Readings

Acts 3:12-19

Psalm 4

1 John 3:1-7

Luke 24:36b-48

Devotion

Peace be with you!

This week I challenged you to fillin “I __; nevertheless, I am forgiven through Jesus Christ.” Not many of you answered the call to action. A few expressed fear of writing out sins and sharing publicly. Here are the quotes I got:

I forgot about him for 8 years; nevertheless I am forgiven by God through Jesus Christ.
I cussed, nevertheless I am forgiven by God through Jesus Christ.
I lied; nevertheless I am forgiven.

These things that we did are what separate us from God the Father. We are constantly going through the renewing cycle: repenting from and dying to our sins, seeking Jesus’ resurrection and forgiveness, and renewing our relationship with the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

We know the Ten Commandments. We know we should live by them completely. We know living by the Ten Commandments allows us to be in a relationship with God the Father. If we know these things, then why don’t we just live out God’s commands? Simple answer: the Devil lives in the world and tempts us on a daily basis. In addition, we battle our own sinful nature constantly The question then becomes: how can we ever be in a relationship with God the Father?

The ascension story from Luke is similar to the one we read last week from John. The disciples are frightened by the ghost-like figure claiming to be Jesus Christ. What makes this story in Luke different from the one in John is that Luke gives us the part of the story where Jesus explains his death and resurrection to the disciples. The figure the disciples see is the same Jesus Christ but the risen Jesus. As one of the three Persons of the Godhead, Jesus offers us forgiveness through his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. God the Holy Spirit is also in us and offers us an identity with his imprint. God has an identity for us without sin, like Jesus Christ. However, God understands an identity without sin would be impossible for us to live out since both our sinful nature and Satan tempt us to break the Ten Commandments on a daily basis. Because of our human frailty and tendency to sin, Jesus came in order to offer us forgiveness. We are able to be in a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son, who rose from the dead. We are forgiven, because Jesus died on the cross and on the third day rose from the dead.

In Acts 3:12-19, Peter is jumping up and down as he explains God’s love to the people who are running to them in amazement after they healed a crippled beggar (Acts 3:1-11). The people did not understand how Peter could heal the beggar when Jesus was the only who could heal anyone.

Peter takes the opportunity to share the good news of forgiveness: We rejected Jesus; nevertheless, we are forgiven. We had Jesus crucified; nevertheless, we are forgiven. We did not give God any respect when we handed Jesus over to be killed, and yet God forgives us through Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do that Jesus will not forgive us for doing. Jesus Christ will always offer forgiveness to us for our shortfalls and invite us back into a relationship with God the Father.

The individual who forgot about God for eight years is forgiven. The individual who cussed is forgiven. The individual who lied is forgiven. The individual who did [whatever “it” is] is forgiven. That is the Peter’s point in his sermon. [Whatever “it” is] you did is forgiven through Jesus Christ, God’s only Son.

Peter calls us to repent, so we can be forgiven and have our sins wiped out. When this happens, we can renew our relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness gets the final say when we seek to be in a relationship with the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for offering us forgiveness through your son, Jesus. Help us to repent from our sins and turn to you in order to experience forgiveness and renewal of our relationship with you.  Thank you for continually renewing our relationship with you through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Fill-in the blank: “I __; nevertheless I am forgiven through Jesus Christ.”

2. How do you experience the repenting, seeking forgiveness, and renewing cycle?

Readings

Acts 4:32-34

Psalm 133

1 John 1:1-2:2

John 20:19-31

Devotion

Peace be with you!

In a world full of false promises, it is difficult to believe Jesus died and in three days he would rise again. You know the false promises I am talking about: Take this diet pill and lose ten pounds in a week! Give money to this church or charity and be guaranteed healing from your ailment! Use this cream and have no age winkles!

When the disciples tell Thomas they have seen Jesus alive again after his death by crucifixion, he has a hard time believing them and asks for proof (John 20:25). Sure, Thomas had seen Jesus raise Lazarus from his grave. Sure, Jesus said he would rise again after three days (which Thomas may or may not remember). But can it be true? Can Jesus really have died and risen from the dead? Is it even possible?

In the past, we have disdainfully called Thomas the Doubter. But put yourself in Thomas’ position. Can you honestly say you would not ask for proof? Think of the last time you were challenged like Thomas. As a young child, the doctors thought I would never be able to sit up, talk, or walk. So imagine my mom’s amazement when my physical therapist told her I sat up for a minute by myself. Imagine my dad’s reaction when my mom went home and told him the news. I had to sit up independently in front of both of my parents before they would believe. They needed proof.

We all have asked for proof that God is real. “If you give me a sign, I will do ____.” We have all prayed that prayer. I have shared with you before my anxiety as I waited for my acceptance letter from Luther Seminary. I remember praying, “If I get accepted, I will answer your call.” I was accepted, so here I am writing these weekly devotions in answer to God’s call. But I find myself still looking for more proof. Now I am waiting for a bigger audience and more individuals commenting on my posts in order to affirm my calling. I am a bit like Thomas, because I am always looking for a way to confirm God is calling me. Am I touching on the right topics? Am I challenging myself enough? Am I reaching my audience?

Trying to figure out where you fit into God’s plan can be challenging. Imagine how Thomas felt when he heard that Jesus had appeared to the other disciples when he was gone. Thomas must have thought, “Why would Jesus appear to them and not to me? I followed Jesus just as faithfully than the others. In fact, I was willing to follow Jesus to the death. Yet Jesus appears to everyone but me.”

Thomas is asking for proof. He is seeking understanding of what God’s plan is and where he fits in. A week later Jesus appears to the disciples again, including Thomas this time. He greets them with, “Peace be with you” (John 20:26). The risen Lord gives the disciples peace in knowing he will always be with them. No matter where their ministry leads them, the risen Jesus goes with them. Jesus also shows Thomas his wounds – his pierced hands and his stabbed side – to prove he is Jesus who was crucified. Once Thomas sees, he believes and says, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

Jesus asks us to come to believe, like Thomas and the other disciples. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29b). He is addressing his future disciples – the ones who will not physically see or touch his physical body. We are given sufficient proof in order to believe (the writings in the Gospels, the continued work of God in the Church). Ultimately, however, our faith comes primarily through the power of God at work within us.

And as faith is at work in us, that faith helps fuel belief in other people as well. As we believers, we walk in the light with Jesus in order to be in fellowship with him and with other disciples. We gather as a community of Christians who believe the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all our sins (1 John 1:7). We shine the light, so others can come to believe and the truth can be known to all. When we confess our sins, Jesus forgives us and makes us righteous with the Lord by cleansing us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cannot just talk the talk; we must walk the walk. When we do this, we shine his light, so others can see it and follow by our example.

Acts 4:32-35 gives us an ideal example of how Jesus’ followers should live in community and be a blessing to others. The apostles gave testimonies about the risen Lord, and all those who heard came to believe and sold their homes and land to give the proceeds to them. Then the apostles split the proceeds with those who needed it. As a result, Acts says, “There was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34). Faith in Jesus had completely transformed the lives of the believers so that they cared no longer only for themselves but for their whole community as well.

This is the ideal situation, but we can help those in need in other ways. Jerry and I have been going through all of our stuff and packing what we do not need any more – clothes, lamps, books, car stuff, decorations, etc. We have filled a whole minivan with stuff that no longer fits our needs, wanting to share with someone who could still put it to use. One day Jerry plans to take our unwanted stuff to where he knows individuals who are poor live and letting them take whatever they need or want for free.

As Christians, we are called to spread the good news by helping those who are less fortunate. Maybe you have nothing to give away. Maybe you are called to offer free babysitting to a single mom who works late at night. Maybe you could offer free tutoring to a poor student who is struggling with his/her studies. Maybe you could share your leftovers with an elderly couple. There are a million different ways to live out Jesus’ message . When you give yourself to the community, you give life to the good news.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving Thomas proof and giving him the courage to give the good news of life. Help us to believe in your message as we walk in the light and share your gifts with others. Give us the wisdom to give your message life. Thank you for blessing us with your good news and giving us ways to shine your light upon others. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How do you ask for proof, like Thomas did?

2. How do you live out Jesus’ message?

Readings

Acts 10:34-43

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Mark 16:1-8

Devotion

Peace be with you!

It will be twenty-two years in May when my mom jumped on a plane with my newborn brother to care for our family friend, Ed, who was waiting for a new heart. Back then heart transplants were fairly new. In fact, Ed was the eighty-third heart transplant done in Tampa. Ed and Kathy, his wife, still remember my mom driving ninety down the interstate May 18, 1990 when he got the call that they had a new heart for him. Ed still is mystified why someone who died gave him new life. This is the kind of mystery Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome face that early morning when they go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body according to the Jewish tradition. On their way, the women wonder how they will roll away the stone Joseph had used to cover the opening to the tomb. It is an everyday conversation Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome are having on their way to the tomb: “how can we do it?”

But when the three of them get to the tomb, the stone is already rolled away AND Jesus’ body is missing! Who would be strong enough to roll away the stone? Who would want Jesus’ body? Where did they take his body? Nowhere in their panic is there any memory of Jesus attempting to explain that he would rise in three days. In their minds, someone has taken Jesus’ body.

Then a man in white appears to Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome. They are frightened. But the angel says, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you” (Mark 16:6-7 NRSV). The man tells the women not to be afraid, but rather to go tell the disciples that Jesus has gone ahead of them to Galilee (Mark 16:7). Despite this encouragement, the women run from the tomb as fast as they can and, in their fear, tell no one  (Mark 16:8).

Mark 16:8b says Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome told no one what the man in white told them. Can you imagine if they had? People would lock those three up in some mental hospital. And who is this man in white? Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome may have thought they had seen a ghost. Or perhaps they wondered if they had gone mad. What would they even say? “Jesus’ body was not in the tomb, but some man in white was there and said Jesus would meet us in Galilee just like he said.” Who would believe them? We believe Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome because we understand how the story comes together.

The individuals who walked on earth with Jesus may have missed the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead. They missed the fact that Jesus has overcome death and given us life.  But we have not gone to the empty tomb clueless. We have heard the story over and over again. We understand Jesus had to die to save us from our sins and to overcome death so we could enjoy eternal life. God’s light is still in the world; all we have to do in believe in Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. It is a mystery, of course. We may not totally understand how or why God would sacrifice his Son for us, except that he did it out of love to give us eternal life.

Jesus has appeared to Cephas, the twelve, five hundred brothers and sisters, James, all the apostles, and the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). And now Jesus appears to you and me today. Jesus meets us wherever we are in life. Jesus meets us where we live. Jesus meets us morning, noon, and night – whatever time we call out his name. Jesus wants to meet with us to bring us into a relationship with God the Father. That is God’s whole plan of him sending Jesus to walk on earth with us: to bring us into a relationship with him. What a glorious gift!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17 NRSV).

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for dying on the cross through Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sins. Help us to understand the mystery of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Come to us in our daily lives, so we can meet with Jesus and be in relationship with you. Keep us in the light, so we may know your love. Thank you for meeting with us in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How does Jesus continue to redeem you of your sins?

2. Where does Jesus Christ meet with you? How does he appear to you?

Readings

Mark 15:42-47

Devotion

Peace be with you!

To bury Jesus, the Son of God, is to admit he is really dead. Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, goes to Pilate and asks if he can have Jesus’ body. Now Joseph is also eagerly waiting for the Kingdom of God (Mark 15:43) and was probably not a part of Jesus’ trial, according to Robert H. Stein. Matthew 27:57 calls Joseph a disciple of Jesus, and Luke 23:50 calls him a “good and righteous man.” Joseph is follower of Jesus Christ who was motivated to “protect Israel from violating God’s command in Deuteronomy 21:22-23,” which states a man who is hung should be buried the same day so that the land God gives Israel by inheritance is not cursed (Stein 2008).

When Joseph asks for Jesus’ body, Pilate is surprised he is already dead since it usually took individuals a day or two to die on the cross (Stein 2008). Pilate sends a messenger to the centurion who was present at Jesus’ crucifixion to make sure he was really dead. When the messenger comes back confirming he is really dead, Pilate grants Joseph Jesus’ body to be buried. Pilate shows respect for Jesus Christ by allowing Joseph to give him a proper burial before the Sabbath.

Jesus dies around three in the afternoon giving Joseph just a few hours before the start of the Sabbath at sundown to get all the preparations done. Preparing for burial included seeking Pilate’s permission to take custody of the body, obtaining a linen cloth, getting Jesus off the cross, cleaning his body, and wrapping him in the cloth before placing him in the tomb. Despite the rushed time frame, it is important to Joseph to give Jesus a proper burial in order to show him respect and honor according to the Jewish tradition.

The fact that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses see Joseph bury Jesus adds to the veracity of the story. There are witnesses to Jesus’ death and burial. No one can argue Jesus is still alive, because Mary Magdalene and Mary can testify he is dead.

This is the darkest moment of all; Jesus’ burial seems to be the final “nail in the coffin” to any hope for Israel’s deliverance. Yes, this is a dark moment. Yet, even in the darkest hour we can see glimmers of light on the horizon. And it is because of that light that we are waiting for Easter morning. And Easter, my friends, is coming tomorrow!

Continue to follow the light. The story is still unfolding. Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Joseph’s quick thinking and willingness to give Jesus a proper burial. Help us to bury our old selves in the tomb with Jesus as we wait for Easter morning. Thank you for giving us the light, even as we bury Jesus in the tomb. Amen.

Works Cited

Stein, Robert H. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Mark. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008.

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. What are you placing the tomb today? Why?

2. What does it mean to you that Jesus died?

Readings

Mark 15:16-41

Devotion

Peace be with you!

At first glance, there seems to be nothing good about Good Friday. After Pilate sentences Jesus to be crucified, the soldiers take him into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters, and dress him in a purple cloak (the color of royalty) and a crown of thorns. Then the soldiers mock him by yelling, “Hail, King of the Jews” (Mark 15:18 NRSV). The soldiers make sport of Jesus’ claim to be King. Instead of saying, “Hail, Caesar!” the soldiers say, “Hail, King of the Jews,” equating Jesus to Caesar in jest. Their mockery is a result of their lack of belief and understanding. Instead of coming to understanding and faith, they humiliate Jesus and seek to show him who is in charge. No one can just claim to be a king, except Caesar. Who does Jesus think he is?

As they continue to mock Jesus, the soldiers strike his head with a reed. Imagine the pain of being struck on the head with a crown of thorns already digging into your head. I can only imagine it was far worse than my worst three day headache. A few weeks ago I head a sinus headache for three days. I could hardly bare to be in electric wheelchair longer than two hours. I basically slept for three days.

After mocking Jesus, the soldiers strip him of the purple cloak and dress him in his ordinary clothes. This is degradation at its worst. The soldiers seek to strip Jesus of any respect he has, of any personhood or worth. Yet unknowingly the soldiers are fulfilling the scriptures and God’s plan. Isaiah 50:6-7 states:

I offered my back to those who attacked, 

my jaws to those who tore out my beard;

I did not hide my face

from insults and spitting.

But the sovereign Lord helps me,

so I am not humiliated.

For that reason I am steadfastly resolved;

I know I will not be put to shame (NET Bible).

Jesus understands he has to suffer according to God’s plan and so he allows the soldiers to inflict this abuse on him without fighting back. The soldiers proclaim Jesus’ kingship unknowingly through their mocking.

Then the soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross as they lead him to Golgotha (“the place of the skull”), where they nail Jesus to the cross.  The inscription above Jesus’ head reads, “The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:21-22, 24a, 26). The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes (Mark 15:24), fulfilling Psalm 22:18: “They are dividing up my clothes among themselves; they are rolling dicefor my garments.” The inscription above his head – “The King of the Jews” – was just another way for the Roman soldiers to mock Jesus.

Jesus is crucified with two bandits.  People passing by mock Jesus: “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross” (Mark 15:29-30 NRSV). And the chief priests also mock him, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe” (Mark 15:31-32 NRSV).

Yet despite the mockers’ unbelief, the truth is told. Jesus is the King of the Jews. Jesus does destroy the temple by being crucified. Jesus will rebuild the temple in three days through his resurrection. Jesus is the temple. The world is told the truth through the mocking of the soldiers, the chief priests, and the bandits. People just have to believe.

Jesus calls out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and he takes his last breath (Mark 15:34, 37). The curtain of the temple torn in two (Mark 15:38), and the crucifixion is finished. Jesus is really dead. It is a frightening fact as we realize the light is no longer in the world, the shepherd is gone, and hope of the Messiah has gone away. Even as we hate this part of the story, it has to take place to carry out God’s plan to save us from the darkness. Yet, even in the darkest hour we can see glimmers of light on the horizon. And it is because of that light that we can call this day Good Friday.

Continue to follow the light. The story is just unfolding. Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for continuing to show us your love on the cross with arms spread wide. Help us to understand why Jesus had to die on the cross. Remind us of your love and forgiveness even as we weep at the cross. Thank you for showing us the cross. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How does Jesus’ suffering affect you?

2. How do non-believers continue to mock Jesus? How do we?

Readings

Mark 14:43-15:15

Devotion

Peace be with you!

As the week goes on, the story gets all the more challenging, especially when we can relate to the disciples. As we read about Peter’s three denials (Mark 14:66-72), we cannot help but think of times when we have effectively denied knowing Jesus. The servant girl of the high priest is certain that Peter is one of Jesus’ disciples. She inquiries three times if Peter is one of the disciples, and each time he states he does not know or understand what the servant girl is talking about.

How many times do you walk quickly past a preacher on a street corner? I am guilty of this one all the time. Or how many times do you ignore the call to tell someone the good news? We have our excuses: too busy, they wouldn’t understand, not convenient, not the place, not enough energy, etc. When I am tired or not in mood, I just zone out and ignore any call to tell the person next to me the good news.

Then we read about the chief priests and the whole council looking for any testimony against Jesus so they can fulfill their plan to condemn him to death. But the chief priests are grasping for straws; their testimony is false and contradictory. Someone does come up and reports that Jesus said, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” (Mark 14:58 NRSV). This report of Jesus’ words is only partially true in that it misinterprets a statement he once made which actually referred to his body being destroyed and rising again. The high priest tries to provoke Jesus and get him to argue against the testimony. Finally, the high priest asks Jesus if he is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus answers, “I am; and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven’” (Mark 14:62 NRSV). This is enough for the high priest to condemn Jesus to death.  If the Sadducees and Pharisees had been able to understand the majesty of the Trinity, if they had been able to understand that Jesus was not blaspheming against the one true God, but rather proclaiming the truth of his nature (one God in three persons), would they have still sought to crucify Jesus? We know that jealousy of Jesus’ power was also involved. Regardless of the motives of the religious leaders, God’s plan had to be fulfilled. God used even incomplete theological understanding and the jealousy of these men’s hearts to bring about his purposes in the world.

Since only the Roman authorities can execute the death sentence, the Jewish leaders hand Jesus over to Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews, and he replies, “You say so” (Mark 15:2). Then the chief priests jump in and accuse him of many things, yet Jesus says nothing to defend himself. Jesus understands this needs to happen to carry out God’s plan.

However, Pilate was determined to release Jesus since he found no fault in him. Since it was tradition for him to let the crowd choose one prisoner for him to release during Passover, Pilate brought Barabbas, a murderer, out and gave the crowd the choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Unfortunately, the chief priests were in the crowd and were using their influence to get Barabbas released. When the crowd yelled for Barabbas to be released, Pilate was confused and asked what he should do Jesus, to which they said, “Crucify him!” (Mark 15:7-14). To please the crowd, Pilate hands Jesus over to be beaten and crucified (Mark 15:15).

How many times have you felt helpless like Pilate? You know the right thing to do, and yet [whatever “it” is] stops you. Pilate failed because he did not own up to his responsibility. To know what is right and fail to do it is sin and cowardice.

Yet as human beings we can relate to Pilate’s weakness, just as we could relate to Peter’s. I believe Jesus understands our inadequacy to give the good news every time we get the chance. We continue to fall short of his glory. He understands our battle with the devil and with our own sinful nature. Even as we hate this part of the story, it has to take place to carry out God’s plan to save us from the darkness. Yet, even in the darkest hour we can see glimmers of light on the horizon.

Continue to follow the light. The story is just unfolding. Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for forgiving and loving us even when we deny you and fail to do what is right. Help us to be more faithful to you, for you have given all for us. Thank you for Jesus’ willingness to go through such suffering for us. Amen.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Have you ever effectively denied Jesus through your words or actions?

2. When have you failed to do what was right out of fear?

3. How can Jesus’ love and forgiveness empower you to put the past behind you and move on with the future?

Readings

Mark 14:32-42

Devotion

Peace be with you!

After Jesus has the Passover dinner with his disciples, he goes and prays in Gethsemane. In his human nature, his nerves are beginning to get the best of him. He is distressed and agitated about the coming days for he knows Judas Iscariot is about to arrive with a mob ready to arrest him. Jesus prays, “Abba Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36). Jesus, in his human nature, would like to avoid the upcoming events, but, in his divine nature, he knows it is God’s will for him to suffer so much pain on our behalf. Jesus loves God the Father with his whole being and so he will do what he is instructed to do. Jesus prepares for the suffering ahead by asking for endurance and strength to go through the crucifixion and dying. Jesus knows God the Father will raise him again, but that will not take away the potent pain of the cross.

When Jesus prays, he tells his disciples to stay awake and keep watch (Mark 14:34). Jesus seems to telling Peter, James, and John, who follow him to Gethsemane, to pray for their own courage and strength so they do not run away in fear. Jesus comes back three times to his three disciples, only to find them asleep. Each time, Jesus tells the three disciples to keep awake and to pray for their own safety in this time of need (Mark 14:38). The third time Jesus returns, he wakes his three disciples up saying it is time for him to be betrayed into the hands of sinners (Mark 14:41).

As sinners, we are the ones who betray Jesus and have him crucified. We are joined to the Jewish people and the Roman people who together nailed him to the cross, united in our guilt because of our sin nature which turns away from God. We are the ones he dies for in the name of forgiveness of sins. We are the ones Jesus came for, the ones he saves on the cross.

Judas comes with the mob sent by the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders and tells them he will kiss Jesus on the cheek. When he does, Jesus is arrested. Jesus questions why the crowd comes armed with swords and clubs since he was accessible—not hidden—in the temple daily. He points out that they didn’t arrest him then when they had easy access (Mark 14:48-49). Yet Jesus knows the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders arrest him now to fulfill the scriptures (Mark 14:49b) in order to carry out God’s plan. We know the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders believe they are punishing a false prophet since they do not believe his claims to be God in human flesh. We also know that they feel threatened by Jesus’ growing popularity and power among the people. Despite both well-meaning and selfish motives, God uses the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders to carry out his plan.

Out of fear, the disciples scatter and desert Jesus just as he predicted (Mark 14:50). We can relate to their fear so well. Surely they feared also being put to death. Running is easier – and safer??? – than sticking around to watch things unfold. Yet their betrayal is hard to stomach. Even as we hate this part of the story, it has to take place to carry out God’s plan to save us from the darkness. Yet, even in the darkest hour we can see glimmers of light on the horizon.

Continue to follow the light. The story is just unfolding. Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for continuing to unfold the Passion Story in front of us, even as we dread that it had to happen. Remind us that the Passion Story happened according to your will to bring us back into a relationship with you. Keep our eyes fixed on the unfolding light to come in the story. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How can Jesus’ example of prayer in the midst of fear and anxiety guide you in your own struggles? How can you watch and pray?

2. How does Jesus’ willingness to undergo suffering for your sake make you feel? How can knowing his love for you motivate you to follow him?

Readings

Mark 14:17-31

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Saying goodbye to close friends is always so hard. My last year in semester at Luther Seminary was a time when friends and I were constantly doing the things that had brought us together, like baseball games, girls’ nights out, and Friday lunches in the café. Some Fridays, we prolonged our lunches, laughing together long into the afternoon. We knew as soon as we graduated that we would all be moving in a dozen different directions.

Jesus knows this Passover dinner with his disciples will be his last meal with them until his resurrection. He has a lot to do before his crucifixion, death, and resurrection, including giving them ways to honor God. Jesus also understands the coming days will be confusing for his disciples as they watch him suffer. In addition, the days will come when his disciples will face similar fates due to their belief in and loyalty to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Somehow Jesus needs to give his disciples the strength, courage, and hope to make it through difficult times so they can dare to spread the good news.

During supper, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to his disciples saying, “Take; this is body.” (Mark 14:22 NRSV). Then he takes the cup, gives thanks, and gives it to his disciples to drink saying, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:23-25 NRSV).

Taking and eating bread and wine seem like such simple acts. But it is what Jesus does with the bread and the wine which makes them special. Jesus blesses the bread and the wine before giving it to his disciples. The bread and the wine become symbols of Jesus’ body and blood and become holy to us as Christians. When Jesus says that his blood will be poured out for many, he is saying his blood will seal a new covenant between God and his people. Jesus will become the sacrifice which will repair our relationship with God the Father. Through Jesus’ body and blood, we are given forgiveness and freedom

When Jesus says he will not drink again until he is once again in the kingdom of God, he alluding to his resurrection. Jesus will be alive again when he goes to heaven where there will be a grand banquet, and there will be a new covenant between God and his people. We are made new through Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Our relationship with God the Father is made new with the new covenant. The Last Supper is important, because it gave us as Christians a reason to keep going. In the face of the darkness, we have something tangible to remind us of God’s love and forgiveness.

But Jesus does not stop with the bread and the wine. He makes three predictions about his disciples. The first prediction is that one of his disciples will betray him (Mark 14:18b). We already know from yesterday’s reading that Judas is planning on betraying Jesus by leading the chief priests to arrest him. It is hard news for the eleven disciples to hear. How could one of them betray Jesus?

Then Jesus says they will desert him because it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Mark 14:27; Zechariah 13:7). Jesus is our shepherd, and we are his sheep. Jesus endures crucifixion and death on our behalf. We and the disciples run away, because we are scared of the unknown, of what people will think, and of the uncertainty life gives us. Running is easier than standing around waiting for the next punch.

Finally, when Peter says he would never desert him, Jesus tells him he will deny him three times before midnight (Mark 14:30). Peter argues he would never deny Jesus, even if he had die with him (Mark 14:31). In a perfect world as perfect individuals, we would never deny Jesus, even in the face of death. But let’s face it: dying is a little scarier than we would like to admit. When faced with the decision between life and death, we prefer life.

These predictions are hard to accept, let alone accept that they have to happen. Judas has to betray Jesus so that Scripture is fulfilled and Jesus is led to the cross and to resurrection for us. The disciples have to desert Jesus in accordance with the scriptures. Even as we hate this part of the story, it has to take place to carry out God’s plan to save us from the darkness. God’s path is not the easiest to accept, but even in the darkest hour we can see the light.

Continue to follow the light. The story is just unfolding. Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for coming into the world to experience our personal suffering. Help us to accept the parts of your plan that we do not like, knowing that your plan continues to unfold according to your will. Thank you for unfolding your plan through us as your children. Thank you for the forgiveness and hope you offer us in the Lord’s Supper. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How has God used you to unfold his plan?

2. Which of the troubling events in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life do you find the hardest to grapple with?

Readings

Mark 14:1-16

Devotion

Peace be with you!

The characters in today’s gospel reading all have a role in setting up Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and ultimately his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. But their roles seem odd to us: a woman pouring ointment on his head, the chief priests plotting against Jesus, and Judas making a deal with the chief priests. What is the significance of the woman pouring ointment on Jesus’ head? What do the chief priests have against Jesus? Why would Judas betray his faithful leader? Why does this all have to take place?

The disciples object when the woman pours ointment on Jesus’ head, because it could have been sold and the money given to the poor (Mark 14:4-5). To the disciples, the woman is wasting money that could have been used to help those in need. However, Jesus stops the disciples in their tracks and explains the importance behind the woman pouring ointment on his head. Jesus states that the poor will always be with us but that he will not (Mark 14:7). For us today, this makes sense. We do see the poor all the time, but we have never seen Jesus in the flesh.

Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that the woman was anointing his body for burial before his death. The woman gives Jesus the honor and dignity that he deserves before he suffers crucifixion and death. The woman gives up money to give honor to Jesus. Anointing before burial was often reserved for important individuals, such as kings. The woman bestows honor upon Jesus as a way of giving him what he deserves before he undergoes the unthinkable for us.

Then we come to Judas Iscariot and the chief priests, who set the events into actions. Chief priests plot to arrest and kill Jesus (Mark 14:1), though it could not be during the Passover, because the arrest would cause a riot (Mark 14:2). When Judas comes forward willing to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10), the chief priests are able to carry out their plans.

Now, Judas does not care why the chief priests want to arrest Jesus. Judas’ only concern is himself, and the chief priests are willing to pay him money for giving them Jesus (Mark 14:11). Because of his greediness, Judas is willing to hand Jesus over to be arrested for his personal gain.

Readers cannot help but compare the woman who poured ointment on Jesus’ head with Judas. When Judas plans to betray Jesus for money, the woman who poured ointment on Jesus’ head sacrifices expensive nard to show him respect and dignity. The woman gives up money for Jesus, whereas Judas takes money for himself. The woman prepares Jesus for his burial by anointing him; Judas puts the events leading up to his death into motion.

It would be easy to mark the woman who poured ointment on Jesus’ head as a saint and Judas Iscariot and the chief priests as sinners. Each of these characters play an important role in the Passion story. As I stated above, the woman who poured ointment on his head gives Jesus the honor and dignity he deserves before he fulfills the scriptures. In the same way, Judas and the chief priests play an important role in allowing Jesus to fulfill the scriptures, even though that is not their goal. Ultimately, Jesus has to die on cross for our sins and resurrect so that he can overcome death. The woman who poured ointment on his head, Judas Iscariot, and the chief priests help Jesus to carry out God’s plan, even without their knowledge.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the woman, Judas, and chief priests who played important roles in carrying out your plan. Help us to recognize the way in which you use both those of us who are Christians and those who do not believe to further your plan, even unknowingly. Thank you for using us as you continue to unfold your plan. Amen.

Works Cited

Perkins, Pheme. “The Gospel of Mark: Introductions, Commentary, and Reflections.” In The New Interpreter’s Bible, by Leander E Kirk. Nashville: Abringdon Press, 1995.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How has God used a tough situation in your life to continue to unfold his plan?

2. Have you ever “wasted” something extravagantly for Jesus?

3. In this time when Jesus is not physically present with you, how do you reach out to the poor? How can doing so make Jesus’ presence known in the world?

Readings

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Mark 11:1-11

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem for the final time before his crucifixion took a bit of preparation, but Jesus had it planned out to a tee. While still in the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus sends two disciples to a village to get a colt and to bring it back to him. Roman officials commonly requisitioned animals and human labor. The fact that Jesus instructs the two disciples to say, “The Lord needs it” (Mark 11:3), tells the owners that a powerful man needs the colt. However, Jesus’ promise to return the colt immediately sets him apart from other rulers.

Now the colt is significant for a few reasons: First, the colt has never been ridden before, making Jesus the first one to ride it., which would have been an honor to an important Roman official. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a young colt as a king. Second, Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt fulfills Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!

Shout, daughter of Jerusalem!

Look! Your king is coming to you:

he is legitimate and victorious,

humble and riding on a donkey –

on a young donkey, the foal of a female donkey.

Jesus presents himself as the long-awaited king of Israel, the Messiah. Even though the disciples and the crowd may have missed the significance, Jesus has made it known to all that he is the Messiah. The crowd and his disciples may have acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah but as the one who will conquer the Romans as a military hero, not as the Son of God who will die for their sins and redeem them to be in a relationship with God the Father.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we cannot help but get caught up in the excitement of welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. We have missed the fact that it was a small crowd that surrounds Jesus in Jerusalem, rather than the large crowd that we imagine. Either Jesus is still a bit unknown in Jerusalem, or his followers are afraid to come out in fear of the Pharisees. Plus since Jesus is entering Jerusalem during the Passover, many of the people in town are at the temple preparing to make their sacrifices.

Whatever the case, Jesus is welcomed by a small crowd with a lot of energy to cover his path with their cloaks and palm branches. The small crowd yells, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:9-10 NRSV). Although these phrases became common to say in the Jewish culture, one cannot deny the excitement of the crowd, which Jesus would rescue them from the Romans.

Jesus carries out a well-thought plan to reveal himself as the Messiah – the one sent by God to free them from their sins. As readers, we can identify Jesus’ entrances into Jerusalem as a Messianic action. We understand the significance behind it all. Jesus is beginning to prepare for the events of Holy Week.

As we begin the Holy Week journey, put yourself in the different characters’ mindsets. Feel their fear and joy as they watch the unfolding of Jesus’ crucifixion. Ask yourself where you are in the story.

Go out into the world and shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:9-10 NRSV). Welcome Jesus into your town and into your home. Celebrate Jesus’ Messianic claim. Jesus may not be a king in quite the way we expect, but he is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for how Jesus entered Jerusalem as king, giving us a reason to celebrate his Messianic claim. Help us to claim Jesus as our Messiah in a world where it is easier to deny him or reject what his kingship means for us. Remind us of your glory this coming Holy Week as we walk beside Jesus and watch him be the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for your glory. Amen.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Where are you in the story of Palm Sunday? Are you with the crowd shouting “Hosanna”? Or are you hiding in fear of the Pharisees?

2. How would your congregation welcome Jesus into your church?