and cleanse guilt away; the Spirit is ready to sanctify and renew…One thing only is needful, and that is, the sinner must be ready and willing himself." MCQuestionsHow have you responded to the Gospel?PrayerHeavenly Father, we thank and praise you for Jesus and for the salvation that is found in him. Soften our hearts and make our lives more like Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Jesus has just drawn near to the city and people were praising him and proclaiming him as King. It’s a phenomenal picture and would have been such a joyous occasion for those who had been faithfully waiting for the coming of the Messiah. However, instead of rejoicing, Jesus laments. He weeps and expresses his sorrow aloud. He knows that this city, that his chosen people were going to reject him. Jesus has an immense amount of love for this city and the people of Israel just like a parent has for their child. God has seen them throughout the ages coming to him, rejecting him, submitting to his punishment, and then return to him time after time again. He has been there for his people, he has raised up judges, prophets and kings but they didn’t fit their hearts on him. Now he has sent them his one and only son. In him, they can find peace, but they won’t. They won’t turn to him and so he weeps. Moreover, he weeps because he knows what will happen to these people. He knows that in just 40 years time or so it will all be gone. The people inside the walls will be trapped, experience hunger and famine, weep and wail, and then the Romans will come and enter killing women, children, and men on every street, every corner. And so Jesus weeps. This is Jesus’ heart for all who reject him. This is Jesus’ heart for the unbeliever. He has humbled himself to this earth, he has died and rose again for them, he has given every opportunity for them to have peace with God, so how sad it is when someone doesn’t turn and repent when hearing the good news. In his commentary on Matthew, 20th-century bishop JC Ryle writes, “There is nothing wanting on God’s part for the salvation of sinners’ souls: no one will ever be able to say at last that it was God’s fault if he is not saved. The Father is ready to love and receive; the Son is ready to pardon and cleanse guilt away; the Spirit is ready to sanctify and renew…One thing only is needful, and that is, the sinner must be ready and willing himself." MC Questions How have you responded to the Gospel? Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for Jesus and for the salvation that is found in him. Soften our hearts and make our lives more like Jesus. Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 34 - Luke 19:41-44

This psalm begins with praise and thanksgiving. Verse 1 urges the reader to “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever”. This phrase is repeated four times in the following four verses. God’s love endures forever! No matter what happens in our lifetime, no matter what people may do to us, nothing can take away God’s love for us. We can take refuge in him, we can gain strength from him, we can proclaim his salvation day after day, we can submit to him in everything. How can we be sure and certain of this? Because of and through Jesus.God has laid out a plan for salvation through Jesus and we can follow him and enter into these gates of righteousness, we can be right with God! Even though Jesus was rejected by the Pharisees and was eventually put to death because of them, this didn’t stop his plan. In fact, it was all part of his plan. Verse 22 says, ‘the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’ Jesus was rejected but is now the source of our salvation. His death means we are free from sin. His resurrection means that we have eternal life secured for us. So then, he is now the way that we are to orientate our lives to, everything is now to rest on him, rely on him, and draw on and from him. He is the one who came in the name of the Lord because he himself is the Lord! And so the appropriate response is to give thanks and praise the Lord for his love endures forever. MCQuestionsWhat gives us certainty of the faithful love of God which endures forever?How does this love shape the way we live our lives?Who could we share the good news of this love with today?PrayerLoving Lord, thank you for your amazing love for us which you have shown to us in so many different ways. Thank you for the goodness of creation, for every breath that the breathe, for every moment here on earth. We especially thank you for your love poured out in us through Jesus. Give us confidence and certainty of this love always. We pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This psalm begins with praise and thanksgiving. Verse 1 urges the reader to “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever”. This phrase is repeated four times in the following four verses. God’s love endures forever! No matter what happens in our lifetime, no matter what people may do to us, nothing can take away God’s love for us. We can take refuge in him, we can gain strength from him, we can proclaim his salvation day after day, we can submit to him in everything. How can we be sure and certain of this? Because of and through Jesus. God has laid out a plan for salvation through Jesus and we can follow him and enter into these gates of righteousness, we can be right with God! Even though Jesus was rejected by the Pharisees and was eventually put to death because of them, this didn’t stop his plan. In fact, it was all part of his plan. Verse 22 says, ‘the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’ Jesus was rejected but is now the source of our salvation. His death means we are free from sin. His resurrection means that we have eternal life secured for us. So then, he is now the way that we are to orientate our lives to, everything is now to rest on him, rely on him, and draw on and from him. He is the one who came in the name of the Lord because he himself is the Lord! And so the appropriate response is to give thanks and praise the Lord for his love endures forever. MC Questions What gives us certainty of the faithful love of God which endures forever? How does this love shape the way we live our lives? Who could we share the good news of this love with today? Prayer Loving Lord, thank you for your amazing love for us which you have shown to us in so many different ways. Thank you for the goodness of creation, for every breath that the breathe, for every moment here on earth. We especially thank you for your love poured out in us through Jesus. Give us confidence and certainty of this love always. We pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 33 - Psalm 118:19-29

ReflectionSo the disciples and the crowds recognise who Jesus is as the Messiah and as the king. However, they aren’t the only people in the account here. There were people who didn’t recognise him as king and these were the Pharisees. These were the teachers of the law, people who would have known the Psalms and the prophesies of Zechariah and much more! However, their hearts were hard and they didn’t see Jesus for who he is.In verse 39, we see that some of the Pharisees told Jesus not as a suggestion but almost as a command to rebuke his disciples. And this isn’t simply telling them to be quiet but to reprimand them and to disapprove of their actions! What an incredible thing for them to suggest! These teachers did not receive Jesus, did not recognise Jesus, and were plotting against Jesus. Now, in some regards, this was politically sensible. The Romans pretty much allowed the Jews to do what they wanted as long as they paid their taxes and kept the peace. The arrival of a different king and an unsettled crowd isn’t all that peaceful and so that could have been why they asked Jesus to rebuke his disciples. But this is really all about their material and physical comfort. For if they worshipped Jesus it may have been uncomfortable for a time physically, it would involve some humility, but they would have been secure for eternity spiritually. But they didn’t.Jesus’ response to the incredible command of the Pharisees is also incredible. He says that if the crowds were to be silent, then the physical stones would cry out in praise. Was Jesus being literal? That’s beside the point. The point is that all of creation has been leading up to this moment of the King coming in and all creation was designed to point to him and recognise him as Lord and Saviour. But his kingship will be like no other. People may have laid down their cloaks before him, but he will lay down his life on their behalf. MCQuestionsWho are you praying for to recognise Jesus as King? How could you live your life in such a way that it points to his kingship?PrayerGracious God, thank you for the authority and kingship of Jesus. We are sorry for when we don’t see this. Help us to submit to you in every area even if it means being uncomfortable or enduring hardship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Reflection So the disciples and the crowds recognise who Jesus is as the Messiah and as the king. However, they aren’t the only people in the account here. There were people who didn’t recognise him as king and these were the Pharisees. These were the teachers of the law, people who would have known the Psalms and the prophesies of Zechariah and much more! However, their hearts were hard and they didn’t see Jesus for who he is. In verse 39, we see that some of the Pharisees told Jesus not as a suggestion but almost as a command to rebuke his disciples. And this isn’t simply telling them to be quiet but to reprimand them and to disapprove of their actions! What an incredible thing for them to suggest! These teachers did not receive Jesus, did not recognise Jesus, and were plotting against Jesus. Now, in some regards, this was politically sensible. The Romans pretty much allowed the Jews to do what they wanted as long as they paid their taxes and kept the peace. The arrival of a different king and an unsettled crowd isn’t all that peaceful and so that could have been why they asked Jesus to rebuke his disciples. But this is really all about their material and physical comfort. For if they worshipped Jesus it may have been uncomfortable for a time physically, it would involve some humility, but they would have been secure for eternity spiritually. But they didn’t. Jesus’ response to the incredible command of the Pharisees is also incredible. He says that if the crowds were to be silent, then the physical stones would cry out in praise. Was Jesus being literal? That’s beside the point. The point is that all of creation has been leading up to this moment of the King coming in and all creation was designed to point to him and recognise him as Lord and Saviour. But his kingship will be like no other. People may have laid down their cloaks before him, but he will lay down his life on their behalf. MC Questions Who are you praying for to recognise Jesus as King? How could you live your life in such a way that it points to his kingship? Prayer Gracious God, thank you for the authority and kingship of Jesus. We are sorry for when we don’t see this. Help us to submit to you in every area even if it means being uncomfortable or enduring hardship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

God's Kingdom // Day 32 - Luke 19:39-40

This was Jesus’ moment. He was on a donkey as the long-awaited Messiah, he was coming into the centre of the Jewish religion, he was coming to claim his throne. Will the people recognise him for who he is? Well, some do and some don’t.The people who do firstly lay down their cloaks before Jesus. This is a great gesture of preparing and laying the way for Jesus to enter. It recognises who Jesus is and it also indicates the submission and humility of these people towards him. Then, a multitude of people begins praising Jesus ‘for all the miracles they had seen.’ The miracles were a sign of the kingdom breaking into the world, of things being made right, and also a phenomenal sign of the amazing authority of Jesus. He has authority over sickness, over evil, over the wind and the waves, and even over death. If he has this much authority, then he is worthy of and deserves all our praise and worship! They sing with joy.They sing ‘blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord’. This a phrase that we can see in some of the Psalms. These Psalms were chanted throughout some of the festivals and this line is seen specifically in Psalm 118 where it addresses the king approaching the temple. The crowd recognised Jesus from what he had done and for who he is. Then this leads to further praise and thanksgiving to God. They gave all the glory to God for when one truly recognises Jesus for who he is, it can only end up in overflowing praise and thanksgiving. MCQuestionsWhat is the response of the crowds? What do they recognise about Jesus?When we recognise and see Jesus clearly for who he is, what should our response be both in our lives and how we live on our frontlines?PrayerLoving Lord, thank you for the authority and the kingship of Jesus. Help us to constantly recognise Jesus for who he is and to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for all your good gifts to us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.In this week’s passage, we see a royal entrance but it looks quite different to that of the Windsor’s. Jesus is preparing to enter into Jerusalem and instead of putting on robes and going in a carriage, he gets on a young donkey. Instead of leading a charge into wage war on a horse, he comes in on an animal of peace. Moreover, this wasn’t just a random selection but a direct fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus is this king! He is the long-awaited Messiah! But he is a king like no other. He is not driven by pride or ego but by love and compassion. He doesn’t come to wage war but to defeat sin and death. He is our King.We may not notice it but there may be other things in our lives that compete for this kingship in our lives. There may be things that seem more attractive than a king on a donkey. Maybe it’s comfort, maybe it’s that next holiday, next trip, or that next job promotion. It could be something else! But the appropriate response to having been saved by Jesus is to make him king over all areas of our lives even if it means being uncomfortable, uncertain, or unstable. Because in the midst of this we know that he is with us every step of the way. MCQuestionsWhat is the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? What does this show us about the character of Jesus?Where do you see competing ‘kings’ in your life?PrayerLoving Lord, thank you for the humility, the gentleness, the love of our King Jesus. Help us to make him Lord and King over every facet of our lives in the knowledge that your ways are greater than ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This was Jesus’ moment. He was on a donkey as the long-awaited Messiah, he was coming into the centre of the Jewish religion, he was coming to claim his throne. Will the people recognise him for who he is? Well, some do and some don’t. The people who do firstly lay down their cloaks before Jesus. This is a great gesture of preparing and laying the way for Jesus to enter. It recognises who Jesus is and it also indicates the submission and humility of these people towards him. Then, a multitude of people begins praising Jesus ‘for all the miracles they had seen.’ The miracles were a sign of the kingdom breaking into the world, of things being made right, and also a phenomenal sign of the amazing authority of Jesus. He has authority over sickness, over evil, over the wind and the waves, and even over death. If he has this much authority, then he is worthy of and deserves all our praise and worship! They sing with joy. They sing ‘blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord’. This a phrase that we can see in some of the Psalms. These Psalms were chanted throughout some of the festivals and this line is seen specifically in Psalm 118 where it addresses the king approaching the temple. The crowd recognised Jesus from what he had done and for who he is. Then this leads to further praise and thanksgiving to God. They gave all the glory to God for when one truly recognises Jesus for who he is, it can only end up in overflowing praise and thanksgiving. MC Questions What is the response of the crowds? What do they recognise about Jesus? When we recognise and see Jesus clearly for who he is, what should our response be both in our lives and how we live on our frontlines? Prayer Loving Lord, thank you for the authority and the kingship of Jesus. Help us to constantly recognise Jesus for who he is and to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for all your good gifts to us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. In this week’s passage, we see a royal entrance but it looks quite different to that of the Windsor’s. Jesus is preparing to enter into Jerusalem and instead of putting on robes and going in a carriage, he gets on a young donkey. Instead of leading a charge into wage war on a horse, he comes in on an animal of peace. Moreover, this wasn’t just a random selection but a direct fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus is this king! He is the long-awaited Messiah! But he is a king like no other. He is not driven by pride or ego but by love and compassion. He doesn’t come to wage war but to defeat sin and death. He is our King. We may not notice it but there may be other things in our lives that compete for this kingship in our lives. There may be things that seem more attractive than a king on a donkey. Maybe it’s comfort, maybe it’s that next holiday, next trip, or that next job promotion. It could be something else! But the appropriate response to having been saved by Jesus is to make him king over all areas of our lives even if it means being uncomfortable, uncertain, or unstable. Because in the midst of this we know that he is with us every step of the way. MC Questions What is the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? What does this show us about the character of Jesus? Where do you see competing ‘kings’ in your life? Prayer Loving Lord, thank you for the humility, the gentleness, the love of our King Jesus. Help us to make him Lord and King over every facet of our lives in the knowledge that your ways are greater than ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 31 - Luke 19:36-38

Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:2-21 The coming of the Kingdom of God is glorious good news! In chapter 17 of Luke, as Jesus turns towards Jerusalem with a trajectory of the cross, he’s asked when will the long-awaited reign of God - the Kingdom of God - arrive? How will they possibly know? How can they make sure they don’t miss it?! Yet ironically, as they ask the question, they fail to see that not only is God’s King standing right before them, but Jesus has been demonstrating God’s Kingdom everywhere he goes. In Jesus, God’s Kingdom has burst into the world, is proven victorious through the cross, and will reach its culmination when Jesus returns to reign forever.

Being a bit of a nerd, I actually enjoy watching the opening procedures of parliament but not the Australian one but the British parliament. Queen Elizabeth gets all dressed up in royal robes and Prince Phillip in his military gear. They both go in a horse-drawn carriage laden with gold from Buckingham Palace down to the houses. They enter in and they sit upon two thrones in the House of Lords. It’s a real royal entrance.In this week’s passage, we see a royal entrance but it looks quite different to that of the Windsor’s. Jesus is preparing to enter into Jerusalem and instead of putting on robes and going in a carriage, he gets on a young donkey. Instead of leading a charge into wage war on a horse, he comes in on an animal of peace. Moreover, this wasn’t just a random selection but a direct fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus is this king! He is the long-awaited Messiah! But he is a king like no other. He is not driven by pride or ego but by love and compassion. He doesn’t come to wage war but to defeat sin and death. He is our King.We may not notice it but there may be other things in our lives that compete for this kingship in our lives. There may be things that seem more attractive than a king on a donkey. Maybe it’s comfort, maybe it’s that next holiday, next trip, or that next job promotion. It could be something else! But the appropriate response to having been saved by Jesus is to make him king over all areas of our lives even if it means being uncomfortable, uncertain, or unstable. Because in the midst of this we know that he is with us every step of the way. MCQuestionsWhat is the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? What does this show us about the character of Jesus?Where do you see competing ‘kings’ in your life?PrayerLoving Lord, thank you for the humility, the gentleness, the love of our King Jesus. Help us to make him Lord and King over every facet of our lives in the knowledge that your ways are greater than ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Being a bit of a nerd, I actually enjoy watching the opening procedures of parliament but not the Australian one but the British parliament. Queen Elizabeth gets all dressed up in royal robes and Prince Phillip in his military gear. They both go in a horse-drawn carriage laden with gold from Buckingham Palace down to the houses. They enter in and they sit upon two thrones in the House of Lords. It’s a real royal entrance. In this week’s passage, we see a royal entrance but it looks quite different to that of the Windsor’s. Jesus is preparing to enter into Jerusalem and instead of putting on robes and going in a carriage, he gets on a young donkey. Instead of leading a charge into wage war on a horse, he comes in on an animal of peace. Moreover, this wasn’t just a random selection but a direct fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus is this king! He is the long-awaited Messiah! But he is a king like no other. He is not driven by pride or ego but by love and compassion. He doesn’t come to wage war but to defeat sin and death. He is our King. We may not notice it but there may be other things in our lives that compete for this kingship in our lives. There may be things that seem more attractive than a king on a donkey. Maybe it’s comfort, maybe it’s that next holiday, next trip, or that next job promotion. It could be something else! But the appropriate response to having been saved by Jesus is to make him king over all areas of our lives even if it means being uncomfortable, uncertain, or unstable. Because in the midst of this we know that he is with us every step of the way. MC Questions What is the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? What does this show us about the character of Jesus? Where do you see competing ‘kings’ in your life? Prayer Loving Lord, thank you for the humility, the gentleness, the love of our King Jesus. Help us to make him Lord and King over every facet of our lives in the knowledge that your ways are greater than ours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 30 - Luke 19:32-35

In the Jewish religion at that time, Jerusalem was very important. This is wherethe temple was, where people came to meet with God, and this was where people would come from all across the region for all the various festivals and feasts. It was central!In Luke’s account of Jesus, Jerusalem is very important. After Jesus was born, one of the first things that Mary and Joseph did was to bring him to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord. When Jesus was young, Luke records that they went to the temple every year for the Passover Festival and one year leaving Jesus behind. Jesus then said that he had to be in his Father’s house. Then after beginning his ministry around Nazareth, in chapter 9 we see that Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem. From then on throughout the book, Jesus sets his face to the city. And now, it’s time for Jesus to enter. The King of the Kingdom is entering the city. All of the prophecies are soon to be fulfilled in him.Jerusalem was the centre of worship but now Jesus is the centre of worship. Jerusalem was the place to meet God, but now we meet God in and through Jesus. Jerusalem is where people came to be cleansed from their sins time after time, but now Jesus is where we find cleansing and expiation of sins once and for all. Jerusalem is where people thought the Messiah would come and overthrow the Roman oppression, but now Jesus has overthrown sin and death. Jerusalem may have been significant, but Jesus is greater. MCQuestionsWhat was the importance of Jerusalem in the Jewish religion?How is Jerusalem important in Luke’s Gospel?How does Jesus fulfil the role of Jerusalem and the temple for us?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you that you have made a way for us to be in relationship with you not through a place, nor through rituals, but through your Son, Jesus. Keep us from being ritualistic but help us to continue to press into our relationship with you constantly. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In the Jewish religion at that time, Jerusalem was very important. This is wherethe temple was, where people came to meet with God, and this was where people would come from all across the region for all the various festivals and feasts. It was central! In Luke’s account of Jesus, Jerusalem is very important. After Jesus was born, one of the first things that Mary and Joseph did was to bring him to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord. When Jesus was young, Luke records that they went to the temple every year for the Passover Festival and one year leaving Jesus behind. Jesus then said that he had to be in his Father’s house. Then after beginning his ministry around Nazareth, in chapter 9 we see that Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem. From then on throughout the book, Jesus sets his face to the city. And now, it’s time for Jesus to enter. The King of the Kingdom is entering the city. All of the prophecies are soon to be fulfilled in him. Jerusalem was the centre of worship but now Jesus is the centre of worship. Jerusalem was the place to meet God, but now we meet God in and through Jesus. Jerusalem is where people came to be cleansed from their sins time after time, but now Jesus is where we find cleansing and expiation of sins once and for all. Jerusalem is where people thought the Messiah would come and overthrow the Roman oppression, but now Jesus has overthrown sin and death. Jerusalem may have been significant, but Jesus is greater. MC Questions What was the importance of Jerusalem in the Jewish religion? How is Jerusalem important in Luke’s Gospel? How does Jesus fulfil the role of Jerusalem and the temple for us? Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that you have made a way for us to be in relationship with you not through a place, nor through rituals, but through your Son, Jesus. Keep us from being ritualistic but help us to continue to press into our relationship with you constantly. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 29 - Luke 19:28-31

ReflectionAs we’ve been reflecting on why our response to Jesus matters, today we dip into the second volume of Luke’s writing (i.e., Acts) and, in particular, a poignant part of Peters’ famous speech.In this part of Peter’s speech, he provides a clear way of how we can respond to the Good News that he has shared. What was that Good News? That Jesus died for us because we are utterly incapable of saving ourselves. For many, the news that Jesus was the Messiah was still probably difficult news to fathom. For others, it would have been difficult to reconcile their expectations of what the Messiah would do, with the reality of his death on a Roman cross. Yet Peter is clear, that this was actually all part of God’s plan for the Messiah. Even if they were ignorant of it, it was the very fulfilment of God’s saving plan with the prophets having even foretold it. But whilst they may have failed to recognise who Jesus is in the past, that should not dictate their response to him now! In light of what they have learned, they now have the opportunity to turn to God. The amazing news is that when they do that, when they repent and put their trust in God through Jesus, their ‘sins may be wiped out’. How amazing is that! That their sins and our sins can be wiped out simply by turning to Jesus, saying sorry, and making him the Lord of their lives! To reject Jesus is to cut ourselves off from God, but to accept him means forgiveness and life forever with him!It’s easy to think that our sins are unforgivable, but the Good News of Jesus is clear: that because he died for us, all of our sins can be wiped out simply by putting our trust in him. ALQuestionsWhat does it mean for you to know that your sins can be ‘wiped out’ as we repent and put our trust in Jesus?How is your life different because of the security you grasp because of Jesus’ death and resurrection?PrayerHeavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus’ death and resurrection change everything! Please help us to turn to you, to trust in you, and to receive your gift of salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection As we’ve been reflecting on why our response to Jesus matters, today we dip into the second volume of Luke’s writing (i.e., Acts) and, in particular, a poignant part of Peters’ famous speech. In this part of Peter’s speech, he provides a clear way of how we can respond to the Good News that he has shared. What was that Good News? That Jesus died for us because we are utterly incapable of saving ourselves. For many, the news that Jesus was the Messiah was still probably difficult news to fathom. For others, it would have been difficult to reconcile their expectations of what the Messiah would do, with the reality of his death on a Roman cross. Yet Peter is clear, that this was actually all part of God’s plan for the Messiah. Even if they were ignorant of it, it was the very fulfilment of God’s saving plan with the prophets having even foretold it. But whilst they may have failed to recognise who Jesus is in the past, that should not dictate their response to him now! In light of what they have learned, they now have the opportunity to turn to God. The amazing news is that when they do that, when they repent and put their trust in God through Jesus, their ‘sins may be wiped out’. How amazing is that! That their sins and our sins can be wiped out simply by turning to Jesus, saying sorry, and making him the Lord of their lives! To reject Jesus is to cut ourselves off from God, but to accept him means forgiveness and life forever with him! It’s easy to think that our sins are unforgivable, but the Good News of Jesus is clear: that because he died for us, all of our sins can be wiped out simply by putting our trust in him. AL Questions What does it mean for you to know that your sins can be ‘wiped out’ as we repent and put our trust in Jesus? How is your life different because of the security you grasp because of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus’ death and resurrection change everything! Please help us to turn to you, to trust in you, and to receive your gift of salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 28 - Acts 3:17-23

ReflectionIn the final part of the parable, it can - at first glance - seem particularly unfair that the money from the disobedient servant is taken from them and given to the one with the most. But remember, that part of the purpose of the parable is to dramatically show the importance of obedience and the need for the disciples to be faithful as they await Jesus’ return. This is not some sort of prosperity theology of the rich getting richer, but it is about responding faithfully to how God continues to entrust good gifts to us through obedience. Those who hold onto this life will lose it, whilst those who lay down their lives for Christ’s sake will gain everything. Even the smallest gifts that have been entrusted to us must be put to God’s Kingdom work. That’s why the mina is taken away from the disobedient one and given to the first servant.The story that Jesus shares then ends with a severe warning in verse 27: that those who reject the king will face dire judgment. That those who have rebelled against the ruler, who have set themselves up in opposition to him, now face judgment by the rightful and reigning king. This is a severe warning by Jesus that how we receive him matters. That when we recognise him for the King who he is, we become recipients of the grace and mercy that has been afforded to us through his death and resurrection. But when we reject the king and refuse the grace that he has offered, then we also face the full weight of judgment on our own. ALQuestionsWhat most surprises or confuses you about this part of the parable?Why does our reception of Jesus really matter?How does accepting Jesus as Lord mean that we become recipients of his grace? How does rejecting Jesus mean that we face judgment on our own?PrayerGracious God, thank you for your phenomenal grace that has been poured out through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Please help us to see you for who you really are and submit our lives to you. We especially pray that all people may come to recognise you as Lord. Please help us, on all of our frontlines, to be faithful witnesses to the truth of who Jesus is. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection In the final part of the parable, it can - at first glance - seem particularly unfair that the money from the disobedient servant is taken from them and given to the one with the most. But remember, that part of the purpose of the parable is to dramatically show the importance of obedience and the need for the disciples to be faithful as they await Jesus’ return. This is not some sort of prosperity theology of the rich getting richer, but it is about responding faithfully to how God continues to entrust good gifts to us through obedience. Those who hold onto this life will lose it, whilst those who lay down their lives for Christ’s sake will gain everything. Even the smallest gifts that have been entrusted to us must be put to God’s Kingdom work. That’s why the mina is taken away from the disobedient one and given to the first servant. The story that Jesus shares then ends with a severe warning in verse 27: that those who reject the king will face dire judgment. That those who have rebelled against the ruler, who have set themselves up in opposition to him, now face judgment by the rightful and reigning king. This is a severe warning by Jesus that how we receive him matters. That when we recognise him for the King who he is, we become recipients of the grace and mercy that has been afforded to us through his death and resurrection. But when we reject the king and refuse the grace that he has offered, then we also face the full weight of judgment on our own. AL Questions What most surprises or confuses you about this part of the parable? Why does our reception of Jesus really matter? How does accepting Jesus as Lord mean that we become recipients of his grace? How does rejecting Jesus mean that we face judgment on our own? Prayer Gracious God, thank you for your phenomenal grace that has been poured out through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Please help us to see you for who you really are and submit our lives to you. We especially pray that all people may come to recognise you as Lord. Please help us, on all of our frontlines, to be faithful witnesses to the truth of who Jesus is. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 27 - Luke 19:24-27

ReflectionWhilst yesterday we witnessed the great praise and reward to the obedient servants who faithfully put to work what had been entrusted to them, today we witness the judgment that falls on the servant who failed to put to work what had been entrusted to him. In fact, we note that the servant - knowing full well that they would be judged - did not even put the money on deposit, but hid it away where it could not earn anything. As we read this, we’re meant to understand that this is not merely an action of someone who is risk-averse, but someone who is directly disobeying their master. The servant was only concerned for himself, neither trusting nor sharing in his master’s intentions.How we - entrusted with great gifts from God - are to act differently. We’re to be like the first two servants, who recognising their gifts were not their own, pursued the intentions of the owner and not necessarily themselves. That’s why, when discerning how best to use our gifts, time, and resources - in recognition that they all ultimately come from God and are God’s - is to seek out his will by considering how he would like us to put these gifts to work. How would God best have me use the time entrusted to me? What is the best use of the resources I have for God’s Kingdom purposes? How can I grow and focus my gifts so that there might be great Gospel fruit for God’s Kingdom and not my own empire or achievement?God is not like the king in the parable who is harsh and unfair, but our God is the just judge who will call us all to account. ALQuestionsHow do you think God could be leading you to grow or focus your gifts more intently for his Kingdom purposes?Are there any aspects of your gifts, time, or resources that you resist using for God’s purposes?PrayerHeavenly Father, please help us in the power of your Spirit to be obedient in the way that we use our gifts, time, and resources for your glory. Please convict us of any ways in which we hold our gifts close, resisting to use them generously for your purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Whilst yesterday we witnessed the great praise and reward to the obedient servants who faithfully put to work what had been entrusted to them, today we witness the judgment that falls on the servant who failed to put to work what had been entrusted to him. In fact, we note that the servant - knowing full well that they would be judged - did not even put the money on deposit, but hid it away where it could not earn anything. As we read this, we’re meant to understand that this is not merely an action of someone who is risk-averse, but someone who is directly disobeying their master. The servant was only concerned for himself, neither trusting nor sharing in his master’s intentions. How we - entrusted with great gifts from God - are to act differently. We’re to be like the first two servants, who recognising their gifts were not their own, pursued the intentions of the owner and not necessarily themselves. That’s why, when discerning how best to use our gifts, time, and resources - in recognition that they all ultimately come from God and are God’s - is to seek out his will by considering how he would like us to put these gifts to work. How would God best have me use the time entrusted to me? What is the best use of the resources I have for God’s Kingdom purposes? How can I grow and focus my gifts so that there might be great Gospel fruit for God’s Kingdom and not my own empire or achievement? God is not like the king in the parable who is harsh and unfair, but our God is the just judge who will call us all to account. AL Questions How do you think God could be leading you to grow or focus your gifts more intently for his Kingdom purposes? Are there any aspects of your gifts, time, or resources that you resist using for God’s purposes? Prayer Heavenly Father, please help us in the power of your Spirit to be obedient in the way that we use our gifts, time, and resources for your glory. Please convict us of any ways in which we hold our gifts close, resisting to use them generously for your purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 26 - Luke 19:20-23

Having entrusted his servants with some money, the king (having received his title) now returns home and asks for an account. The report: the first two have put what was entrusted to them to work, whilst the third servant hid the money and did nothing with it at all. The result: the king praises the first two servants for their faithfulness and rewards them by sharing his rule over other cities (we’ll look at the third servant and the judgment that falls on him in more detail tomorrow). Note that the rewards are disproportionate to the relatively small amount that had been entrusted to the servants and a generous response relating to the obedience that they had demonstrated to their master.As we await Jesus’ return - at which point we will be called to account - how he longs for us to obediently put to work the gifts, time, and resources that he has entrusted us! So often we can fall into three traps: thinking that we have been entrusted with little, forgetting that what has been entrusted is ultimately God’s, and/or reluctant to take a risk and let go of our gifts. It’s notable that even though the first two servants yielded phenomenal gains, they both attribute the master’s gifts as the cause for the growth! It’s such a great demonstration of humility! Knowing that the master would return (at any time) to call them to account on the investment of his gifts entrusted to them, they never sought to use them for their own purposes, but only in obedience to what the owner had requested of them. With the same clarity of vision - that all that we have has been entrusted to us by the returning King - so we should be motivated to direct our whole lives for the purposes of the King and his Kingdom. ALQuestionsHow can we be clear that this is not about ‘making more money’?What are the gifts, time, and resources that God has entrusted to you? What do you think it looks like to use them according to God’s purposes?Ask a Christian friend how they see Kingdom fruit being yielded in your life.PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you that you have entrusted us with so much for your Kingdom purposes! Please help us to recognise that all we have is yours, that you are returning to call us to account, and that you long for us to use our lives to yield Kingdom fruit that will last forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Having entrusted his servants with some money, the king (having received his title) now returns home and asks for an account. The report: the first two have put what was entrusted to them to work, whilst the third servant hid the money and did nothing with it at all. The result: the king praises the first two servants for their faithfulness and rewards them by sharing his rule over other cities (we’ll look at the third servant and the judgment that falls on him in more detail tomorrow). Note that the rewards are disproportionate to the relatively small amount that had been entrusted to the servants and a generous response relating to the obedience that they had demonstrated to their master. As we await Jesus’ return - at which point we will be called to account - how he longs for us to obediently put to work the gifts, time, and resources that he has entrusted us! So often we can fall into three traps: thinking that we have been entrusted with little, forgetting that what has been entrusted is ultimately God’s, and/or reluctant to take a risk and let go of our gifts. It’s notable that even though the first two servants yielded phenomenal gains, they both attribute the master’s gifts as the cause for the growth! It’s such a great demonstration of humility! Knowing that the master would return (at any time) to call them to account on the investment of his gifts entrusted to them, they never sought to use them for their own purposes, but only in obedience to what the owner had requested of them. With the same clarity of vision - that all that we have has been entrusted to us by the returning King - so we should be motivated to direct our whole lives for the purposes of the King and his Kingdom. AL Questions How can we be clear that this is not about ‘making more money’? What are the gifts, time, and resources that God has entrusted to you? What do you think it looks like to use them according to God’s purposes? Ask a Christian friend how they see Kingdom fruit being yielded in your life. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that you have entrusted us with so much for your Kingdom purposes! Please help us to recognise that all we have is yours, that you are returning to call us to account, and that you long for us to use our lives to yield Kingdom fruit that will last forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 25 - Luke 19:16-19

Around the time of Jesus, there had been many rulers or local ‘kings’ who were detested by the people. One such ruler, Archelaus, had been left the title king of Judea when his Father - Herod the Great - had died and his empire was divided up amongst his sons. Archelaus was detested for good reason, including that he had massacred 3,000 people at the first Passover after his accession. Not wanting Archelaus as their leader, the people sent representatives (just like in the parable) to request that he would not be made their king. However, history tells us that Archelaus was still made the ruler (although not conferred the title ‘king’) and he returned to the region.So how does this relate to Jesus? Well, clearly not in the quality of kingship - for Jesus is the perfect and good king - but that even though many would reject Jesus, rebel against him, and resist his rule, that he is indeed the rightful ruler and nothing can interfere with his kingship. How we respond to Jesus has no bearing on the reality of who he is, it only changes our relationship to him!Jesus has rightly been appointed the King of Kings and will return one day soon. How we receive and welcome him matters. ALQuestionsWhat were the different ways in which people responded to Jesus?Does the way that people receive Jesus change who he is?How is Jesus a good and ultimate king? What gives us confidence about putting our trust in him and living our lives for him?PrayerGracious God, thank you that Jesus is indeed the King of Kings! Please help us to joyfully receive and recognise him for who he truly is. In the power of your Spirit, please convict us of any areas in our lives in which we resist Jesus’ rule and reign. Help us to live for him, point to him, and rejoice in him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Around the time of Jesus, there had been many rulers or local ‘kings’ who were detested by the people. One such ruler, Archelaus, had been left the title king of Judea when his Father - Herod the Great - had died and his empire was divided up amongst his sons. Archelaus was detested for good reason, including that he had massacred 3,000 people at the first Passover after his accession. Not wanting Archelaus as their leader, the people sent representatives (just like in the parable) to request that he would not be made their king. However, history tells us that Archelaus was still made the ruler (although not conferred the title ‘king’) and he returned to the region. So how does this relate to Jesus? Well, clearly not in the quality of kingship - for Jesus is the perfect and good king - but that even though many would reject Jesus, rebel against him, and resist his rule, that he is indeed the rightful ruler and nothing can interfere with his kingship. How we respond to Jesus has no bearing on the reality of who he is, it only changes our relationship to him! Jesus has rightly been appointed the King of Kings and will return one day soon. How we receive and welcome him matters. AL Questions What were the different ways in which people responded to Jesus? Does the way that people receive Jesus change who he is? How is Jesus a good and ultimate king? What gives us confidence about putting our trust in him and living our lives for him? Prayer Gracious God, thank you that Jesus is indeed the King of Kings! Please help us to joyfully receive and recognise him for who he truly is. In the power of your Spirit, please convict us of any areas in our lives in which we resist Jesus’ rule and reign. Help us to live for him, point to him, and rejoice in him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 24 - Luke 19:14-15

ReflectionAs Jesus draws ever-closer to Jerusalem and the tension mounts, there are two questions now in focus: (a) Will Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem precipitate a sudden coming of God’s Kingdom? (b) How should people respond to the arrival of the King? We’ll look at the second question in more detail over the coming days, but the answer to the first question is clear: No! In fact, that’s the point and the purpose of the beginning of the parable that Jesus shares in this section.Many people thought that the arrival of the Messiah would signal a final reckoning of God’s Kingdom. Some people thought (and hoped!) that this would be the moment when the Romans were evicted and God’s Messiah would take up his rule and reign. However, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not to take up some earthly rule but to be enthroned on the cross. This would have been a shock to many, but Jesus assures them that he will be coming back again. He will indeed receive the Kingdom through his decisive victory on the cross, but it won’t be until later when he returns when we will see that Kingdom come in full.So what are Jesus’ followers meant to do between his departure and return? Jesus’ story makes it abundantly clear! We are to devote our lives, using our gifts, times, and resources, for the purposes of building God’s Kingdom. The servants in the parable are not given a huge amount, but they are given enormous scope on how to use those gifts. Likewise, regardless of how much or little we think we have, the key is using whatever we have for God’s purposes in recognition that we will need to give an account when our King returns. ALQuestionsWhat were people expecting of Jesus as he arrived in Jerusalem?What gifts do you think that God has entrusted to you?How do you see your gifts at work for the purposes of God’s Kingdom?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you so much that Jesus went to the cross for us, rose from the dead, and is coming back again! Please help us to be aware of the gifts that you have entrusted us, motivated to use those gifts for your Kingdom purposes, and mindful that we will need to give an account when you return. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection As Jesus draws ever-closer to Jerusalem and the tension mounts, there are two questions now in focus: (a) Will Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem precipitate a sudden coming of God’s Kingdom? (b) How should people respond to the arrival of the King? We’ll look at the second question in more detail over the coming days, but the answer to the first question is clear: No! In fact, that’s the point and the purpose of the beginning of the parable that Jesus shares in this section. Many people thought that the arrival of the Messiah would signal a final reckoning of God’s Kingdom. Some people thought (and hoped!) that this would be the moment when the Romans were evicted and God’s Messiah would take up his rule and reign. However, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not to take up some earthly rule but to be enthroned on the cross. This would have been a shock to many, but Jesus assures them that he will be coming back again. He will indeed receive the Kingdom through his decisive victory on the cross, but it won’t be until later when he returns when we will see that Kingdom come in full. So what are Jesus’ followers meant to do between his departure and return? Jesus’ story makes it abundantly clear! We are to devote our lives, using our gifts, times, and resources, for the purposes of building God’s Kingdom. The servants in the parable are not given a huge amount, but they are given enormous scope on how to use those gifts. Likewise, regardless of how much or little we think we have, the key is using whatever we have for God’s purposes in recognition that we will need to give an account when our King returns. AL Questions What were people expecting of Jesus as he arrived in Jerusalem? What gifts do you think that God has entrusted to you? How do you see your gifts at work for the purposes of God’s Kingdom? Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you so much that Jesus went to the cross for us, rose from the dead, and is coming back again! Please help us to be aware of the gifts that you have entrusted us, motivated to use those gifts for your Kingdom purposes, and mindful that we will need to give an account when you return. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 23 - Luke 19:11-13

ReflectionThere is a great amount of joy that comes with being forgiven. How great it is to be free of guilt and shame! And there is also an imperative and that is to continue to seek and live for the Lord. If the first half of the Psalm is about the joy of the forgiven, this second half is about the life of the forgiven.Being a Christian and being one who has been forgiven, means that we aren’t left to our own devices but we can call on the name of the Lord and seek him. As we do so, this doesn’t necessarily mean that life will all be easy with health and wealth but it does mean that in the mess of a broken world we can cry out and trust in the one who is in control. We can hide and take refuge in the knowledge that God is good, God is trustworthy, God is loving, and that all things work to the good of those who trust in him. Things in this life may take away our health, our money, our independence, and even our very lives, but nothing can take away the sure certainty of eternal life with him.As well as trusting in the Lord, we are also called to obey him. In verse 8 the language switches to as if God was speaking. The best way to live is how he has designed us to and he is watching over us. This doesn’t mean that God has got us on CCTV ready to whack us back into line when we do the wrong thing but it means that God is lovingly looking out for us. Like a parent lovingly and carefully watching a child swim, God is watching us. So there’s no point in being stubborn and not living his way. It only leads to more hardship and tricky situations. Zacchaeus recognised this and repented and began living for God. He truly repented! Our call is to follow his example, to continually day by day confess our sins and commit afresh to turning away from them and turning to live for Jesus and rejoice in the Lord. MCQuestionsHow are you regularly crying out to and seeking out God?Where in your life is it difficult to obey God? Who could you ask to help?PrayerHeavenly Father, help us to pray to you, to hide in you, to rest in you. Help us to obey you. Thank you that we can come to you in repentance and may your Spirit be at work in us, transforming us to obey you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.The psalm begins with proclaiming how great or blessed it is for the one who has had their sins forgiven. In some translations, they use the word ‘joyful’ here. How joyful it is to be forgiven. Then, the psalmist lays out what the opposite is like. If we don’t bring our sins to God it’s like having aches and pains all day long, it’s like dragging a heavy backpack around, it’s like going for a walk in North Queensland in the middle of summer in the heat and humidity! Having sin that is kept secret even before God (not that it is a secret to God anyway!) Is not a good idea. It only leads to further guilt and tremendous shame.However, we can come to God. Verse 5 is such great news for us. We can come to God and acknowledge our failures, confess our sins, and we can be confident that he will forgive them. We can have this confidence because of Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost, he came to bring forgiveness and he secured it in his death on the cross and rising to new life. And so we can join in with the joy of the psalmist and the joy of Zacchaeus for, “blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven”. MCQuestionsWhat does it mean to be ‘blessed’?Have you experienced the heavy load of sin before? How did you react?How can we have relief from this heavy load?PrayerLoving Lord, I am sorry for my sin. I have left undone what I ought to have done and I have done what I have ought not to have done. Please forgive me. Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus. In his name, Amen.

Reflection There is a great amount of joy that comes with being forgiven. How great it is to be free of guilt and shame! And there is also an imperative and that is to continue to seek and live for the Lord. If the first half of the Psalm is about the joy of the forgiven, this second half is about the life of the forgiven. Being a Christian and being one who has been forgiven, means that we aren’t left to our own devices but we can call on the name of the Lord and seek him. As we do so, this doesn’t necessarily mean that life will all be easy with health and wealth but it does mean that in the mess of a broken world we can cry out and trust in the one who is in control. We can hide and take refuge in the knowledge that God is good, God is trustworthy, God is loving, and that all things work to the good of those who trust in him. Things in this life may take away our health, our money, our independence, and even our very lives, but nothing can take away the sure certainty of eternal life with him. As well as trusting in the Lord, we are also called to obey him. In verse 8 the language switches to as if God was speaking. The best way to live is how he has designed us to and he is watching over us. This doesn’t mean that God has got us on CCTV ready to whack us back into line when we do the wrong thing but it means that God is lovingly looking out for us. Like a parent lovingly and carefully watching a child swim, God is watching us. So there’s no point in being stubborn and not living his way. It only leads to more hardship and tricky situations. Zacchaeus recognised this and repented and began living for God. He truly repented! Our call is to follow his example, to continually day by day confess our sins and commit afresh to turning away from them and turning to live for Jesus and rejoice in the Lord. MC Questions How are you regularly crying out to and seeking out God? Where in your life is it difficult to obey God? Who could you ask to help? Prayer Heavenly Father, help us to pray to you, to hide in you, to rest in you. Help us to obey you. Thank you that we can come to you in repentance and may your Spirit be at work in us, transforming us to obey you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. The psalm begins with proclaiming how great or blessed it is for the one who has had their sins forgiven. In some translations, they use the word ‘joyful’ here. How joyful it is to be forgiven. Then, the psalmist lays out what the opposite is like. If we don’t bring our sins to God it’s like having aches and pains all day long, it’s like dragging a heavy backpack around, it’s like going for a walk in North Queensland in the middle of summer in the heat and humidity! Having sin that is kept secret even before God (not that it is a secret to God anyway!) Is not a good idea. It only leads to further guilt and tremendous shame. However, we can come to God. Verse 5 is such great news for us. We can come to God and acknowledge our failures, confess our sins, and we can be confident that he will forgive them. We can have this confidence because of Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost, he came to bring forgiveness and he secured it in his death on the cross and rising to new life. And so we can join in with the joy of the psalmist and the joy of Zacchaeus for, “blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven”. MC Questions What does it mean to be ‘blessed’? Have you experienced the heavy load of sin before? How did you react? How can we have relief from this heavy load? Prayer Loving Lord, I am sorry for my sin. I have left undone what I ought to have done and I have done what I have ought not to have done. Please forgive me. Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus. In his name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 22 - Psalm 32:6-11

If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you’d know that I’m not really an expert on gardening. I can keep fake plants alive and that’s about it. When we were moving to Noosa, I had to to a bit of gardening. We had put in a large garden box and so I had to fill it with a gravel base and then soil on top of that. Let me tell you, that was a day of really heavy lifting wheelbarrows and buckets and when I emptied them and took off the load, it was a great relief! This Psalm reminds us that carrying around our sin and not bringing them before God is like carrying a heavy bucket of gravel and soil around!The psalm begins with proclaiming how great or blessed it is for the one who has had their sins forgiven. In some translations, they use the word ‘joyful’ here. How joyful it is to be forgiven. Then, the psalmist lays out what the opposite is like. If we don’t bring our sins to God it’s like having aches and pains all day long, it’s like dragging a heavy backpack around, it’s like going for a walk in North Queensland in the middle of summer in the heat and humidity! Having sin that is kept secret even before God (not that it is a secret to God anyway!) Is not a good idea. It only leads to further guilt and tremendous shame.However, we can come to God. Verse 5 is such great news for us. We can come to God and acknowledge our failures, confess our sins, and we can be confident that he will forgive them. We can have this confidence because of Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost, he came to bring forgiveness and he secured it in his death on the cross and rising to new life. And so we can join in with the joy of the psalmist and the joy of Zacchaeus for, “blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven”. MCQuestionsWhat does it mean to be ‘blessed’?Have you experienced the heavy load of sin before? How did you react?How can we have relief from this heavy load?PrayerLoving Lord, I am sorry for my sin. I have left undone what I ought to have done and I have done what I have ought not to have done. Please forgive me. Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus. In his name, Amen.

If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you’d know that I’m not really an expert on gardening. I can keep fake plants alive and that’s about it. When we were moving to Noosa, I had to to a bit of gardening. We had put in a large garden box and so I had to fill it with a gravel base and then soil on top of that. Let me tell you, that was a day of really heavy lifting wheelbarrows and buckets and when I emptied them and took off the load, it was a great relief! This Psalm reminds us that carrying around our sin and not bringing them before God is like carrying a heavy bucket of gravel and soil around! The psalm begins with proclaiming how great or blessed it is for the one who has had their sins forgiven. In some translations, they use the word ‘joyful’ here. How joyful it is to be forgiven. Then, the psalmist lays out what the opposite is like. If we don’t bring our sins to God it’s like having aches and pains all day long, it’s like dragging a heavy backpack around, it’s like going for a walk in North Queensland in the middle of summer in the heat and humidity! Having sin that is kept secret even before God (not that it is a secret to God anyway!) Is not a good idea. It only leads to further guilt and tremendous shame. However, we can come to God. Verse 5 is such great news for us. We can come to God and acknowledge our failures, confess our sins, and we can be confident that he will forgive them. We can have this confidence because of Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost, he came to bring forgiveness and he secured it in his death on the cross and rising to new life. And so we can join in with the joy of the psalmist and the joy of Zacchaeus for, “blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven”. MC Questions What does it mean to be ‘blessed’? Have you experienced the heavy load of sin before? How did you react? How can we have relief from this heavy load? Prayer Loving Lord, I am sorry for my sin. I have left undone what I ought to have done and I have done what I have ought not to have done. Please forgive me. Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus. In his name, Amen.

God's Kingdom // Day 21 - Psalm 32:1-5

Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:2-21 The coming of the Kingdom of God is glorious good news! In chapter 17 of Luke, as Jesus turns towards Jerusalem with a trajectory of the cross, he’s asked when will the long-awaited reign of God - the Kingdom of God - arrive? How will they possibly know? How can they make sure they don’t miss it?! Yet ironically, as they ask the question, they fail to see that not only is God’s King standing right before them, but Jesus has been demonstrating God’s Kingdom everywhere he goes. In Jesus, God’s Kingdom has burst into the world, is proven victorious through the cross, and will reach its culmination when Jesus returns to reign forever.

Luke: God's Kingdom

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