Psalm 34

Psalm 34 - Daily Devotion - 6 September 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away.

1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul boasts in the LORD;
let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
3 Magnify the LORD with me;
let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him from all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 Fear the LORD, you His saints,
for those who fear Him lack nothing.
10 Young lions go lacking and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Who is the man who delights in life,
who desires to see good days?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from deceitful speech.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and His ears are inclined to their cry.
16 But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears;
He delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted;
He saves the contrite in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.
20 He protects all his bones;
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked,
and the haters of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems His servants,
and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 33

Psalm 33 - Daily Devotion - 5 September 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

1 Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones;
it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to Him with ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song;
play skillfully with a shout of joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is upright,
and all His work is trustworthy.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of His loving devotion.

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.
7 He piles up the waters of the sea;
He puts the depths into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere Him.
9 For He spoke, and it came to be;
He commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the devices of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the purposes of His heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He has chosen as His inheritance!

13 The LORD looks down from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From His dwelling place He gazes
on all who inhabit the earth.
15 He shapes the hearts of each;
He considers all their works.
16 No king is saved by his vast army;
no warrior is delivered by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for salvation;
even its great strength cannot save.

18 Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His loving devotion
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our hearts rejoice in Him,
since we trust in His holy name.
22 May Your loving devotion rest on us, O LORD,
as we put our hope in You.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 32

Psalm 32 - Daily Devotion - 4 September 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David. A Maskil.

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man
whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him,
in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle
from my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
Your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was drained
as in the summer heat.

Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You
and did not hide my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Selah
6 Therefore let all the godly pray to You
while You may be found.
Surely when great waters rise,
they will not come near.
7 You are my hiding place.
You protect me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.

Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will give you counsel and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or mule,
which have no understanding;
they must be controlled with bit and bridle
to make them come to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones;
shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 31

Psalm 31 - Daily Devotion - 3 September 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
save me by Your righteousness.
2 Incline Your ear to me;
come quickly to my rescue.
Be my rock of refuge,
the stronghold of my deliverance.

3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.
4 You free me from the net laid out for me,
for You are my refuge.
5 Into Your hands I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols,
but in the LORD I trust.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion,
for You have seen my affliction;
You have known the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not delivered me to the enemy;
You have set my feet in the open.

9 Be merciful to me, O LORD,
for I am in distress;
my eyes fail from sorrow,
my soul and body as well.
10 For my life is consumed with grief
and my years with groaning;
my iniquity has drained my strength,
and my bones are wasting away.
11 Among all my enemies I am a disgrace,
and among my neighbors even more.
I am dreaded by my friends—
they flee when they see me on the street.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind.
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side.
They conspire against me
and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in You, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Make Your face shine on Your servant;
save me by Your loving devotion.

17 O LORD, let me not be ashamed,
for I have called on You.
Let the wicked be put to shame;
let them lie silent in Sheol.
18 May lying lips be silenced—
lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous,
full of pride and contempt.

19 How great is Your goodness
which You have laid up for those who fear You,
which You have bestowed before the sons of men
on those who take refuge in You!
20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence
from the schemes of men.
You conceal them in Your shelter
from accusing tongues.

21 Blessed be the LORD,
for He has shown me His loving devotion
in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
“I am cut off from Your sight!”
But You heard my plea for mercy
when I called to You for help.

23 Love the LORD, all His saints.
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but fully repays the arrogant.
24 Be strong and courageous,
all you who hope in the LORD.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 30

Psalm 30 - Daily Devotion - 2 September 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David.

1 I will exalt You, O LORD,
for You have lifted me up
and have not allowed my foes
to rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to You for help,
and You healed me.
3 O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol;
You spared me from descending into the Pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, O you His saints,
and praise His holy name.
5 For His anger is fleeting,
but His favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may stay the night,
but joy comes in the morning.

6 In prosperity I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
7 O LORD, You favored me;
You made my mountain stand strong.

When You hid Your face,
I was dismayed.
8 To You, O LORD, I called,
and I begged my Lord for mercy:
9 “What gain is there in my bloodshed,
in my descent to the Pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?
10 Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy;
O LORD, be my helper.”

11 You turned my mourning into dancing;
You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 29

Psalm 29 - Daily Devotion - 1 September 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

This month, we are returning to our devotions through the book of Psalms. For these devotions, instead of hearing someone else’s reflections, each day I’ll ask you to reflect on the Psalm yourself using two simple questions:

  1. What things in the Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus? It could be something about his ministry, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his kingdom, or what God has done for us through Jesus.

But don’t worry if you can’t always think of something – just read, reflect and pray.

~~~

A Psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders;
the LORD is heard over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD
strikes with flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in His temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives His people strength;
the LORD blesses His people with peace.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Luke 24:44-53

Luke 24:44-53 - Daily Devotion - 30 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

46 And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

50 When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 praising God continually in the temple.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Lachlan Shead

This year, my brother took me to watch Dune: Part Two in cinemas. I really enjoyed the movie; but then I left the theatre, and Dune really hasn't affected me since then. Sometimes faith feels similar to me. We live in the Last Days, between the resurrection and return of Jesus. Both of these events can feel far removed from day-to-day life.

Today we see the disciples at the very beginning of the Last Days. Jesus has been raised from the dead, and he tells them to wait until he will pour out the Spirit on them. The Spirit will give them power and courage to begin proclaiming this news. Then he ascends to heaven.

If the disciples had felt like me, their next steps would be like leaving a movie theatre: getting back to life as normal. Maybe they'd pick up fishing again. But instead, Jesus changes everything for them: "they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, praising God continually in the temple" (v 52-53). As I’ve thought about why they were so deeply transformed, two things have stood out to me.

First, people have been longing for a restored relationship with God ever since the fall. We see this at the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. For example, Zechariah thanks God that Jesus will "give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 1:77). In today's passage, Jesus makes it clear that he has brought that restored relationship – his death and resurrection mean repentance and forgiveness of sins are now available to people from all nations (v 47)!

Second, Jesus ascends while he is blessing his followers (v 50-51). There's no gap between the blessing of the resurrection and the blessing of the Spirit. Here we see Jesus' constant attitude toward his people: he delights in blessing us with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

This passage brings us to the end of Luke's Gospel. But rightly responding to Jesus is nothing like leaving a cinema. We who trust in Jesus enjoy this same salvation and blessing, through the same Spirit! Let's join in praising God for his great mercy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lachlan is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 24:36-43

Luke 24:36-43 - Daily Devotion - 29 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

38 “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

41 While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and He took it and ate it in front of them.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tim Mitry

Just yesterday I was reflecting on how much I am looking forward to seeing Jesus – the image of the invisible God – in the flesh. And now today, reading this account from Luke, I again feel excited. A part of me wishes I got to see Jesus in person when he walked this earth, to enjoy and experience His physical presence with me. I do remind myself that I have access to Christ by God’s Holy Spirit living in me, but I also look forward to the consummation of God's plan, when we will bodily live and relate to our Triune God in the New Creation.

Because our Lord was resurrected with a redeemed and glorified body, I am even more joyful, since I know that I will be raised in the same kind of body fit for eternity (Philippians 3:20-21). This is a profound validation of our bodily existence, because it means that my whole being – my body, my human nature, my senses, all perfected – will share in life and communion with Jesus eternally. This is a deep way of “being known,” which uplifts my heart as I remember the fact of Jesus’ resurrection.

So even though I'm not sharing the "joy and amazement" of the disciples with my eyes (yet!), by hearing their testimony I can have the same response to our resurrected Lord, and I can unceasingly repeat the words: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 24:25-35

Luke 24:25-35 - Daily Devotion - 28 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

25 Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.

28 As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther. 29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

So He went in to stay with them. 30 While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.

32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.

There they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together 34 and saying, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!”

35 Then the two told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Vinh Dang

Yesterday we met these two disciples who were walking to the village of Emmaus. As they travelled, they were discussing the events of Jesus’ crucifixion with a stranger who started walking with them – without realising that this stranger was the risen Jesus. Today’s passage begins with Jesus rebuking them, because it seems they haven’t understood how the Old Testament was preparing them for the gospel. Jesus says, “O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” Jesus goes on to explain to them the Scriptures.

As I read this passage, these words from Jesus speak volumes to me. My natural instinct when something doesn’t go my way is to feel disappointed. Jesus offers me hope, purpose and a transformed perspective. Because of this, I am reminded that I have a hope that is beyond my own understanding. Jesus has risen and entered His glory, and that is our future in Christ as well. That shifts my focus from worldly pursuits to the eternal hope found in Jesus.

Jesus is the one who also helps me to understand the meaning of the gospel. I can’t understand it on my own because of my limitations and my hardness of heart. The two disciples were filled with disappointment and confusion, but upon breaking bread with Jesus, their eyes were opened and they recognised him. That is a picture of what happens when we read Scripture and Jesus opens our understanding to the gospel.

Thank you, Father God, that despite our failure to recognise the power and truth of the gospel, you never cease to remind us and show us Your grace and mercy through Your Son Jesus. In your forgiveness and grace, we have a Saviour who died for us, even though we are so undeserving. Thank you that today we are saved by His death on the cross. All praise and glory to You alone. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vinh is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 24:13-24

Luke 24:13-24 - Daily Devotion - 27 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

13 That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stood still, with sadness on their faces. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?”

19 “What things?” He asked.

“The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people. 20 Our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death, and they crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.

22 Furthermore, some of our women astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 but they did not find His body. They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had described. But Him they did not see.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Charis Ould

It’s so easy for me to read this passage and think that I would immediately recognise Jesus. He’s the very person that these disciples are talking about as they walk on the road, and yet they can’t see who he is! But verse 16 tell us why: “Their eyes were kept from recognising him.”

During his ministry, Jesus had shared multiple times with the apostles that he would die and rise again, and yet even after they know his tomb is empty, they are still confused about what has happened to him. In verse 12, Peter went away from the empty tomb wondering what had happened!

We don’t know much about the two disciples in today’s passage—only Cleopas is named—but like the twelve apostles, they have been told what has happened to Jesus but don’t understand. They’ve heard the testimony from the women at the tomb, that it was empty and the angels told them that Jesus had risen, and yet they are still confused!

We will have to wait until the next part of the passage to see how Jesus responds to them, but he is clearly planning to reveal himself to them in his own timing. Jesus knows they have no reason to be sad! But first, he asks them what things had been happening. He is encouraging them to reveal their hearts and what they know about Him. They speak about their hope that Jesus was the One who would redeem Israel.

These disciples had heard the testimony of Peter about the linen cloths in the grave, and the report from the women, and Jesus wanted them to tell him what they had heard. They don’t yet understand or believe, but soon they will. Jesus will open their eyes to see that their hopes have been realised – Jesus has redeemed his people by dying and rising again. What a great reminder that we can believe based on the reliable eyewitness testimony we read in the Bible, and that Jesus still opens people’s eyes when we share that testimony with them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charis is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 24:1-12

Luke 24:1-12 - Daily Devotion - 26 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.

5 As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’”

8 Then they remembered His words. 9 And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.

12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. And after bending down and seeing only the linen cloths, he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ian Mu

Sometimes we might have plans, but God's plans may be different. That's the first thing I noticed from reading the first 4 verses. The women planned one thing with the prepared spices, but straight away their plans were changed.

In this case, God’s plan shouldn’t have been a surprise, Jesus had made it known to them earlier. The angels reminded the women of what Jesus had said. Then they remembered and went to share the news of what had happened to others.

But the reaction of the others was that they did not believe. Peter got up and ran to the tomb. But why did Peter run to the tomb? Was it because he believed, or was it because he doubted? If I was to go off what I know of Peter, I would guess it was because he doubted. But his response showed that it wasn’t pure doubt, he went away wondering what had happened.

I noticed the difference in response between the women and the disciples. The women remembered and went and told people. The disciples doubted, and Peter saw and was still puzzled afterwards.

For me, my takeaway is: How often do we remember what Jesus tells us? As soon as the women were reminded, they believed and told others. Peter was left behind, doubting and wondering “what had happened” (v 12). I want to be like the women who remembered and shared. The good thing is, we don’t need two angels to remind us, as we have Jesus’ word directly through the Bible. So I can be the one that constantly reminds myself, and we can remind each other.

My challenge to myself is to strengthen my knowledge of God through the Bible, so I can be reminded of what he has done for us. That way, whatever situation I am thrown in, I can be reminded constantly of Jesus and what he tells us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 23:50-56

Luke 23:50-56 - Daily Devotion - 25 August 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Monica Ly

As I read this passage, I was struck by the courage of Joseph— a member of the Council. Even though he was highly respected and closely connected to the Jewish leadership, Joseph did not agree with their decision. He chose to stand apart from them and not take part in their actions.

Joseph’s actions made a powerful statement. He publicly aligned himself with Jesus, even though he was aware of the social and religious backlash he would face. It seems he understood who Jesus was and the significance of his death. Joseph was waiting for the Kingdom of God (v 51), so perhaps like the thief on the other cross back in verse 42, he understood that Jesus was the King who would bring in the Kingdom. Perhaps he even understood that Jesus’ sacrifice had paid for his sins, so he was no longer condemned but justified, declared “not guilty.” However much he understood, Joseph’s assurance gave him the strength to set aside the fear of human approval. His identity was now rooted in Christ.

Joseph’s conviction challenges me to reflect on my own life. How often I forget that my identity is in Christ. I can easily fall into the trap of seeking human approval, measuring my worth by achievements, or striving to fit into cultural expectations. It’s tempting to define myself by what I do or how others see me, instead of by what Christ has already done for me.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life:

  • Where have you allowed human approval to define your worth?

  • In what ways have you tried to earn your value through accomplishments or appearances?

Let us come before God in prayer, repenting of the ways we have sought approval apart from Him. Take comfort in this truth: Jesus’ death on the cross has given us our value, our dignity, and our security.

In Christ, we lack nothing. May this truth empower us to live out our true identity in Him—walking in His ways and living lives worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monica is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

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.