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

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
- Matthew 28:19 KJV

After His resurrection, Jesus gathers His disciples one final time on a mountain in Galilee. These are the same men who had once doubted, feared, and even fled—but now they stand before their risen Savior. Jesus begins with a powerful declaration:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This is the foundation of the mission. The authority behind the command is absolute.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Appears to His Disciples by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: John 20:18-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
- John 20:19 KJV

After the resurrection, the disciples are hiding behind closed doors, gripped by fear and uncertainty. Everything they thought they understood had been shaken. Then suddenly, Jesus appears. No barrier can keep Him out. No fear can keep Him away. His first words are simple yet powerful: “Peace be unto you.”

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

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." - Matthew 28:6 KJV

The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest victory in all of history. After the silence of the tomb, early on the first day of the week, everything changes. The stone is rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to let the world see that the tomb is empty. Death could not hold Him. The angel’s words echo through time: “He is not here: for he is risen.”

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

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth."
- Isaiah 53:9 KJV

After the agony of the cross comes a quiet, somber moment, the burial of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected man, courageously steps forward to care for Jesus’ body. Along with Nicodemus, he wraps Him in linen with spices and lays Him in a new tomb. This act fulfills prophecy and shows that even in death, God’s plan is unfolding perfectly.

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

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5 KJV

The crucifixion is the central moment of all history—the place where love and sacrifice meet. Jesus is led to Calvary, mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross. Yet even in His suffering, His words reveal His heart: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Instead of anger, He offers forgiveness.

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

Bible Reading: John 18:33-40 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."
- John 18:37 KJV

Jesus now stands before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This is no longer a religious trial, it is a political one. Yet even here, the truth is clear: Jesus is innocent. Pilate himself declares, “I find no fault in this man.” And yet, despite recognizing the truth, Pilate gives in to the pressure of the crowd. This moment reveals a tragic exchange.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin and Peter’s Denial by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 26:62-70 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest."
- Matthew 26:70 KJV

As Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest religious court, injustice unfolds. False witnesses are brought forward, accusations are twisted, and the outcome is already decided. Through it all, Jesus remains remarkably silent. When finally asked directly if He is the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus answers truthfully, even though He knows it will lead to His condemnation. He stands firm in truth, regardless of the cost.