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This week’s FDG is taken from Sinclair Ferguson’s book, To Seek and To Save: Daily Reflections on the Road to the Cross. It begins with Luke 9:51 where it states that Jesus began focusing His attention on His impending crucifixion. Ferguson then focuses on encounters Jesus had as he journeyed toward the cross. This week’s devotional guide features three of those encounters.
Day 1
Scripture: Luke 20:46-21:4
Discussion: “The real issue isn’t ultimately about money, is it? It’s about the heart. But too often our money sticks to our heart. It’s wonderful that Jesus noticed this widow. If anything, it’s even more wonderful that he saw someone give everything she had to the Lord…In that respect, in her own small way, this dear widow was Jesus-like. Reflect: When you became a disciple of Jesus, you gave him all you are and have. But have you gradually been taking it back? What difference does it make to remember that Jesus gave everything he had for you?” (p. 99, “The Poor Widow”)
Song: “I Give You My Heart” by Reuben Morgan
Day 2
Scripture: Luke 22:31-38
Discussion: “It is surely one of the mysteries of God’s providence in Peter’s life—and also in our own lives—that without minimising his failure, God seemed to build it into the way he was preparing him to be an under-shepherd of his frail and sometimes straying flock. Our God is able to make all things work together for good for those who love him. So whatever we’ve done in the past, our lives need not be fruitless. Failure is never final when Jesus prays for us. Reflect: We are not preserved in the Christian life by our own courage, strength or wisdom, but only by the intercession of Jesus, without which none of us would be able to stand. How does that truth encourage or challenge you?” (p. 110, “The Self-Deceiving Apostle”)
Song: “Change My Heart, Oh God” by Eddie Espinosa
Day 3
Scripture: Luke 22:47-53, 63-65
Discussion: “Among them is the promise of Moses: ‘The Lord said to me…“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him”’ (Deuteronomy 18:17-18)… Jesus stands before them, the Divine Seer, whom they blindfold. He is the one on whose lips are God’s words, yet they slap him on the mouth. He is the prophet promised by Moses. But they are too blind to recognise him. Reflect: These events are simply another violent episode in human history—unless we understand what God was doing in them: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Re-read these verses in Luke, pausing periodically to remember that it was all for your sake.” (pp. 115-116, “The Temple Soldiers”)
Song: “Hallelujah! What a Savior (Man of Sorrows)” by Philip P. Bliss
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