Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s an honor to be here with you today.
Today is September 27.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, Your miracles are undeniable.”
As you exhale, pray: “Your resurrection changed everything.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples.
(John 11:45–54, NLT)

Notice

What hits you most?
Is there a phrase that jumps out to you?
Hold that phrase gently before the Lord.

Reread

Hear this passage again and pay attention to what was prophesied about Jesus..

Meditate

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The miracle is undeniable. Many people who witness it believe in Jesus. But not everyone.
Some go to the Pharisees and report what Jesus has done. And the religious leaders panic.
"What are we going to do? This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation."
Their fear is political. They're worried about power. They're worried about control. They're worried that if Jesus becomes too popular, Rome will crush them.
So they decide: Jesus must die.
But here's what's stunning—Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly prophesies the very truth he's trying to prevent:
"It's better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed."
He means it politically. He means it's better to eliminate one threat than face Roman destruction. But John tells us something deeper: "He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation."
God is working through Caiaphas's words. The very statement meant to justify Jesus's execution becomes a prophecy of redemption. Jesus will die. Not to save the nation from Rome, but to save all people from sin. Not just for one nation, but to unite all the children of God scattered around the world.
The irony is devastating: the leaders think they're protecting themselves by killing Jesus. But they're actually fulfilling God's plan. They're setting in motion the very events that will save the world.
And Jesus, understanding what's coming, withdraws. He stops His public ministry. He goes to a place near the wilderness with His disciples. He knows what's ahead. He knows the cross is coming.
But He goes willingly.
Jesus's miracles are undeniable. His power over death is real. His love is genuine. And because of all that, He chooses to die. He chooses the cross. He chooses to give His life so that we might live.
The resurrection of Lazarus points to something greater: Jesus's own resurrection. The miracle that will change everything.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
How do I feel about Jesus's miracles? Do they increase my faith?

Respond

Jesus, I believe in You. I believe in Your miracles. I believe in Your death and resurrection. Help me live in the power of Your resurrection."

Exercise

The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Walk With Jesus Again
Today's habit is an act of contemplative presence.
Jesus knew the cross was coming. He knew what lay ahead. Yet He chose to go willingly. Today, you're going to take a walk with Jesus and sit with what that means.
Find a quiet place—a cemetery, a park, a nature trail, anywhere you can walk uninterrupted for 30–45 minutes. Put your phone away. Leave the distractions behind.
As you walk, talk to Jesus. Out loud if you can. Honestly.
Ask yourself these questions and bring them to Him:
Do I understand that You died for me?
What does Your sacrifice mean to my life?
How should the cross change how I live?
What am I willing to give up because You gave up everything?
Don't rush through these questions. Sit with them. Let Jesus speak to your heart. Listen for His response.
By the end of your walk, you'll understand more deeply what it means to follow someone who loved you enough to die for you.

I have two asks of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today and check out the review of this podcast on Elevate Society?
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.