Easter Daily Devotions for 2024
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What Easter Is Really About - Easter Devotional - March 19, 2024
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 nkjv).
Easter is not about eggs and wearing pastel colors. That’s all fine, but that isn’t what Easter is about.
It’s about Jesus wanting a relationship with you.
Jesus was born to die—and to rise again. That was the reason for the Incarnation.
On the cross, Jesus faced the judgment of God. He took the wrath of God upon Himself.
It’s why He cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
He was bearing all the sin of the world, including your sins and mine, by dying in our place. That is why He came.
Jesus talked about it all the time. He was on a mission to go to the cross of Calvary.
His life was not taken from Him; He willingly gave it up for us.
Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross. Love did—love for you and love for me. He died for us.
So how do you come into a relationship with Him?
First, you have to admit that you’re a sinner.
Some of us choke on that word, but we have to admit that we’ve broken God’s commandments.
If you’ve broken even one commandment, then you have sinned.
We’ve all done that many times over, because the Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 nkjv).
You need to realize that Jesus died on the cross for you.
And then you need to repent of your sin, which means a change of direction. It means turning away from it.
Next, you must receive Christ into your life. You must ask Jesus to be your Savior and your Lord.
No one else can do this for you. This is a decision you make. And eternity hinges on this decision.
Devotion by Greg Laurie
Harvest Ministries0 -
The Resurrection - Easter Devotional - March 20, 2024
THE RESURRECTION
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life." JOHN 11:25
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, you've walked away from the funerals of your loved ones with fresh memories still clinging to you like grave clothes.
Tears have filled your eyes as you've said good-bye to the last dreams of your heart.
Remember, for those who love Me and are My children, death is but a step into eternity with Me.
It is never the end but the start of forever - what you were created for!
Take heart. I am the resurrection and the life.
Where I am, you will be also. Find peace in Me.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, death could not hold You. And because of You, the resurrection, we, too, can live.
Thank You that the grave is only a journey into the presence of God.
You have removed the sting of death and empowered this thing called life. Now I will live in Your presence forever.
SIMPLE TRUTH
On the other side of death is the real side of life.
Devotion by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
From Daily in Your Presence Ministries1 -
It is Finished! (And it really is.) - Easter Devotional - March 22, 2024
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” -John 19:28-30 NASB
On the day of my first book’s deadline, I was up until midnight, using every last second to check and double-check my final draft before submitting it to my publisher.
Finally, my time was up. I dashed off a cover email and loaded the manuscript file as an attachment.
But just before sending, I realized that it was now several minutes past midnight.
So I added a quick tongue-in-cheek note to the email: “So sorry I am six minutes late with this manuscript.”
The vice president of Thomas Nelson replied, “We’re on Central time. You are actually fifty-four minutes early!”
It was a momentous moment for me, hitting that send button. With one click I was announcing a finished product.
After six months of intense, consuming work, there was now nothing more to do until the edits came back to me.
I woke up the next morning feeling a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. What an immense relief to finally be done!
On this and every Good Friday, we remember the darkest day in history, when the Son of God suffered and died on the cross, bearing unspeakable agony and shame for the sake of us all.
But now, in His final moments, He knew He had done what He had come to do: It is finished.
The original Greek word translated “finished” denotes the carrying out of a task.
An artist might have said Finished! to announce his painting was perfect.
A servant might have confidently replied Finished! when asked by his master if his assigned work was complete.
A judge might have said Finished! when issuing a ruling that a prison sentence had been completed and justice had been served.
And finally, a merchant might have written Finished! on a bill to indicate a debt was paid in full.
Jesus used the Greek verb tense that denoted a completed action that did not need to be repeated. Done, once and for all. Finished.
Jesus actually used this word three times during the 24 hours before and during his crucifixion.
While in prayer, as the Passover meal reached its conclusion, Jesus said, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which you have given me to do” John 17:4 NASB).
He had come to fulfill the Law.
He came to do the Father’s will. He’d come to preach the truth.
And finally, He'd sought out and saved the lost.
As Jesus looked death in the face, he was satisfied He had done everything He came to do. His bucket list was complete.
He used the word again on the cross. “Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28 NASB).
There were over 300 prophecies, spanning thousands of years, that Jesus fulfilled in His lifetime.
His coming fulfilled God’s promise of a messiah to the patriarchs, kings, and the nation. His acts and words were exactly what many prophets had foretold hundreds of years before.
Then finally, Jesus uttered that word one last time just before He gave up His Spirit: He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:28-30 NASB).
The suffering was over. The wrath of God had been spent on Him. The sins of mankind had been nailed to the cross. His blood had paid the price once and for all.
The fact that Jesus used finished to describe His life and death should bring joy to every believer’s heart.
Because of His completed work, no sin would ever stand between us and God again.
Payment for us has been made in full. “But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God…” (Hebrews 10:12 NASB).
He sat down because there was nothing left to do. It is finished.
Devotion by Julie Zine Coleman
Julie is the managing editor for Arise Daily.
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Palm Sunday - Easter Devotional - March 24, 2024
Luke 19:28-44
Hindsight is always 20/20. Yet while we are in a particular situation, we tend to make things out to be what theyaren’t and infer wrong meanings. We kick ourselves, thinking, If only I had known then what I know now!
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem must have been one of those moments for His disciples. It had appeared to be such a wonderful day for them—and it was, but for different reasons than they realized. They thought the Messiah had come to reestablish Israel’s power in the world. But God had something else in mind.
The disciples weren’t the only ones who had misconceptions about the Messiah. Many Jews of the day expected Him to be an earthly king.
When the crowds heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they cheered, “Hosanna! ” which means, “Save now!” They saw Him as their new King, come to bring salvation from political and societal oppression.
He raised the dead—no doubt he could also restore the kingdom of David and free them from Roman rule.
Seated upon a donkey, Jesus resembled a ruler returning to his city in peacetime, loyal subjects lining his path with coats and palm fronds.
Even the Pharisees were there watching in indignation, saying, “Look, the world has gone after Him” (John 12:19).
This week, think back to those times when circumstances looked one way but turned out to be something else entirely.
Remember when you realized God was different than you imagined and saw His will unfold in surprising ways.
Look for an opportunity to share your insight with a friend or loved one.
Palm Sunday Devotion by Charles Stanley0 -
Easter Devotions March 25, 2024
6 Reasons We Can Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. —1 Corinthians 15:17
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the cornerstone of our Christian faith.
If Christ did not rise from the dead, your faith is in vain. But you can be assured that the good news is true. Jesus Christ “was buried [and] he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).
Throughout the ages, skeptics have tried to disprove the Resurrection experience, but it stands the test of time. Here are six proofs that Jesus actually rose from the dead:
First Proof— The Resurrection was foretold by Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. —Matthew 16:21
Second Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for His empty tomb.
Joseph brought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.
Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. —Mark 15:46
Third Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the appearance of Jesus Christ to his disciples.
He was buried…raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and…appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve.
After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to…me also, as to one abnormally born. —1 Corinthians 15:4-8
Fourth Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the beginning of the Christian Church.
This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. —Acts 2:23-24
Fifth Proof— The Resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the transformation of the disciples. The disciples went into hiding in an upper room “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19).
After seeing and talking with Jesus for approximately six weeks, they went out to “turn the world upside down” (see Acts 17:6), fearlessly proclaiming Jesus Christ (also see Acts 3:12-26; 4:1-33; 8:4; 17:6).
Sixth Proof— The witness of the apostle Paul and the transformation of his life, can be reasonably explained only because of the resurrection of Christ. “Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 9:22).
GOING DEEPER:
1. Reread 1 Corinthians 15:17. Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead? 2. Why are these six proofs important to your faith and life?
FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 4:25; 5:6-8
Devotion By Jim Burns
Made Available via Cross Walk Online1 -
Easter Means No More Condemnation - Easter Devotional - March 27, 2024
“Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us” (Ephesians 1:7 CEV).
Have you ever wondered who put Jesus on the cross?
It wasn’t Judas or Caiaphas. It wasn’t Pilate. It wasn’t even the religious leaders who hated Jesus.
This may shock you, but there are two answers.
First, it was God. The Bible says it was his plan from the very beginning. It’s the reason he came to earth. The Bible had predicted his death hundreds of years earlier.
But the other answer is us. You put Jesus on the cross, and so did I.
If we had never sinned, Jesus wouldn’t have needed to die. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (NIV).
Because Jesus died on the cross, our sins are forgiven.
We’re all imperfect. We have sin that makes us feel guilty about our past. We have regrets. But God doesn’t want us to live with that guilt.
That’s why Jesus died!
Ephesians 1:7 says, “Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us” (CEV).
Guilt wastes a ton of energy. It wears us out and robs us of peace of mind.
Too many believers are saved but don’t act like it. They’re full of shame and guilt. It dominates everything they do. They believe in Jesus, but they haven’t been set free from the condemnation of sin.
Romans 8:1 says, “Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT).
“No condemnation” means God doesn’t judge you for all the things you’ve done wrong if you’ve trusted in Christ Jesus. He took your punishment on the cross. God doesn’t have to condemn you, because Jesus took your condemnation.
That’s what Easter is all about. You’re forgiven. Jesus died for you.
You can live with hope and not condemnation.
You can be free.
Devotion By Rick Warren0 -
Easter Means No More Condemnation - Easter Devotional - March 27, 2024
“Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us” (Ephesians 1:7 CEV).
Have you ever wondered who put Jesus on the cross?
It wasn’t Judas or Caiaphas. It wasn’t Pilate. It wasn’t even the religious leaders who hated Jesus.
This may shock you, but there are two answers.
First, it was God. The Bible says it was his plan from the very beginning. It’s the reason he came to earth. The Bible had predicted his death hundreds of years earlier.
But the other answer is us. You put Jesus on the cross, and so did I.
If we had never sinned, Jesus wouldn’t have needed to die. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (NIV).
Because Jesus died on the cross, our sins are forgiven.
We’re all imperfect. We have sin that makes us feel guilty about our past. We have regrets. But God doesn’t want us to live with that guilt.
That’s why Jesus died!
Ephesians 1:7 says, “Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us” (CEV).
Guilt wastes a ton of energy. It wears us out and robs us of peace of mind.
Too many believers are saved but don’t act like it. They’re full of shame and guilt. It dominates everything they do. They believe in Jesus, but they haven’t been set free from the condemnation of sin.
Romans 8:1 says, “Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT).
“No condemnation” means God doesn’t judge you for all the things you’ve done wrong if you’ve trusted in Christ Jesus. He took your punishment on the cross. God doesn’t have to condemn you, because Jesus took your condemnation.
That’s what Easter is all about. You’re forgiven. Jesus died for you.
You can live with hope and not condemnation.
You can be free.
Devotion By Rick Warren0 -
Come as You Are This Easter - Easter Devotional - March 28, 2024
“He will send down help from heaven to save me because of his love” (Psalm 57:3a TLB).
There’s a myth that says you’ve got to clean up your act before you can come to God: “I’ve got to get it all together. There are a few things I’ve got to get right in my life first, and then I’ll come to God.”
It’s like brushing your teeth before going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned or washing the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher or picking up the house before the maid gets there! Why do we do this?
The truth is, God doesn’t expect us to clean up our act before we approach him.
The death and Resurrection of Jesus is God’s statement on that.
Jesus spread out his arms and said, “I love you this much. Now, just come as you are.”
In Psalm 57:3, the Bible says, “He will send down help from heaven to save me because of his love” (TLB).
That’s what Jesus did on Easter.
And that’s why we can bring our messes and failures to God.
There are people you know who think God will never love them because they’ve made such a mess of their lives.
But you know God wants them to come as they are.
Help them hear the Good News from Jesus.
Invite them to come to church with you this Easter.
It’s such a simple thing to do, but it can make a difference that will last for eternity.
Talk It Over
* What messes from your past do you have a hard time believing that God can forgive?
* Who do you need to invite to Easter service so that he or she can hear the Good News of God’s love and grace?
* Why do you think people feel like they have to clean up their lives or their appearance before they even walk through the doors of a church?
Devotion by Rick Warren0 -
Resurrected Easter Devotional March 30, 2024
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalms 118:17-23
Most of you will celebrate the Lord's resurrection.
For many, it will be a glorious day of rejoicing in the miraculous, a day where you reflect not only on the event 2,000 years ago, but on the resurrections in your own life.
The day you accepted Christ. The day a long-awaited prayer was answered. The day sickness was healed or sorrow wiped away.
For others, Easter will only serve as a reminder of your cross. You'll feel like you got left at Good Friday, weeping, while the rest of the world moves on to Easter Sunday. You wish you could celebrate, but you don't know how.
You may even apologize to God for your somberness. You're not alone, I assure you.
In the past few months I've watched several Good Fridays and Easters play out in the lives of those around me. Engagements and babies ushered in cries of rejoicing and praises to God.
Yet, cancer, infidelity, and financial hardship occurred uncomfortably close to these joyful events.
Most of life is like this. Happiness, unmixed, is not easy to come by.
So how do we deal with this reality?
How do we deal with Good Friday and Easter coexisting?
I think we start with recognizing that the first Easter, the real Easter, was not just one event in time that occurred long ago.
Christ's resurrection spanned the ages and has eternal consequences. It applies to you and me today just as much as it did to Christ's followers on Easter morning. It also applies to the future. Our hope, no matter where we may be today, is in the transforming truth of Easter.
Second, I think we need to remember that true faith in God does not rely on our emotions. If you cry on Easter morning because life has been wearing you down, God still accepts you. In fact, he died and rose for you so that he could more closely walk with you through these hard times. He knows, more than anyone, the heaviness of the cross.
Third, I think we need to remember that as awe-struck as Christ's first followers felt after his resurrection, they still didn't know what it fully meant… for humanity or for their personal lives. While the resurrection brought their beloved Rabbi back to them, he was different now. The resurrection simultaneously healed some wounds while opening a new can of questions, insecurities, fears, and even pain - at least temporarily.
Ultimately, all Good Fridays will lead to joyful Easter mornings if we cling to Christ. Whether you are in a season of hardship, rejoicing, or a mix of both, the key is to keep walking in faith one step at a time.
Only the risen Christ can guide us through the foggy path of life. And when our final Easter morning arrives, we'll finally see with clarity that the journey was worth it.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Reflect on the "little resurrections" in your life - the times God answered a prayer in a very tangible way, the blessings in your life, and the miracles you've witnessed.
All these serve as reminders of the great work God will continue to do in your life.
Further Reading
Acts 2:14, 22-33 Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 Matthew 28:8-15
Devotion by Sarah Phillips0 -
An Easter Prayer of Celebration: He Is Risen! Easter Devotion, March 31, 2024
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…” Matthew 28:6
Such incredible, miraculous, life-changing words. “He is not here, for he has risen…”
His power could not be contained in a grave.
His love could not be conquered by death.
His truth could never be buried and forgotten.
Jesus Christ rose again, He is Victorious!
And He makes all things new.
The very purpose of this Easter weekend reminds us, that no matter what we’ve been through in the past, what we might be facing today, or what uncertainties tomorrow may hold, Christ alone is our Hope. He conquered death, He rose from the grave, He is all Powerful.
He breathes new life, so that we can live…free.
We have so much to celebrate today, for He has risen!
He has risen indeed!
Dear God,
Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the Victory and Power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, and that by your might, Christ was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to live free. Thank you that you had plan, thank you that you made a way.
We praise you for your great strength, we praise you for your lavish love. We praise you for you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you alone are our Deliverer, you are Worthy, you are our everlasting Father, our great and awesome God.
We confess our need for you. We ask that you would renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your spirit of refreshing to fill us again.
Keep your words of truth planted firmly within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us of where we have been, whispering his lies and hurling attacks our way, may he be reminded again of his future.
For we have a future and a hope in you. We’ve been set free, redeemed, the old has lost its grip, the new has come.
Shine your light in us, through us, over us.
May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.
Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Easter Devotion By Debbie McDaniel0
