The People around Jesus

What makes a story great?

Every good story includes many elements—settings, characters, action, suspense, and a conclusion. The amazing story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is the greatest of all time. It involves all kinds of people: Jesus himself, his family members, his disciples, and his many other followers—as well as his opponents, detractors, and enemies. Jesus’ story also involves emotion, suspense, and a miraculous conclusion that has changed the world.

Over the course of this month, which includes the Lenten season, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, we’ll take a look at many of the people in the narrative of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The central focus of the story is Jesus, of course, but we can learn a lot about Jesus and about who he calls us to be through the people who surrounded him. As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection—the most important event in human history—let’s consider together the people around Jesus.

Bret Lamsma is Director of Faith Formation at First Church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, emerging adult, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, disc golfing, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.

As you read the Today devotions this month, may you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God’s Word!

Begin with day one of The People around Jesus here or download the full PDF.