Day 40 - Easter Sunday

He Is Risen!

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

– Revelations 22:20

When Jesus arose from the dead, He showed us that there is no wound too deep, no scar too unbearable, that He cannot heal. As we await His triumphant and glorious return, challenge yourself to give your heart completely to God. Ask our Father to show you what it means to fight for justice and act in faith on behalf of the most vulnerable like Mwete. In times where it seems hopeless, remember that Jesus is able, as He continues to ‘bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners’.

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Holy Saturday

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Imagine living in a world without hope – without Jesus. Holy Saturday allows us to empathise with those who have no hope. On this day, where Jesus’ disciples were caught between the hopelessness of Good Friday, and the hope that came on Easter Sunday, let us choose to enter into compassion – to suffer with our brothers and sisters – who today feel that sense of despair and confusion.

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Day 39 – Good Friday

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:28-30

Today, we invite you to read John 19: 28 – 30. Jesus’ death was the most scandalous event in history, as the world tried to stop Jesus from proclaiming the good news, setting the captives free, bringing sight to the blind, and giving liberty to the oppressed. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and for showing us the ultimate example of what it means to sacrificially give of ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom. Pray for Mwete and other vulnerable children, Care Workers, Primary Caregivers across Africa, churches and Hands at Work volunteers, to truly understand the weight of His sacrifice.

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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