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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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Mark has set out to demonstrate that the true good news ("gospel") is about Jesus, not Caesar. Right away, we see the crowds react with amazement at his authority displayed in wisdom and spiritual power. They even acknowledge his unique authority. But amazement and acknowledgement are not the same as accepting the authority of Jesus. It is one thing to say "Jesus is Lord"; it is far greater to say "Jesus is my Lord!" Amazement must move beyond acknowledgement to acceptance.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:- How have you experienced Jesus' authority in your life? Have you felt the power in his teachings? Have you experienced his power in creating spiritual freedom?- The reaction of the evil spirit shows that acknowledgement of Jesus' authority is much less important than acceptance of Jesus' authority in your life. Are there areas where you need to submit more fully to Jesus’ authority?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase my faith in your authority and deliver me from anything that opposes your will in my life.
Mark opens by announcing the “good news”, of gospel, of Jesus Christ. "Gospel" literally means good news, but it could also be a political proclamation of a coming kingdom. By declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, Mark is directly challenging Rome's "good news" about Caesar. Unlike Caesar, Jesus is the true king who brings real peace. As Jesus begins his ministry, he calls us to "believe the Good News" (v15), to believe in the true king and the arrival of 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 stands out to you about Mark's introduction to Jesus and his mission?- Why might repentance be such a central part of preparing for the kingdom of God?- Where might Jesus be calling you to repent and believe more deeply today?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, prepare my heart to repent, believe the good news, and follow you as the true ruler.
As Matthew brings his gospel to a close, the risen Jesus meets his disciples and declares that all authority in heaven and on earth now belongs to him. He commands them to make disciples of all nations by going, baptizing, and teaching others to obey everything he has taught them, a Great Commission that falls to us, today! Along with this clear mission comes a promise just as clear: that Jesus will be with us, always.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:- How does Jesus respond to the disciples’ mix of worship and doubt, and what does that teach you?- What does “making disciples” look like in your current relationships and community?- What fears or hesitations keep you from living more missionally?- How does Jesus’ promise of His constant presence encourage you?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, shape me into a disciple-maker and remind me that you are always with me.
In this painful scene, Peter denies three times that he even knows Jesus, despite his earlier bold promises of loyalty. As the rooster crows, Peter remembers Jesus’ words and realizes the depth of his failure, and he breaks down in bitter tears. But Jesus' warning was not meant to condemn Peter; it was intended to let Peter know that his worst moment would not be the end of the story. Our lowest moments and worst failures can become turning points in Jesus' loving hands.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 fears or pressures do you think drove Peter to deny Jesus?- How might Peter's faith benefit from having this experience?- How does Jesus’ foreknowledge of Peter’s denial shape your understanding of grace?- Is there an area of failure or compromise you need to bring honestly to God?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my failures and strengthen my faith.
After the Last Supper, Jesus warns his disciples that they will all fall away. Peter then insists he will never abandon Jesus — only for Jesus to predict Peter’s denial. When Jesus invites his closest disciples to pray with him, Peter's resolve fades into weary sleep, leaving Jesus alone in prayer. Unlike the bravado of the disciples, Jesus demonstrates true courage in the quiet of the garden; he fully expresses his own desires yet unreservedly surrenders to the will of his Father.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 Jesus’ struggle in Gethsemane?- Where in your life do you relate to the disciples' weakness? Where do you relate to Jesus’ surrender?- What does Jesus’ prayer teach you about the kind of prayers that honor God?- How might God be inviting you to watch and pray more intentionally in this season?- Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me enough courage and trust to surrender to your will like Jesus did.
As Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for his imminent arrest, trial, and execution, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume as an act of extravagant love and devotion. The disciples criticize her for “wasting” it. Jesus defends her, revealing that her act points toward his burial and will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Meanwhile, Judas responds in completely opposite fashion — rather than devotion, he elevates himself over Jesus; rather than sacrifice, he chooses personal gain. The contrast invites us to see the choice we face each day.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 contrasts do you notice between the woman’s devotion and Judas’ betrayal?- Why do you think the disciples struggled to see the value of the woman’s worship?- Where might you be tempted to treat worship as impractical or unnecessary?- Are there ways you might be “close” to Jesus outwardly while drifting inwardly, like Judas?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to love you with wholehearted, costly devotion.
Jesus describes the final judgment when the Son of Man returns in glory and separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The dividing line is revealed through compassionate action — feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the poor, and caring for the sick and imprisoned. Jesus teaches that love for him is demonstrated by loving those we are tempted to dismiss as “the least of these".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 does this passage stir in you — comfort, conviction, fear, hope? Why?- Who are “the least of these” in your community or daily life?- Where do you see opportunities to serve that you often overlook or ignore?- How might Jesus’ identification with the marginalized shape your view of compassion and ministry?- Prayer: Jesus, open my eyes to see you in those in need and give me a heart that loves through action.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus describes a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of resources before leaving on a journey. Two servants faithfully invest what they are given and are celebrated for their dedication, while a third servant, driven by fear and laziness, hides his talent. Jesus invites us to be faithful with everything that has been entrusted to us by God. 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 “talents” (resources, opportunities, gifts, influence, etc.) has God entrusted to you?- How does it feel to know that God celebrates your faithfulness?- What practical step could you take this week to steward what God has given you more faithfully?- Prayer: Lord, free me from fear and help me faithfully use what you’ve entrusted to me for your loving purposes.
“Don’t worry” can feel like impossible advice in an anxious world. Yet Jesus insists that freedom from fear is possible not because life is safe but because God is faithful. What might change if trust, rather than fear, had the final word? And how do we get there? · · ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
Jesus now addresses the Pharisee religious leaders directly, condemning their hypocrisy. While they obsess over relatively minor religious details, they neglect the more important aspects of God's law — justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Despite that harsh assessment, Jesus has no desire to condemn them. In fact, he finishes by lamenting the fact that they continually reject him and refuse to be loved. 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:- Jesus mentions the "more important" or “weightier matters” of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Where do you see growth or struggle in those areas of your life?- When are you tempted to appear more spiritual than you are? What helps you to be more honest with others and yourself?- What does Jesus’ grief over Jerusalem reveal about God’s heart toward the spiritually resistant?- Prayer: Jesus, cleanse my heart from hypocrisy and grow in me justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Jesus turns to the crowds and warns against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who do not practice what they preach. Rather than loving others, they weigh them down with heavy burdens while lifting themselves up. Jesus calls us to a different kind of greatness — one marked by humility, integrity, and servant-hearted living. The greatest is the servant of all, and Jesus practiced what he preached! 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:- Where are you tempted to care more about appearing spiritual than actually living faithfully?- Are there ways you might unintentionally place burdens on others instead of helping them follow God?- How does Jesus define greatness and true spirituality?- Is there a step that you could take this week towards growth in humility and servant-heartedness?- Prayer: Lord, teach me to join you in humbly serving others.
After being tested by the Pharisees, Jesus turns the tables and asks them a question: "Why does David call his descendant his 'lord'"? Once again, Jesus is inviting them to understand that the Messiah is more than just a political heir to David's throne. Jesus is not only the "Son of David", he is the Son of God — Jesus is 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:- What assumptions about the Messiah do the Pharisees bring to this conversation?- Where might you be tempted to see Jesus primarily as a helper rather than as Lord?- What does it mean for Jesus to have loving authority over every area of your life?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, show me more of who you truly are and help me to live out of that truth.
The religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with a dangerous question about whether to pay taxes to Caesar. Either answer will put Jesus in danger. Jesus reframes the question by looking at the Roman coin used to pay such taxes, a coin that bears the image of the emperor. The image on the coin is Caesar's, therefore give to Caesar what belongs to him – and answer that unlocks a much deeper truth about what belongs to God. Jesus' answer calls us to live faithfully in a way that does not confuse politics with devotion to God, whose image we bear.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 was the question about paying taxes such a dangerous trap for Jesus?- What does Jesus’ answer reveal about the relationship between earthly authority and God’s authority?- Where might you be tempted to give ultimate loyalty to something other than God?- Prayer: Sovereign God, help me to live as one who belongs to you, whose image I bear.
In the face of continued conflict with the religious leaders, Jesus tells the story of tenant farmers who rent the farmland. When it comes time to share the harvest, the renters refuse to share their harvest, killing the owner's messengers and ultimately the owner’s son as well. The landowner in that parable is God, the slaughtered messengers are the prophets, and the owner's son is Jesus. Jesus is foreshadowing that these religious leaders will ultimately reject and kill Jesus in a tragically misguided attempt to retain control of what belongs only to God.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:- This parable is directed at some of the most religious people of their day. In what ways might people resist God’s authority while still claiming to belong to Him?- Jesus refers to "proper fruit" in v.43. What do you think he means by "proper fruit"? - Jesus claims to be the cornerstone, the stone that holds the whole building together. How is Jesus that cornerstone for you? In what ways is he not yet your cornerstone?- Prayer: Cornerstone Christ, help me bear fruit that honors you.
Jesus says it plainly: no one can serve two masters. But most of us try, splitting our trust between God and the things that promise security, control, or comfort. When our allegiance is divided, which master is really shaping our lives?· · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
Jesus describes a vineyard owner who pays all workers the same wage, even those who were hired only an hour before the end of the day. Those workers who worked the entire day complain that the vineyard owner was being unfair to them! The story reveals that God will bless us on the basis of God's generosity, not on our merit (or lack of it). That is the scandal of grace. Jesus invites us all to rejoice in God’s generosity rather than trying to measure ourselves against one another.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:- Which group of workers do you most naturally identify with in this parable, and why?- When you first heard this parable, did you feel that the vineyard owner's decision to give equal pay for unequal work was unfair? Why or why not?- What would it look like for you to delight in God’s goodness to you without having to compare your journey to others?- Prayer: Generous God, free my heart from comparison and teach me to rejoice for others.
A rich young man comes to Jesus, wanting to know what he must do to enter eternal life with God. Though the man appears morally faithful, he walks away grieving when Jesus invites him to surrender what he treasures most – which is his money. Jesus then shocks his disciples by telling them that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into heaven. How are we then to view wealth? Does our wealth leave room for God in our lives?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:- In your own words, what is the rich young man still missing at the end of this encounter with Jesus?- What possessions, ambitions, or securities might compete with Jesus for first place in your life?- How does Jesus redefine success and reward in the kingdom of God?- Where might God be inviting you to trust in him rather than cling to control?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to seek your kingdom above everything else.
The religious leaders try to pull Jesus into a debate about divorce but Jesus takes everyone back to the beginning and the purpose of being married at all (or not!). The disciples are shaken by Jesus' high view of marriage and declare, "it is better not to marry!" And Jesus agrees! The disciples are right, but for the wrong reasons. While everyone is thinking of themselves, Jesus shares a vision of marriage and singleness that is about faithfulness not only to a potential spouse, but to God and others as well.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’ appeal to creation (vv.4-6) reveal about God’s vision for marriage?- Why do you imagine that Jesus cared about marriage, especially when he never married?- When do you believe that divorce might be justified, even if only as a "least bad" option?- How would you summarize Jesus' view of kingdom-minded singleness (vv.11-12)?- Prayer: Faithful God, may your faithfulness shape my heart to be faithful to others.
In response to Peter’s question about forgiveness, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. A servant who is forgiven an unpayable debt refuses to show even a fraction of that mercy to a fellow servant. Jesus makes clear that forgiven people are called to live as forgiving people, and people who refuse to extend God's grace to others are refusing to receive God's grace for themselves as well.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 the contrast between the two debts reveal about our relationship to forgiveness with God and others?- What practical steps can help you move toward forgiveness rather than resentment?- Who might God be inviting you to forgive, even when it feels costly or undeserved?- Prayer: Merciful God, help me forgive as freely and fully as I have been forgiven by You.
Rather than ignoring wrongdoing or shaming people publicly, Jesus outlines a gracious process aimed at restoration and reconciliation. He emphasizes the serious responsibility of the community to reflect both God’s justice and God's mercy. We may need courage to lovingly restore lost sheep but Jesus assures us that he is present and actively at work in our midst when we do.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:- How do you usually respond to conflict: avoidance, confrontation, something else? Perhaps picture your response as an animal (porcupine, badger, lion, turtle, puppy, etc.).- How does the promise of Jesus’ presence shape the way you view difficult conversations?- Where might God be inviting you to pursue reconciliation rather than distance? Is there a specific step in the process that Jesus outlines that stands out?- Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me courage to speak truth in love.
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