THE DAILY

Children of the Resurrection, by Cara [Luke 20:27-47]

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question.28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand

43 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’

44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

The Sadducees were known to attempt tricking or thwarting Jesus with questions about the Law. This hypothetical scenario they create comes from Deuteronomy 25:5. The intention was to provide for widows, and family obligation in this case was strong. The word “levir” in Latin means brother-in-law, so a “Levirate” Marriage was when the brother-in-law took on the responsibility of caring for his late brother’s wife. Jesus, instead of falling into the Saducee’s trap, teaches on the coming age. He says a believer cannot spiritually die, and marriage is neither permanent or eternal. Instead, our most important relationship is becoming sons and daughters of the resurrection (v36). 

In verse 40 the Sadducees “no longer dared to ask him questions.” Jesus was so clever and thoughtful in how he responded to and rebuked manipulative questions that they just gave up! Finally, at the end of chapter 20, Jesus gives a warning against the scribes. In general this passage teaches us to be on guard against false doctrine and teachers. Let us simply follow Christ and His Word! 

- Cara Fowler

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Read Deuteronomy 25:5. How does it help you understand the Sadducees’ questions and Jesus’ answer? 

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Are you tempted to worship the Law rather than Jesus? What are ways that you see yourself in the Sadducees? 

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step?(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

The Widow’s Offering, by Jacob (Luke 21:1-19)

1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

This passage has two accounts- one in which Jesus responds to the actions of a widow, and one in which Jesus responds to the comments of his disciples. He conveys his message differently, but the meaning is the same. The things of this world are ultimately worthless, but God’s kingdom is eternal and invaluable.

-Jacob Garrett

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ How does the widow demonstrate that her relationship with God is her highest priority?

+ How does Jesus encourage his disciples to take the same perspective?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there something in my life I struggle to give to God?

+ How can I remind myself regularly that this life is just a tiny fraction of my time with God?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

+ Do I know anyone caught up in something that will one day be worthless? Pray that God gives you the opportunity to grow their perspective, and the right words to deliver the truth in love.

+ Seek out time with mentors who can help you broaden your eternal perspective as well, or pray that you might become close with someone who will lovingly help us grow in that way.

The Coming of the Son of Man, by Brandon [Luke 21:20-38]

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

When we read Luke 21:20-38, we encounter a vivid picture of chaos, uncertainty, and ultimately, divine hope. Jesus speaks clearly about the destruction of Jerusalem, describing a time when armies encircled the city, signaling devastation and distress (Luke 21:20-24). He then transitions seamlessly from this historical event to a cosmic reality—the coming of the Son of Man in power and glory (Luke 21:25-28).

It's easy to get lost in the imagery of roaring seas, trembling heavens, and celestial signs. Yet, beneath this vivid tapestry lies a profound lesson on preparedness and perspective. Jesus isn't merely forecasting future events; He's inviting us into a posture—a way of living marked by watchfulness and prayerful expectancy.

Did your parents ever force you to clean every square inch of the house before having company over? Even the place you knew they wouldn’t go? It made no sense. 

But that’s kind of what Jesus is talking about here. It’s having this heart posture of “Hey, Jesus could come any minute, we should be prepared.” Like having your house clean because you never know when Company might show up. 

- Brandon Beylo

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ We should live in an eternal posture of prayerful waiting for Jesus’s return because we never know when it will be. 

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ How can we improve our Heart Posture and wait more on the Lord each day?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

The Lord's Supper, by Zach  [Luke 22: 1-23]

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.

2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Judas to Betray Jesus

3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.

4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.

5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.

6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

The Passover with the Disciples

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.”

9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?”

10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters

11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’

12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.”

13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.

15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

16 For I tell you I will not eat itfn until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves.

18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.fn

21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.

22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”

23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

 Today we see the start of one of the oldest and most important traditions of the Church, the Lord’s Supper. It has been done by every Christian since this time and it connects all of us together. For the apostles it was the last meal they would have with Jesus before his death and resurrection. For us it is a moment that connects us to all other Christians past, present, and future, and a time to reflect on the most momentous occasion in history; the life death, and resurrection of Jesus. Taking part in communion (or the Eucharist) means being a part of that moment. 

— Zach Sarver

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ What is the significance of this happening during Passover?

+ Why is the Lord’s Supper so important to the Church? 

+ Bonus: How are the different ways Christians have celebrated the Lord's Supper over the past 2000 years?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel? (write in your journal or discuss your group break-outs)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ When I take communion am I going through the motions or reflecting deeply on the meaning and moment it connects us to?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step? (e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

Final Teachings to the Disciples, by Chris [Luke 24:24-46]

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,[d] that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter[e] said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus[f] said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.[g] 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Soon, Jesus will be taken away from the 11 remaining faithful disciples.  You can feel the tension in the air as Jesus uses the last few minutes as their rabbi to teach them.  These valuable lessons will help them brave the events that would very soon take place and will stay with them for the rest of their lives as they become teachers to other Jesus followers.

 -Chris Adomanis

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that I/we learn? (Write in your journal or discuss in your group breakouts)

+ Why did the disciples have such an issue with the “who’s the greatest” topic (see Matthew 18:1, 20:20-26, Mark 9:33-34 and Luke 9:46)?  How did He answer?  Read John 13:3-5 for a possible real-life parable He showed them.

+ Why do you think Jesus told Peter in advance that He was going to deny Him?  Read Hebrews 7:25 and Revelation 12:10. Have you ever had a situation where you felt Jesus stood in the gap and prayed for you?  Discuss within your Community.

+ Why were the instructions different when he sent the disciples out originally (verse 35) to the ones He gives them this night (verses 36-38)?  Are we as followers today supposed to follow the first or the second set of instructions, or maybe a little of both?

+ What does the cup represent in verse 42?  Read Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17 and Jeremiah 25:15.  What temptation did Jesus mean in verses 39 and 46?  Notice the word is singular, not plural.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to a personal step of action/obedience fueled by the gospel?  (Write in your journal or discuss in your group breakouts)   

+ How often are we found “sleeping” when Jesus has called us to be in prayer for the needs of others and for the furtherance of the Gospel?  Make a plan today to increase your current output of time in prayer to our Heavenly Father.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus and what is my next step?  (For example, your family around the dinner table, co-worker or neighbor; for help, join Go! www.estuarygo.org)

+ Who in your circles of influence needs to hear about Jesus, our High Priest?

Hebrews 7:25-27 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost[b] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.