TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
John 12:26–28
DEVOTIONAL
by Stephanie Reloj
Arunima Sinha is a former national-level volleyball player from India. After losing her leg in a train accident, Arunima set herself a new goal—to become the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. Despite facing doubts and setbacks, she persevered, training rigorously and pushing herself physically and mentally. In 2013, Arunima achieved her goal, making history as the first female amputee to conquer Everest. Her story inspires us to stay focused on our God-given goals, even in the face of adversity, trusting in God’s strength to carry us through.
Amidst the excitement surrounding His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus remains focused on His mission—the cross. Despite the crowd’s celebration and the disciples’ anticipation of an earthly kingdom, Jesus knows that His ultimate purpose is to be glorified through His sacrificial death.
Jesus’ acknowledgment of the approaching hour reveals His deep understanding of the cross’s significance. While the people long for an earthly king, Jesus knows that His path leads to the cross, not to a throne of worldly power. He understands the opposition He faces from religious leaders who plot His death, yet He does not waver in His commitment to fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.
The cross was not an easy path for Jesus. He shares His inner turmoil with the disciples, revealing the depth of His struggle. Yet, in His darkest hour, Jesus remains resolute, knowing that His sacrifice will draw all people to Himself. His death on the cross is not just a means of execution but a profound act of love and redemption for all humanity.
REFLECTION
As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, let us remember the depth of His sacrifice and the extent of His love for us. Just as Jesus embraced the cross, may we also embrace the call to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). May we recognize that true glory is found not in earthly power or recognition but in sacrificial service and obedience to God’s will.
The cross reminds us of the cost of discipleship and the depth of God’s love for us. Let us follow Jesus’ example of selflessness and surrender, knowing that through the cross, we find forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly went to the cross for our sake. Help us to grasp the depth of His love and the significance of His sacrifice. May we follow His example of humility, obedience, and selflessness in our own lives. Grant us the strength to take up our cross daily and to walk in the path of discipleship for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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