Unstoppable! 'The Messiah Has Come!' — Acts 28:20

Monday, December 28, 2026

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[Paul addressed the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained:] "I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel — the Messiah — has already come."

— Acts 28:20 NLT

Key Thought

From the beginning of the proclamation of the Good News, a key message has been that Jesus of Nazareth is both Lord and Messiah - he is worthy of worship by both Gentiles (for whom the designation as Lord would be particularly meaningful) and Jews (who had been anticipating the Messiah for centuries).* Jesus came as the Messiah and was rejected, killed, and then raised on the third day. His resurrection was his divine proof that God's Messiah was the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah.** Jesus accepted this role of suffering servant for his life and ministry to show the Jews that they should reframe their concept of Israel's Messiah from a conquering hero to a servant who bore the sins and shared the human suffering of the people he came to save. Jesus is Lord of all and the Messiah who has already come!

* See the first set of Related Scripture Readings.
* See the second set of Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for living to intercede for me when I pray.^ Thank you for being my beloved Lord and Messiah who shared my humanity and now is in the presence of the Father to bring my prayers to him.^^ I thank you for your ministry on earth - your healing, teaching, and doing good to those in need. Thank you for your ministry now as the head of your church and the coming King of glory. I await your return in glory and honor as the only Lord and Messiah, the one to whom all praise and glory belong, both now and forever. Amen.

^ Hebrews 7:23-25.
^^ Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:14-16.

Related Scripture Readings

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Unhinderedly!
Article by Phil Ware
God will get us where we need to be when we need to be there! Phil Ware continues his series on Saved at Sea focusing on Paul's promise in Philippians 1:6 and Paul's shipwreck and travel to Rome to fulfill his calling from God.
Finally in Rome!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Paul finally arrived in Rome in the concluding chapter of Acts. As you have seen over the last several days of reading, the journey..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 28:20 NLT — [Paul addressed the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained:] "I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel — the Messiah — has already come."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 28, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Mutual Faith' (Ro. 1:16-17)
"Dear Father, Help us never to be ashamed of the Good News but to have great pride in it, since it is your power of salvation for everyone, the Jew..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Genesis 42:8
"This morning our desires went forth for growth in our acquaintance with the Lord Jesus; it may be well to-night to consider a kindred topic, namely,....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Has Heard My Cry' (Ps. 28:6-7)
"Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Humility & Fasting Get God’s Attention'
"And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey...."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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