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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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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.
Prayer often feels awkward, performative, or quietly exhausting, like saying the right words while trying to stay in control. What if Jesus didn’t give us a prayer to make us feel safe but to confront our pride, expose our grudges, and rearrange our lives? This episode explores why the Lord’s Prayer may be far more dangerous and transformative than we’ve ever realized.· ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
Jesus encounters a desperate mother whose daughter is suffering, but this mother is a Canaanite – ancient enemies of the Jewish people. Jesus initially seems unresponsive but she remains humble and persistent. Jesus ultimately responds to her affectionately and with a rare level of praise for her faith, demonstrating that God's love extends to all who approach in faith. 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 tend to respond when God seems silent or slow to act? Can you recall a specific incident and what you learned?- Using your imagination, how might Jesus have responded if the woman was less humble or persistent?- Are there barriers — cultural, personal, or spiritual — that make you hesitate to have spiritual conversations with others who seem different?- Prayer: Jesus, help me to love people the way you love, especially those I think of as different or as outsiders.
The religious leaders challenge Jesus for ignoring tradition but Jesus turns the tables on them. He confronts these leaders for elevating human traditions above God’s commands, substituting outward religious practices for genuine inward obedience. By shifting the focus from external behavior to inner transformation, Jesus calls his followers to examine the condition of their hearts rather than relying on the outward appearance of holiness.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 human traditions, practices, or values have you seen elevated in ways that conflict with godly priorities?- In what ways are you tempted to focus on outward behavior and appearance rather than inward character?- What might it look like for God to transform your heart rather than just your behavior?- Pray: Lord Jesus, search our hearts, free us from empty religion, and transform us from the inside out by your grace.
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat while he finally finds time for solitude. Later in the night, Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Peter initially steps out in faith then begins to sink. Fear takes over when we focus on the storm but faith prevails when we fix our eyes on 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 “storms” in your life pull your focus away from Jesus?- What do you learn about Peter, about Jesus, and about yourself when Peter begins to sink?- Where might Jesus be inviting you to get out of the boat to walk in faith like Peter?
After hearing of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdraws to a quiet place to grieve. The crowds follow him but instead of Jesus turning them away, he is moved to care for them. Despite his own deep and authentic need, he takes time to care for the needs of others. How do we respond when faced with a similar challenge? What might God have us do when our own needs collide with the needs of 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:- How do you tend to react when the needs of others interrupt taking care of yourself? Try to think of specific examples.- What does Jesus’ compassion for the crowd teach you about God’s heart for people?- What might God be inviting you to do in order to have the margin to care for others in a healthy, sustainable way?
“Love your enemies” sounds beautiful on a coffee mug . . . until you’re the one being insulted, dismissed, or harmed. When outrage feels justified and revenge feels reasonable, what does real love look like without becoming passive or naïve? And what might loving your enemies actually change, both in the world and in you?· ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
The Pharisees were trying to preserve their nation's Jewish identity in the face of Greek culture and Roman occupation. One of their cultural guardrails was the faithful observance of sabbath rest, an issue over which they repeatedly clashed with Jesus. In this encounter, Jesus heals a man on the sabbath. Did Jesus thus break God's sabbath laws, or was Jesus right to look for a deeper purpose in God's laws?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 notice about the different reactions to the man with the withered hand?- In what ways can religious habits become obstacles instead of pathways to love?- How might you practice mercy in situations where it would be easier to stay silent or uninvolved?- Prayer: Merciful God, shape my life by your compassion.
Imprisoned in Herod Antipas' fortress, John the Baptist begins to doubt. He was the one who saw the Spirit of God descend upon Jesus but in the darkness of prison, he begins to ask some tough questions. One might expect Jesus to reprimand John. Instead, Jesus gives him reassurance and praise. Rather than silence doubt, Jesus treats doubt as a part of discipleship, especially for those who put everything on the line for 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:- How do you typically respond when God’s actions don’t match your hopes or timeline?- How does Jesus respond to John’s doubt, and what does that reveal about his character?- Jesus affirms John publicly after addressing his doubts. What does that teach you about how God views you in seasons of weakness?- Who in your life might be struggling with questions or disappointment, and how can you reflect Jesus’ compassion toward them?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had encouraged his listeners to put God first and trust God for the rest. In this passage, Jesus extends that principle to putting Jesus first and the potential short-term costs, which may even include rejection from our families. For many, this price might seem too high but Jesus assures us that God will honor those who choose faithfulness!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:- Have you experienced pain, loss, or conflict from choosing to follow Jesus? What happened?- How has God been present to you in those difficult times? What have you learned about God and about yourself?- Is there a cost to discipleship that concerns you today? Do you find God’s promise of presence and reward sustain or encourage you in any way?- Prayer: Strengthen my commitment, Lord. Help me to trust you with each step and to know that you are with me.
Jesus sends out the twelve disciples on their own but with detailed instructions. Some of those instructions were just for those disciples, and even just for that particular moment. However, understanding what Jesus was doing in that moment can help us discern universal patterns and values that apply in all cases, even for us today, especially the promise that God's Spirit will be with us.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 and to whom might God be sending you? Where might God be inviting you to step out in faith?- What specific concerns and fears might diminish your willingness to invite others into a relationship with God?- How might knowing that God's Spirit will be with you be an antidote to those fears? - Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to go wherever you send me.
Jesus makes himself available to all kinds of people, both the privileged and the outcast. He embraces all kinds of interruptions, looking for the opportunity to bring people closer to God. He even encourages us to have the same kingdom focus -- to pray that God would raise up more workers to connect people back to God. Who knows? God might even invite us to become a part of the answer to that prayer!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 needs do you see around you today (in the world, in your neighborhood, at your work/school, in your life)?- Interruptions played an outsized role in the ministry of Jesus. How does that fact speak into your life? Are you available for interruptions? When is an interruption an opportunity, and when is it a distraction? - How might God be calling you to serve or pray more intentionally?- Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the needs around me. Use me as part of your harvest.
When did faith start feeling like another performance review? Jesus doesn’t say, “Become salt and light.” He says, “You are.” So why do so many of us live like we’re still trying to earn it? And what changes when you stop?· ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
Jesus closes his Sermon on the Mount with a parable about a house built on sand which is washed away by the storm vs. a house built on rock that survives. This, says Jesus, is the contrast between those who do and those who do not put Jesus' teachings into practice. Faithfulness does not prevent the storms of life, but it promises to sustain us through them. Faith in action is faith that endures!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 what ways might God be inviting you to put Jesus' teachings into practice?- Think of someone whom you respect for how they have endured the storms of life. What does their spiritual foundation reveal about the habits of faithfulness that might benefit you?- Prayer: Lord, help me to put your Word increasingly into practice, with faithfulness and courage.
[An earlier version of this episode was missing the first scripture reading.]In this section of Jesus' sermon, he turns our attention to spiritual practices (fasting, praying, giving) as expressions of trust. He highlights money itself as a critical focus, one that can easily become a substitute for God in our hearts and minds. Money promises security but in the end, it creates even greater anxiety about the future. Instead, we find true peace in God when we put God first 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:- What anxieties challenge your trust in God today?- How has walking with Jesus impacted your relationship with money in positive or negative ways?- What has helped you to have a more positive relationship with money?- Prayer: Jesus, teach me to trust you more fully. Help me seek your kingdom above all else.
[An earlier version of this podcast was uploaded without the first scripture reading.]Throughout this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continues to magnify the reach of God's Law, not just to our behavior, but to our hearts. God wants us to know God's heart and follow it in all ways, even to the point of loving our enemies. God's love is so amazing that it extends even to those who see themselves as God's enemies, and Jesus invites us to follow God's example.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:"Turn the other cheek", "give the shirt off your back", "go the extra mile", and "love your enemies" -- these sayings all originate from here in Jesus’ sermon.- What questions or insights arise for you in this passage?- How do you understand God, Jesus, your neighbor, or yourself differently from what Jesus teaches?- How might God be inviting you to take a step towards seeking good for someone who might be making life difficult for you?
Jesus, much like Moses, brings God's covenant and God's instructions to the people from the mountain. Jesus is calling the people into a relationship with God, one that is richer and more connected with God than they may have ever thought possible. These opening words are called "beatitudes", from the Latin for "happy" or "blessed", but they are much more than principles of happiness. Jesus is revealing who God is, who he is, and what true life will look like for all of us.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 questions and insights do these beatitudes raise in your heart and mind?- Which beatitude do you feel is most challenging to you right now?- What resources might you need in order to take a faithful step forward into that challenge?- Prayer: Shape my heart to reflect yours, Jesus.
Jesus faces temptation not with mere arguments or willpower, but with God's Word. His victory over temptations reminds us that spiritual strength is formed long before moments of testing arrive. Temptation often appeals to godly desires pursued in the wrong way, but God’s Word anchors us in trust and faithfulness.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 do you feel vulnerable to temptation right now?- How have you seen Scripture help you or others stay faithful when tested in the past?- How can Scripture guide your responses this week?- Prayer: Lord, help me rely on your Word when I am tested.
First Sunday of the year: fresh calendars, fresh goals, and fresh resolve. Then Jesus cuts through all of it with a different invitation - one that doesn’t start with “try harder,” but with “turn around.” What if repentance isn’t shame but a new and better direction?· ·👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons: https://tinyurl.com/3rdw4x8n👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals: https://tinyurl.com/38d4aryd
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