ARTICLES

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Shmini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47). Read on Shabbat, April 11, 2026 / 23 Nisan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“For the LORD said, By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored” (Leviticus 10:3).

Parashat Shmini marks a pivotal moment in the life of Israel. After days of preparation and consecration, the priests begin their service in the Tabernacle. Aaron offers the sacrifices as commanded, and the presence of God appears to all the people. Fire comes forth from before the LORD and consumes the offering on the altar. The people respond with awe, rejoicing and falling on their faces. It is a moment of divine nearness and unmistakable glory.

Yet within the same chapter, a sobering event unfolds. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offer unauthorized fire before the LORD. Their action, though perhaps well intentioned, does not follow the command given by God. The result is immediate and severe. This contrast between accepted worship and misguided offering reveals the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and obedience. Holiness is not defined by human impulse but by God’s instruction.

Shmini also includes teachings about what is clean and unclean, guiding daily life beyond the Tabernacle. These instructions remind Israel that holiness extends into every area of life. It is not limited to moments of worship but is expressed in choices, habits, and discernment. God calls His people to be set apart, reflecting His character in both sacred and ordinary spaces.

This portion invites reflection on how we approach God. There is joy in His presence and gratitude for His nearness, yet there is also a call to honor Him with sincerity and respect. Worship is not only about emotion or expression. It is shaped by alignment with God’s will. When reverence and devotion come together, they create a space where God’s presence is rightly honored.

Some may be drawn to passion and spontaneity in their spiritual life. This reading encourages balancing that passion with attentiveness to God’s guidance. Others may feel distant or unsure how to approach Him. Shmini offers reassurance that God desires to reveal His presence, while also inviting careful and thoughtful devotion.

As this Shabbat arrives, consider how you are honoring God in both your worship and your daily decisions. Reflect on areas where greater attentiveness or reverence may be needed. Approach Him with humility and gratitude, trusting that His presence brings both joy and transformation. Let your life become an expression of holiness that reflects His glory.

PRAYER
Lord, help me approach You with reverence and sincerity. Teach me to honor You in my worship and in my daily life. May my heart reflect Your holiness and my actions bring You glory. Amen.

By Stephen Faircloth

In the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City stands one of the most sacred places in the world, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For centuries, believers have come here to remember the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Though surrounded today by busy streets and ancient stone walls, this place invites us to step into the most important moment in history.

The tradition identifying this site goes back to the fourth century. When the Empress Helena visited the land, local Christians pointed to this location as the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Her son, Emperor Constantine, then built a church here, calling it the Church of the Resurrection. From the beginning, the focus of this place was not death, but life.

Long before it became a church, this area had a different story. In ancient times, it was a stone quarry outside the city. Over time, it was filled in and became a garden with trees and, eventually, a burial site. Tombs from the time of Jesus have been discovered here, reminding us that this place once lay beyond the city walls, just as the Gospels describe.

This detail matters. Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem, in a place where tombs were cut into rock. The presence of first century tombs at this site aligns with that reality. What feels crowded and enclosed today was once open ground, quiet and removed from the city’s center.

The tomb itself, now enclosed within the church, has been shaped and reshaped over centuries. What visitors see today is not the untouched burial place, but a structure built around it. Still, at its core lies a first century tomb, the kind described in the Gospels.

History layered more meaning onto this place. In the second century, a Roman temple was built over the site, covering it for generations. Yet the memory of its significance did not disappear. When the temple was removed and the church constructed, that memory resurfaced. The testimony of early believers, preserved despite time and change, points to this location with remarkable consistency.

For many visitors, the question remains: Is this truly the place?

Archaeology and ancient tradition both support its authenticity. But even more important than the exact location is what happened. Somewhere just outside Jerusalem, in a garden tomb, Jesus was laid after the cross. And three days later, that tomb was empty.

Standing in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, surrounded by stone, history, and centuries of prayer, we are reminded of a simple and powerful truth. Death did not have the final word. The grave could not hold Him.

This place, whether one stands inside its walls or simply reflects from afar, calls us back to the heart of the gospel. The cross, the burial, and the resurrection are not distant events. They are the foundation of our hope.

The empty tomb still speaks.

It tells us that God brings life out of death. It tells us that what seems final is not final in His hands. And it invites us to trust that the same power that raised Jesus is still at work today.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6).

In the first century, crucifixion was tragically common. The Romans executed thousands in this brutal way, and at first glance, Jesus’ death may have seemed like just another loss, another crushed hope. For many, it was exactly that. His followers watched in grief, their expectations shattered, their future uncertain. But the story did not end at the cross.

Early on the first day of the week, a group of women went to the tomb, carrying spices to honor Jesus’ body. Instead of closure, they found confusion. The stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. As they stood there wondering, two messengers appeared with a question that still echoes today: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

Everything changed in that moment. Jesus had risen. The resurrection became the foundation of the message proclaimed by His followers. It was the unmistakable declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. The apostle Paul would later affirm that it was through the resurrection that Jesus was revealed in power for who He truly is.

Even when speaking to audiences who struggled to accept it, Paul would not compromise on this truth. The resurrection was not an optional idea. It was the heart of the good news. Jesus did not remain in the grave. He walked out of the tomb.

For His followers, the resurrection was also deeply personal. The cross had left them discouraged and disoriented. They had hoped He would redeem Israel, but His death seemed to bring those hopes to an end. Yet God turned their despair into joy, their confusion into clarity. He did what only He can do. He brought life out of death. That same power still speaks into our lives today.

There are moments when everything feels lost. Dreams fall apart. Diagnoses shake us. Circumstances seem impossible. In those moments, it can feel like darkness has the final word. But the resurrection reminds us that God specializes in reversal. What appears final to us is not final to Him. Because Jesus rose, we have hope that goes beyond our present circumstances. His victory over death is also a promise. Those who trust in Him share in that victory. Death is no longer the end of the story.

Peter captured this beautifully when he wrote that through the resurrection, we are born again into a living hope, with an inheritance that cannot fade or be taken away. This hope is not fragile or temporary. It is secure because it rests on what God has already done. Even when we face the reality of death, whether our own or that of someone we love, we do not stand without hope. The empty tomb assures us that life has the final word.

No matter how dark the night, God brings light. No matter how impossible the situation, He makes a way. No matter how final something seems, He is still able to bring new life. Why can we trust this? Because Jesus walked out of the tomb.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for the hope we have in the resurrection. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, remind us that You bring life out of death. Help us trust You in every circumstance, knowing that Your power and promises never fail. Amen.

This week’s Torah reading is the holiday portion for Pesach (Exodus 12:21-51 and Numbers 28:16-25). Read on Shabbat during Pesach, April 4, 2026 / 16 Nisan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“You shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. When you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall keep this service. And when your children say to you, What do you mean by this service, you shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover, for He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians but spared our homes” (Exodus 12:24-27).

Parashat Pesach centers on remembrance and redemption. The night of deliverance is not meant to fade into history but to be told and retold through every generation. God commands His people to remember not only the event but its meaning. The story of rescue becomes a living testimony that shapes identity, faith, and hope.

The act of remembering is active and intentional. Families gather, questions are asked, and answers are given. Through this rhythm, each generation learns that they are part of a larger story. Redemption is not only something that happened in the past. It becomes a reality that continues to define the present. God’s faithfulness is carried forward through words, actions, and shared memory.

Pesach also reveals that deliverance requires trust and response. The people marked their doorposts, prepared their meal, and stepped forward in obedience. Their actions reflected faith in what God had promised. Freedom was not only declared. It was received through participation in what God instructed.

This portion invites us to consider what it means to remember well. In busy lives it is easy to move forward without reflection, to overlook the ways God has provided and delivered. Yet memory strengthens faith. When we recall what God has done, we find courage to trust Him again. The story of redemption becomes a foundation for present hope.

Some may be in situations that feel uncertain or unresolved. Let the message of Pesach remind you that God is able to bring deliverance in ways that may not be immediately visible. Others may be in seasons of stability and blessing. This is a time to give thanks and to share the story of God’s faithfulness with others, especially those who are still searching for hope.

As this Shabbat during Pesach arrives, take time to remember the ways God has worked in your life. Speak those memories aloud, write them down, or share them with someone close to you. Let gratitude fill your heart. Choose one way to respond with trust and obedience, allowing the story of redemption to shape how you live today.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the ways You have brought redemption into my life. Help me remember Your works and trust You in every season. May my life reflect gratitude, obedience, and hope in Your saving power. Amen.

“The LORD’s Passover begins at sundown on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the next day, the fifteenth day of the month, you must begin celebrating the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This festival to the LORD continues for seven days, and during that time the bread you eat must be made without yeast…” (Leviticus 23:5-8).

It was a night filled with tension and expectation. Inside their homes, the people of Israel waited quietly. After centuries of bondage in Egypt, they had received precise instructions through Moses. Each household was to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorframes with its blood. They were to prepare the meal and remain indoors until morning, trusting that something extraordinary was about to unfold.

That night, judgment came upon Egypt. Every firstborn in the land perished, from the lowest household to Pharaoh’s own family. Yet the homes marked by obedience were spared. The divine presence passed over them, preserving life within. By the following day, after enduring ten devastating plagues, the Israelites were released from slavery and began their journey toward freedom under Moses’ leadership.

This defining moment is remembered each year during Pesach or Passover, a central observance in Jewish life. In Exodus 13:5-8, the people are instructed to retell this story to their children and to eat unleavened bread for seven days. This bread, often called the bread of affliction, serves as a reminder of both hardship and haste, since there was no time for dough to rise before departure.

Today, this bread is known as matzah. Though made simply from flour and water, it must be prepared and baked within eighteen minutes to prevent fermentation. Its simplicity reflects both urgency and humility.

For generations, Jewish families have gathered on the evening of Passover for a special meal known as the Seder, a word meaning order. During this meal, the Exodus story is recounted in a structured and symbolic way. While customs may differ across cultures, the core message remains constant: God’s power to deliver and redeem.

Preparation for Passover involves removing all leaven from the home. This process can be detailed and thorough, as families search carefully to ensure that no trace remains. The act symbolizes a cleansing, both physical and spiritual.

During the Seder, a plate holds several symbolic foods. A roasted bone recalls the Passover sacrifice. A boiled egg points to the cycle of life. Bitter herbs represent the harshness of slavery, while a sweet mixture called haroset reflects the mortar used in forced labor. A green vegetable dipped in salt water evokes both renewal and tears. Matzah is also central, placed prominently as a reminder of the Exodus experience.

For many Christians, Passover holds additional significance. The Last Supper shared by Jesus and His disciples was a Passover meal. When He broke the bread and spoke of His body, He was using unleavened bread. This connection continues in Christian communion practices today.

Some believers also see meaning in the appearance of matzah, with its markings suggesting suffering and sacrifice. Its lack of leaven is often understood as a symbol of purity. Within this perspective, Jesus is seen as the Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings redemption. The cup He shared is often associated with the Cup of Redemption from the traditional Passover meal, aligning with His words about a new covenant.

Passover and Easter frequently occur around the same time in early spring. The Jewish observance lasts eight days, with the first and last days marked by special gatherings. In Israel, one Seder is held, while Jewish communities elsewhere typically observe two evenings of celebration.

Holiday Greeting

Chag Kasher V’Sameach

Wishing you a happy and kosher holiday

During the intermediate days, it is also customary to say:

Moadim L’Simcha

Wishing you a joyful festival

Historical Note

In ancient times, the Passover celebration included the sacrifice of a lamb that was roasted and eaten during the Seder. This practice continued until the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the first century.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

By Stephen Faircloth

After sharing the Passover meal in Jerusalem, Jesus left the city with His disciples and went to a place called Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32). While the exact location cannot be identified with certainty, the Gospels make clear that it was on the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem (Luke 22:39; John 18:1).

During Passover, pilgrims would eat the meal within the city, but many stayed outside its walls on the surrounding hillsides. The Mount of Olives, with its groves of trees, provided a natural place to gather, rest, and pray. It was here, away from the crowds but still within sight of the city, that Jesus often withdrew with His disciples.

The name Gethsemane likely comes from Hebrew words meaning “oil press.” This suggests the area was associated with the production of olive oil, fitting for a place on the Mount of Olives. The imagery is striking. Just as olives are pressed to produce oil, Jesus entered a place where He Himself would be pressed under the weight of what lay ahead.

Today, visitors to Jerusalem can walk among olive groves on the Mount of Olives and reflect on this moment. While traditions point to several possible locations, the precise spot matters less than what happened there. The setting itself helps us understand the depth of Jesus’ experience.

Beyond the ridge of the Mount of Olives, the land drops sharply into the wilderness that stretches toward Jericho and the Dead Sea. This rugged terrain has long provided refuge for those seeking to disappear. From where Jesus prayed, escape was not far away. Within a short time, He could have fled into the wilderness and avoided what was coming.

That reality gives new weight to His prayer: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Jesus was not trapped. He was not forced. He stood at a place where He could choose another path. Yet He willingly turned away from escape and toward obedience. He chose the Father’s will, even though it led to suffering and the cross.

Gethsemane reminds us that surrender is often a choice made in moments of deep struggle. It is not always easy or painless. It may involve facing what we would rather avoid. But it is in those moments that true trust is revealed.

We all encounter our own “Gethsemane” places, moments when we must choose between our will and God’s. Sometimes the easier path lies within reach. Sometimes obedience feels costly. Yet Jesus shows us what it means to trust the Father fully.

He chose obedience, knowing that beyond the suffering lay redemption.

As we reflect on Gethsemane, we are invited to consider our own response. Will we trust God when the path is difficult? Will we surrender our will to His, even when we do not fully understand?

The same God who strengthened Jesus in that moment walks with us in ours.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38).

As Jesus made His way up to Jerusalem for Passover, He walked a familiar path. Year after year, faithful Jews journeyed to the city to remember God’s deliverance. Jesus had done this since childhood. But this time was different. This journey would lead not only to celebration, but to the cross.

As He approached the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent His disciples ahead to bring Him a colt. Everything unfolded just as He said. Then, in a quiet yet powerful moment, Jesus chose to enter the city riding on that humble animal. It was not the arrival of a conquering warrior, but of a King whose mission would not look like what people expected.

The crowds began to rejoice. They spread their cloaks on the road and lifted their voices in praise and worship. They had seen His miracles. They believed something extraordinary was happening in their midst. Their words echoed heaven’s announcement at His birth: “Peace” and “glory.” Hope filled the air.

They were not wrong to celebrate. They were not wrong to believe that God was at work through Jesus. But they did not yet understand the path He would take. Many expected immediate redemption, a visible restoration, a turning of the tide for their nation. Even after the resurrection, the disciples still asked about the timing of that restoration. Their hope was real, but their understanding was incomplete. And so it often is with us.

We, too, can recognize that God is moving, yet misunderstand how He will move. We celebrate His promises, yet struggle when His timing does not match our expectations. We want clarity, answers, and certainty. But God often leads us on a path we would not have chosen, a path that may include waiting, sacrifice, or even suffering.

Jesus knew exactly what awaited Him in Jerusalem. The cheers of the crowd would soon give way to arrest and condemnation at the hands of a small group of corrupt leaders determined to see Him put to death. The road lined with cloaks would lead to a cross. Yet He moved forward with unwavering resolve, trusting the Father completely, knowing that beyond the suffering lay resurrection and redemption.

The triumphal entry invites us into that same kind of trust. Can we praise Him not only when we understand, but also when we do not? Can we declare, “Blessed is the King,” even when His plan unfolds in ways we did not expect? Can we trust that the God who fulfilled His promises through Jesus will also be faithful in our lives?

Faith is not built on knowing every detail of the future. It is built on knowing the One who holds it. The same King who entered Jerusalem in humility is the One who walks with us today. He sees the full picture. He knows the outcome. And He is leading us, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

So like those first disciples, we lift our voices in praise. Not because we understand everything, but because we trust the One who does.

PRAYER

Father, even when we do not fully understand Your plans, help us trust You. Teach us to follow You with faith and to praise You in every season. Blessed is the King who comes in Your name. Amen.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36). Read on Shabbat, March 28, 2026 / 9 Nisan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out” (Leviticus 6:12-13).

Parashat Tzav continues the instructions for offerings, focusing on the responsibility of the priests to maintain the sacred service. At the center of this portion is the command that the fire on the altar must never go out. It is to be tended daily, with care and consistency. This continual flame represents devotion that does not depend on changing circumstances but remains steady over time.

The priests are given detailed instructions for their service, from the handling of offerings to the garments they wear. Their role requires attentiveness, discipline, and reverence. Worship is not left to impulse. It is shaped through intentional practice. The repetition of daily service teaches that holiness is cultivated through faithfulness in what may seem routine.

Tzav reminds us that spiritual life is sustained through ongoing attention. Just as the altar required fresh wood each morning, our relationship with God calls for daily renewal. Prayer, gratitude, and reflection are not one-time acts. They are practices that keep the fire of faith alive. When neglected, the flame can grow dim. When tended, it continues to give light and warmth.

Some may feel their spiritual life has grown quiet or distant. This portion offers a gentle invitation to begin again. Small, consistent steps can rekindle what feels lost. Others may already be walking in steady devotion. Let this reading encourage perseverance, knowing that God values faithful consistency more than occasional intensity.

The image of the continual fire also speaks to purpose. God’s presence is not meant to flicker in and out of our awareness. It is meant to remain central, shaping how we live and respond each and every day. Whether in moments of joy or challenge, the steady flame reminds us that God is near and worthy of ongoing devotion.

As this Shabbat begins, reflect on how you are tending the fire of faith in your life. Consider one practice you can renew or strengthen this week. Approach it not as a burden but as an opportunity to draw near to God. Let your daily rhythm become a place where His presence is honored and sustained.

PRAYER
Lord, help me keep the fire of devotion alive in my life. Teach me to seek You daily with faithfulness and sincerity. May my heart remain steady in Your presence and reflect Your light in all I do. Amen.