Download the Devotional by clicking this link: Five-Day Devotional – Easter Follow-up – April 6 – 10
Monday: John & Jane Enjoyed Easter Services
John and Jane Christian sat in their recliners Sunday night with ice cream, reflecting on Easter morning’s service.
“I felt so much more prepared for Easter this year,” Jane said. “When Pastor talked about the empty tomb this morning, I kept thinking about everything we learned these past six weeks.” “Me too,” John said. “That series really opened my eyes. All those Jewish holy days pointing to Jesus, then learning how intentional He was about His mission. And that Garden sermon – I never understood what Jesus really went through.” “I don’t want to lose this feeling,” Jane said. “You know how it is – life gets busy and we lose this joy. By July we’re back to just going through the motions.” “I was thinking the same thing,” John said, reaching for his Bible. “Maybe we should actually look at some of those verses again. Not just remember what Pastor said, but read them ourselves.”
Galatians 3:24 – “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
Paul is explaining that God used the Old Testament law and ceremonies to teach His people about salvation before Christ came. The word “schoolmaster” means a tutor or teacher who prepares students for the next level. Think about how the Jewish holy days prepared God’s people to recognize Jesus when He came.
Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
This verse captures Jesus’ entire mission in one sentence. Notice both parts: “seek” and “save.” Jesus didn’t just wait for people to find Him. He actively pursued them. And His goal was always salvation, not just teaching or healing.
1 Corinthians 15:20 – “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
Paul connects Jesus’ resurrection directly to the Feast of Firstfruits. Just as the firstfruits offering promised more harvest to come, Jesus’ resurrection guarantees that believers will also be resurrected. His rising was the beginning, not the end.
Romans 4:25 – “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
This verse shows both sides of what Jesus accomplished. He “was delivered” – meaning His death paid for our sins. But He “was raised” – meaning God accepted that payment. The resurrection proves our justification is complete.
1 Corinthians 5:7 – “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
Paul directly connects Jesus to the Passover lamb. Just as the original Passover lamb died so the firstborn could live, Jesus died so we could live. The blood applied to the doorposts protected from death; Jesus’ blood applied to our lives protects from spiritual death.
Tuesday: John & Jane Get Intentional About Scripture
John and Jane Christian were getting ready for work Tuesday morning when Jane brought up something that had been on her mind. “I’ve been thinking about our conversation last night,” she said, putting on her shoes. “About not wanting to lose that Easter feeling.”
“Yeah, what about it?” John asked, looking for his keys. “Well, I have an idea,” Jane said. “What if we found some verses that specifically talk about remembering what God has done? And then read one each day for the next ninety days.” John stopped looking and turned to her. “That’s actually a really good idea. Ninety days would take us through the summer. By then it might become more of a habit.”
“Exactly,” Jane said. “Let’s see what the Bible says about remembering.”
What Scripture Says:
Psalm 77:11 says “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” The psalmist made a beautiful choice to fill his mind with God’s goodness. What an encouraging way to start each day – focusing on the wonderful things God has done! This verse shows us that we can train our hearts to find joy in remembering God’s faithfulness instead of worrying about today’s problems.
1 Chronicles 16:12 commands us to “Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.” David knew that remembering God’s works would strengthen and encourage God’s people. What a privilege we have to look back and see God’s hand in our lives! When we make this a habit, our faith grows stronger and our hearts become more grateful for all His blessings.
Deuteronomy 8:11 warns “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day.” God lovingly reminded Israel to keep Him first in their hearts when life got busy. How wonderful that God cares enough to warn us! He knows that remembering His goodness brings us joy and peace even in the midst of our hectic schedules.
Joshua 4:7 explains how Israel was to tell future generations “That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD: when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” God wanted His people to celebrate His mighty works for generations. What an honor to be part of that celebration today!
John and Jane decided to be intentional about remembering God’s works by finding verses about His faithfulness and reading one each morning for ninety days. What are your thoughts on being intentional about keeping Easter’s joy alive in your heart?
Wednesday: John Prepares To Teach The Doctrine Of The Church
Jane Christian found John at the kitchen table Wednesday evening with his Bible and a notepad. “What are you working on?” she asked, sitting down beside him.
“Trying to figure out how to teach about the church without putting everyone to sleep,” John said with a laugh. “You know how people tune out when church topics get too theoretical.”
Jane grinned. “Maybe focus on what they already experience?” She looked at his notes. “What angle are you taking?”
“I’m thinking about starting with questions they actually have,” John said. “Like, why do we feel so energized after a good church service? Or why does it feel different when we’re serving together versus just sitting and listening?” Jane nodded. “That’s smart. People know what they feel, even if they can’t explain why.”
“Exactly,” John said, flipping through his Bible. “I want them to see that there’s actually a reason the church works the way it does. Jesus designed it with purpose.”
What Scripture Says:
Matthew 16:18 records Jesus saying “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus is personally building His church with a specific design and purpose. When you understand that Jesus is the architect, you can appreciate why church life functions the way it does and find your place in His plan.
Acts 2:42 tells us “And they continued stedfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The early church had four main activities: learning, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Notice how balanced this is – they were actively engaged in multiple ways that strengthened their faith. You might find yourself drawn to one of these areas more than others, and that’s how you can contribute.
1 Corinthians 12:12 explains “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” Paul uses the body illustration to show how the church works. Every member has a function, and when everyone does their part, the whole body operates effectively. Think about what role you naturally fill when the church is working well together.
Hebrews 10:25 says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” God designed us to need each other. When we gather together, we encourage each other in ways that happen naturally through relationship and shared purpose.
Jane looked at John’s notes and smiled. “I think people are going to enjoy learning about the church”
Thursday: John & Jane Game Night With Neighbors
John and Jane Christian were playing cards Thursday evening with their neighbors Mark and Linda when Linda looked up from her hand. “John, I’m really looking forward to your Bible study on the church next week.”
“Thanks,” John said, rearranging his cards. “I think it’s going to be helpful.”
Mark dealt another round. “What’s your main focus going to be?”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking a lot about how people view their role in the church,” John said, looking at his cards. “I had lunch with Bill this week, and he told me he wishes he could do something important for God instead of just setting up chairs every Sunday.”
Linda nearly dropped her cards. “Bill said that? He’s been faithfully serving for years!”
“That’s exactly what I told him,” John said. “And it’s not just Bill. Mrs. Henderson mentioned she feels useless because she can’t teach or sing, but she’s been praying for our church for thirty years.”
Jane shook her head. “It’s so sad how people don’t realize their value.”
Mark laid down a card. “I think a lot of us feel that way sometimes. Like if you’re not up front or in leadership, you’re not really contributing.”
“That’s exactly what I want to address,” John said. “Let me show you what I’ve been studying.” He reached for his Bible on the side table.
What Scripture Says:
1 Corinthians 12:14-18 says “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” God intentionally designed the church so that different people would have different functions. You might be gifted in prayer, hospitality, or helps ministry, and those roles are just as essential as the more visible ones.
Luke 8:1-3 tells us about women who “ministered unto him of their substance.” These women supported Jesus’ ministry financially, enabling Him to focus on teaching and healing. Their giving made His ministry possible, even though we don’t know most of their names. Your behind-the-scenes contributions matter more than you realize, and God sees every act of service.
Linda smiled as John closed his Bible. “I think a lot of people need to hear that message.”
Mark nodded, dealing another hand. “Including me.”
Friday: John and Jane Discuss Team Work In The Church Mission
John and Jane Christian were walking through their neighborhood Friday evening when Jane brought up something that had been on her mind. “I’ve been thinking about your conversation with Mark and Linda last night. About people not feeling important in the church.” “What about it?” John asked, stepping around a puddle. “Well, I was reading about Paul’s missionary journeys today, and I was amazed at how many different people helped make his ministry work,” Jane said. “It wasn’t just Paul out there by himself.” John stopped walking for a moment. “You know what? That’s a perfect example for Sunday’s lesson. Paul had an entire team of people doing different things.” “Right!” Jane said, getting excited. “Like Lydia, who opened her home and probably funded a lot of his work. And Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers like Paul and gave him a place to work and live.” John smiled as they continued walking. “And don’t forget Timothy and Titus. They were like his right-hand men, but they did completely different jobs.”
What Scripture Says:
Romans 16:1-2 introduces us to “Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” Phoebe was probably the one who carried Paul’s letter to Rome, and she had helped many people including Paul himself. Her role was vital to spreading the gospel, even though she’s only mentioned briefly.
Acts 18:2-3 tells us about Aquila and Priscilla: “And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” This couple provided Paul with work, income, and a home base. Their practical support enabled his ministry to thrive.
Romans 16:3-4 says “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have laid down their own necks for my life: to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” Paul calls them “helpers” and says all the Gentile churches should thank them. Their behind-the-scenes work affected churches they never even visited.
2 Timothy 1:16-18 mentions “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” Onesiphorus encouraged Paul when others abandoned him. Sometimes the most important ministry is simply showing up when someone needs support.
John looked at Jane as they reached their front door. “Paul’s team shows us that God uses all kinds of people in all kinds of ways to accomplish His work. I want our church family to see and appreciate how valuable they are to the work of God”
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