Day 38 – Jesus’ Final Days – Carrying the Cross

Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” – Luke 23:28-31

Today, we invite you to read Luke 23:26-43. Image the pain Jesus must have endured as he carried His cross. As individuals, running towards pain, suffering and persecution is something we often avoid. Pray that God will give us courage and strength to take up our cross with humility and perseverance. Pray the same for our Care Workers across Africa who daily run towards challenges on behalf of the children they care for.

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Day 37 - Jesus’ Final Days – The Trial

“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” – Matthew 27: 22-23

Today, we invite you to read and reflect on Matthew 26: 57 – 68, 27: 11 – 26. Image what it would have been like in the crowd during Jesus’ trial. Pray that God reveals to you the judgment or condemnation that you have cast on someone else. Spend time in silence, praying for forgiveness and restoration in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Day 36 - Jesus’ Final Days – The Arrest

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. - John 18: 4-6

Today we invite you to read John 18:3-12, where Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples and arrested by the religious leaders. Jesus knew what was going to happen and surrendered Himself willingly. Instead of responding with anger and aggression, Jesus responded in peace and love. He gave us a beautiful example of what it means to show love for our enemies. Would we have done the same? Take time to reflect on these verses and spend time with your Father.

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Day 35 - Jesus’ Final Days – The Garden of Gethsemane

Then He returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Mark 14:37-38

Today, read Mark 14:32–42 and reflect on these words. Ask God to show you the areas in your life where you are sleeping and vulnerable to temptation. Pray for the strength and courage to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit instead of the weakness of our flesh.

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Day 34 – Your Relationship with Jesus

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

God is the light in the darkness and in the pain that we experience. He is our hope. Thank God for the ways that He has been faithful to you. Ask Him to expose the broken and painful areas in your life that He wants to heal and redeem. In preparation for Holy Week, take time to prepare your heart for what Christ’s death and resurrection means for you, as His chosen child.

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