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Weekly sermons and weekday devotions from Highrock, a multi-site church in the Greater Boston area and Online. We create Christian communities that inspire curiosity, courage, and compassion.
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Jesus teaches that we are all in need of healing, but only some of us recognize it. Which group are we? Jesus calls Levi, a hated tax collector, to follow Him, and Levi immediately drops everything. But first, Levi hosts a banquet where many of Levi's fellow outsiders gather to meet Jesus. The religious leaders and insiders complain that Jesus would have anything to do with such "scum". These outsiders, says Jesus, are the sick who recognize their need for a physician. It's not that everyone else is healthy; it's just that they can't recognize or admit their need for healing.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you imagine that Levi immediately left everything to follow Jesus?- Why do the religious leaders struggle with Jesus’ association with "scum"?- What old habits, mindsets, expectations, or biases might need to change to follow Jesus more fully?- Who in your life might need an invitation to encounter Jesus like Levi’s friends did?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me as I am to follow you. Help me to embrace others as they are.
When Jesus called his first disciples, he asked them to do something that made no sense at all — it went against everything they understood as fisherman. Still, Simon (the soon-to-be Apostle Peter) did what Jesus said and the results were staggering, literally life-changing! How often are we tempted to think, like Simon, that we might know better than God? Will we trust our "logic" or trust our Lord?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you imagine that Peter reacted with shame (v8)?- How do you typically respond when you become aware of your own sin or inadequacy?- Where might Jesus be asking you to trust and obey, even when it doesn’t make sense to you?- How does the healing of the leper shape your understanding of Jesus’ power and compassion?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me trust you to lead me, that I might follow you with a willing heart.
After claiming that Isaiah's prophecy about the messiah is about himself, Jesus goes about proving it to be true. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah by healing the sick, bringing liberty to the spiritually oppressed, and by preaching the good news. His words are as good as his actions and there is an invitation for us to have the same kind of integrity. Do our actions match what we say? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What do you make of Simon’s mother-in-law’s immediate return to serving after being healed (v39)?- Why do you think Jesus refuses to stay where he is most wanted (vv42-43)?- Jesus shows integrity by immediately fulfilling his promise in v.21. How have you grown in your integrity as you've followed Jesus? Where might God be challenging you to continue to grow in integrity?- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your compassion and integrity, giving us every reason to always trust you.
Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and is initially praised for his teaching. In his hometown of Nazareth, he reads from Isaiah and boldly declares that he is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring good news, freedom, and restoration. While the people marvel at first, their amazement quickly turns to offense when Jesus reminds them that God’s grace extends to outsiders. This message is a welcome one for outsiders like many in Luke's audience, but it is offensive to those who hold onto hate for others.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What expectations did the people have of the Messiah, and how did Jesus challenge them?- How do you respond when God’s truth confronts your assumptions or comfort? Can you think of a specific example?- Like the Devil (vv.3,9), the crowds challenge Jesus' identity and whose son he is (v22). What is your identity in Christ, and how strongly do you feel and believe it?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to remember that I am a beloved child of God, called to embrace Jesus' love for outsiders and even enemies.
John the Baptist confronts the crowds with a sharp call to repentance, warning that outward identity or religious heritage is not enough — true change must be seen in the fruit of a transformed life. He gives practical examples, urging people to live with generosity, integrity, and justice in their everyday roles. As expectations rise about whether John might be the Messiah, he points beyond himself to one far greater who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and bring both salvation and judgment. John’s bold preaching ultimately leads to his imprisonment, showing that faithful truth-telling often comes at a cost.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why is it tempting to rely on identity or tradition instead of genuine transformation?- How do John’s practical instructions apply to your daily life and responsibilities?- Where might God be calling you to real, visible change rather than surface-level faith?- What does John’s courage teach you about speaking truth, even when it’s costly?- Prayer: Lord, produce real fruit in my life and give me courage to live with integrity, repentance, and truth.
We all know what it’s like to hold back - waiting for a better time, more clarity, or less risk. But what if the real issue isn’t a lack of opportunity? What if the cost of playing it safe is higher than we think? · · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
After visiting Zechariah, the angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, announcing that she will miraculously conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High. Though initially troubled and confused, Mary responds with humility and faith, asking how it will happen but ultimately surrendering to God’s will: “I am the Lord’s servant.” In Mary, God continues to work through unexpected people and circumstances, highlighting the beautiful things that can happen when we trust a God who is beyond our understanding!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What stands out to you about Mary’s initial reaction to the angel’s message?- What fears or uncertainties might Mary have faced in saying yes to God?- Where might God be inviting you to trust Him in something that feels unclear or costly?- How can you cultivate a posture of surrender like Mary’s in your daily life?- Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to trust you and say yes to your will.
Unlike the other gospel writers, Luke is an outsider. He was not an eyewitness of the original events and apparently not part of the Jewish culture of the original disciples. Instead, he approaches the events more like an investigator or an historian. He also has an eye for the outsider and outcast. He begins his careful account by turning to Zechariah and Elizabeth, an older couple who were heartbroken over their inability to have children. Though the world might look on such people as forsaken by God, Luke's gospel opens with God sending an answer to their prayers.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What might you expect to see in Luke's gospel that differs from the gospels we have read so far (Matthew and Mark)?- Why do you think Zechariah struggled to believe the angel’s message? - How do you tend to respond when your prayers seem to go unanswered or even unheard?- Where might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply, even in uncertainty?- Prayer: Faithful God, help me trust your promises and timing, even when I struggle to see how you are at work.
After the Sabbath, several women go to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Inside, a young man announces that Jesus has risen and instructs them to tell the disciples that he will meet them in Galilee. We, like the women, are left with the question of what we believe about Jesus and the empty tomb. Who do we say that Jesus is, and what difference will it make in the way we live?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What emotions do you see in the women, and how do they reflect your own response to the resurrection?- What does the empty tomb reveal about Jesus’ identity and power?- How might God be inviting you to respond to the reality of the resurrection in your life?- Where do you need to trust that God is at work even when you don’t fully understand?- Prayer: Risen Jesus, fill my heart with awe and faith, and help me boldly share the hope of your resurrection.
As Jesus is crucified, he also endures mockery and rejection. The religious leaders taunt him with the fact that he could save others but not himself. They did not realize the truth in their words. Yes, he saved others because he refused to save himself. He could not save himself because of his love for us. Seeing the way Jesus died, the Roman centurion declares that he "truly was the Son of God." We are left to answer the same question: "Who do you say that Jesus was?" Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Prayerfully consider and comment on one of the following: the tearing of the Temple veil, the Roman centurion's declaration about Jesus, human cruelty being used to serve God's purposes, the courage of Joseph of Arimathea at the end.- What does the cross reveal to you about the depths of human sin and of God’s love?- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the cross. Help me live in the freedom and gratitude your sacrifice has made possible.
Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate by the religious leaders, who accuse Him and seek His execution. Though Pilate recognizes that Jesus is innocent, he yields to the pressure of the crowd and condemns Jesus to be crucified. The Roman soldiers then mock him with a coronation using a purpose robe and crown of thorns. The irony is that Jesus is true king and lord of all. Will we recognize Jesus as our king or join with Pilate, the priests, and the crowds of people who all fail to recognize the truth?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What does Pilate’s decision reveal about the power of public pressure and fear of others?- Where might you be tempted to compromise truth to avoid conflict or criticism?- How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering deepen your gratitude and worship?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for enduring injustice and suffering for my sake; help me follow you with courage and gratitude.
It’s easy to assume we’ll have more time to repair a relationship, deepen our faith, or say what needs to be said. But some of life’s most important moments arrive without warning. What happens if the moment comes before we’re ready?· · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
During the Passover meal, builds upon the meaning of the Passover meal by taking bread and wine and identifying them with his own body and blood. Jesus becomes the new Passover lamb. Even as betrayal and suffering approach, Jesus directs his disciples to remember his sacrificial love and to look forward with hope to the day when he will share this celebration with us in God’s kingdom.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What do the bread and the cup mean to you? What do you believe that you are receiving during communion?- Pastor Dave said that communion is the central element of our worship service. To what extent is that true for you?- Where might God be inviting you to reflect more deeply on Jesus' covenant commitment to you, or on our covenant commitment to one another as family?- Prayer: Jesus, thank you for giving your body and blood for me. May your sacrifice always remind me that I am loved and called to love others.
In this passage, Jesus uses the illustration of a fig tree to teach his disciples about the signs of the times and remaining spiritually alert. Just as new leaves signal that summer is near, certain events will indicate that God’s purposes are unfolding. Yet Jesus makes clear that no one knows the exact day or hour of his return — not even the angels — so his followers must live in a constant state of readiness. The call is not to speculation but to watchfulness and faithful living, because the Son of Man could return at any time.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What does Jesus’ teaching about the fig tree reveal about spiritual awareness?- Why is it significant that no one knows the exact time of Christ’s return?- How can focusing too much on predicting the future distract from faithful living today?- Are there habits or attitudes that make you spiritually sleepy or distracted?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep my heart watchful as I faithfully live and love in anticipation of your return.
As they leave the Temple, Jesus' disciples take time to be impressed by the incredible stones used in its construction. In response, Jesus tells them to get a good look because these monumental stones would soon be reduced to rubble! Jesus warns them to be prepared but not to panic, for God will be with them even when all human institutions and relationships fail. Even the darkest of times will be an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What kinds of fears or uncertainties about the future challenge your faith?- How can hardship become an opportunity to witness about Jesus?- What does this passage teach about the role of the Holy Spirit during times of pressure or persecution?- Where might God be calling you to stand firm in faith even when it is difficult?- Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith to endure hardship and to see the opportunities to share your light in dark times.
When a teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the most important, Jesus answers by quoting the Shema (their daily prayer): to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He then adds a second command — to love your neighbor as yourself — which cannot be separated from the first. Genuine faith is centered on sacrificial love because that expression of love is God's very nature.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you think Jesus connects love for God so closely with love for neighbor?- How have you seen faith practices (like going to church) help you to love? Have you seen faith practices sometimes distract you from loving God or others?- What might it look like if you were to live this commandment out more fully?- Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with love for you and help that love overflow to the people around me.
The Sadducees — who deny the resurrection — try to trap Jesus with a complicated hypothetical question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus exposes their misguided assumption that fails to realize the transformation we will experience. He also corrects their lack of belief in the resurrection by pointing to the writings of Moses that they consider authoritative. There God refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the present tense, even though they had died long ago. From the first books of the Bible, death has never been the final word. God has always had the final word!Sunday's message on Matthew 21:33-46 (parallel to Mark 12:1-12):https://youtu.be/T8kRTzkIcA0Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What does this passage reveal about the importance of knowing both Scripture and God’s power (and heart)?- Why do you think the Sadducees might have struggled to believe in the resurrection?- How might limiting God to human assumptions affect your faith?- What hope does the promise of resurrection bring to your understanding of life and death?- Prayer: God of the living, deepen my understanding of your Word and strengthen my hope in your power to bring life.
It’s easy to believe we’re in charge of our time, our resources, and our future. But what if the story we’re living in belongs to someone else? Jesus tells a parable that challenges our deepest assumptions about control, ownership, and who the story is really about.· · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
As Jesus and his disciples travel toward Jerusalem, he again warns them of his coming suffering, death, and resurrection. Despite this sobering news, James and John are more concerned to use this opportunity to further their own ambitions. Jesus patiently teaches them that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or status but about humility and service. Jesus invites them and us to join him, explaining that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.Theology Lab's "Beyond Simple Answers" podcast:- Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y3znraf2- Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/4nv3fka5Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- What do you make of the contrast between Jesus’ upcoming trials vs. the disciples’ desire for status?- Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ mission?- How does Jesus redefine greatness and leadership in this passage?- Where might ambition or recognition shape your motivations more than service?- Prayer: Servant Lord, transform my heart to seek to serve others rather than to seek recognition.
In what is a very busy and critical time, people bring little children to Jesus. Rather than welcome them, the disciples try to send them away. Instead, Jesus insists on welcoming them and further insists that we must all become like little children if we wish to be with God. But how? In what way should we be like children? It seems that Jesus intends that we wrestle with this question, exploring the ways in which Jesus is inviting us to be the children of God that we are. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Resources for "New Testament in a Year"https://www.highrock.org/newtestamentFor Reflection:- Why do you think the disciples tried to turn the children away?- In what ways do you think we are to be like children? In what ways do you think we are not to be like children?- What makes it difficult for you to answer Jesus' call to be more childlike?- Who in your life might need the kind of welcome and blessing Jesus models here?- Prayer: Jesus, give me a childlike heart that trusts you and leans on your loving embrace.
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