Day 13 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author: Elizabeth Parks

Voice: Molly Inskeep

As Jesus stands before an unjust tribunal, what appears to be weakness is actually restrained power and unwavering obedience. In declaring Himself the Son of Man who will be “seated at the right hand of Power,” Jesus points beyond the cross to His exaltation, victory, and coming glory. This episode reminds us that through union with Christ, believers share in that risen position—anchored not in present darkness, but in the eternal triumph of the One who reigns.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:57-64, Ephesians 2:4-6

Reflection Questions

1. How do you think the disciples must have felt as they watched Jesus on trial before the high priest?
2. What situations in your life make you feel helpless or hopeless?
3. Never forget that this life is not the end of the story. Eternity awaits us, and no eye has seen, no ear has heard what awaits us there. Hope is never lost! What feels heavy or hopeless in your life right now? How does that situation change when you truly believe that eternity is your reality?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. How do you think Jesus felt when people said mean or untrue thingsabout Him?
2. Heaven is our forever home! What do you think heaven will be like? How does thinking about heaven make you feel better when things are hard?

Spiritual Practice - Meditation & Memorization

Spend some time memorizing and meditating on these verses:

“But God, being rich in mercy becauseof the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6

Day 12 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author: Elizabeth Parks

Voice: Maddie Huang

In the garden, as betrayal unfolds and Jesus declares, “This is your hour, and the power of darkness,” it appears as though evil has won and the light has gone out. Yet this was no loss of control—Christ willingly stepped into that hour, submitting to the Father’s will to rescue those enslaved to sin and transfer them into His Kingdom. This episode invites us to face the reality of darkness with hope, remembering that its reign is temporary, but the victory of our crucified and risen King is eternal.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:36-56, Luke 22:52-53

Reflection Questions

1. What troubles in your life are too powerful for the same power that raised Jesusfrom the grave?
2. How can you claim victory today as you look at what Jesus accomplished on the cross?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. Have you ever been afraid of the dark? How does knowing Jesus is always in control help you when you feel that way?

Spiritual Practice -Sabbath

Today, practice resting in Christ’s finished work—the truth that light still reigns, even when darkness feels near.

1. Stop: Cease striving. Lay down the need to prove yourself or finish the list. Whisper, “It is finished.”
2. Remember: Read Matthew 26:36–56 again. Picture Jesus calmly allowing His arrest—fully sovereign, yet choosing obedience.
3. Trust: Write down one thing you’re trying to control. Pray, “Jesus, You reign even here. I trust You.”
4. Rest: Spend 20 minutes in quiet. Breathe deeply and rest in the truth that He holds everything together—even while you stop.
5. Rejoice: End your Sabbath by singing or listening to All Hail King Jesus. Let worship replace worry and rest declare: the Light has already won.

Day 11 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Jerrika Dickerson

In Gethsemane, at the height of His sorrow, Jesus invites His closest disciples to “watch with Me,” revealing that even the sinless Son of God did not embrace suffering in isolation. In His deepest anguish, He models both dependence on the Father and the importance of faithful companionship in seasons of trial. This episode calls us to draw near to Christ in prayer, walk with one another in suffering, and let what God forms in private overflow into bold, gospel-shaped living.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:38, Mark 14:34

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life are you spiritually wrestling? Have you invited your community to come near to you while you are vulnerable and sorrowful?
2. How are you sharing your testimony of transformation? What practical ways could you express your gospel transformation with those around you?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. Haveyour parents ever invited you in to help on a project? Do you think that they always needed your help, or do you think sometimes they just wanted to be with you? What do you think God invitesyou to do because He wants to be with you?

Spiritual Practice - Community & Evangelism

Practice community by sharing burdens in prayer today.

1. Either share your burdens with someone else and allow them the privilege of praying with you and walking with you
2. Or help someonetoday and be with them as they are carryinga burden to the Lord. Pray with them and intercede on their behalf
3. Finally, like all Saturdays during this season, consider sharing what Jesus has done. Share the gospel with someone who may need to hear that Jesus has been there before. He has walked through that.

Day 10 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Maddie Huang

In Gethsemane, we witness the crushing sorrow of the sinless Son of God as He begins to bear the weight of the cup set before Him. His grief was not fear of physical pain, but the staggering reality of carrying human sin and facing the wrath our rebellion deserved. In this episode, we stand on holy ground—seeing both the depth of Christ’s love and the hope we have because He entered our sorrow, surrendered in obedience, and secured redemption for all who trust in Him.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:36-39

Reflection Questions

1. When your heart is heavy, what is your default response—distraction, striving, or stillness?
2. What does Gethsemane teach you about the emotional life of Jesus?
3. Where do you need to stop runningand begin watchingwith Him?
4. Who around you might need your quietpresence more than your advice?
5. If you are not in a season of sorrow, how might Jesus be inviting you to carry someone else’s burden—or to prepare your heart for a future season of grief?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. When you’re sad, do you talk to Jesus? If you sat with Him in a quiet place to pray, what do you think He would say to you?

Spiritual Practice - Silence & Stillness

Don’t rush past the garden.

Set aside time today to be still before God—notto ask, not to fix, not to explain. Just be. Let silence hold space for sorrow. Let the stillnessreveal what you’re carrying. And let Jesus meet you there.

1. Sit in silencefor 10 minutes.
2. If your mind wanders, return to this simple prayer: “Jesus, You know sorrow. You are with me here.”
3. Sometimes, the victoryis not found in doing, but in staying. Not in words, but in presence. Not in conquering sorrow, but in meeting God in the middle of it.

Day 9 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Savon Pena

In the garden, Jesus commands His disciples to “watch and pray,” even as they succumb to weakness—yet He Himself returns again and again to the Father in persistent, obedient prayer. Where the disciples’ flesh failed, Christ remained vigilant, surrendering fully to the Father’s will and moving steadfastly toward the cross. This episode invites us to behold an obedience that not only secured our salvation, but also stirs our gratitude and calls us into worshipful, vigilant dependence on God.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:41,44

Reflection Questions

1. What is an area in your life where your spirit feels willing, but your flesh feels weak? How can prayer help you stay alert in that moment?
2. How does Jesus’ obedience even when he was tired, sorrowful and facing the cross lead you to worship and trust him more?
3. Why do you think Jesus kept praying the same words repeatedly in the garden? What does that teach you about how God wants you to pray?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. How late could you stay up at night doing your favorite thing? What if I told you we would stay up that late just praying? Could you do it? Why or why not?

Spiritual Practice - Thankfulness & Worship

1. Push yourself towards longer thanksgiving today. In light of Jesus’ long prayer night, give yourself plenty of time today to thank and praise the Lord without asking for anything. You can listen to music, sing, read a psalm, but give yourself plenty of time for this today.

Day 8 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Marvin Schaefer

In the stillness of Gethsemane, as Jesus agonizes in prayer, He gives a clear command to His disciples: “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.” Their failure to stay awake exposes the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit—a struggle every believer knows well. In this episode, we discover that vigilant prayer is not optional but essential, preparing our hearts to stand firm in temptation and drawing us into the abundant life secured by Christ’s obedience.

Scripture

1. Matthew 28:40-41

Reflection Questions

1. Whatis currently distracting you or lullingyou into spiritual sleep, keeping you from livingwith ongoing, vigilant prayer?What do you need to say no to in order to say yes to prayer?
2. In what ways have you been reactive instead of proactive when facing trials and temptations?
3. How can you reorder your life to prioritize “watching and praying” with Jesus?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. Sometimes we get distracted, just like the disciples. What are some things that make it hard for you to spend time praying or talking to God?

Spiritual Practice - Confession & Fasting

Take a deep breath. Slow down. Invite the Holy Spirit tosearch your heart.

1. Where have you been unprepared, distracted, or reactive toward trials and temptations
2. What “curtains” of distraction or self-reliance are keeping you from vigilant prayer?
3. How is God inviting you to reorderyour life to prioritize time with Him?
4. Confess where you’ve fallen short. Receive His forgiveness. Write down one change you sense the Spirit leading youto make. Share it with someonewho can encourage you and hold you accountable.

Day 7 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Richard McKay

In Gethsemane, we witness the raw honesty of the Son of God as He prays, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39), submitting fully to the Father’s redemptive plan. This was no passive resignation—it was costly obedience, as Jesus willingly stepped toward the cup of suffering and bore the wrath we deserved. In this episode, we are invited to see that true surrender is not the absence of struggle, but Spirit-empowered faithfulness that aligns our will with God’s and joins us to His mission in the world.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:39

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life are you sensing a tension between your will and God’s will? Is there something that God is asking you to surrender, change, or say “yes” to, even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient?
2. What is your typical response when obedience seems costly or difficult? What practical ways could you practice immediate obedience instead of delayed obedience?
3. How could you practice small acts of immediate obediencethis week to strengthen your trust in God for larger moments of surrender?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. Can you think of a time when doing the right thing was hard? How did it feel to choosewhat was right anyway? How could the Holy Spirit help you make the right decisionslike the Father helped Jesus?

Spiritual Practice - Prayer

“Listening Prayer” is when we stop trying to tell God what we want from Him and we open up to what He wants to teach us or ask us to surrender. Take some time today—or a few times this week—to stop and listen to what God is asking you to do and take the steps needed to be obedient to Him. It may take you time to listen to Him, which is why tomorrow we will see how important vigilance is in our prayer life. Start today, take some time to stop and listen.

1. Prepare your space and your heart. Set aside 10–15 minutes in a quiet place. Have a journaland a pen ready, but don’t jump to writing. Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to speak and help you listen.
2. Pray Jesus’ words slowly and reflectively: “Not as I will, but as You will.” Repeat the phrase several times. Let it become a rhythm of surrender as you breathe in and out.
3. Ask: “God, what is it that you are asking me to do? Is there a step of obedience that youare calling me to submit to even if it feels hard?” Sit in silence and listen. Don’t rush. Pay attention to anything the Spirit brings to mind—a person, a decision, a risk, a calling.
4. Write it down. Record anything you sense. It may be as simple as a conversation you’ve been avoiding, or a commitment to forgive, or a call to serve in some capacity.
5. Respond in prayer. End your time by writing or praying aloud a prayer of surrender—your own version of“not mywill, butYours.” Maybe you need to ask God to give you the strength to obey what He has asked you to...

Day 6 of our 47-day journey with Jesus to the cross.

Author & Voice: Lydia Pinero

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see prayer at its most costly—Jesus returning again and again to the Father, sweating drops like blood as He carries the weight of redemption (Matthew 26:44; Luke 22:44). This is not polished or performative prayer, but agonizing intercession—love that labors, wrestles, and persists in obedience even when no one is watching. In this episode, we learn that true intercession is spiritual warfare, Spirit-empowered dependence, and a participation in Christ’s own burden-bearing love for the world.

Scripture

1. Matthew 26:44, Luke 22:44

Reflection Questions

1. What do these passages show me about Jesus’ love for me?
2. What does it mean for me to “pray more earnestly” with the Spirit’s help when it is hard?
3. Who is God asking me to intercede for, as Jesus interceded for me?

Kid-Friendly Question

1. Have you ever prayed for someone and felt like you did not know what to say? What do you think God is doing in those moments?

Spiritual Practice - Confession & Fasting

Read and memorize this passage (shortened)

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness... He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 (ESV)