Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Cleanses the Temple by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 21:8-13 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
- Matthew 21:13 KJV

After His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus goes straight to the temple, the very center of worship. But instead of finding reverence and prayer, He finds corruption. Merchants and money changers had turned a sacred place into a marketplace. What was meant to be a house of prayer had become a place of profit and exploitation.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 10:46-52 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."
- Mark 10:52 KJV

As Jesus leaves Jericho, surrounded by a large crowd, one voice rises above the noise, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. Though he cannot see Jesus, he recognizes who He is and cries out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” The crowd tries to silence him, but Bartimaeus refuses to be quiet. In fact, he cries out even louder. His persistence reveals a deep, desperate faith, he believes Jesus is his only hope.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Request of James and John by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 10:35-45 KJV

Key Verse:  "And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire."
- Mark 10:35 KJV

Just after Jesus speaks about His coming suffering, James and John make a bold request: they want positions of honor in His glory. Their desire reveals a misunderstanding, they are still thinking in terms of earthly status and recognition. Jesus responds with patience and truth. He asks if they are willing to share in His “cup,” a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Though they confidently say yes, they do not yet fully grasp what that means.

Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Jerusalem Council by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 15:1-10 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." - Acts 15:11 KJV

The early church had reached an important crossroads. The gospel was spreading rapidly among the Gentiles, but a disagreement arose over a fundamental question: Did Gentile believers have to follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved?Some believers insisted that circumcision and obedience to the Jewish law were necessary for salvation. The apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to consider the matter. This gathering became known as the Jerusalem Council.

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

Bible Reading: John 12:12-19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."
- John 12:13 KJV

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Crowds gathered, laying down palm branches and garments along the road, shouting praises: “Hosanna… Blessed is the King!” This moment fulfilled prophecy and publicly revealed Jesus as the promised King. Yet, the way He entered was unexpected. He did not come riding a war horse, but a humble donkey, symbolizing peace, not political conquest.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 20:16-19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death," - Matthew 20:18 KJV

As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, He began preparing His disciples for what was ahead. He spoke plainly about His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. This was not a surprise ending, it was a divine plan unfolding exactly as God intended.

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.