Laying Down the Cloak
Read:
"A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road..." Matthew 21:8
Releasing False Identity
Jesus enters Jerusalem, and people lay their cloaks before Him—an act of surrendering their outer selves, their image, their identity. Our “cloak” may be our achievements, persona, or the roles we hide behind. To follow Jesus is to lay it down.
Reflect:
What cloak am I wearing to gain approval or hide weakness?
How might God be inviting me to find identity in Him rather than in performance?
How does surrendering my "cloak" make space for God to clothe me in something better—like righteousness, peace, or purpose?
Into the Ground
Read:
“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” John 12:24
The Necessity of Surrender
The soil of surrender is often hidden, uncomfortable, and quiet. Yet it is the place where true growth begins. Jesus didn’t just teach surrender—He lived it. He allowed Himself to be buried, knowing that death would lead to resurrection and multiplication. Our surrender works the same way. As we let go of our own control, plans, and false securities, we make room for new life to spring forth—not only in us, but through us to others.
Reflect:
What part of my life feels like a "seed" that needs to be surrendered in order to grow?
What is God inviting me to let go of in order to make space for new life—both in me and through me?
What does it mean to trust God with the “buried” parts of my life, believing they will sprout in His timing?
The Shape of Love
Read:
"Take up your cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23–24
Living the Way of the Cross
True discipleship costs something. It’s not about behaviour management but about living a life shaped by the cross. It means choosing love when it's inconvenient, humility over ego, and following Jesus even when culture pulls us in another direction. Each day, we are called to die to ourselves—our pride, our comfort, our control—and follow the way of sacrifice, surrender, and radical love.
Reflect:
Where am I resisting the cross because it feels too costly, and what am I afraid of losing in the process?
What are some personal sacrifices I am being asked to make in order to follow Jesus more closely?
How can I actively choose Jesus in situations where culture or others might pull me elsewhere?
Resurrection Reality
Read:
"The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you." Romans 8:11
Living from the Spirit
Living from the Spirit means embracing the reality that resurrection power isn’t just a past event but is present in our lives. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in us, offering freedom, strength, and transformation. To live by the Spirit is to be walking in power, joy, and purpose, regardless of our circumstances. The Spirit empowers us to reflect Christ’s resurrection in our daily lives, giving us hope, peace, and an unshakable sense of God’s presence.
Reflect:
How does the reality that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in me impact how I live today?
How has the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit transformed my life, and how can I share that transformation with others?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of God’s presence in my daily routine, knowing the Spirit is with me?