Read: John 18:38b-19:16, Ephesians 6:10-20
As you review today’s passage, what do you see as the spiritual battles taking place? Be specific.
In what way is everything today a spiritual battle for Christians? How would this specifically relate to politics?
Why is it important for Christians to understand when it comes to fighting the battle? How does this help you?
Read: John 19:12-16, 14:6, 8:44-45
In what way did the Pharisees’ approach to politics present a stark contrast to who Jesus is? (i.e., lies vs. truth)
Given that Satan is the father of lies, what does this reveal about the spiritual darkness in today’s politics?
Why is this important for Christians to recognize? How does this help adjust your priorities and trust in politics?
Read: John 19:12-15, Matthew 23:1-36
In what way did the Pharisees pull political rank on Pilate by saying “we have no king but Caesar”?
Given the Pharisees despised Rome and its leaders, why did they lie about their allegiance? Did it work?
How was this common practice for the Pharisees? How did Jesus confront it? Why should this matter to Christians?
Read: John 19:6-11, 18:38, 1:1, 14
In what way did the Pharisees use a power play on Pilate? How did he respond? What was at stake for Pilate?
How did Pilate try to leverage Jesus? How did Jesus respond? What does this highlight about Jesus and politics?
Given the landscape of today’s American politics, how should you monitor where you put your hope? Be specific.
Read: Luke 23:6-11, John 19:1-5
Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod? How was this another political move by Pilate? What happened?
In what way did Pilate also try to appease the Pharisees? (John 19:1) Why didn’t it work? Be specific.
What does this highlight about power and succeeding in politics? How does this relate to politics today?
Read: John 18:38b-40, Mark 15:6-13
Why did Pilate offer to release Jesus in exchange for Barabbas? In what way was this a political move?
What was the result? Why? How did this display a power struggle between Pilate and the Pharisees?
Describe how this same dynamic takes place in politics today. Give an example. What does this teach you?
Read: John 18:29-38, Romans 13:1-7
List three things that Romans 13:7 describes Christians should do when it comes to politics and politicians.
How do you see this playing out in today’s American politics? Why? What does this highlight about conflation?
What challenges you most about Paul’s perspective on politics? Be specific. Take time to pray about it now.
Read: John 18:37, 3:1-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 3:4-7
When someone truly becomes a Christian, what will spiritually take place? (i.e., Titus 3:5)
Why is this required to truly follow Jesus? (i.e., sinful nature) What will take place if this doesn’t happen?
In what way is this a different process than American politics? How does this adjust your Gospel priorities?
Read: John 18:37, 10:22-28, 15:15
What was Jesus describing when He referred to His followers (Christians) as being “of the truth”?
How does this also relate to sheep and their shepherd? (i.e., a personal relationship) Be specific.
How was this a very different approach to following God at the time? How can this happen in politics today?
Read: John 18:32-36, Luke 23:2-3, John 3:16, 14:6, 1 Corinthians 15:19
In what way did Jesus prevent a political discussion with Pilate? (i.e., spiritual king) Why?
What does this highlight about the role of the church and Christians in American politics today?
What can happen if this isn’t properly understood? (i.e., The Gospel vs. voting) How does this adjust your priorities?
Read: John 18:32-36, 6:1-15, 12:9-19, Matthew 22:21
In what way did the crowds, Pilate, and Jewish leaders view Jesus through a political lens? Be specific.
How did Jesus respond to this? Why? What would have happened if Jesus would have allowed the conflation?
How can this happen to Christians in today’s political world? How do you need to be more careful?
Read: John 18:29-32, 12:27-33, Acts 7:54-60
Why did the Jews bring Jesus to Pilate to execute Him? What does Acts 7:58 highlight about their true motive?
In what way did Pilate try to deflect? Why? How was all of this essentially a political game of leverage?
Given Jesus was ultimately in control, how does this encourage you about today’s political landscape? Be specific.
Read: Philippians 4:8-9, John 14:27
In what way did Jesus offer peace to the Disciples and at the same time hold them accountable for peace?
What does this highlight about how moms can experience the peace of God today? How will triggers relate?
List two areas of your thought life you need to do a better job of managing in order to experience God’s peace.
Read: Philippians 4:8-9, Romans 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:19
List the sample topics Paul encourages Christians to “think about”. Which ones stand out to you?
As you consider the wisdom of the world and compare it to God’s wisdom, how does it differ? Be specific.
Why is this important to recognize when it comes to an “attitude adjustment”? How does this adjust you?
Read: Philippians 4:8-9, 2 Corinthians 10:5
What proactive steps does Paul tell the Philippians to take when it comes to preventing worry or anxiety?
Why do you think this is especially helpful for moms? Why is this important for every Christian to “practice”?
As you consider your current thought life, what specific steps will you take to be more protective?
Read: Philippians 4:4-7, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
In what way did Paul demonstrate the truth of Philippians 4:4-7 when it came to his “thorn”?
Explain how God provided an attitude adjustment to Paul. What was the result? Be specific.
What does this also highlight about being specific with God in prayer? How can you apply this to being a mom?
Read: Philippians 4:4-7, Matthew 6:25-33
In what way does the Apostle Paul teach the same principle as Jesus? How is the result the same? Be specific.
How would you rate your current level of anxiety on a scale of 1-5? (5 being high anxiety) Why?
How will stepping into today’s devotion help? Why is “with thanksgiving” important? Take time to pray right now.
Read: Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Peter 5:7
Given the Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians, what does his instruction highlight?
What is promised when you turn your cares into prayers? How does “surpasses all understanding” relate?
In what way do you typically respond when you get worried or anxious? How can today’s truth help?
Read: Psalm 1
Catch up day! Just read Psalm 1 and work on any unfinished questions from this week!
Read: Proverbs 11:25, 16:20
How has your generosity toward others led to your prosperity? Where can you be generous this next week?
Where do you need to listen to (or seek out) advice and instruction for your life? What’s keeping you from getting the feedback you need to prosper?
Read: Psalm 1
Which particular verse or phrase in Psalm 1 resonates most deeply with you on a personal level, and why does it hold such significance for you?
How do your current friendships and associations impact your spiritual life positively and negatively?
Read: John 18:28, Matthew 23:13-39
Why did the religious leaders not want to enter the governor’s headquarters? What does this reveal about their hearts?
In what way was this just more of the same for the religious leaders? (c.f., Matthew 23:13-39)
What does this reveal about hypocrisy and manipulation? What is God teaching you about yourself? Be specific.
Read: John 18:28
In what way did the religious leaders reveal their hypocrisy when convicting Jesus? (i.e., celebrating Passover)
What does this highlight about manipulative people? Why is this important to recognize or even anticipate?
How can seeing hypocrisy in others tempt you to engage? How does God want you to adjust today?
Read: John 18:22-24, Galatians 5:22-23
Why did the solider hit Jesus? Given we can assume Jesus wasn’t rude to Annas, what was the soldier trying to do?
How did Jesus respond? (Hint: legally) In what way did He avoid engaging emotionally in the situation?
Why is this important when it comes to dealing with manipulative people? How does this help you? Be specific.
