Highrock Church

As Jesus hangs on the cross, Roman soldiers divide his clothing, fulfilling centuries-old Scripture without realizing it. Nearby, Jesus sees his mother and the beloved disciple and lovingly entrusts them to one another's care. Knowing that his mission is complete, Jesus announces, “It is finished” — the very word that was often written on completed transactions. Jesus had truly finished the work t...

After questioning Jesus, Pilate has him flogged, and the soldiers mock him as a false king by dressing him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus suffers without protest. Though Pilate insists he can find no guilt in Jesus, he eventually relents and agrees to have Jesus crucified. In contrast, Jesus refuses to seek an escape from his awesome responsibility. Throughout th...

Why ask a question if you have no interest in the truth? Pilate, the Roman governor, does exactly that -- he asks Jesus a series of questions but ultimately dismisses any idea of truth at all. He tosses the responsibility of deciding what to do with Jesus to the crowds, but they are just as disinterested in the truth as Pilate. Everyone, it seems, wants whatever will serve themselves the best, reg...

After dinner, Judas returns with a group of guards and soldiers seeking to arrest Jesus. Rather than hide or resist, Jesus steps forward and identifies himself as the one they are seeking. Peter, in turn, reacts by attacking the servant of the high priest. Jesus rebukes Peter, reminding him that Jesus is choosing to allow the Father's plan to go forward. He will suffer for all of us and he will no...

Many of us want to do something significant for God - change a life, heal a relationship, or make a difference in the world. But what if the greatest obstacle isn't a lack of effort or ability but trying to do God's work without God's power? And if that's true, how do we access it? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals

Jesus warns his disciples of the challenges they will soon face, including people who will believe they are serving God by persecuting Jesus' disciples. In addition to this timely warning, Jesus promises that his leaving will result in something even better. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Satan is often called "the accuser", but the Spirit will be the Advocate in our corner. Jesus...

Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches, teaching that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through remaining connected to him. Jesus also teaches that the Father lovingly prunes his people so they can become more fruitful — a process that sounds like it might be painful at times. In the end, obedience to Jesus does not earn his love. Jesus already chooses t...

How do you respond to betrayal? Jesus had just finished laying out the ways his disciples would betray or abandon him in his hour of need. How might Jesus respond to the way we all break faith with him? His response here is not judgment, but grace. Jesus responds by making a way to the Father and by sending us the Holy Spirit! Rather than judgment or vengeance, Jesus offers us the lasting peace th...

During the Passover meal, Jesus becomes deeply troubled as he reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. After Judas departs, Jesus begins preparing the remaining disciples for what is about to happen. He speaks of his coming glorification through his death and gives them a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved them. Peter confidently declares that he is willing to lay down...

In a stunning act of humility, Jesus rises from the table, takes the role of a servant, and begins washing his disciples’ feet. When Peter objects, Jesus explains that this washing is necessary and points to a deeper spiritual cleansing that only he can provide. Jesus knows that he comes from the Father and is soon returning to the Father. In other words, he knows who he is and whose he is. Ground...

Some of us know how to worry far more easily than we know how to celebrate. Joy can feel vulnerable - almost dangerous - when life has taught you not to expect too much. But what if joy is actually something God wants for you? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals

After the raising of Lazarus, many people choose to trust in Jesus but others choose to report him to religious leaders. Those leaders are greatly concerned about Jesus' growing influence and fear that Rome will punish them all for the chaos surrounding Jesus. The high priest Caiaphas ends the conversation by revealing that God has told him that it would be better for "one man should die for the p...

By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha and Mary are both grieving deeply, struggling to understand why Jesus did not come sooner. Jesus comforts Martha by declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life,” calling her to trust in him. As Jesus sees the grief of those around him, he is deeply moved and weeps alongside them, revealing both his compassion and his...

When Lazarus becomes seriously ill, his sisters Mary and Martha send word to Jesus. Instead of responding with urgency, Jesus intentionally delays for two more days! Why? Even more perplexing, after waiting two extra days, Jesus informs his disciples that he is glad he was not there, because what is about to happen will strengthen their faith. Despite their fear of going back to Judea where people...

In response to his accusers, Jesus describes his followers as those who hear his voice and follow him. He then adds the powerful declaration, “The Father and I are one,” leading many to (rightfully) accuse him of claiming to be God. Jesus asks them to carefully consider his teaching and his works before rejecting his divine claims, which some do as they turn to Jesus in faith. Looking for a previo...

In this holiday replay from February 28, 2025, we hear Jesus declare that he is the good shepherd. Unlike hired hands who may run when danger arrives, Jesus is ready to lay down his life for the sheep, for us. No one compels him; Jesus chose this! As we follow Jesus's example, it is important that we also take care of ourselves. "Self-care" is a constant refrain today but self-care must have the g...

It’s possible to worship God . . . while still avoiding people we need to forgive. But what if those two things are more connected than we think? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals

After Jesus challenges whether the people know God at all, they respond by accusing Jesus of being demon-possessed. They are especially offended by Jesus' claim to know Abraham, their forefather who lived almost two thousand years before. Jesus responds, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” (v58). The crowd attempts to stone Jesus for making such a divine claim. They hear a...

As the conversation continues, Jesus explains that they do not understand who he truly is. He hints that when he is crucified, they may finally understand. Some begin to believe in him, and he promises that those who follow his teachings will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. When the people insist that they are already free because they are descendants of Abraham, Jesus reveals a...

The religious leaders expose a woman caught in adultery, hoping to trap Jesus between the demands of the law and his reputation for mercy. Instead of responding immediately, Jesus calmly exposes the hypocrisy of her accusers by saying that the one without sin should cast the first stone. One by one, they leave, and Jesus, left alone with the woman, offers both grace and truth: he does not condemn...

On the final day of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus invites anyone who is thirsty to come to him and drink. He promises that those who believe in him will experience “rivers of living water” flowing from within them, referring to the Holy Spirit who would later be given to believers. In so doing, Jesus declares that he is the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles — that the life and fe...

As opposition against Jesus grows, his brothers urge him to go publicly to the Feast of Tabernacles and play to the crowds. Jesus responds that his timing and purposes are not the same as the world's. The passage highlights the tension between worldly recognition and faithful obedience, between impatience and trust in God's timing. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Star...

Jesus miraculously and compassionately feeds a massive crowd with only five loaves and two fish. Afterwards, he walks across the waves of the Sea of Galilee. These miracles are not only a display of Jesus' power, they recall the miracles of the Exodus, when God fed the people with bread from heaven and mastered the waters to rescue them from their bondage in Egypt. In so doing, Jesus not only demo...

Why believe Jesus? In response to his accusers, Jesus lays out multiple witnesses that they should consider: John the Baptist, Jesus' teachings and miracles, and what God says in the scriptures. Ultimately, Jesus refuses to accept his accusers' judgment of him because they have no love of God in their hearts. Their hard hearts are the reasons they cannot acknowledge what all these witnesses say ab...

After healing a man who had been unable to walk for many years, Jesus tells him to pick up his mat and walk, but the miracle takes place on the Sabbath, provoking anger from the religious leaders. Did Jesus break God's Sabbath law or merely the traditions surrounding it? And if he broke the law, was that ok? When is it right for us to break God's law? Jesus claims a unique authority that comes fro...