Read Matthew 5:3 

The kind of people who are citizens of the kingdom of heaven is those who understand their need for Jesus. Journal about a moment from your story when you recognized you needed God. 

Read Luke 23:39-43 

Christ dies on the cross and calls his followers to die on their own crosses as well. It is only through death that we have resurrection. It is only through weakness that we truly realize our strength in him. 

What did the thief on the cross realize as he was nearing death that the other man didn’t? 

What can we learn about strength from the picture of Christ dying on a cross? 

UP 

Memorize Matthew 5:3 - “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

IN 

Each day this week spend some time praying through and meditating on the verses listed below. As you do so, think about the following questions: 

What do these verses teach us about our need to rely on Jesus? How does relying on Jesus lead us to happiness? 

What is one area of your life you need to begin trusting and relying on Jesus rather than yourself?  

Monday: John: 15:5

Tuesday: Galatians 2:20

Wednesday: Colossians 1:29

Thursday: Philippians 2:13

Friday: Ephesians 3:20-21

OUT

We all know someone who may not have recognized their need for Jesus yet. Rather than telling them that they need Jesus, share the story of how you came to know that you needed Jesus. Whether they live a life similar to yours prior to knowing God, or if you can offer a perspective from your own life, how can you share with that person your story of recognizing your need for a Savior?