04/20/2025 Any Last Words
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Unconditional Forgiveness
Devotional
In our most painful moments, forgiveness often seems impossible. Yet on the cross, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of unconditional forgiveness. While experiencing excruciating pain and public humiliation, His response wasn't anger or resentment - it was a prayer for those causing His suffering. This radical act of forgiveness challenges our natural inclinations and reveals God's heart for humanity. When someone wrongs us, our first reaction is usually to seek justice or revenge. But Jesus shows us a different way. Even in His darkest hour, He chose love over hatred, mercy over judgment. This kind of forgiveness isn't just a one-time action; it's a reflection of God's character and His desire for how we should live. His example reminds us that true forgiveness isn't dependent on whether the other person deserves it or even understands what they've done wrong.
Bible Verse
"When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left." - Luke 23:32
Reflection Question
Think about a time when someone hurt you deeply. How does Jesus's example of forgiveness on the cross challenge your approach to forgiving others?
Quote
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. As people are walking by them, as people are hurling insults at them, as people are crucifying him, as people are getting ready to stab him, as people are getting ready, as they're. As they are whipping him with a cat of nine tails, as they are doing all of this. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Prayer
Lord, give me the strength to forgive as You forgave. Help me release any bitterness I'm holding onto and replace it with Your supernatural love. Transform my heart to reflect Your grace, even in difficult situations. Amen.
Day 2: Grace Beyond Works
Devotional
Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking we need to earn God's love or work our way to heaven. We create checklists of good deeds and religious activities, hoping they'll make us worthy of salvation. But Jesus's interaction with the criminal on the cross shatters this misconception. In that moment, Jesus offered paradise to someone who had nothing to offer in return - no time to perform good works, no opportunity to attend church, no chance to prove himself worthy. This powerful exchange demonstrates that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for good behavior. It reminds us that no matter where we are in life or what we've done, Jesus's offer of salvation is available to us right now.
Bible Verse
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reflection Question
What religious 'requirements' have you been trying to fulfill to earn God's love? How does the thief's story challenge these beliefs?
Quote
Today you will be with me in paradise. This is perhaps the most anti religious statement and the anti universalist moment of a Good Friday or any of those things. Here Jesus Rejects good works or any other requirement to get into heaven.
Prayer
Father, thank You that Your salvation is a gift of grace, not something I have to earn. Help me rest in Your unconditional love and share this amazing truth with others. Amen.
Day 3: Perfect Love for Imperfect People
Devotional
We often hide our imperfections, trying to present a polished version of ourselves to the world and even to God. But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus didn't die for perfect people - He died for real, messy, broken people like us. His sacrifice wasn't contingent on our having everything together. In fact, it was precisely because we couldn't get everything together that He chose to die for us. This truth liberates us from the exhausting pursuit of perfection and allows us to come to God just as we are. When we acknowledge our brokenness, we create space for His perfect love to transform us.
Bible Verse
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been trying to appear perfect instead of allowing God to work through your weaknesses?
Quote
Nobody in here is perfect. Nobody in here has got it all together. Nobody in here has got it all figured out. We are all broken, we are all hurting, and we all need a savior.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for loving me in my imperfection. Help me to be honest about my struggles and to rest in Your perfect love. Use my weaknesses to display Your strength. Amen.
Day 4: The Power of Surrender
Devotional
In our culture, surrender often equals weakness. We're taught to fight, to maintain control, to never give up. Yet Jesus showed us that true strength can be found in surrender to God's will. Even in His final moments, Jesus demonstrated complete submission to His Father's plan. This wasn't weakness - it was the ultimate display of strength and purpose. His surrender opened the way for humanity's salvation. When we surrender our plans, our control, and our ways to God, we're not showing weakness. Instead, we're positioning ourselves to experience His power working through us in ways we never could have imagined.
Bible Verse
"Into your hands I commit my spirit." - Luke 23:46
Reflection Question
What areas of your life are you still trying to control instead of surrendering to God's plan?
Quote
Jesus does not die in weakness. He died as he lived. He died in complete service in submission to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to surrender everything to You. Help me trust that Your plans are better than mine and that true strength comes through submission to Your will. Amen.
Day 5: It Is Finished
Devotional
There's something powerful about completion - about being able to say "It is finished." Jesus's final words on the cross weren't just about His life ending; they were a declaration of mission accomplished. He had fulfilled every prophecy, met every requirement, and paid the full price for our salvation. Nothing more needed to be done. Nothing more could be added. The work was complete. This truth has profound implications for us today. We don't need to strive to earn what Jesus has already freely given. We don't need to wonder if His sacrifice was enough. The debt has been paid, the victory won, and salvation secured for all who believe.
Bible Verse
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - Psalm 69:1
Reflection Question
How does knowing that Jesus's work is completely finished change the way you view your relationship with God?
Quote
It is finished because I have delivered. I have done everything that you have asked, and I have delivered. I have delivered their salvation. I have delivered forgiveness. I have delivered restoration.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for completing the work of salvation. Help me live in the freedom of knowing that Your sacrifice was enough. Let me rest in Your finished work today. Amen.