He is Already There

Kindle the Word (Scripture): “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32 (NIV)

Stoke the Spirit (Reflection): The upper room was heavy that night. Jesus had just told the disciples they would all fall away. Not one would stand strong in the moment of testing. Not Peter. Not John. Not any of them.

But right after that blow, Jesus didn’t leave them in despair. He offered a promise: “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

He knew they would fail, but He had already planned their restoration.

Jesus was saying, “I’ll meet you on the other side. I’ll be in the place we started. I’ll still be leading you.”

Galilee wasn’t just a location. It was the place of calling. It was where fishermen became followers. Where water turned to wine. Where the Kingdom message first rang out.

Fireside Thoughts (Devotional Insight): Peter, like many of us, wanted to prove his loyalty. He told Jesus, “Even if all fall away, I never will.” Then, just hours later, he drew a sword and cut off a man’s ear, ready to fight for his King. But when the moment turned to fear instead of fire, Peter denied even knowing Jesus...three times.

One moment bold. The next moment broken. And yet, Jesus had already said, “Meet me in Galilee.” Jesus knew Peter’s highs and lows. He wasn’t surprised. He wasn’t changing the plan. He pointed the way before the fall even happened. That’s grace!

When we think we’ve blown it, when we’ve acted in the flesh or denied Him by our actions or silence, Jesus doesn’t turn His back. He goes ahead!

He’s already preparing the fire on the shore (John 21), already setting the scene for your restoration, your purpose, and your next chapter.

For the Man Who’s Fallen:

You’ve messed up. Maybe you’ve denied, distanced yourself, or just drifted away. But the promise still holds: Jesus has already gone ahead. He’s not behind you yelling about your mistakes, He’s in Galilee, calling you forward.

Embers to Carry (Challenge):

• Where is your Galilee? That place where Jesus first called you, stirred your heart, woke you up to who you really are?

• Are you trying to fight with the sword or hide in shame?

• Can you hear Him calling you back, not to condemnation, but to recommissioning?

Ignite Action (Application):

Don’t stay stuck in the upper room of guilt.

Don’t stay in the courtyard of denial.

Jesus is alive—and He’s already in Galilee, waiting.

Today, reflect on your “Galilee” moment—when Jesus first got a hold of your heart.

Write it down. Share it with someone. Let it reignite your calling.

Gather ’Round (F180 Group Connection):

• Share about a time you felt like you failed God—what did that season teach you?

• What does “Galilee” represent in your life?

• How can we help each other follow Jesus back to the place of grace and purpose?

• Where do you see Jesus going ahead of you right now?

Fan the Flames (Prayer):

Lord Jesus, thank You for going ahead of me, even when I fall short. Thank You for not giving up on me, for preparing a place of restoration. Lead me back to the place where I first heard Your voice. Back to purpose. Back to grace. I choose today to follow You there. Amen.

Keep It Burning (Memory Verse):

“But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32 (NIV)