Locations
"Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." – John 12:24-25
Jesus is placed in the tomb. By earthly standards, His life seems over. His followers are scattered, and the crowds leave in sorrow, filled with regret (Luke 23:48). By all appearances, hope is lost.
But we know Sunday is coming.
Yet what happens between the sorrow of the cross and the joy of resurrection? If we’re not careful, we might mistake this in-between time as one of inactivity when, in reality, it is a time of cultivation.
Cultivation begins in darkness. Beneath the soil, unseen, a seed undergoes transformation—nutrients ignite, germination begins, and new life takes root. Without this hidden work, the plant will not flourish.
What unseen work needs to take place in your heart? As we prepare for Easter morning, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to search the depths of our souls. Ask Him to reveal what needs to be surrendered, refined, and transformed so that true resurrection life can take root in you.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting.” - Psalm 139:23-24
Personal Reflection
What areas of your life feel like they are in a season of waiting or hidden transformation? How might God be cultivating something new beneath the surface?
Family Reflection
Kids: Jesus had to die and be buried before He could rise again. What is sin and why does God take it so seriously? What does it mean that Jesus gives us “new life”?
Students: How would you explain what happened on the cross to one of your friends? Why did Jesus need to die and what did it accomplish for us?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, as I reflect on the power of the cross and the hope of the resurrection, I invite You to search my heart. Reveal the areas in my life that need to die, so that new life can take root. Show me what needs to be surrendered, refined, and transformed, so that I can bear much fruit for Your kingdom. Help me to embrace the unseen work You are doing in me, even in the darkness, knowing that Your transformation is preparing me for the fullness of resurrection life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Be sure to come back to this page for tomorrow's devotional.
