I Take Off the Mask

Bible Verse: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.” — Psalm 23:4 (NABRE) Reflection: Life often presents us with daunting challenges—moments when darkness seems to overshadow light, and hope feels distant. The “valley of the shadow of death” isn’t just about facing mortality; it’s a metaphor for the deepest, most trying times in our lives. Illness can certainly feel like such a valley, bringing with it uncertainty, pain, and fear. Yet, in this profound verse, David expresses an unwavering trust in God’s presence. The imagery of the “rod” and “staff” represents guidance and protection. Shepherds used these tools to lead and defend their sheep, ensuring their safety amidst dangers. Similarly, God promises His guidance and protection, especially when the path seems perilous. When sickness casts its shadow, remember that you...

In Luke 13:31-35, we encounter a poignant moment where Jesus expresses His sorrow over Jerusalem. This passage reveals Jesus’ deep compassion and sadness for the city that has repeatedly rejected God’s messengers. It also offers profound insights into the nature of divine love and the consequences of rejecting God’s call. Scripture Reading: “On that very day, some Pharisees came, saying to him, ‘Get out, and go away from here, for Herod wants to kill you!’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my work. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it can’t be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.”’ ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell y...

In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus addresses the urgency of entering the Kingdom of God through the narrow door. This passage contains a powerful message about salvation, the effort required to enter God’s Kingdom, and the inclusivity of God’s grace. It invites us to reflect on our response to Jesus’ call and the nature of our commitment to follow Him. Scripture Reading: “He went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and traveling on to Jerusalem. One said to him, ‘Lord, are they few who are saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. Once the master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us,” then he will answer and say to you, “I don’t know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” He will say, “I tell you, I don’t know...

In Luke 13:18-21, Jesus shares two short parables that illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God. These parables—the mustard seed and the leaven—reveal profound truths about how God’s Kingdom grows and influences our lives. As we delve into these parables, we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of God’s work in our world and in our hearts. Scripture Reading: “He said, ‘What is the Kingdom of God like? To what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky came and lodged in its branches.’ Again he said, ‘To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.’” — Luke 13:18-21 (WEBBE) Reflection: Jesus uses the parable of the mustard seed to illustrate the seemingly small and insignificant beginnings of the Kingdom of God, which can grow into something remarkably l...

In Luke 6:12-19, we see Jesus choosing His twelve apostles and engaging in a powerful ministry of healing and teaching. This passage highlights the importance of selecting faithful leaders and ministering to the needs of the people. It invites us to reflect on the qualities of effective leadership and the nature of Jesus’ ministry. Scripture Reading: “It happened in those days, that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he also named Peter; and his brother Andrew; and James; and John; and Philip; and Bartholomew; and Matthew; and Thomas; and James the son of Alphaeus; and Simon who was called the Zealot; and Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor. He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the se...

In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter the compelling story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who receives healing from Jesus through his persistent faith and determination. This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of faith, the power of persistence in prayer, and the willingness to respond to Jesus’ call in our own lives. Scripture Reading: “They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, ‘Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out the more a great deal, ‘You son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still, and said, ‘Call him.’ They called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!’ He, throwing away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus answered him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blin...

In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus addresses the need for repentance and the importance of bearing fruit in our lives. He uses the incidents of recent tragedies and a parable about a barren fig tree to teach about repentance and the urgency of living a fruitful, God-honoring life. This passage invites us to reflect on our spiritual condition and the necessity of true repentance and productive living. Scripture Reading: “Now there were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way...

In Luke 12:54-59, Jesus uses the analogy of weather forecasting to emphasize the importance of discerning the spiritual climate of our times. He challenges His listeners to recognize the signs of the times and to make peace with their adversaries before it’s too late. This passage calls us to be spiritually perceptive and proactive in addressing our relationship with God and others. Scripture Reading: “He said to the multitudes also, ‘When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, “A shower is coming,” and so it happens. When a south wind blows, you say, “There will be a scorching heat,” and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don’t know how to interpret this time? Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? For example, when you go with your accuser before the magistrate, while you are on the way, give diligence that you may be delivered from him; lest perhaps he drag you to t...

In Luke 12:49-53, Jesus speaks about the divisive impact of His message, revealing that His coming will bring not just peace, but also division. This passage challenges us to understand the cost of discipleship and the transformative power of Christ’s message. It invites us to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus in a world where His teachings can lead to division and conflict. Scripture Reading: “I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. For from now on, there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” — Luke 12:49-53 (WEBBE) Refle...

In Luke 12:39-48, Jesus teaches about the importance of faithfulness and readiness in the absence of the master. He uses the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servant to illustrate how we should live while awaiting His return. This passage challenges us to examine our role as stewards of the responsibilities and resources entrusted to us, emphasizing the need for vigilance and integrity in our daily lives. Scripture Reading: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect.” Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?” The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. Truly I...

In Luke 12:35-38, Jesus instructs His followers to be vigilant and prepared for His return. He uses the imagery of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast to illustrate the importance of being ready for His coming. This passage calls us to maintain spiritual alertness and readiness, living with anticipation for Christ’s return and the fulfillment of His promises. This devotional explores how we can stay spiritually alert and prepared for Christ’s return. Scripture Reading: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning. Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the wedding feast, that he may get in and find them watching. Blessed are those servants whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will dress himself and make them recline, and will come and serve them. They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what...

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells a parable about a wealthy man whose abundance leads him to focus solely on his own comfort and security. This parable warns against the perils of greed and the false sense of security that material wealth can provide. Jesus emphasizes the importance of being rich toward God rather than relying on earthly possessions. This devotional explores how we can guard against greed and prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. Scripture Reading: “One of the multitude said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’ He said to them, ‘Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.’ He spoke a parable to them, saying, ‘The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. He reasoned within himself, saying, “What shall I do, because I have no room to store my crops?” He said, “Thi...

In Mark 10:35-45, James and John request to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in His glory, reflecting their desire for positions of power. Jesus uses this moment to redefine greatness, teaching that true greatness in His Kingdom comes through service and sacrifice. This passage challenges our worldly views of power and invites us to embrace a life of humble service. This devotional explores how we can pursue true greatness by serving others as Jesus did. Scripture Reading: “James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him, saying, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we shall ask.’ He said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Grant to us that we may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You shall ind...

In Luke 12:8-12, Jesus encourages His followers to boldly confess their faith in Him and reassures them of the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding them through challenging situations. This passage highlights the importance of standing firm in our confession of Christ and trusting in the Spirit’s help when we face trials and opposition. This devotional explores how we can live out our faith with courage and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Scripture Reading: “I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God. But he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in tha...

In Luke 10:1-9, Jesus appoints and sends out seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for His ministry. He instructs them to go out with a message of peace and healing, and to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter. This passage highlights the importance of spreading the message of the Kingdom of God and provides valuable lessons for our own mission as followers of Christ. This devotional explores how we can embrace our call to share God’s Kingdom with others. Scripture Reading: “Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy-two others, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place where he himself was about to come. Then he said to them, ‘The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest would send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way. Into whatever house you enter, first s...

In Luke 11:47-54, Jesus pronounces woes against the lawyers and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their role in perpetuating injustice. He criticizes them for building monuments to the prophets while ignoring their messages and perpetuating the injustices that the prophets condemned. This passage challenges us to confront our own potential for hypocrisy and to pursue genuine righteousness and justice in our walk with God. Scripture Reading: “Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. So you bear witness and consent to the works of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tel...

In Luke 11:42-46, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their superficial adherence to religious laws while neglecting justice, love, and the weightier matters of righteousness. This passage challenges us to move beyond ritualistic practices and legalism to embrace a deeper, more genuine expression of faith that reflects God’s true values. This devotional explores the essence of true righteousness and encourages us to live out our faith authentically. Scripture Reading: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and love for God. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. But woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like concealed graves, and the men who walk over them are not aware of it.” — Luke 11:42-46 (WEBBE) Reflection: In this passage, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their focus on minor aspects of the law while ...

In Luke 11:37-41, Jesus addresses the issue of outward appearances versus inward purity, criticizing the Pharisees for their focus on external rituals while neglecting true spiritual cleanliness. This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of true purity and the importance of generosity and inner transformation. This devotional explores how we can align our lives with Jesus’ teachings on purity and generosity. Scripture Reading: “Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. He went in, and sat at the table. When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed before dinner. The Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. You foolish ones, didn’t he who made the outside make the inside also? But give for gifts to the poor those things which are within, and behold, everything will be clean to you.’” — Luke 11:37-41 (WEBBE) Reflection: In this passage,...

In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus addresses the crowd’s demand for a sign to validate His message. He refers to the sign of Jonah and the Queen of Sheba as examples of how those who repent and seek truth are more blessed than those who demand miraculous proofs. This passage challenges us to recognize and respond to the profound truth in Jesus’ message without seeking additional signs. This devotional explores the significance of these references and encourages us to embrace the message of Jesus fully. Scripture Reading: “When the crowds were gathering, he began to say, ‘This is an evil generation. It seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. For even as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will also the Son of Man be to this generation. The queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them, for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, a greater than So...

In Mark 10:17-30, Jesus encounters a wealthy young man who seeks eternal life but struggles with the cost of true discipleship. This passage reveals the challenges of wealth and the sacrifices required to follow Jesus fully. It also promises that those who give up everything for His sake will receive far greater rewards. This devotional explores the implications of Jesus’ teaching on wealth and discipleship, urging us to evaluate our own commitment to following Him. Scripture Reading: “As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Don’t murder, Don’t commit adultery, Don’t steal, Don’t give false testimony, Don’t defraud, Honor your father and mother.’’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One t...

In Luke 11:27-28, a woman in the crowd exclaims a blessing upon Jesus’ mother, but Jesus redirects the focus to a deeper truth about true blessedness. This passage emphasizes the importance of not only hearing God’s Word but also obeying it. This devotional explores what it means to be truly blessed through obedience and how we can align our lives with God’s commands. Scripture Reading: “It happened, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the crowd lifted up her voice, and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!’ But he said, ‘On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.’” — Luke 11:27-28 (WEBBE) Reflection: In this passage, a woman praises Jesus’ mother, Mary, for her role in bearing and nurturing Jesus. While her praise is heartfelt, Jesus redirects the conversation to a more profound understanding of blessedness. He emphasizes that true blessing comes not from physical lineage or mere association but ...