Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Rich Young Ruler by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 10:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."
- Mark 10:21 KJV

The rich young ruler comes to Jesus with what seems like the perfect question: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He is sincere, respectful, and morally upright. By outward standards, he appears to have everything together. Yet Jesus sees deeper.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Teaches on Humility by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
- Matthew 18:4 KJV

Even after witnessing Jesus’ miracles and hearing His teaching, the disciples struggled with a very human question: “Who is the greatest?” Instead of correcting them with harsh words, Jesus gives a powerful illustration. He brings a little child into their midst. In that culture, children had no status, no power, and no influence. Yet Jesus points to this child and says that greatness in God’s kingdom looks like this.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 9:17-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."
- Mark 9:23 KJV

Coming down from the mount of Transfiguration, Jesus enters a scene of chaos, a distressed father, suffering child, confused disciples, and a watching crowd. The disciples had tried to cast out the demon, but failed. The father’s plea is raw and honest: “If thou canst do any thing… help us.” Jesus gently turns the focus back to faith: “If thou canst believe…”

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Transfiguration by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
- Matthew 17:5 KJV

The Transfiguration is a moment where heaven touches earth, and the true glory of Jesus is revealed. Up on a mountain, away from the crowds, Peter, James, and John witness something extraordinary, Jesus transformed before their eyes, His face shining like the sun and His clothing radiant with light.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Peter’s Confession of Christ by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:13-17 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
- Matthew 16:16 KJV

At Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by a culture filled with false gods and competing beliefs, Jesus asked a deeply personal question: “Whom say ye that I am?” The disciples shared what others were saying, John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets. These answers showed respect for Jesus, but they fell short of the truth.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Walks on Water by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 14:24-33 KJV

Key Verse:  "And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus."
- Matthew 14:29 KJV

In the darkness of night, with waves crashing and the wind against them, the disciples found themselves struggling once again at sea. Then, in the most unexpected way, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. At first, they were afraid. Sometimes God’s presence doesn’t come in the way we expect, and fear can cloud our understanding. But Jesus immediately reassures them: “It is I; be not afraid.”

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: John 6:5-12 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would."
- John 6:11 KJV

In a remote place with thousands gathered, the disciples saw a problem, not enough food. Jesus saw an opportunity, a chance to reveal God’s provision. When Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat,” the disciples immediately focused on what they lacked. Five loaves and two fishes seemed insignificant compared to the need. Andrew even asked, “What are they among so many?”