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Daily Devotionals
Week of Feb 15th 2026
Sunday Devotional
Opening Question: What's one question about death, heaven, or the afterlife you've always wondered about but never asked?
Discussion Questions:
Read John 11:23-26. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the resurrection and the life"? How would you explain this to someone unfamiliar with Christianity?
Why do you think Jesus waited until Lazarus had been dead for four days before raising him? What purpose did this serve?
What differences do you notice between Lazarus's resuscitated body and Jesus' resurrection body described in the Gospels?
The pastor asked, "How often do you talk about the resurrection, besides Easter?" How central is the resurrection to your daily faith? Why do you think Christians don't talk about it more often?
Have you ever worried about whether cremation or burial was the "right" choice? How does this sermon's perspective change or confirm your thinking?
The sermon mentions that Jesus' followers recognized Him after His resurrection. What comfort does this bring you about seeing loved ones again?
Martha said, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." How can we move from intellectual belief about resurrection to living hope that transforms our daily lives?
Why do you think Jesus waited until Lazarus had been dead for four days before raising him? What purpose did this serve?
What differences do you notice between Lazarus's resuscitated body and Jesus' resurrection body described in the Gospels?
The pastor asked, "How often do you talk about the resurrection, besides Easter?" How central is the resurrection to your daily faith? Why do you think Christians don't talk about it more often?
Have you ever worried about whether cremation or burial was the "right" choice? How does this sermon's perspective change or confirm your thinking?
The sermon mentions that Jesus' followers recognized Him after His resurrection. What comfort does this bring you about seeing loved ones again?
Martha said, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." How can we move from intellectual belief about resurrection to living hope that transforms our daily lives?
The sermon states: "Funeral services aren't for us when we're gone, they're for the living." How can we better honor and support those who are grieving? What have you experienced at memorial services that was particularly meaningful?
Philippians 3:10-11 talks about "somehow" attaining resurrection. What questions do you still have about resurrection? How do you handle the mystery and uncertainty?
Philippians 3:10-11 talks about "somehow" attaining resurrection. What questions do you still have about resurrection? How do you handle the mystery and uncertainty?
Key Takeaways:
Resuscitation vs. Resurrection: Lazarus was resuscitated (brought back to his mortal body), but Jesus was resurrected (given a glorified, eternal body).
Burial Method Doesn't Affect Resurrection: Whether buried or cremated, believers will receive new resurrection bodies, not restored earthly ones.
Funeral Services Are for the Living: While what happens to our bodies doesn't matter to us after death, it matters greatly to those who love us.
The Resurrection Is Central: Without the resurrection, Christian faith crumbles. It's the "big Jenga block" that holds everything together.
Jesus' Authority Confirmed: By raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated His power over death and validated His claim to be "the resurrection and the life."
Burial Method Doesn't Affect Resurrection: Whether buried or cremated, believers will receive new resurrection bodies, not restored earthly ones.
Funeral Services Are for the Living: While what happens to our bodies doesn't matter to us after death, it matters greatly to those who love us.
The Resurrection Is Central: Without the resurrection, Christian faith crumbles. It's the "big Jenga block" that holds everything together.
Jesus' Authority Confirmed: By raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated His power over death and validated His claim to be "the resurrection and the life."
Practical Applications:
Write down 3-5 preferences for your own memorial service (favorite songs, scriptures, meaningful touches). Share these with a trusted family member or friend.
Read 1 Corinthians 15 in its entirety and journal about what the resurrection means to you personally.
Memorize John 11:25-26 and share it with someone who is grieving or struggling.
Read 1 Corinthians 15 in its entirety and journal about what the resurrection means to you personally.
Memorize John 11:25-26 and share it with someone who is grieving or struggling.
Weekday Devotional
Prayer: God, thank you for the reminder of the resurrection of Jesus. Help us to continue to seek you throughout our lives and be reminded of how much you love us. continue to share your love and mercy with us each and every day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Day 1: Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life
Reading: John 11:17-27
Devotional: When Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life," he wasn't offering comfort through philosophy or empty platitudes. He was making an audacious claim about his identity and authority over death itself. Martha believed in a future resurrection "at the last day," but Jesus redirected her attention to himself—the resurrection is not merely an event, but a person. When we face loss and grief, we can anchor our hope in who Jesus is, not just what he promises. His question to Martha echoes to us today: "Do you believe this?" Our faith isn't in a concept of afterlife, but in the living Christ who conquered death. Today, reflect on what it means to trust Jesus not just as teacher or helper, but as the very source of eternal life.
Day 2: Called Out of Death
Reading: John 11:38-44
Devotional: "Lazarus, come out!" With these three words, Jesus demonstrated his authority over death. Notice that Jesus didn't enter the tomb—he called Lazarus out of it. This foreshadows our own resurrection: Christ calls us from death to life, from darkness to light. Lazarus emerged still wrapped in grave clothes, and Jesus instructed others to unbind him. Sometimes we're called out of spiritual death but still carry remnants of our old life—habits, hurts, or hang-ups that bind us. Jesus not only resurrects us but invites community to help remove what restricts our freedom. The tomb couldn't hold Lazarus when Jesus spoke, and death cannot hold those who belong to Christ. What "grave clothes" might Jesus be asking you to shed today? Who in your community can help unbind you?
Day 3: Resuscitation vs. Resurrection
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-44
Devotional: Paul addresses the confusion about resurrection bodies by using agricultural imagery: what is sown is different from what grows. A seed must die to become something greater. Lazarus was resuscitated—brought back to his old body that would die again. But Jesus was resurrected—transformed into an imperishable, glorious body. This distinction matters deeply for our hope. We're not waiting to have our earthly bodies merely repaired; we're promised transformation into something altogether new and eternal. Our current bodies, marked by weakness, pain, and decay, will be raised in power and glory. This isn't recycling; it's recreation. The caterpillar doesn't return to being a caterpillar—it becomes a butterfly. Whatever limitations or sufferings your earthly body experiences, remember: resurrection means becoming something gloriously new.
Day 4: The Firstfruits of Resurrection
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-28
Devotional: Paul stakes everything on the resurrection. If Christ wasn't raised, our faith is futile, our preaching is empty, and we remain in our sins. But "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." In agricultural terms, firstfruits were the initial harvest that guaranteed more to come. Jesus' resurrection isn't an isolated miracle—it's the preview and guarantee of ours. His empty tomb proves that death's power is broken and that what happened to him will happen to all who believe. This is why the resurrection is the Jenga block that holds everything else up. Remove it, and Christianity collapses. Affirm it, and every promise stands secure. Today, let the reality of Christ's resurrection infuse your daily struggles with eternal perspective. Death is not the end; it's been defeated.
Day 5: Living in Resurrection Hope
Reading: Philippians 3:7-14, 20-21
Devotional: Paul's driving passion was to "know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection." This wasn't mere theological curiosity; it was transformative relationship. Resurrection power isn't only for the future—it's available now to live differently, love sacrificially, and hope confidently. Paul admits he doesn't know all the details of how resurrection works ("somehow"), but that doesn't diminish his certainty. We eagerly await Christ's return when he will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. This hope changes how we live today. We can face suffering, knowing it's temporary. We can release our grip on earthly things, knowing something better awaits. We can say goodbye to loved ones with tears but not despair. How does resurrection hope change your perspective on today's challenges? Live forward from Easter, not just toward it.
Reading: John 11:17-27
Devotional: When Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life," he wasn't offering comfort through philosophy or empty platitudes. He was making an audacious claim about his identity and authority over death itself. Martha believed in a future resurrection "at the last day," but Jesus redirected her attention to himself—the resurrection is not merely an event, but a person. When we face loss and grief, we can anchor our hope in who Jesus is, not just what he promises. His question to Martha echoes to us today: "Do you believe this?" Our faith isn't in a concept of afterlife, but in the living Christ who conquered death. Today, reflect on what it means to trust Jesus not just as teacher or helper, but as the very source of eternal life.
Day 2: Called Out of Death
Reading: John 11:38-44
Devotional: "Lazarus, come out!" With these three words, Jesus demonstrated his authority over death. Notice that Jesus didn't enter the tomb—he called Lazarus out of it. This foreshadows our own resurrection: Christ calls us from death to life, from darkness to light. Lazarus emerged still wrapped in grave clothes, and Jesus instructed others to unbind him. Sometimes we're called out of spiritual death but still carry remnants of our old life—habits, hurts, or hang-ups that bind us. Jesus not only resurrects us but invites community to help remove what restricts our freedom. The tomb couldn't hold Lazarus when Jesus spoke, and death cannot hold those who belong to Christ. What "grave clothes" might Jesus be asking you to shed today? Who in your community can help unbind you?
Day 3: Resuscitation vs. Resurrection
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-44
Devotional: Paul addresses the confusion about resurrection bodies by using agricultural imagery: what is sown is different from what grows. A seed must die to become something greater. Lazarus was resuscitated—brought back to his old body that would die again. But Jesus was resurrected—transformed into an imperishable, glorious body. This distinction matters deeply for our hope. We're not waiting to have our earthly bodies merely repaired; we're promised transformation into something altogether new and eternal. Our current bodies, marked by weakness, pain, and decay, will be raised in power and glory. This isn't recycling; it's recreation. The caterpillar doesn't return to being a caterpillar—it becomes a butterfly. Whatever limitations or sufferings your earthly body experiences, remember: resurrection means becoming something gloriously new.
Day 4: The Firstfruits of Resurrection
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-28
Devotional: Paul stakes everything on the resurrection. If Christ wasn't raised, our faith is futile, our preaching is empty, and we remain in our sins. But "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." In agricultural terms, firstfruits were the initial harvest that guaranteed more to come. Jesus' resurrection isn't an isolated miracle—it's the preview and guarantee of ours. His empty tomb proves that death's power is broken and that what happened to him will happen to all who believe. This is why the resurrection is the Jenga block that holds everything else up. Remove it, and Christianity collapses. Affirm it, and every promise stands secure. Today, let the reality of Christ's resurrection infuse your daily struggles with eternal perspective. Death is not the end; it's been defeated.
Day 5: Living in Resurrection Hope
Reading: Philippians 3:7-14, 20-21
Devotional: Paul's driving passion was to "know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection." This wasn't mere theological curiosity; it was transformative relationship. Resurrection power isn't only for the future—it's available now to live differently, love sacrificially, and hope confidently. Paul admits he doesn't know all the details of how resurrection works ("somehow"), but that doesn't diminish his certainty. We eagerly await Christ's return when he will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. This hope changes how we live today. We can face suffering, knowing it's temporary. We can release our grip on earthly things, knowing something better awaits. We can say goodbye to loved ones with tears but not despair. How does resurrection hope change your perspective on today's challenges? Live forward from Easter, not just toward it.