Luke 23:44-49

Luke 23:44-49 - Daily Devotion - 23 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.

46 Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.

47 When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts. 49 But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Michael Legaspi

Darkness over the land, a curtain torn in two, Jesus’ last words, sadness for Jesus’ friends – and somehow, a death that brings a soldier to glorify God (v 47).

There are many things going on in this scene, but I’m going to focus on the temple curtain which was torn in two (v 45).

What would you give to be reunited with the ones you love? What would you sacrifice? What would you endure? The death of Jesus, the Son of God, showed both how devastating the problem of sin is, and how far God would go to bridge the chasm of sin.

Romans 3 tells us that all people are under the power of sin. “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away” (Romans 3:10-12). That’s why in the Old Testament, the temple had a curtain stopping people from entering the Most Holy Place, which represented the presence of God. But it also showed that someone was needed who could open the curtain and enter God’s presence on our behalf.

In Hebrews 9 it says: “But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed.” (Hebrews 9:7-8)

The way into God’s presence had not yet been revealed – until Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice and the true high priest. We could not enter paradise or heaven. That place did not belong to us. We would remain God’s enemies, if it weren’t for Jesus’ sacrifice. He is the true shepherd who willingly laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:15-18).

Life can be hard. But death is harder, especially since after death, all will face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27). But with this great event of the cross, justice is satisfied and mercy will be given to all who believe in Jesus. Let us praise God for choosing to save us, and let us share God’s truth with all those around us, because Jesus Christ, God’s Son, chose the pain of God’s judgment for your sake and mine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:39-42 - Daily Devotion - 22 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

39 One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”

40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? 41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rebecca Mihas

This story reminds me that it’s never too late to turn to Jesus.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, two criminals were hanging beside Him. One of them mocked Jesus, but the other responded differently. He admitted his wrongs and said, “We are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

This part of Scripture always moves me. The criminal had lived a life full of sins and mistakes. He had no time left to go back and fix anything, no time to prove himself or do good deeds. All he had was a broken, humble heart—and that was enough for Jesus. He simply asked, and Jesus gave him the gift of eternal life.

It makes me think of times in my own life when I’ve felt like I wasn’t good enough. Times when I’ve made poor choices or felt distant from God. There have been moments when I thought, “Surely God won’t forgive me.” But just like the criminal, I’ve learned that when we come to Jesus humbly and ask him to forgive us, He never turns us away.

Jesus didn’t hesitate to forgive that man. He didn’t lecture him or remind him of his past. He simply gave him hope, peace, and the promise of paradise.

This story is a beautiful reminder for all of us. No matter how far we’ve fallen, no matter how broken we feel, God’s grace is still available. We just need to ask. All it takes is a simple, sincere prayer: “Jesus, remember me.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 23:32-38

Luke 23:32-38 - Daily Devotion - 21 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.

33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine.

37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”

38 Above Him was posted an inscription:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Helen Mitry

What’s the most painful thing you have ever experienced? Is it a broken bone from falling off your bike? Giving birth? Going to the dentist? I bet that as the dentist was drilling and you suddenly felt pain, your first thought wasn’t to pray for him or her! Or to pray for the midwife who keeps telling you to push. Even then, the dentist and the midwife know what’s best for us, and there is purpose to the “suffering” they inflict on us. But we read here in Luke how amazing Jesus is – that even in his moment of greatest agony, Jesus prayed for his enemies who were acting with the worst of intentions.

Jesus had such compassion and selflessness that even though he was being crucified he still thought about others – the criminals beside him (as we’ll see tomorrow) as well as the people executing him. That would be the last thing I would want to do. So far Jesus has been unfairly accused in the courtroom, he’s been flogged, spat at and beaten. Now he is nailed to the cross – a method of death that was designed to inflict the most pain over the longest period of time. The nails would go through the median nerve which sits at the wrist, causing shooting pain along the arms. Death would eventually come from suffocation due to the positioning of the body on the cross. The Romans had thought about this in detail – and Jesus had resolutely set his path towards this moment (see Luke 9:51). I can’t imagine the strength it took for Jesus to go through with being crucified, and yet be praying for the people who were doing this to him.

There was a sign made for Jesus that said, ‘This is the king of the Jews’. If only they knew who Jesus is! The statement is true, and yet it doesn’t even begin to capture the full truth of Jesus and who he is. That is why Jesus prayed, ‘they do not know what they are doing’. They knew they were crucifying a man. They did not know that he is the Messiah, the chosen one, the king of all, the Son of God himself – and we didn’t know either, until the Spirit of God opened our eyes. Thank God now for Jesus and for his amazing love for us – the saviour who prays for us his enemies so that we could become his friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 23:26-31

Luke 23:26-31 - Daily Devotion - 20 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.

27 A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. 28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ 30 At that time
‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rebecca Shead

As we continue the story of Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion, two things stand out to me from this passage. First, I was reminded that earlier Jesus had told his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). I suspect the disciples never guessed that Jesus might have meant it literally! Here we see a bystander being forced to carry the cross for Jesus. Presumably Jesus’ disciples are included in “the great number of people” who were following him on the road (v27), but they are out of sight and certainly at this point they are not willing to take up their cross to follow Jesus.

Second, Jesus speaks with compassion to the women who are following behind him and grieving his imminent death. I find it astounding that even in his severe pain and suffering, and knowing he’s about to be nailed to a cross, Jesus is thinking of others. He is warning the women of the judgment that is coming. The quotation in verse 30 is from Hosea 10:8, a chapter which details the terrible suffering in store for Israel because they rejected God as their rightful king. However, Jesus is about to face the full force of that punishment, on the cross, so that everyone who puts their trust in him doesn’t have to face it themselves.

Just a few verses later in Hosea 10:12 it says, “For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain”. Praise God that through Jesus’ death on the cross, we can be made righteous! We don’t need to fear the judgment that is coming, because Jesus died for us. Let’s share that good news with our friends and family who don’t yet trust Jesus, and pray for God to save them from the coming judgment!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 23:13-25

Luke 23:13-25 - Daily Devotion - 19 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. 16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”

18 But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

22 A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”

23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. 25 As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and handed Jesus over to their will.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mei Chan

Something that is so striking about this passage for me is how desperately and fiercely the crowd wanted Jesus to be crucified. Earlier in verse 4 of this chapter, and then 3 times in this passage, Pilate tells the crowd that he finds no basis for the charge against Jesus, and yet each time, the crowd shouts out to crucify Jesus—the same crowd who, a week earlier, had cried “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” as Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. They would rather have had Pilate release Barabbas who was accused of murder and rebellion, than a simple Jewish teacher who had compassion on sinners and criticised the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law.

Sometimes one of my kids will say, “If I had been there, I wouldn’t have yelled ‘crucify’”, and I think that sometimes I slip into that kind of thinking too. But we are just as guilty, because it was our sins that took Jesus to the cross—the big ones, and also the small, “respectable” ones that we are happy to tolerate in our lives. My prayer is that we would never forget the seriousness of the sin that crucified the Son of God, that we would continue to put off these sins in our lives as we walk with Jesus, and that we would never lose sight of the wonder of God’s grace that he has lavished on us through Christ’s death and resurrection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mei is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 23:6-12

Luke 23:6-12 - Daily Devotion - 18 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. 9 Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

10 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. 11 And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

There are so many different responses to Jesus packed in these few verses. Pilate procrastinates on making a decision about him. The religious leaders, as usual, reject Jesus outright. The soldiers ridicule him and mock him.

But I found Herod’s response the most interesting. Herod wants Jesus to perform miracles for him. He wants to see some impressive feats of power, some razzle-dazzle – either to amuse him or so Jesus will prove himself. But what he gets is … complete silence. I checked through this month’s devotions, and this is the first passage which doesn’t contain a single word from Jesus. Instead, we’re told, “Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer” (v 9).

That got me thinking about our expectations. What do you expect from Jesus? Have you ever felt disappointed in him, like Jesus has failed to deliver on what you thought he would bring to your life?

Jesus’ disciples, like Herod, had expected Jesus to perform a miracle instead of being arrested – the miracle of smashing the Romans and crowning himself king. But if they had understood the Old Testament Scriptures like only Jesus understood them, they would have fully expected this silence, because of Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering Servant who would come:

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
             yet He did not open His mouth.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
             and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
             so He did not open His mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away,
             and who can recount His descendants?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
             He was stricken for the transgression of My people. (Isaiah 53:7-8)

Jesus was silent for us, so that he could bear God’s wrath against our sin through his rejection, suffering, and death.

We can long for Jesus to do all kinds of things. In fact, he loves us to present our longings and requests to him – though we mustn’t ever think he’s ours to demand things from. Sometimes we might experience what seems like silence. But what you can expect is that Jesus will fully forgive your sins, save you from God’s judgment, and raise you to eternal life if you simply ask him. You can expect that he will fill God’s kingdom with countless multitudes, and that on the last day we will see just how good and glorious and kind he is. All of that is worth a million times more than some short-term miracle here and now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our senior minister.

Luke 23:1-5

Luke 23:1-5 - Daily Devotion - 16 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5 But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tina Bogg

After a completely biased trial before the council of chief priests and scribes, we now see them take Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. They present Pilate with false claims about Jesus opposing Caesar as they push their own agenda, and once again the corrupt justice system fails. Pilate finds Jesus innocent of any crime and yet does not release him, because he is swayed by the chief priests and the crowd. As I read this section this time, it makes me consider how tense the political environment must have been. Pilate had the Roman Empire backing him, yet the situation is so threatening that he decides not to release an innocent man.

Human justice systems are so imperfect. I'm sure there are still many places in the world where justice is not determined by what is lawful or right, but solely by powerful people determining what will happen. That was what happened in Jesus’ trial, and yet this shambles of a justice system was all part of how God fulfilled his plans through Jesus. I guess it is comforting to know that no injustice happens outside of Jesus’ control. But I am also glad that God's perfect justice is not swayed by our crooked ideas, power plays or trends.

As I read Jesus' response, I love his humility and quiet confidence. He is not defensive or argumentative, since he knows that they will not listen to the truth anyway. Pray with me that we can trust in God's perfect justice even when our justice systems fail, and that we can face opposition with Jesus as our example. Pray that God will give us the wisdom to know if our listeners will have ears to hear, and that we will not be defensive or argumentative but will always speak the truth in love. If we are not able to speak, pray that God will help us to suffer silently with our trust in him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tina is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 22:63-71

Luke 22:63-71 - Daily Devotion - 15 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

63 The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him. 64 They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, “Prophesy! Who hit You?” 65 And they said many other blasphemous things against Him.

66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.”

Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. 68 And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

70 So they all asked, “Are You then the Son of God?”

He replied, “You say that I am.”

71 “Why do we need any more testimony?” they declared. “We have heard it for ourselves from His own lips.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Sarah Cameron

As I read this passage today, what struck me was how much Jesus was willing to go through for our sake. God allowed himself, in the person of his Son, to be imprisoned, mistreated, insulted, physically hurt, and falsely judged by evil men. At any point Jesus could have changed his mind and taken his freedom. But he didn’t! He knew that the worst was still to come, but for the sake of our salvation, Jesus submitted himself to all these horrible things. Have you sat and dwelt on that before? All that Jesus willingly went through, so that he could save us.

Having seen all he went through, how should we respond to Jesus? Definitely not like the other people in our passage!! The guards and religious leaders failed to recognise who Jesus was and foolishly sat in judgement on him. What does Jesus say to them? The day is coming when the tables will be turned and he will be the one sitting in judgement on sinners, including those who mocked and mistreated him. This reminded me of our recent devotions in Daniel 7 where it says:

13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

We know that through his triumph over death at the cross, these passages from Daniel and Luke have now come true! Let’s hear the warning from Jesus here and not reject him. Instead let’s be those who recognise Jesus for who he truly is, the Son of Man, and respond by submitting ourselves to his love and power.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 22:54-62

Luke 22:54-62 - Daily Devotion - 14 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

54 Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance.

55 When those present had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him. “This man also was with Him,” she said.

57 But Peter denied it. “Woman, I do not know Him,” he said.

58 A short time later, someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”

59 About an hour later, another man insisted, “Certainly this man was with Him, for he too is a Galilean.”

60 “Man, I do not know what you are talking about,” Peter replied.

While he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.

Then Peter remembered the word that the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mary Hong

On my way to work I travel through a road known to have potholes. There were a lot of potholes on that stretch of road this week, particularly after the recent wet weather. As I drove through my GPS alerted me to them so that I didn't have to navigate through the rain that morning hitting potholes.

This passage in Luke 22 is just after Jesus has been arrested. Peter was in sitting with the people in the courtyard. As different people notice him and look more closely, Peter denies knowing Jesus. He denies even knowing what they are talking about.

We don't know why Peter said what he said, but I think that if I was in Peter's situation I could easily have responded in the same way he did. I can list many times that I have failed those I love because I was either embarrassed or frustrated about a situation. Growing up in Australia with migrant parents, one of the places we used to frequent when they first arrived was a huge market selling second hand goods. One time I saw a friend there, but I was so embarrassed that I wanted to hide – not just so that she wouldn’t see there, but also so she wouldn't see my parents.

When Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus three times, Peter was in disbelief – he was sure he wouldn’t fail Jesus. But afterwards, he was so ashamed he went away and wept.

Like Peter, we have all said things or had moments we didn’t intend to happen. We need to navigate these moments the same way I needed to watch for the potholes. My vision was poor when I drove through the pouring rain to work. I was so thankful I had the GPS to help me avoid them.

Like my GPS guiding me, we have our guidebook in God’s Word with the Holy Spirit to help us understand. When we feel ashamed in moments like Peter was, we need to follow God’s guidebook to help us from making mistakes we might regret later on. And when we fail Jesus, we can be thankful knowing that God loves us and still forgives us. His Word guides us to say sorry and come back to him to know his forgiveness.

Friends, continue holding on to Jesus no matter how rocky and bumpy the path may seem. Each time we are tempted to run from a situation, run to Jesus instead. He will always be our shelter through the storms and our place of rest when we need it most.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 22:47-53

Luke 22:47-53 - Daily Devotion - 13 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

47 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ashel Singh

Prior to this scene, Jesus was in deep, soulful prayer, submitting himself to God’s will, knowing that his death was coming. A crowd approaches, led by Judas. He walks forward and greets Jesus with a kiss. I can only imagine the gut-wrenching feeling of being deceived and then greeted with a kiss!

This passage helps me think about 3 things. First, Judas’ act is a reminder that treachery often comes not from strangers but from those closest to us. Judas’ kiss looked like love, but it was in fact the deep betrayal of trust. Sin can often hide behind things that seem good or harmless. On top of that, Judas had walked with Jesus for many years, yet his heart had drifted away. We need to be constantly alert to the danger of not being truly surrendered to Jesus despite being surrounded by the church and the Word of God.

Secondly, it’s easy to respond to things emotionally rather than with spiritual maturity. The disciples mean well in how they act. They want to protect Jesus and be loyal to him, but their actions oppose the very mission he came to fulfill. Their emotional reaction in the heat of the moment shows their spiritual immaturity. But Jesus, even in the moment of his betrayal and arrest, still shows compassion by healing the servant’s ear.

Finally, what rocks my world is how Jesus submits to God fully. Jesus could have stopped it all. He could have called down angels. He could have slipped away. But he didn’t. Instead, he calmly faces his enemies and the powers of darkness, because it was his Father’s will.

Obedience to God’s will is costly. Jesus didn’t obey the Father because it was easy, he obeyed because it was right. The victory of God’s plan often comes through surrender, not resistance. The world portrays surrender as weakness, and this moment looked like the triumph of evil. But God’s plan was unfolding towards Jesus’ resurrection. In God’s kingdom, surrendering to his will leads to redemption and victory over death – and for us, that happens as we surrender our lives fully to Jesus as our Lord.

I’m sure we can often relate to the disciples. We may want to fight, fix and react immediately. But this passage reminds me that loyalty to Jesus means obedience, even when it’s painful, misunderstood or costly. The kiss that betrayed Jesus led him to the cross. But through his pain and resurrection he displayed the ultimate act of love – which led to giving us eternal life in him. Forever and ever. Amen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashel is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 22:43-46

Luke 22:43-46 - Daily Devotion - 12 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44 And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When Jesus rose from prayer and returned to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Scott Favelle

Why do we pray? It is a question I ask myself from time to time. I know we should do it, and of course there is a relational aspect to it, as it is us talking to our heavenly Father. But we know God knows our needs and everything else before we even ask it (Matthew 6:6-8). Not only that, but since God is sovereign, timeless and all-powerful, all things will progress as he wills, whether we pray or not (Isaiah 46:10). So again: why do we pray?

I think this passage gives us at least one answer, and we can see it in a contrast between Jesus and his disciples.

When I have read about this event in the different Gospel accounts, I have always been struck by the disciples falling asleep. I have suffered from insomnia all my life, so I am always bewildered that they could fall asleep at such a time. But Luke gives us an extra little insight that none of the other accounts do, in that they were “exhausted from sorrow” (v 45). It wasn’t just that they went into a food coma after the big Passover meal. It was because of the sorrow of what was about to happen and what Jesus had just told them (that they would deny him).

Jesus is obviously in sorrow as well – he is in anguish to the point of sweating blood. Jesus has gone off to pray and tells the disciples to do the same. But it seems the disciples don’t pray at all, instead they fall asleep.

In contrast, Jesus does pray, and as he does, an angel appears to strengthen him. I found this interesting, that even though Jesus is the perfect Son of God and God the Son, he was strengthened by an angel! That is, the angel came to restore or reinvigorate him.

So how does help answer my question: Why do we pray? Simply this: in the times of greatest sorrow, Jesus turned to prayer. The outcome of the situation was not what mattered to him (“Yet not My will, but Yours be done”, as we saw yesterday in v. 42), but in prayer Jesus was strengthened.

We pray for our own good. When life is hard, when we are in the pits, God may or may not change our situation, but through prayer he will strengthen us and give us the fortitude to not fall into temptation as we weather the storms of life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 22:39-42

Luke 22:39-42 - Daily Devotion - 11 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.”

41 And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Queenie Favelle

This is a very familiar passage for most of us. But I do notice a few things that were interesting in the way that Jesus approaches prayer.

Firstly, he prays often. In the passage it says, 'he went out as usual'. This highlights the fact that Jesus is always wholly dependent on the Father in whatever he does. This passage also alerts us that something significant is going to take place.

Secondly, he urges his disciples to pray in order to 'not fall into temptation'. I have to admit, asking to not fall into temptation is really not very high on my prayer list. I think we have a tendency to forget that temptation exists, perhaps we are so used to giving in to our worldly desires or we don't see sin as something so scary that we need to take precautions to avoid it.

Lastly, Jesus honestly asks the Father: 'if you are willing, take this cup from me'. Jesus never downplays how hard his task of dying on the cross is. Here, we see Jesus’ raw, honest humanity. Though he knows what needs to be done, he still dreads it. I think often, in our prayers, we could be more honest with God and in telling him what we want to see happen. But at the same time, we need to be prepared to receive God's answer, whether it’s ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not yet’. I encourage you to take some time to pray now and to take prayer as seriously as Jesus did.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Queenie is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 22:35-38

Luke 22:35-38 - Daily Devotion - 9 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

36 “Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38 So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.”

“That is enough,” He answered.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ken Wong

Have you ever done something silly because you failed to see changes around you? I have. We went out on a boat ride on a sunny summer's day, but we forgot to read the weather report, and a storm soon rolled in. By God's grace we made it back home although with a few bruises to show for it. In this passage today Jesus is preparing the disciples for the storms to come, so that they won’t be caught out.

First Jesus reminds them that they have tasted the goodness of his kindness. When he sent out the disciples initially for ministry, they lacked nothing on their journey. God's providence was sufficient for them.

In verse 36, there is a distinct change in tone. Jesus tells them to now pack their purse, bag and sword (for protection, not aggression). Where once the focus was on dependence on his provision, the focus is now on preparedness – because both are needed for ministry. For Jesus knows the disciples’ road will soon mirror his own. As Jesus is about to be crucified, he knows persecution will come to his true disciples.

But as always, the disciples don’t quite get it. In fact, it’s quite comical – they respond by handing Jesus two swords, as if this lesson was about swords. Perhaps in exasperation Jesus says, “That is enough!”

As his disciples now, we must be prepared to count the cost of being his disciples and be ready to stand up for our faith. But Jesus also wants to remind us that his sovereignty and providence are still active in our lives. Dependence and preparedness are not mutually exclusive, they go hand in hand. Let's pray that we will always be ready and prepared to show our faith and strive for the gospel, but also remember that we depend completely on his provision and strength. It’s a comfort to know that he stands next to us all the time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 22:31-34

Luke 22:31-34 - Daily Devotion - 8 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.”

34 But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ness Wong

Have you ever said confidently, “Lord, I’m going to follow you and do great things,” but ended up failing miserably? Have you experienced that massive blow to your pride, that awful sense of guilt and shame instead of success?

Here in Luke 22:31-34, Jesus warns his disciples that Satan has asked to “sift each of you like wheat”. He singles out Simon Peter and tells him that he has prayed for him, that he may remain faithful. Peter boldly asserts that he is ready to go not just into prison but is ready to die with him! Soberingly, Jesus tells Peter that he will indeed fail him by denying him not once, not twice, but three times that same day.

Jesus is preparing Peter for the road ahead. At this point, Peter is self-confident, vocal, and perhaps even sees himself better than the other disciples. Jesus’ warning to him is not the pep talk we’d expect from a would-be church leader. But it shows that leading in God’s kingdom doesn’t come from relying on our own strengths or how confident we feel in ourselves. Rather it is entirely through depending on God’s Holy Spirit and grace (Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9).

Jesus doesn’t just tell Peter of his future failings to humble him. It is also a moment of grace and encouragement. Jesus says in verse 32, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” How merciful! It’s like Jesus is saying to Peter, ‘You don’t believe me now, but I know you will fail me three times. Yet I won’t count that against you. In fact, when you do come back to me, go and encourage your brothers so that they may remain faithful to me.” Jesus was looking forward to the time after his resurrection and ascension, when he would send the gift of the Holy Spirit on his disciples. The Spirit would give them both the humility and the boldness they needed to remain faithful by his strength.

We may, like Peter, feel self-assured that we will remain faithful during times of testing. However, our faithfulness to God is not about us. It is only through depending on the Holy Spirit that we can stand. And it is such great comfort that even when we fail, we can repent, be restored to remain in Christ and help others remain in him too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ness is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 22:28-30

Luke 22:28-30 - Daily Devotion - 7 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

28 You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed one on Me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

Today’s passage speaks to me of real friendship. But this is a friendship that is like no other – a friendship that may only have been for a short time, but it led Jesus to declare that these people that he eats and drinks with will one day have a share in eternity with him.

The disciples had witnessed so much of what Jesus said and did. Sometimes they understood (though mostly they had not understood yet), and at this point they trust in Jesus and have stood by him in his trials (v 28). Jesus knows they will not stand by him when the ultimate test comes (as we will see tomorrow) – but that is because full understanding and faith will only come after his resurrection from the dead. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, they will stand by his message through every future trial, even up to their own deaths.

It reminds me of another passage in John 15:12-14: “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.”

The same truths apply to us today. Do you think Jesus counts you as his friend? Do you long for a friendship with the living creator of the universe, who will one day welcome his friends to share in a meal at His table in the new creation? We who believe that Jesus died for us are counted his friends, because friendship with Jesus is freely available to all who trust in him and listen to what he has said to us. And his word to me today is: Though you may undergo many trials, stand by his gospel message, and love one another just as he has loved us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.

Luke 22:24-27

Luke 22:24-27 - Daily Devotion - 6 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. 25 So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. 26 But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ken Ip

I find it interesting that right after Jesus shares the last supper with his disciples and tells them someone is going to betray him, they start arguing about who’s the most important. But instead of getting angry, Jesus uses it to teach his disciples and us something profound: that In God’s kingdom, the greatest isn’t the one who is served, but the one who serves.

In v27 Jesus says, “I am among you as one who serves”. This reminds me that Jesus didn’t just teach servanthood, he lived it. Even though he’s their teacher and their Lord, he chooses to serve. He even washes their feet, and soon he’ll give up his life for them. That’s what true greatness looks like.

It’s a great reminder for us too. Whether it’s at school, work, or home, it’s easy to seek attention or praise. But Jesus shows us that real greatness is about serving others, being kind, and putting other people before ourselves.

Are there times when we care more about being noticed than helping others? What’s one small way you can serve someone this week?

Dear God, thank you for showing us what true greatness looks like. Help us to care less about being important in the eyes of the world, and more about loving and serving others like Jesus did. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken is a member of our Bossley Park Monring congregation.

Luke 22:19-23

Luke 22:19-23 - Daily Devotion - 5 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

19 And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.

21 Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table. 22 Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”

23 Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Viet Mai

This is a very sombre moment before Jesus went to the cross. Two very important things stand out in this passage.

First, Jesus established a new covenant in His blood. Jesus used the cup of wine to symbolise the blood that He would pour out for His people, bringing them into God’s family. Instead of using the blood of animals, God’s people now have the blood of Jesus to be in a relationship with God.

Secondly, Jesus was going to be betrayed by Judas, but that was part of God’s decree, so that Jesus could die for sinners and save them from judgment. God used evil to accomplish something very good: our salvation.

How does it help us today to know that we are in God’s family by Jesus’ blood and that God can use evil to accomplish His good purposes? For me, I am reminded to be thankful that the Son of God would die for an unworthy sinner like me! Also, knowing that God can use anything, even evil things, for His good purpose, I feel less worried about the chaos that can occur during the week.

Almighty God, look with mercy on this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross, who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Viet is a member of our Bossley Park Monring congregation.

Luke 22:14-18

Luke 22:14-18 - Daily Devotion - 4 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

14 When the hour had come, Jesus reclined at the table with His apostles. 15 And He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering. 16 For I tell you that I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

This month we’re returning to the final section of Luke’s Gospel. To get us up to speed on where we’re up to: Jesus has travelled to Jerusalem, knowing that the time has come for him to be handed over to his enemies, suffer, die, and then rise again. As we saw in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus had warned his disciples about this, but they didn’t understand or believe him. They were convinced Jesus would establish the kingdom of God through military strength. But when they got to Jerusalem, all he did was stir up trouble with the powerful religious leaders (chapters 19-20).

By chapter 22, at least one of Jesus’ disciples has worked out that Jesus is headed for a violent death: Judas has already taken a bribe to betray Jesus when the chance arrives.

That brings us to the Passover supper in today’s reading, which we now know of as “the Last Supper.” Jesus tells them this will be his last supper “until the kingdom of God comes” (v 18), which must have got their hopes up again (though tomorrow he will dampen their hopes again).

But the thing that struck me as I read these verses again today was the first thing Jesus says: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering” (v 15). I don’t think I’d feel like eating if I knew I was about to die a horrible death! So why was Jesus looking forward with so eagerly to this meal? It might be because he knew that the Passover was about to be “fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (v 16) – that is, his death would both fulfil the Passover ceremony and establish the true, everlasting kingdom of God.

But I wonder if Jesus was also eagerly looking forward to this meal because it was the teaching moment he was longing to give them. He didn’t just want them to know that he was going to die. He wanted them – and us – to understand what his death was about, and to take hold of his gift of forgiveness and salvation by trusting in him.

I can only imagine that every time we share the Lord’s Supper remembering why Jesus died and receiving Him by faith, he is filled with delight all over again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Daniel 12:4-13

Daniel 12:4-13 - Daily Devotion - 2 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

4 But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”

5 Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. 6 One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?”

7 And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”

8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”

9 “Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.

11 And from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

13 But as for you, go on your way until the end. You will rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

One of my favourite scenes in the movie The Incredibles is when the family is flying over the ocean in a van suspended under a rocket, but the kids start whinging and asking, “Are we nearly there yet?” And a frazzled Mr Incredibles says, “We’ll get there when we get there!” It’s the kind of answer that’s not really an answer at all – it’s just a way of saying, “Stop asking questions!”

The angel’s answers in today’s passage seem a bit like that. For example, in verses 8-9 Daniel wants everything explained, but the angel says, “Go on your way, Daniel” – that is, “Don’t you worry about it, Daniel, just get on with your life and keep trusting God.” It’s helpful to remember that sometimes we need to be content with not knowing.

And yet, when you sift through the details, the angel really says quite a lot. There will be a time of intense suffering, when the power of God’s people will be shattered (v 7). But it won’t last forever – it will be cut short (that’s partly what “for a time, and times, and half a time” means). Then will come the glorious moment of Jesus’ return.

But the main takeaway for Daniel is: These events are sealed up. They still lie in the future. They won’t happen until the time of the end.

That’s why the gospel is such huge news: The time of the end has arrived! It arrived with the sufferings and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. That’s why, in John’s vision of the sealed scroll in Revelation 5, the risen Lord Jesus begins to open the seals. Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb who has triumphed (Rev. 5:5), and he is carrying out the final events of God’s plan for the world.

We still need to persevere through the final sufferings of the time of the end. But we can “go on our way” with even greater assurance that we will be raised to receive the inheritance of eternal life (Dan. 12:13) – because Jesus has already purchased it and is reserving it for us (1 Pet. 1:3-5).

We’ll get there when we get there!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Daniel 11:40-12:3

Daniel 11:40 - 12:3 - Daily Devotion - 1 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

40 At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall. But these will be delivered from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the leaders of the Ammonites.

42 He will extend his power over many countries, and not even the land of Egypt will escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and over all the riches of Egypt, and the Libyans and Cushites will also submit to him.

44 But news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will go out with great fury to destroy many and devote them to destruction. 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the sea and the beautiful holy mountain, but he will meet his end with no one to help him.

CHAPTER TWELVE

1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.

2 And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

Most Bible commentators agree that something strange happens in the final part of this prophecy about the arrogant Greek king Antiochus. It’s like it goes “off script” and describes events that weren’t part of the historical Antiochus’s life – as if it extends the portrait beyond his death to further violence and greed. And then it jumps, in chapter 12, to the resurrection of the dead at the end of this world – “some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt” (12:3).

It's hard to say for sure why the vision does that. Maybe the angelic messenger is projecting Antiochus forward as a prototype for all proud and tyrannical rulers. That would reinforce what we saw yesterday: we can expect life for believers today to be like it was for the Jews back then.

I think lots of Christians today feel like the state of the world and its political leaders isn’t just bad – it’s worse than it has ever been before. Rulers who are corrupt or drunk on power, religious ideologies and conflicts that threaten the entire world order … these things can tempt us to panic and to either compromise our faith or rebel against the government God has placed over us.

But I have found this vision a helpful reminder that, however bad it gets, it’s not the first time. These things have happened for millennia, those rulers won’t last forever – and God is still taking things towards the end that he has appointed in Jesus.

That end will be like … waking from a troubled dream. And those whose names are in Jesus’ book of life will “shine like stars forever and ever” (12:3). Knowing that should help to replace the panic with peace, so that we can focus on shining like stars right now, as we “hold forth the word of life” in this corrupt world (Phil. 2:14-16).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.