"'I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.'" Matthew 26:13

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"'I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.'" Matthew 26:13
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If you want to be successful in the Christian life, you must have a mind full of God’s Word. Refresh your mind with it daily, right here. Each day, you'll receive a verse and commentary from Pastor Greg Laurie, who offers biblical insight through humor, personal stories, and cultural commentary. Start listening and hear what God has to say to you. 

If you want to be successful in the Christian life, you must have a mind full of God’s Word. Refresh your mind with it daily, right here. Each day, you'll receive a verse and commentary from <a href="https://harvest.org/about-greg-laurie/">Pastor Greg Laurie</a>, who offers biblical insight through humor, personal stories, and cultural commentary. Start listening and hear what God has to say to you.

Greg Laurie provides commentary on the day's Bible verse.

Daily Devotions From Greg Laurie

MATTHEW 26:13: I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.

The Value of a Gift | Matthew 26:13

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21 NLT)

 

I heard a story of a man who was trying to start his own religion, without much success. He went to a wise friend and said, “I’m trying to start my own religion, but no one is joining. What do you think I ought to do?”

His friend replied, “Why don’t you go get yourself crucified and rise again on the third day. I am sure you will have a lot of followers.”

Jesus’ followers were certainly energized and emboldened after His crucifixion and resurrection. But they had been prepared for their mission long before then.

For Jesus’ followers, His public ministry was a three-year training course. During their time together, Jesus gave them—and all who follow Him—a method for ministering to others. In Matthew 5 alone, He said,
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad!” (verses 11–12 NLT).
“If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also” (verse 39 NLT).
“If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too” (verse 40 NLT).
“If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles” (verse 41 NLT).
“Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (verse 44 NLT).

In other words, march to the beat of a different drummer. Boldly set yourself apart from the world, no matter what the cost. Let people see the difference the Lord has made in your life.

Jesus gave His followers a mission for ministering to others. Before He ascended to Heaven, He gave His followers marching orders: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT).

The news of Jesus’ life, teachings, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection—of the salvation and eternal life He made possible—is too good to keep to ourselves. He wants us to share it with others in ways that resonate with them. That’s our challenge—and our privilege.

Jesus gave His followers a model for ministering to others. He asks nothing of us that He didn’t do Himself. The apostle Peter emphasized the importance of following Jesus’ example in the passage above.

The apostle Paul wrote, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5–8 NLT). Humility is the key.

One of the last things Jesus did before He was arrested was wash His disciples’ feet. In the culture of the first century AD, this was a job reserved for the lowliest of servants. Jesus wanted His followers to know that when it comes to God’s work, we are servants. Pride and arrogance are obstacles that keep us from fulfilling His plan for us.

Jesus’ disciples learned these lessons well, although it doesn’t always appear that way in Scripture. Following Jesus’ example, they took His Good News to the ends of the earth.

We may not cover nearly as much distance as they did, but we, too, are equipped to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Jesus set the example for lovingly ministering to the people around us. He showed us what servanthood looks like.

 

Reflection question: What method for ministering to others will you focus on this week?

Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

&ldquo;For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.&rdquo; (1 Peter 2:21 NLT)
&nbsp;
I heard a story of a man who was trying to start his own religion, without much success. He went to a wise friend and said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m trying to start my own religion, but no one is joining. What do you think I ought to do?&rdquo;
His friend replied, &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you go get yourself crucified and rise again on the third day. I am sure you will have a lot of followers.&rdquo;
Jesus&rsquo; followers were certainly energized and emboldened after His crucifixion and resurrection. But they had been prepared for their mission long before then.
For Jesus&rsquo; followers, His public ministry was a three-year training course. During their time together, Jesus gave them&mdash;and all who follow Him&mdash;a method for ministering to others. In Matthew 5 alone, He said,
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad!&rdquo; (verses 11&ndash;12 NLT).</li>
<li>&ldquo;If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also&rdquo; (verse 39 NLT).</li>
<li>&ldquo;If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too&rdquo; (verse 40 NLT).</li>
<li>&ldquo;If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles&rdquo; (verse 41 NLT).</li>
<li>&ldquo;Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!&rdquo; (verse 44 NLT).</li>
</ul>
In other words, march to the beat of a different drummer. Boldly set yourself apart from the world, no matter what the cost. Let people see the difference the Lord has made in your life.
Jesus gave His followers a mission for ministering to others. Before He ascended to Heaven, He gave His followers marching orders: &ldquo;Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age&rdquo; (Matthew 28:19&ndash;20 NLT).
The news of Jesus&rsquo; life, teachings, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection&mdash;of the salvation and eternal life He made possible&mdash;is too good to keep to ourselves. He wants us to share it with others in ways that resonate with them. That&rsquo;s our challenge&mdash;and our privilege.
Jesus gave His followers a model for ministering to others. He asks nothing of us that He didn&rsquo;t do Himself. The apostle Peter emphasized the importance of following Jesus&rsquo; example in the passage above.
The apostle Paul wrote, &ldquo;You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal&rsquo;s death on a cross&rdquo; (Philippians 2:5&ndash;8 NLT). Humility is the key.
One of the last things Jesus did before He was arrested was wash His disciples&rsquo; feet. In the culture of the first century AD, this was a job reserved for the lowliest of servants. Jesus wanted His followers to know that when it comes to God&rsquo;s work, we are servants. Pride and arrogance are obstacles that keep us from fulfilling His plan for us.
Jesus&rsquo; disciples learned these lessons well, although it doesn&rsquo;t always appear that way in Scripture. Following Jesus&rsquo; example, they took His Good News to the ends of the earth.
We may not cover nearly as much distance as they did, but we, too, are equipped to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Jesus set the example for lovingly ministering to the people around us. He showed us what servanthood looks like.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: What method for ministering to others will you focus on this week?
<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
<a href="https://link.chtbl.com/A1PWfZ8W">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

Jesus gives His followers a method, a mission, and a model for ministering to others.

The Training We Need | 1 Peter 2:21

“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will.” (Hebrews 13:21 NLT)

 

Fear comes in many forms. Kathisophobia is the fear of sitting. Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing. Anuptaphobia is the fear of being single. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. Automatonophobia is the fear of ventriloquist dummies.

I don’t know the name of the fear Jesus’ disciples experienced following the events of Good Friday through Easter, but it was real. And it was paralyzing.

This small group of followers had an enormous task ahead of them, but they were in no condition to undertake it. In fact, they were hiding behind closed doors, scared, confused, and with no idea what their next step should be.

So before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus appeared to His disciples several times to prepare them for what lay ahead. He eased their fear. He gave them the confidence they lacked. He gave them direction and purpose. He gave them hope. And He assured them that He would be with them, wherever they went and whatever they faced. Jesus equipped His followers to carry out His work.

On one occasion, shortly after His resurrection, He miraculously appeared to a group of His disciples behind locked doors. But Thomas, one of the disciples, wasn’t part of the group. Later, when the others told him about their experience, Thomas refused to believe.

“But he replied, ‘I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side’” (John 20:25 NLT).

Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to His followers. This time Thomas was present. Jesus said to him, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” (John 20:27 NLT). He wasn’t trying to embarrass Thomas. He was equipping him for the work ahead. If Thomas needed physical proof of Jesus’ resurrection, something he could experience with his own senses, Jesus was prepared to give it.

Likewise, on the night Jesus was arrested, Peter failed Him miserably. Three times Peter had an opportunity to stand boldly with Jesus during His trial, and three times he denied even knowing Jesus.

Jesus recognized how heavily that failure weighed on Peter. He didn’t want it to hinder or distract Peter from the role he was going to play in building the church and spreading the gospel.

So Jesus restored Peter to ministry. In John 21, Jesus appeared to Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Three times He asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times Peter answered yes. And three times Jesus instructed him to feed or take care of His lambs or sheep. With that simple exchange, Jesus undid the emotional and spiritual damage Peter had caused with his denials.

Jesus equipped His disciples to change the world in His name. And He still equips His followers for service. He gives us what we need—whether it’s forgiveness, inspiration, wisdom, or courage—to strengthen our relationship with Him and encourage us to share His message with others. As the author of Hebrews wrote in the passage above: “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will” (NLT).

 

Reflection question: How has the Lord equipped you to do His will?

Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

&ldquo;May he equip you with all you need for doing his will.&rdquo; (Hebrews 13:21 NLT)
&nbsp;
Fear comes in many forms. Kathisophobia is the fear of sitting. Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing. Anuptaphobia is the fear of being single. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. Automatonophobia is the fear of ventriloquist dummies.
I don&rsquo;t know the name of the fear Jesus&rsquo; disciples experienced following the events of Good Friday through Easter, but it was real. And it was paralyzing.
This small group of followers had an enormous task ahead of them, but they were in no condition to undertake it. In fact, they were hiding behind closed doors, scared, confused, and with no idea what their next step should be.
So before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus appeared to His disciples several times to prepare them for what lay ahead. He eased their fear. He gave them the confidence they lacked. He gave them direction and purpose. He gave them hope. And He assured them that He would be with them, wherever they went and whatever they faced. Jesus equipped His followers to carry out His work.
On one occasion, shortly after His resurrection, He miraculously appeared to a group of His disciples behind locked doors. But Thomas, one of the disciples, wasn&rsquo;t part of the group. Later, when the others told him about their experience, Thomas refused to believe.
&ldquo;But he replied, &lsquo;I won&rsquo;t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side&rsquo;&rdquo; (John 20:25 NLT).
Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to His followers. This time Thomas was present. Jesus said to him, &ldquo;Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don&rsquo;t be faithless any longer. Believe!&rdquo; (John 20:27 NLT). He wasn&rsquo;t trying to embarrass Thomas. He was equipping him for the work ahead. If Thomas needed physical proof of Jesus&rsquo; resurrection, something he could experience with his own senses, Jesus was prepared to give it.
Likewise, on the night Jesus was arrested, Peter failed Him miserably. Three times Peter had an opportunity to stand boldly with Jesus during His trial, and three times he denied even knowing Jesus.
Jesus recognized how heavily that failure weighed on Peter. He didn&rsquo;t want it to hinder or distract Peter from the role he was going to play in building the church and spreading the gospel.
So Jesus restored Peter to ministry. In John 21, Jesus appeared to Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Three times He asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times Peter answered yes. And three times Jesus instructed him to feed or take care of His lambs or sheep. With that simple exchange, Jesus undid the emotional and spiritual damage Peter had caused with his denials.
Jesus equipped His disciples to change the world in His name. And He still equips His followers for service. He gives us what we need&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s forgiveness, inspiration, wisdom, or courage&mdash;to strengthen our relationship with Him and encourage us to share His message with others. As the author of Hebrews wrote in the passage above: &ldquo;May he equip you with all you need for doing his will&rdquo; (NLT).
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How has the Lord equipped you to do His will?
<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
<a href="https://link.chtbl.com/A1PWfZ8W">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

Jesus equips His followers to do His work.

Equipped to Serve | Hebrews 13:21

“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10 NLT)

 

Who is this man that we are talking about today? What sets the Christian faith apart from all other beliefs and religious systems out there in the world? It might come down to this. If you go to the tomb of Confucius, you will find that it is occupied. If you go to the tomb of Buddha, you will find that it, too, is occupied. If you go to the tomb of Muhammed, you will find that it is occupied. But if you go to the tomb of Jesus Christ, you will find that it is empty because He is alive. We serve a living Savior.

As Paul makes clear in the passage above, the resurrection we celebrate isn’t just a historical event; it also plays an important role in our daily lives. In the days to come, we’re going to look at the impact of Jesus’ resurrection on His disciples and earliest followers. Before we do that, however, let’s consider how it impacts us today. There are six practical truths we need to remember.

First, Jesus’ resurrection assures us that we’re accepted by God. Romans 4:25 says, “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God” (NLT). When you put your faith in Christ, you are made right with God. You’re forgiven for all your sins. As someone once said, God treated Jesus as if He had lived your life so that He could treat you as if you had lived Jesus’ life.

Second, Jesus’ resurrection assures us that we have the power to live the Christian life. Romans 8:11–12 says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. . . . Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do” (NLT). No sin, habit, addiction, or vice can match the power of God.

Third, Jesus’ resurrection assures us that we will live forever in Heaven. Death is no longer the end of the road; it’s just a bend in the road. First Corinthians 15:54–55 says, “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (NLT). Jesus took the sting of death. He suffered it in our place.

Fourth, Jesus’ resurrection assures us that we will receive new bodies that are like His. God will resurrect the bodies of all believers, and we will be radically upgraded versions of ourselves. Philippians 3:21 says Jesus “will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own” (NLT).

Fifth, Jesus’ resurrection assures us that we will have resurrected relationships with other believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, the apostle Paul says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died” (NLT). Death can separate us only temporarily. We will be able to pick up where we left off with loved ones who preceded us to Heaven.

Sixth, Jesus’ resurrection compels us to tell others. Jesus says in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (NLT). The Good News is this: God loves you. You are separated from Him by your sin. Christ died for your sin and rose again from the dead. If you turn from your sin and believe in Him, you can know with certainty that you will go to Heaven when you die.

Sharing that message is not only a way to obey God, but also the most loving thing you can do for another person.

 

Reflection question: How does Jesus’ resurrection impact your life?

Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

&ldquo;I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.&rdquo; (Philippians 3:10 NLT)
&nbsp;
Who is this man that we are talking about today? What sets the Christian faith apart from all other beliefs and religious systems out there in the world? It might come down to this. If you go to the tomb of Confucius, you will find that it is occupied. If you go to the tomb of Buddha, you will find that it, too, is occupied. If you go to the tomb of Muhammed, you will find that it is occupied. But if you go to the tomb of Jesus Christ, you will find that it is empty because He is alive. We serve a living Savior.
As Paul makes clear in the passage above, the resurrection we celebrate isn&rsquo;t just a historical event; it also plays an important role in our daily lives. In the days to come, we&rsquo;re going to look at the impact of Jesus&rsquo; resurrection on His disciples and earliest followers. Before we do that, however, let&rsquo;s consider how it impacts us today. There are six practical truths we need to remember.
First, Jesus&rsquo; resurrection assures us that we&rsquo;re accepted by God. Romans 4:25 says, &ldquo;He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God&rdquo; (NLT). When you put your faith in Christ, you are made right with God. You&rsquo;re forgiven for all your sins. As someone once said, God treated Jesus as if He had lived your life so that He could treat you as if you had lived Jesus&rsquo; life.
Second, Jesus&rsquo; resurrection assures us that we have the power to live the Christian life. Romans 8:11&ndash;12 says, &ldquo;The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. . . . Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do&rdquo; (NLT). No sin, habit, addiction, or vice can match the power of God.
Third, Jesus&rsquo; resurrection assures us that we will live forever in Heaven. Death is no longer the end of the road; it&rsquo;s just a bend in the road. First Corinthians 15:54&ndash;55 says, &ldquo;Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: &lsquo;Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?&rsquo;&rdquo; (NLT). Jesus took the sting of death. He suffered it in our place.
Fourth, Jesus&rsquo; resurrection assures us that we will receive new bodies that are like His. God will resurrect the bodies of all believers, and we will be radically upgraded versions of ourselves. Philippians 3:21 says Jesus &ldquo;will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own&rdquo; (NLT).
Fifth, Jesus&rsquo; resurrection assures us that we will have resurrected relationships with other believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13&ndash;14, the apostle Paul says, &ldquo;And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died&rdquo; (NLT). Death can separate us only temporarily. We will be able to pick up where we left off with loved ones who preceded us to Heaven.
Sixth, Jesus&rsquo; resurrection compels us to tell others. Jesus says in Mark 16:15, &ldquo;Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone&rdquo; (NLT). The Good News is this: God loves you. You are separated from Him by your sin. Christ died for your sin and rose again from the dead. If you turn from your sin and believe in Him, you can know with certainty that you will go to Heaven when you die.
Sharing that message is not only a way to obey God, but also the most loving thing you can do for another person.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How does Jesus&rsquo; resurrection impact your life?
<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
<a href="https://link.chtbl.com/A1PWfZ8W">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

Jesus’ resurrection impacts our daily lives.

The Value of a Gift | Matthew 26:13

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