Prepare Your Heart for Easter
Easter is such a special time of year. During this time of year, it might be easy to get excited about Easter for all the reasons that we do every year:
For the time off from work or school
Gathering with family
Reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice through church services and sermons
However, this year I want to CHALLENGE you to go deeper as you prepare for Easter….
Before Jesus was betrayed, He gathered His disciples for a final meal. In John 13–17, we see Jesus preparing His disciples for what was about to come—His departure and ultimate sacrifice. This is also when He introduced the practice of communion. But before teaching or even breaking bread, Jesus did something unexpected, something deeply humbling: He washed their feet.
This was a task reserved for servants, not teachers or leaders. Yet, Jesus knelt before His followers and took on this humble role. Why? Because He was modeling something important—not just about serving others, but about receiving from Him first.
So as you prepare for Easter, I CHALLENGE YOU TO PRAY THESE 3 THINGS that Jesus modeled in that moment. These can shape your prayers and your mindset as you approach this sacred season:
1. Humility
Let go of the idea that you can earn the grace of the cross.
Pray: “Jesus, I did nothing to earn my salvation. Thank You for the work You did for me.”
Humility brings freedom. It grounds us in joy and truth. Pride, on the other hand, sends us on a rollercoaster of highs and lows—“I’m awesome!” one moment and “I’m a failure” the next. But humility says, “My identity is in what Jesus has done, not in what I can do.” We are forgiven. We are accepted. We are loved.
2. Receive Cleansing
Peter struggled with the idea of Jesus washing his feet. He didn’t resist because he thought he was clean—he resisted because he knew he wasn’t. He didn’t want Jesus to stoop so low for him. But that’s exactly what Jesus came to do. And that’s what He did on the cross.
When Jesus died, He bore the full weight of every sin you’ve ever committed. Let that truth free you from shame. When you sin—and you will—don’t hide or wallow in guilt. Confess it:
“God, I did it again. Will You forgive me?”
And the answer is always yes.
Don’t carry the burden of sin that Jesus already carried for you.
3. Serve with Purpose
Ask Jesus where He wants you to serve. Don’t just fill every opportunity out of guilt or pressure.
Service should never be about earning worth or proving your value. True service flows from love and obedience. Jesus modeled this by washing the disciples’ feet—a lowly task—but service can also look like greeting someone at church, opening your home, or stepping into leadership.
Before you serve, pause and ask:
“Lord, where are You calling me to serve?”
Then move forward with joy and confidence, knowing you’re walking in His will—not your own striving.
A Prayer as You Prepare:
Lord,
Thank You for this time to reflect on Your work on the cross. Give me wisdom to walk in true humility and accept the full grace of Your forgiveness. Thank You that I no longer have to carry the weight of my sin. Protect me from striving. Help me not to serve out of obligation or to earn favor, but out of the joy of becoming more like You. Amen.A Prayer as You Prepare
Lord, thank You for this time to reflect on Your work on the cross. Give me wisdom to walk in true humility and accept the full grace of Your forgiveness. Thank You that I no longer have to carry the weight of my sin. Protect me from striving. Help me not to serve out of obligation or to earn favor, but out of the joy of becoming more like You.
Amen.
Let this Easter be more than a celebration—let it be a time of renewal, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. 🌿
