Peter’s letter to new Christian churches and new believers is straightforward but wonderfully powerful and most of all, his letter is full of hope, a living hope. This hope includes an inheritance. In other words, we just receive it, regardless of what we have done or not done to deserve it. It is ours for the keeping.

The inheritance is quite the inheritance. Peter describes it as imperishable, undefiled and unfading. He goes on to let us know where this inheritance is kept for us - HEAVEN. What this looks like we aren’t exactly sure other than we will be with Jesus. However Peter reminds that it WILL be revealed to us when Jesus comes back to make all things new.

So there is much to be joyful about with this promise Peter shares with us even though this life, in this time and this place isn’t always so easy. Peter describes our challenges as trials, but trials that are only temporary as we rest in the promises of our Living Hope, Jesus.

• Acts 5:29–42
• 1 Peter 1:3–9
• John 20:19–31

• Jeremiah 31:1–6
• Colossians 3:1–4
• Matthew 28:1–10

Jesus has made his triumphant return to Jerusalem. Now what? Well, he begins teaching again, except this time, he has quite an audience. Jerusalem is filled with visitors for the upcoming Passover Feast. It’s an annual celebration. But since Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, things have ramped up. People are paying close attention to what Jesus is saying, more than ever. Some are listening to Him because they are hoping that indeed He is the promised Messiah. Many are listening to Him for evidence He should be arrested and put to death.

Then he says this: “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” His death and burial and ultimately, His own resurrection are all being foretold. They all are necessary for glorification to occur. A glorification we too will experience when Jesus raises us from the dead.

• Isaiah 50:4–9a
• Philippians 2:5–11
• John 12:20-36