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Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional
Journey through Lent with Best-Selling Author Paul David Tripp
“During our forty days together, may your mourning increase so that your joy may deepen.”—Paul David Tripp
Lent is a time in the yearly Christian calendar when we mourn our sin and let go of worldly things that keep our hearts from experiencing God more fully. But how do we reevaluate and recalibrate the values of our hearts to match those of our suffering Savior?
In this forty-day Lenten devotional, best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten season.
“During our forty days together, may your mourning increase so that your joy may deepen.”—Paul David Tripp
Lent is a time in the yearly Christian calendar when we mourn our sin and let go of worldly things that keep our hearts from experiencing God more fully. But how do we reevaluate and recalibrate the values of our hearts to match those of our suffering Savior?
In this forty-day Lenten devotional, best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten season.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
410 people are currently reading
1408 people want to read
About the author
Paul David Tripp
133 books1,418 followersPaul was born in Toledo, Ohio to Bob and Fae Tripp on November 12, 1950. Paul spent all of his growing years in Toledo until his college years when his parents moved to Southern California.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
March 25, 2024
I was looking for a little devotional for the time leading up to Easter. DPT always delivers such thought provoking books!
The only thing I had a hard time with was dwelling on sin for 40 days. When, as believers, we have been made new in Christ! I’d rather dwell on that exciting news that we are not our former selves, but new people! It wasn’t something I enjoyed picking up daily 🥹
But it was well written and well thought out!
Thank you cross way for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The only thing I had a hard time with was dwelling on sin for 40 days. When, as believers, we have been made new in Christ! I’d rather dwell on that exciting news that we are not our former selves, but new people! It wasn’t something I enjoyed picking up daily 🥹
But it was well written and well thought out!
Thank you cross way for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
March 29, 2024
PDT strikes again! A really good devotional read. It blessed me this Lenten season.
^ Two years later and my thoughts remain the same!
^ Two years later and my thoughts remain the same!
April 2, 2023
"You and I are a collection of weaknesses, held together and protected by grace"
April 1, 2024
Wish I could give this devo 6 stars! Been a great way to reset my mind and heart this lent season and rejoice in the cross and all that we celebrate in Easter!
April 1, 2024
This was a wonderful devotional book to read leading up to Easter Sunday. Paul Tripp is a wise, godly man and gifted writer. This was my second year to read through this devotional, missing a few days each time here and there. The book has a daily reading from the author, reflection questions, and scripture verses to look up and read in God's word.
Because creation is so obvious (you can see it, you can taste it, you can feel it, and you can smell it), it's tempting to look to it to deliver all things for which we are all searching. But satisfaction of our hearts is not the purpose of the physical creation; it actually has a much higher purpose. Creation was made to point us to the one who alone has the power to satisfy our longing hearts. He is the bread that will satisfy our hunger. He is the living water that makes us thirst no longer. With every vista, on every day, with every new experience and each new look, creation has been designed to point us to God.
Fight the battle with complaint by developing a day-by-day habit of gratitude. Begin counting your blessings, and watch how the practice begins to alter the way you look at your life. No one is more worthy of your praise than your generous, loving, faithful, wise, and gracious Savior.
Gratitude silences complaint.
Because creation is so obvious (you can see it, you can taste it, you can feel it, and you can smell it), it's tempting to look to it to deliver all things for which we are all searching. But satisfaction of our hearts is not the purpose of the physical creation; it actually has a much higher purpose. Creation was made to point us to the one who alone has the power to satisfy our longing hearts. He is the bread that will satisfy our hunger. He is the living water that makes us thirst no longer. With every vista, on every day, with every new experience and each new look, creation has been designed to point us to God.
Fight the battle with complaint by developing a day-by-day habit of gratitude. Begin counting your blessings, and watch how the practice begins to alter the way you look at your life. No one is more worthy of your praise than your generous, loving, faithful, wise, and gracious Savior.
Gratitude silences complaint.
March 25, 2024
This is a wonderful, thoughtful Lenten devotional, one that pierced my heart and gently reminded me to mourn my sin and praise the One who rescued me by His grace. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2020
"Not my will, but yours be done." That final sentence of Jesus's prayer in the garden gives every sinner who ever lived hope.
With the style that Paul Tripp is known for, he communicates what is already in scripture that we can see our need for Jesus. That we would be willing and fight the selfishness of sin. Lent is a time to mourn so we can find deeper joy. To cling to the hope of the gospel. Lamentation is used to see the reality of the human crisis. Behavior modification does not bring you to the presence of the almighty. Coming to the presence of Christ during Lent takes a broken spirit and a contrite heart. This devotional invites you to that place of worship. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
With the style that Paul Tripp is known for, he communicates what is already in scripture that we can see our need for Jesus. That we would be willing and fight the selfishness of sin. Lent is a time to mourn so we can find deeper joy. To cling to the hope of the gospel. Lamentation is used to see the reality of the human crisis. Behavior modification does not bring you to the presence of the almighty. Coming to the presence of Christ during Lent takes a broken spirit and a contrite heart. This devotional invites you to that place of worship. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 7, 2023
This helped me through Lent. Dwelling on my sin and my savior in specific ways. If you’re looking for a Lent devotional next year I’d recommend it.
April 11, 2023
We were really encouraged by the passages we were able to get to. Lots of helpful reminders and fresh takes about the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is the first year we decided to read a lent devotional to prepare our hearts for Easter, and I am so glad we did!
Something I would do differently in the future: I wish we would've devoted a time every night to get to the reading, but we didn't plan well enough. Oh well, notes for next year. We would try to read it every night before bed, but the passages were so dense and we were usually so tired that we weren't in the best headspace to read something so in-depth. When we purchased this book I thought that the daily readings would be more like 'New Morning Mercies' speed, but they were much longer, which is not a problem, but maybe not the best fit for us this year.
Something I would do differently in the future: I wish we would've devoted a time every night to get to the reading, but we didn't plan well enough. Oh well, notes for next year. We would try to read it every night before bed, but the passages were so dense and we were usually so tired that we weren't in the best headspace to read something so in-depth. When we purchased this book I thought that the daily readings would be more like 'New Morning Mercies' speed, but they were much longer, which is not a problem, but maybe not the best fit for us this year.
Read
April 28, 2025A beautiful companion to the Lenton season. Loved the reflection questions at the end of each day’s reading. Will be returning back to this next Lent!
March 31, 2021
Challenging. We started our lent reading early and are now reading certain day's readings. I highly recommend this.
April 8, 2023
Um livro sensacional, o Paul Tripp a cada devocional te desmonta e te faz refletir sobre a nossa natureza pecaminosa, sempre relembrando do sacrifício de Cristo. Vale a pena demais a leitura e não somente na Quaresma, mas sim uma duas vezes no ano, no mínimo.
April 1, 2023
Paul David Tripp's books are some of my favorite when it relates to the Christian faith. He reveals truths in such a simple yet profound way. I usually refrain from 'Christian Living' books because they are full of cookie cutter platitudes that are contrite and empty. Not Tripp, though. I would recommend 'Journey to the Cross' for any time of year and not just during the Lenten season.
April 21, 2023
Got a little behind but never too late to celebrate Easter and the end of Lent!!! This book was such a blessing in this season and totally changed my view of lent as I studied both His and my journey to the cross. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read again next year
April 8, 2023
I love his writing & his thought provoking questions at the end of each day. This devotional is one I’ll use year after year to prepare for Easter.
January 26, 2021
Lent is meant to bring us closer to Jesus. But how does this happen? In Journey to the Cross, Paul David Tripp takes us on a 40-day devotional Lenten journey as we reflect on our sin and travel through the sorrows, sufferings, and sacrificial joy of Jesus.
Sit Under the Shadow of the Cross
There are 40 days of devotions in this book, and they all focus on our sin. But they don’t speak on sin in the abstract or theological, but in the everyday and practical implications. Pride, poor attitudes, selfishness, and anger are talked about. And Tripp makes it personal by giving examples from his life and with his family. He writes with sensitivity, but with purpose.
This book takes sin seriously, but its purpose is to offer a solution in Jesus. We are told to sit under the shadow of the cross. We are told to persevere in prayer. As is fitting for Lent, we are asked to fast, make personal sacrifices, examine our idols, and put them to death. This book begs you to take your spiritual life seriously, and it reminds us that getting more of Jesus is always worth it.
Abundant Grace
Each of the 40 devotions opens with short summary sentences, and closes with 3 reflection questions. Interestingly, Bible passages are presented after the devotional read, prompting you with what to look for in the text as well as how to pray. I found this to be an excellent format, as the devotionals serve as introductions to the Biblical text – not meant to replace or supersede God’s Word.
Because each devotion is less than 5 pages in length, Tripp does not waste any words. He cuts straight to the heart and asks direct, pointed questions. Following Jesus takes hard work and determination, with faith that is supplied and fortified by abundant and abounding grace.
Deeper Joy
After the highs of the Christmas season, I often find myself not as excited as I should be for Easter. With this book, Tripp uses the Lenten season to take us low with Jesus on a journey to the cross. By the time Easter arrives, you will find your joy has deepened as your heart is drawn to worship.
I received a media copy of Journey to the Cross and this is my honest review.
Sit Under the Shadow of the Cross
There are 40 days of devotions in this book, and they all focus on our sin. But they don’t speak on sin in the abstract or theological, but in the everyday and practical implications. Pride, poor attitudes, selfishness, and anger are talked about. And Tripp makes it personal by giving examples from his life and with his family. He writes with sensitivity, but with purpose.
This book takes sin seriously, but its purpose is to offer a solution in Jesus. We are told to sit under the shadow of the cross. We are told to persevere in prayer. As is fitting for Lent, we are asked to fast, make personal sacrifices, examine our idols, and put them to death. This book begs you to take your spiritual life seriously, and it reminds us that getting more of Jesus is always worth it.
Abundant Grace
Each of the 40 devotions opens with short summary sentences, and closes with 3 reflection questions. Interestingly, Bible passages are presented after the devotional read, prompting you with what to look for in the text as well as how to pray. I found this to be an excellent format, as the devotionals serve as introductions to the Biblical text – not meant to replace or supersede God’s Word.
Because each devotion is less than 5 pages in length, Tripp does not waste any words. He cuts straight to the heart and asks direct, pointed questions. Following Jesus takes hard work and determination, with faith that is supplied and fortified by abundant and abounding grace.
Deeper Joy
After the highs of the Christmas season, I often find myself not as excited as I should be for Easter. With this book, Tripp uses the Lenten season to take us low with Jesus on a journey to the cross. By the time Easter arrives, you will find your joy has deepened as your heart is drawn to worship.
I received a media copy of Journey to the Cross and this is my honest review.
February 8, 2021
Tripp starts out the book talking about mourning. After the year we had, we see more clearly than ever that there is much to mourn. Tripp goes on to say "The sad realities that cause you to mourn also cause you to cry out for the help, rescue, forgiveness, and deliverance of a Redeemer" (location 36). In this 40 day lenten devotional, we are invited to examine our hearts and remember what Jesus has done for us on the cross. The readings are deep, biblical, encouraging and thoughtful. It has caused me to look at things in a fresh way. I am growing deeper in my relationship with my Savior as a result. It was a great reminder that while my salvation is secure, I still need grace and help to fight the sin that remains in my heart.
Thank you to Crossway for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I would highly recommend it. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Crossway for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I would highly recommend it. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2021
Friends of ours suggested this devotional for Lent. I’ve never given much thought to the Lenten season or the significance it can have on the road to Easter.
Paul David Tripp writes clear, concise and meaningful daily devotions in this book. He has a tendency to be repetitive within in each devotion, but I think this is an intentional tactic by the author not a shortcoming. The repetition helps the reader internalize the message of the devotion and take full advantage of the pointed reflection questions each day.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it out loud to each other for 40 days.
Paul David Tripp writes clear, concise and meaningful daily devotions in this book. He has a tendency to be repetitive within in each devotion, but I think this is an intentional tactic by the author not a shortcoming. The repetition helps the reader internalize the message of the devotion and take full advantage of the pointed reflection questions each day.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it out loud to each other for 40 days.
April 20, 2025
Updated: just finished my re-read of this for the 2025 Lent season. I highly recommend this even if it’s not Easter. So thankful to be pointed to the Cross as I anticipate Christ’s return.
This was balm to my soul each morning. Such a wonderful book to prepare for Resurrection Sunday!
This was balm to my soul each morning. Such a wonderful book to prepare for Resurrection Sunday!
May 1, 2025
A tremendous daily reader with the typical Paul Tripp style devotions focused on understanding scripture and resetting our mindset of approaching the cross. A perfect follow up devotional to New Morning Mercies.
June 18, 2024
This was the best devotional I’ve ever done. While it’s designed for Lent, I would benefit from cycling through it all year.
April 19, 2025
I am a huge fan of Tripp’s work. The content of this devotional was all good, true, and honoring to the Lord. However, it felt sporadic and poorly organized. For example, a discussion about what Lent actually is and why people choose to fast during the season didn’t occur until Day 24. I feel like that would have been much more helpful to reflect on at Day 1. Also, there is no guide about how to read through the book. There are typically 46 days in Lent, but only 40 days of devotional. Some days were very clearly meant to be read on specific days, like during Holy Week, but if you hadn’t timed out your reading just right, you would have been off topic when you got to it. Otherwise, there was no clear flow to the topics from day to day.
Overall, I believe this could be a much more effective tool with some instructions and editing to better accommodate the reader.
Please forgive me for this rant.
Overall, I believe this could be a much more effective tool with some instructions and editing to better accommodate the reader.
Please forgive me for this rant.
April 1, 2023
This will be a book I read every lent season! Beautiful reminders of how the gospel is more than just "Jesus dying on a cross and raised the 3rd day". It goes into the implications of the gospel as a result of accepting the good news!
"The empty tomb of Jesus is your guarantee that what you live with today will not always be. Every enemy that troubles your life right here, right now, will be under the victorious get of your risen Savior, Jesus. His empty tomb guarantees the completion of the work. He will not quit; he refuses to relent until that last enemy is under his feet. Then, and only then, will he usher in his final kingdom and invite us into a world where all things have been made new.
The journey of Jesus to the cross didn't end with the cross but with the victory of the empty tomb, and that's a very good thing."
"The empty tomb of Jesus is your guarantee that what you live with today will not always be. Every enemy that troubles your life right here, right now, will be under the victorious get of your risen Savior, Jesus. His empty tomb guarantees the completion of the work. He will not quit; he refuses to relent until that last enemy is under his feet. Then, and only then, will he usher in his final kingdom and invite us into a world where all things have been made new.
The journey of Jesus to the cross didn't end with the cross but with the victory of the empty tomb, and that's a very good thing."
April 17, 2021
I think this is the best devotional I have read till now. Each day you have a devotional, some questions to reflect on and a task. The book helps you see the importance of Christs sacrifice and the beauty of the resurrection. If the death and resurrection of Christ does not move your heart anymore try reading this devotional, it will help you see how ugly and devastating is your sin and how much Jesus sacrificed for you.
April 13, 2025
Book 35 of 2025
Journey to the Cross
By Paul David Tripp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is my favorite Lent devotional that I have ever done. It is balanced with encouragement, reflection, conviction, and deeper focus on the Bible and Jesus.
I highly recommend it.
But if you want something for the rest of the year, his book, New Morning Mercies is awesome!
Journey to the Cross
By Paul David Tripp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is my favorite Lent devotional that I have ever done. It is balanced with encouragement, reflection, conviction, and deeper focus on the Bible and Jesus.
I highly recommend it.
But if you want something for the rest of the year, his book, New Morning Mercies is awesome!
April 14, 2025
Journey to the Cross by Paul David Tripp. I listened to the audiobook 🙂
This is a 40 day devotional for the season of lent, observed by some reformed denominations as a way to focus on sin and repentance prior to Holy Week (Easter).
Each devotion encourages the reader to reflect on the doctrine of sin & its application in life. There are focus questions and bible readings at the end of the devotions. This is a meaty book, there's a lot to think about each day. It's definitely confronting to look at your own sinful nature so head on, but with the help of the Holy Spirit it will lead to a more balanced view of self - seeing ourselves the way God sees us. Some of the things Tripp has prompted me to reflect on:
- The blessing of being convicted spiritually of our sin & not running away from this.
- The grace that we have in Jesus and his love leads us to being unafraid to admit sin because he is victorious
- Giving up things that we idolise because sin is idolatry
- The nature of sin and how it operates - our sinful desires, the need to uproot & attack sin at all levels
- The ultimate victory of Jesus over sin & death
I highly recommend this book and this would make a great gift as well.
This is a 40 day devotional for the season of lent, observed by some reformed denominations as a way to focus on sin and repentance prior to Holy Week (Easter).
Each devotion encourages the reader to reflect on the doctrine of sin & its application in life. There are focus questions and bible readings at the end of the devotions. This is a meaty book, there's a lot to think about each day. It's definitely confronting to look at your own sinful nature so head on, but with the help of the Holy Spirit it will lead to a more balanced view of self - seeing ourselves the way God sees us. Some of the things Tripp has prompted me to reflect on:
- The blessing of being convicted spiritually of our sin & not running away from this.
- The grace that we have in Jesus and his love leads us to being unafraid to admit sin because he is victorious
- Giving up things that we idolise because sin is idolatry
- The nature of sin and how it operates - our sinful desires, the need to uproot & attack sin at all levels
- The ultimate victory of Jesus over sin & death
I highly recommend this book and this would make a great gift as well.
March 30, 2024
Part of me feels a little wrong for putting a devotional on Goodreads but 🤷♀️ this was my first time ever observing lent and this book was super helpful in orienting my mind and heart throughout the season and bonus PDT is my fav
April 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this lent devotional. Challenged me to think and reflect deeply. Liked the format of Tripp’s thoughts, reflection questions, and scripture suggestions for relevant reading. Will likely do again next year!
April 14, 2021
4.5 stars
April 14, 2022
I absolutely loved this devotional for Lent. Every day contained thought-provoking writing and questions plus a passage from the Bible to mediate on and learn from.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews