Category Archives: Devotion

Good Friday: Jesus Suffers for our Benefit

Readings

Matthew 27:27-56

Devotion

Yesterday Pontius Pilate had released Jesus Barabbas and sent Jesus Christ to be crucified. Today the light will disappear.

After Jesus is sent off to be crucified, the Roman soldiers take him to the governor’s quarters and strip him of his clothes. To mock Jesus, the soldiers dress him in a scarlet robe and crown of thorns, and they put a reed cane in his right hand. Then they kneel down and said, “Hail, King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:27-29). Then the soldiers beat Jesus with the reed and spit in his face before dressing him again in his own clothes and taking him to be crucified (Matthew 27:30-31). The soldiers do not respect Jesus; to them, Jesus is a threat to the Roman Emperor by claiming to be the King of the Jews. What the soldiers do not understand is that Jesus claims to be a king of heaven, not on earth.

On the way to crucify Jesus, the soldiers make a man from Cyrene named Simon carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull (Matthew 27:32-33). Jesus is so weak; he can barely move his own body, let alone carry the cross beam. When I had MRSA this past summer, I felt incredibly weak from all of the antibiotics. I can only imagine how weak Jesus was after being beaten and how hard it was to walk to Golgotha.

The soldiers divide Jesus’ clothes and start bidding on it (Matthew 27:35). Then the soldier put a sign above Jesus on the cross charging him with being “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37). They continue to mock Jesus, even as he is struggling to breathe. Jesus is on his last finger, not even his last leg, and all the soldiers do is mock him.

What is interesting is that the women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, and others) follow Jesus to the cross and tend to his needs (Matthew 27:55-56). When I had MRSA, my mom came over every night on her way home from work to make sure I had everything I needed. Even though Jesus’ disciples have scattered, the women—his caretakers—follow him as he travels to death. He is not alone, just as he abandons us.

On the same day, two other bandits are crucified with Jesus. The bandits and the chief priests mock Jesus. They are baffled by the fact that Jesus said he would destroy the temple and raise it up again in three days and yet he seemingly cannot save himself. They are expecting the building to fall, not Jesus.

Then there is the fact that Jesus calls himself the Son of God and the King of Israel, and yet he cannot save himself from death. He can save others and not himself. It does not make sense. Save yourself! Jesus calls out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus understands this is all part of God’s plan, but it does not make it any easier. Jesus is not only fully God, but also fully human; he is emotional; he wants to live.

When the individuals watching realize Jesus is calling for Elijah, one man grabs a sponge, soaks it with wine, and puts it on a stick to give him a drink (Matthew 27:48), while others want to see if Elijah would save him (Matthew 27:49). For individuals who claimed not to believe, they are sure holding out for a miracle.

Then Jesus cries out and breathes his last breath (Matthew 27:50). All their hope is gone. The one who called himself the Son of God dies. It is the end. Or is it?

At the same moment as Jesus dies, the curtain in the temple is torn in half, and the tombs of the dead saints open up and they enter the holy city (Matthew 27:51-52). There is an earthquake too. Everything important to the world is torn apart. The curtain protecting individuals from God is taken away. A change in theology is taking place. Individuals will not need the chief priests to speak to God on their behalf; now they can talk to God themselves.

After witnessing today’s events, the centurion says, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Matthew 27:54). Today’s events have made the centurion a believer. But is it too late?

You have probably experienced a Good Friday where hope seemed to have gone away. Maybe it was when you got in a fight with a dear friend, a spouse, a child, etc. Maybe you lost your job. My Good Friday was when I got divorced and had to reinvent myself as a single young lady. I was emotionally exhausted, physically weak, and spiritually lost. Over six years, I became a stranger to myself—dependent on an individual who only thought about himself. I had to find the parts of myself that I had lost during my marriage.

When it comes to your Good Friday moment, no matter the situation was, you thought your life would end.

But Easter, the Resurrection, is coming. Stay tuned…

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Jesus accepting to do your will. Help us to travel to the cross with Jesus, just like the women did, to tend to the needs of the world. Remind us we are never alone, even when the light disappears. Thank you for the promise of new life. Amen.

Reflective Questions

Please feel free to answer the reflective questions through comments. Please agree to disagree and be respectable to each other. Please take a moment, if you have not already, to sign the covenant. You can answer all or just one of the questions.

What part of Good Friday gets to you the most?
Where are you in the Good Friday events?
How have you experienced a Good Friday?

Thursday of Holy Week: Jesus is Questioned

Readings

Matthew 27:1-26

Devotion

The morning brings light into the world and reveals what we did the night before. Sometimes we are proud of what we did; other times we want to disappear and never see the light of the day again.

Last night, Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. Monday we read about Judas going to the chief priests and agreeing to betray Jesus. Judas showed us his greedy side; he desires nice things for himself.

Today we see a different side of Judas. A new day has brought the light back into the world, and the light shows Judas the consequences of handing Jesus over to the chief priests: Jesus has been condemned to death.

Judas repents (Matthew 27:3) that he betrayed Jesus, which got him condemned to death. He must be thinking, “What have I done? The man is innocent and has never done wronged me or anyone else. All Jesus ever did was love everyone who crossed his path.”

Judas goes back to the chief priests and gives back the thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 27:2-5). He tells the chief priests, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:4a). Judas deeply regrets betraying Jesus to the chief priests, but they could not care less–they got what they wanted: Jesus Christ, the one called the Messiah. The chief priests tell Judas, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Matthew 27:4b). Judas is left to deal with his guilt and sin, so he throws all thirty pieces of silver at the chief priests and hangs himself (Matthew 27:5).

The Pharisees have a debate as to what to do with the blood money since it cannot go back into the treasury. The thirty pieces of silver were used for an unholy purpose–to capture and kill an innocent man. By giving Judas the silver, the chief priest went against what the Lord had commanded in the Old Testament. The money could not go back into the treasury because it was unholy silver.

Then the chief priests decide to buy a potter’s field for a place to bury foreigners with the thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 27:7). The chief priests attempt to do something worthy of God with the blood money as an apology just like my brother apologized for taking my money when he realized he broke my trust. The chief priests want to be back in God’s graces, just as my brother wanted to regain my trust.

Later the chief priests take Jesus to Pontius Pilate who talks to him to gather an understanding as to why the chief priests want to put him to death. When Pontius Pilate asks him if he is the King of the Jews, Jesus replies with “You say so” (Matthew 27:11). This is the same answer Jesus gave to the chief priests when they asked him if he is the Messiah (Matthew 26:63-64). Jesus does not want to incriminate himself, and why should he? Nothing he will say will help his case against the chief priests.

Then Pontius Pilate asks Jesus, “Do you not hear what they are saying about you?” Jesus stays quiet, like he did with the chief priests (Matthew 26:63-64). Again, what else Jesus say? The chief priests are ignorant and do not understand who he is. I am sure Pontius Pilate at least heard about Jesus’ teachings in passing. There was nothing more to say. The scriptures have to be fulfilled, and Jesus is willing to fulfill them.

Pontius Pilate realizes the chief priests handed Jesus over to him out of jealousy (Matthew 27:18). Since it is during the festival when it is customary to release one prisoner of the crowd’s choosing, Pilate matches Jesus Christ up against notorious criminal Barabbas, thinking Jesus’ popularity would win him his release. To Pontius Pilate, it is an easy decision: release Jesus Christ, not the actual criminal. Pontius Pilate did not think the chief priests would persuade the crowd to have Barabbas released (Matthew 27:20). So when the crowd shouts for Barabbas to be released, Pontius Pilate asks what to do with Jesus (Matthew 27:21-22). The crowd answers, “Crucify him.” When asked why by Pontius Pilate, the crowd just yelled, “Let him be crucified.” (Matthew 27:23).

Since the crowd has spoken and he does not need a riot on his hands during the festival, Pontius Pilate takes a bowl of water and washes his hands and says, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matthew 27:24). Pontius Pilate knows Jesus Christ has not done anything wrong and does not want to be included in killing an innocent man. Barabbas is the notorious criminal who should be killed, yet Pontius Pilate needs to avoid a riot and avoid angering his superiors. Pontius Pilate decides to leave it up to the crowd to see to it that Jesus is crucified–he wants no part in it.

The crowd agrees that Jesus’ blood will be on them. So Pontius Pilate releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified. The light reveals all–-the good, the bad, and the ugly. Pontius Pilate may not understand or agree with the crowd, but one day the light will reveal to them what they have done. The truth always comes out.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending the light into our lives. Help us to understand why Jesus has to be crucified. Lead us to do your will–no matter the cost. Thank you for being our light and for Jesus agreeing to do your will. Amen.

Reflective Questions

What is the light revealing in your life?
When and why have you repented?
When has someone gone against your wishes?

Wednesday of Holy Week: Questioning Jesus

Readings

Matthew 26:57-75

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Yesterday’s devotion ended with Jesus being arrested and the disciples scattering. Today, Jesus’ trial begins.

Once he is arrested, Jesus is taken to a meeting of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish priestly council) led by Caiaphas, the high priest. Everyone is looking for false testimony against Jesus Christ, yet they cannot find anything to charge him with (Matthew 26:59-60). Hmmm…I wonder why?

Then two witnesses come forward. One witness quotes Jesus saying, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.” (Matthew 26:61). Jesus stays quiet, which irritates the high priest. But what can Jesus say? “Yes, I said that but I am talking about myself, not the actual building.” If the high priests do not get it now, then what else can Jesus say? So Jesus remains quiet. I shared a story Sunday about an experience I had on a bus in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was harassed by a bus driver who was resistant to tying my electric wheelchair down. I too was unable to say anything to help my case. Other passengers took the driver’s position by saying I needed a personal caregiver to take the bus with me. Whatever I could have said would not have helped; clearly, no one would have listened or understood what I said, so why bother?

Caiaphas says Jesus is under oath and should tell them he is the Messiah, Son of God (Matthew 26:63). Caiaphas has set a trap for Jesus, yet he replies, “You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64, NRSV). Jesus does not say he is the Messiah, but Caiaphas still charges him with blasphemy. When Caiaphas asks the whole council what its verdict is, it finds Jesus guilty and sentences him to death (Matthew 26:66).

Then the whole council spits on, strikes, and slaps at Jesus, taunting him all the while (Matthew 26:67-68). God takes a dramatic step and has Jesus suffer to the greatest extent for our sake. Jesus is on trial for our sins – self-pity, greediness, lies, murder, stealing, affairs, blasphemy, or [whatever “it” is] you do against God’s commands. How could he take it?

The first time Peter denies Jesus, a servant-girl points at the disciple and says, “He was with Jesus the Galilean” (Matthew 26:69). Peter replies, “I do not know what you are talking about” (Matthew 26:70). Of course he knows Jesus, but being in the midst of city hostile toward Jesus Peter chooses to protect himself. Does Peter want to be arrested like Jesus was?

The second and third times he is asked, Peter answers the bystanders the same way. Peter denies Jesus with an oath, “I swear I do not know the man” (Matthew 26:72, 74). Each time Peter denies Jesus, he adds more intensity to his denial. Peter is afraid of the crowd against Jesus. What will the crowd do to him if it finds out the truth? Will he be arrested like Jesus?

The world often makes it difficult and dangerous for us to truly proclaim our faith in the Triune God–God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Peter is such a visible leader in the Early Church and that makes it easy for us to judge his actions. But what would we do in his shoes? What do we do now when it becomes difficult or dangerous to deny Jesus?

As soon as Peter denies Jesus the third time, the cock crows. Then Peter remembers Jesus’ prediction of his three denials before the cock crowed. Peter leaves the crowd and weeps bitterly (Matthew 26:74-75). Peter is hard on himself, just as you are hard on yourself when you disappoint someone. How could he deny Jesus?

Just as Peter denies knowing Jesus, I have often wondered how individuals can deny the love of God by denying others their rights. How could the bus driver deny my rights to safety ride the bus? How could my brother break my trust? Then I think of the danger Peter faces in Jerusalem. The hostility within Jerusalem’s walls toward anyone who follows Jesus Christ causes his disciples to hide. Would I have denied knowing Jesus if I were in the same situation? It is easy to say no, but fear causes you to react in ways you would not in normal circumstances.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for having Jesus go on trial for our sins. Help us to accept Jesus’ fate. Help us to not deny knowing you. Remind us that your grace will always be for us. Thank you for forgiving us. Amen.

Reflective Questions

How do you feel about Jesus being on trial?
Have you ever been “on trial” among friends or family members?
How do you deny Jesus in your life?

Tuesday of Holy Week: Abandoning Jesus

Readings

Matthew 26:17-56

Devotion

At any kind of “last meal,” there is normally a sense of sobriety—and maybe a few tears—as you say goodbye to a good friend. I remember when my best friend, Nathan, moved away my freshmen year of high school. His family had a big party at the VFW where we sang and danced. A bunch of us sang “Lean on Me” to Nathan, because, no matter what, we could count on each other. It was bittersweet for me, because Nathan and I had gone to school together since we were three years old. It felt like part of me was going away. In a similar way, Jesus’ last meal is intense and full of love.

Jesus calls Judas Iscariot out on his crap–excuse my language. He tells him, “Judas, you’re going to betray me,” even as Judas denies it. Jesus can see the future: he knows he will be betrayed, deserted, killed, and resurrected. Jesus knows the pain he will go through. But yet how could Jesus not have been calm? He is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is difficult to imagine an angry, bitter Jesus since we always see Jesus as calm, collected, and loving, except when Jesus knocked over the tables in the synagogue. You can hear Jesus’ frustration toward Judas Iscariot when he says, “It would have been better if he was never born” (Matthew 26:24).

Still, Jesus loves us, and he knows and understands what is going to take place in the next few days. And he is willing to do it.

As always, Jesus acts out of love by taking bread and saying, “This is my body …” (Matthew 26:26). In the same way, he takes the wine and says, “This is my blood, shed for you … which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27-28). Jesus pours out his blood for our many sins, and he does it willingly.

After dinner, Jesus and his disciples go out to Mount of Olives where he tells them they will all desert him before the night is over. Jesus equates himself to a shepherd and the disciples to sheep. When the shepherd is taken away, the sheep scatter (Matthew 26:31).

For the disciples, the news is difficult to swallow. How could they desert their Lord? After all they have been through? The disciples love Jesus. They would never desert him. Peter is adamant that he would never desert Jesus, even if the others do. Still, Jesus maintains his claim and adds that Peter will deny knowing him three times before the cock crows (Matthew 26:34). I would have been adamant like Peter that I would never abandon or deny knowing Jesus. I have a difficult time imagining my life without my family and close friends. Jesus may have been frustrated, but he also understood the tension was building and being associated with Jesus would be difficult to admit. I can only guess Jesus does not want his disciples to go through the same pain as he was, even though he is willing to.

Jesus and his disciples go to Gethsemane to pray. After telling them not to fall asleep, Jesus goes away from the disciples and throws himself to the ground. He cries out, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want” (Matthew 26:39). For the first time, we get a glimpse of the emotional roller coaster Jesus is going through. His disciples will desert him in a few moments. The chief priests will arrest him, put him on trial, and crucify him. If Jesus saw a sociologist today, he would probably be diagnosed with PTSD. The stress of the world is coming down on Jesus. Who else could bear that much stress without going insane? When I went through my divorce, I built a wall around me with a few chosen friends. I became numb from the emotional pain of ending a relationship. I can only imagine what Jesus is feeling.

Then Jesus goes back to check on the disciples who are sleeping. “Wake up, guys. Can’t you stay awake?” Jesus says (Matthew 26:40). Jesus asked them to pray, and yet they fell asleep. Jesus emphasizes to the disciples that the spirit is stronger than the flesh. The Holy Spirit will conquer all.

Jesus goes away two more times to pray. Both times, when he comes back the disciples have fallen asleep. Here Jesus stressing (probably having a panic attack) about the next few days, and the disciples cannot stay awake.

The third time, Jesus comes back he simply says, “Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand” (Matthew 26:46). Things are about to be set in motion, and there is no time for goodbyes.

Judas Iscariot leads a large crowd to where Jesus and the other disciples sre. The crowd against Jesus has come with Judas with clubs; these individuals are angry for how the crowd with Jesus has taken over their city on Palm Sunday. And for what? To worship the Son of David? This would have been viewed as worshipping a mere man. The crowd against Jesus would not stand for any of it. The time has come to take a stand for Jerusalem–the Holy City.

Judas Iscariot approaches Jesus and says, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kisses him (Matthew 26:49), which is the sign to the chief priests as to which man is Jesus. As if Jesus has accepted his fate, Jesus says, “Friend, do what you need to do.” And then they arrest him (Matthew 26:50). Judas, one of the twelve most intimate followers of Jesus, betrays him by handing him over to the Pharisees.

One disciple takes his sword and cuts off the ear of the chief priest’s slave (Matthew 26:51). It seems like an honorable thing to do since they are arresting Jesus. However, Jesus gets irritated with his disciple and tells him to put away his sword (Matthew 26:52). He asks his disciple if he has forgotten that Jesus request God the Father’s deliverance at any point, but that this must happen to fulfill the scriptures (Matthew 25:53-54).

Then Jesus turns to the crowd arresting him. Jesus was in the temple teaching several days, yet they did not arrest him then. Now they come with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus like a bandit (Matthew 26:55). The crowd acts like Jesus is a dangerous felon who is a threat to society. The crowd wants Jesus to pay for his transgressions, but they fail to realize that he is actually at work to pay for their sins–self-pity, greediness, lies, murder, stealing, affairs, blasphemy, or [whatever “it” is] humans do against God’s commands. How could he take it?

Jesus is arrested, and all of his disciples desert him (Matthew 26:56). The sheep scatter as the shepherd is taken away (Matthew 26:31). His twelve disciples abandon Jesus out of fear and selfish reasons. He is alone to face his trial, with no witnesses to speak on his behalf. He is alone.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Jesus and his willingness to die for our sins. Help us to accept Jesus’ fate. Thank you for taking on our pain and suffering. Amen.

Reflective Questions

When have you felt abandoned?
What keeps you from following Jesus to the cross?
Jesus is willing to die for our sins. What does that mean to you?

Monday of Holy Week: Being Betrayed

Readings

Matthew 26:14-16 John 12:1-8

Devotion

As a Christian, I have difficulty understanding how Judas Iscariot could agree to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:15a suggests Judas does it out of greed and seeks to negotiate with the chief priests to get a good price for his betrayal.

You probably have experienced the betrayal of a close friend. My brother broke my trust by stealing thousands of dollars from me to feed his drug addiction. I had a hard time being around my brother, because all he wanted was money for his next high. It was devastating for my mom and me to watch because he was out of control.

You may be asking yourself how Judas Iscariot knows to approach the chief priests. Remember that yesterday we discussed two groups: 1) those with Jesus and 2) those against Jesus. The crowd against Jesus cannot be very far from where Jesus entered Jerusalem; they are gathering information for the chief priests. Any one of these individuals could have run into Judas Iscariot and asked him questions regarding Jesus Christ. Or Judas could have heard the chief priests want to put Jesus on trial and need an insider to help them. Who better to help the chief priests?

Now we know from the Gospel of John that Judas Iscariot is greedy. When Martha and Mary give Jesus a dinner after he raises Lazarus from the dead, Judas Iscariot objects to Mary anointing Jesus an expensive perfume (John 12:3). Judas objects on the grounds that extravagant purchases take food out of the mouth of the poor (John 12:5), but the Gospel of John says Judas does not actually care about the poor (John 12:6a). Rather, Judas routinely steals from the moneybag and is concerned that such purchases will cut into his stolen stash (John 12:6b).

Do you know individuals like Judas? These individuals always have something to say but do the opposite. My brother was a lot like Judas when he was using drugs. He was smooth talker when he needed money for drugs.

The momentum of Holy Week is building. We know God sent Jesus knowing he would die for our sins. This conflict has to happen, just like my brother needed to be caught and evicted in order to hit rock bottom and make the decision to go into treatment[ED1] . I rejoice in the sobriety my brother has found.

But for Jesus, there remains a long and difficult path through Holy Week. Please continue to join me on this journey.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing us that even a disciple can fall into the greed trap. Help us to not fall into the greed trap and to overcome the devil. Remind us of your plan during difficult times. Guide us through the darkness and into the light. Thank you for giving us your peace and your love. Amen.

Reflective Questions

Do you know people in the crowd with Jesus?
Do you know people in the crowd against Jesus?
Where do you fit in the crowd?
Do you know a Judas Iscariot?

My brother has been clean for three years and three months. Thanks be to God!

Palm Sunday: Are You With or Against Jesus?

Reading

Matthew 21:1-10

Devotion

As much as I love to travel and meet new people, I love coming home to my church family. Six weeks ago I went downhill skiing in Utah with my brother and my friend. We had so much fun tearing up the slopes and spending time with friends in the evening. But walking into the parish hall for a pancake dinner before even going home was wonderful–I was home and the flock welcomed me back into the fold. Everyone was so happy to see me in one piece and wanted to hear all about my trip.

The excitement of welcoming someone back into the fold is what Palm Sunday is all about. “Hosanna in the highest!” yells the crowd, meaning “please save us.” What a joyous entrance Jesus has in Jerusalem.

I always used to find it confusing that Jesus could get a joyous welcome when he arrived in Jerusalem, and then have a crowd shouting to have him crucified only a few days later. Now I realize there are two crowds: 1) with Jesus and 2) against Jesus.

I can relate: some people enjoy my company while others think I have no place in the world. The people who enjoy my company are the ones who lift up my gifts, like the crowd shouting, “Hosanna in the highest.” They believe in my mission in the world, and they listen to what I have to say. On the other hand, others do not understand where I fit in the world or how what I have to say matters. I find it frustrating to work with these individuals because they only see one way of doing things and are close-minded–I do not fit in their box.

Jesus sends two disciples into a village to get the donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem. The crowd with Jesus leads him into Jerusalem by throwing down their cloaks and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9, NRSV). The crowd with Jesus is excited to see his entry into Jerusalem, just as my church friends welcome me home. Their king is entering their city and has come to set them free.

The crowd against Jesus is asking, “Who is this guy?” These individuals do not know who Jesus is, where he came from, or why he is in Jerusalem. Then when the crowd with Jesus calls him the Son of David, a king, and the one who comes in the name of the Lord, those against Jesus hear blasphemy. Jesus’ claims go against all of their teachings and beliefs. Over the coming week, the crowd against Jesus in Jerusalem will spread rumors about Jesus in order to protect what these individuals believe to be true. In the coming week, we will learn why the crowd against Jesus killed him (Jacobson, et al. 2011).

The world can be a cruel place–full of injustice, discrimination, inequality, and bitterness. I fight these issues on a daily basis. During my stay in St. Paul, Minnesota, a bus driver made a fuss about having to do his job and tie my electric wheelchair down. The bus ride was the most humiliating experience in my life. The bus driver made me feel like an inconvenience–a waste of time and space. I can only imagine how Jesus feels, riding through an exciting, supportive crowd, but knowing he will be killed within a week. What are his thoughts as he rides into Jerusalem?

As a Christian, you have the challenge of watching Holy Week unfold. Why would a lovely Father send his only begotten Son to experience rejection, betrayal, and a painful death? Why does God allow people to work against us? Stick with me as we journey together with Jesus this week.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for letting us greet Jesus in Jerusalem. Help us to share in the enthusiasm of the crowd with Jesus and not jump right to Good Friday and Easter. Remind us of the excitement of Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem. Thank you for your glory, love, and peace. Amen.

Works Cited

Jacobson, Rolf, Karoline Lewis, David Lose, and Matt Skinner. “Brainwave 170: Lectionary Texts for the 17th of April 2011.” Working Preacher. St Paul, March 10, 2011.

Reflective Questions

What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus as a King with Hosanna?
Who would throw a party in your honor? Why?
Who does not want you around? Why?

Fifth Sunday of Lent: Lazarus’ Resurrection

Reading

John 11:1-45

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Where is God when you get sick with the flu? Where is God when you break your arm during football practice? Where is God when your aunt dies from cancer? You beg him to come and heal you. You beg God to take away your aunt’s cancer, but God lets her die. How could he let her die? Where is he? How could God leave you alone?

Mary and Martha are asking the same questions when they send word to Jesus (John 11:3) that Lazarus is close to death and he does not come. And when Jesus finally comes, Lazarus has already been dead for four days (John 11:17, 39). Why does Jesus not come right away? Both Mary and Martha say at different times, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32 NRSV). Mary and Martha play the “if” game with Jesus, because Lazarus was his dear friend who he loved (John 11:3) and they know Jesus could have healed him. Mary is the one anoints Jesus with the expensive perfume, and Martha serves Jesus and his disciples. Mary and Martha follow Jesus at all cost, so why couldn’t he have come sooner?

I’m sure you have been in the state of confusion and questioning God that Mary and Martha are in. How could Jesus let Lazarus die when he could have healed him? In the midst of questions and doubts, it can be dangerously easy to turn away from God and be drawn into the darkness.

Jesus knows there is more after death. There is something more. Jesus wants two days before going to see Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. He knows Lazarus will be dead before he and his disciples will get there, but Jesus still waits a few days before going. Jesus tells his disciples he is going to wake up Lazarus. The disciples believe Lazarus is merely sleeping, but he is dead (John 11:11-14).

When Jesus sees Mary, he asks, “Do you believe I am the resurrection and life and anyone who believes will have eternal life?” (John 11:25-26). Mary answers, “Yes, I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God” (John 11:27). Mary believes in Jesus, but she still does not understand what resurrection has to do with her or her brother. In her mind, death still gets the final say.

Martha comes later and Jesus asks, “Where is Lazarus laid?” (John 11:34). The Jews and Martha invite Jesus to come and see his tomb. Jesus weeps for his friend, Lazarus, as he goes to the tomb where the Jews laid him. Lazarus and Jesus have a personal relationship with each other that knows no bounds. Jesus weeps for his friend— the one who he could call upon at a moment noticed.

Jesus goes to the tomb and says to take away the stone (John 11:39). Martha turns to Jesus and says, “Are you sure? It is going to smell, because he has been dead four days already” (John 11:39bc). Jesus says, “Martha, I told you that you would see God’s glory” (John 11:40). God’s glory is shown to the world through Jesus Christ and his miracles, which have no limits. But death still means “the end” to Martha who believes Jesus is God’s son, the Messiah.

For the crowd’s benefit, Jesus turns to God the Father to thank him for always hearing him so the people would believe (John 11:41-42). Jesus turns the crowd’s attention toward God the Father who is always with him. With the Holy Spirit, God the Father and Jesus are united and inseparable—three in one. God works through Jesus to perform the miracles. Without all three intertwined members of the Trinity, the Trinity could not do its work.”

Jesus cries out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out” (John 11:43 NRSV). As though Lazarus is just sleeping, Jesus yells to wake him up. And Lazarus comes out to greet Jesus. The dead rise to new life.

This causes many people to come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. A community forms from Lazarus’ resurrection to new life. The people are able to connect with God through Jesus, a live human being. However, Jesus remains focused on Lazarus’ needs to be unbound and fed. Jesus cares for the individual—his friend, Lazarus, even as people come to him through faith.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for raising Lazarus up to new life. Help us to understand death is not the final say, even as we look toward Holy Week. Remind us of the power behind your resurrection. Thank you for gathering us as your community. 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 behavior covenant by commenting on it.) You can answer as many questions as you would like.

Where and how do you experience resurrection and new life?
When do you talk with God?

Fourth Sunday of Lent: Being Healed through Conversations

Reading

John 9:1-41

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Blindness: verb. 1) physically—you are unable to see; 2) psychosocially—it a. clouds your judgment, b. damages your social status; 3) spiritually – a. you are lost in the darkness, known as the wilderness, b. you do not know the Triune God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

You have experienced blindness sometime during your lifetime—we all have. Being blind can be scary, because it can shake your foundation and your self-being. Today, physical blindness is adaptable with guide dogs, special computer software and phones, and more. It possible to be an individual who is blind and be successful. However, in biblical times, individuals who were blind experienced poverty, and homelessness; they were outcasts. They had no place in society. Physical blindness put an individual on the streets with no community to aid them.

Jesus finds the blind man on the side of the road in Jerusalem. The disciples ask Jesus, “Whose sins caused the man to be blind?” (John 9:2). In biblical times, illness or a disability was thought to be caused by sins of an individual or sins of his parents. People thought, “God is punishing this person for past sins.” Jesus says, “The man’s blindness is not caused by his sins or his parent’s sins. He is blind so God’s work can be revealed through him. The darkness prohibits anyone from working, but I am the light of the world” (John 9:3-5). As the light of the world, Jesus serves as the vision for those lost in the dark wilderness. He calls the lost into the light and gives them eternal life.

Jesus heals the blind man and tells him to go wash in the pool of Siloam (John 9:6-7). The physical healing causes the previously blind man to have a psychosocial healing by being included in an immediate community with his neighbors. The healing gives him a social status. Being able to see allows the previously blind man to be in conversation with others. He no longer lies on the side of the road helpless, but he walks with people again—albeit, people who would look down on him before his healing. The previously blind man now has a role in society.

The community gathered around the previously blind man is confused (John 9:8-9b, 10). Who is this man? Is it really the previously blind man? Or is it someone else? If it is the blind man, how can he see now? The previously blind man addresses his neighbor, “I am the man who was blind, but now I see. Jesus came to me and put mud mixed with saliva over my eyes. He then told me to go wash in the pool of Siloam, which I did and received my sight” (John 9:9c, 11). There is power behind the previously blind man’s story, because he is able to digest what happened and begin to understand the power behind this Jesus figure. The more the previously blind man tells his story, the more he understands what Jesus did for him: he gave the blind man new life.

The Pharisees are mystified; how can the blind man now see? First, it is the Sabbath, which means no healing (“work”) should have been performed. Second, how is it even possible? The Pharisees question the previously blind man as to how he was healed. When he describes what Jesus did, the Pharisees grumble because a man of God would never perform a healing on the Sabbath, yet a sinner could never perform such a sign (John 9:16). The previously blind man tells the Pharisees Jesus is a prophet (John 9:17). The more the previously blind man tells his healing story; the more confident he becomes about who this Jesus figure is.

The Jews are not persuaded that the man before them is the same man who was blind, so they call upon his parents. His parents confirm the previously blind man is their son who was born blind, though they have no idea who or how he was healed (John 9:20-21). Fearful, his parents direct the Pharisees back to their son; they fear being kicked out of the synagogue for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah (John 9:22).

The Pharisees call the previously blind man back into the room and tell him to “give God glory” (translation: “tell the truth, now”), because surely Jesus is a sinner (John 9:24). The previously blind man refuses to call Jesus a sinner for he was blind and now he can see (John 9:25). The previously blind man does not give in to the Pharisees’ pressures and stays true to his story. Again, the Pharisees ask the previously blind man to explain how his eyes are now opened (John 9:26). The previously blind man says, “We have been through this. Do you want to be one of his disciples?” (John 9:27). He welcomes the Pharisees into Jesus’ circle. They reject Jesus and reassert Moses as their authority (John 9:28-29).

The previously blind man’s spiritual healing continues as he argues with the Pharisees. The previously blind man states, “God does not allow just anyone to perform healings; they have to worship him and obey his will. If Jesus were not from God, he would not be able to open my eyes. No one has ever healed the blind before” (John 9:30-33). The more the previously blind man speaks about his healing, the more convinced he becomes about Jesus being from God. Nothing can change his mind about Jesus, not even the Jewish authorities. Therefore, the Pharisees banish the previously blind man out of the synagogue—out of their community. The Pharisees are so blinded by their own interpretations that they miss being in a relationship with the Messiah. They miss the boat.

Jesus hears about the Pharisees throwing the previously blind man out of the synagogue. He searches for the previously blind man and asks him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35 NRSV). The previously blind man says, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him” (John 9:36 NRSV). The previously blind man is eager to know and worship the Messiah; he has experienced new life through his healing. Jesus says, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he” (John 9:37 NRSV). The previously blind man comes to believe Jesus is Lord and worships him (John 9:38).

The previously blind man is rejected by one community but accepted into another when he shares his story. The more you share your story—[whatever “it” is], the more you start to find the language understand of who you are as an individual and within different communities. Once you have language to behind your story, you grow a better understand of yourself. Your story tells others who you are, what you believe in, and where you are heading. The community (family, friends, school, church, neighborhood, [whatever “it” is]) shares your story and molds you through unique experiences. The more you talk about your experience and what they mean, the more you learn about yourself and the more your community will know how to support you as an individual. Within the church, your story becomes a tool to share your faith with others. The good news is found in each of us, and our ability to share it becomes crucial to leading others in worship.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for taking away our blindness. Help us to share our stories with others and bring them into a relationship with you. Thank you for giving us new life through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reflective Questions

How have you been blind?
What is your story? How does it define you?

Third Sunday of Lent: The Power of Conversations

Reading

John 4:5-42

Devotion

Peace be with you!

A conversation can lead you in many different directions, depending on who joins in, what is being discussed, and where it is taking place. The conversation can invoke anger, love, disappointment, hope, joy, an argument, or [whatever “it” is] you feel in that moment. Some conversations take me by surprise and take different directions than I anticipated. The day after Ash Wednesday, my fifteen-year-old mentee asked me the difference between Christians and Catholics, why Christians got crosses of ash traced on their foreheads, and why being baptized was important. Each question seemed second nature—something I knew without thinking. However, to someone who did not grow up in the church these questions are baffling. As an outsider, my mentee questioned why people had ash put on their foreheads and how did water make you special. I found myself having a confirmation class at my dinner table. What an amazing conversation! Look for blog posts under “New Press” to answer these baffling questions in the near future.

Jesus has been travelling for days and stumbles upon a well at noon (John 4:5-6) at the hottest time of the day. A Samaritan woman comes along to draw water. Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for a drink of water (John 4:7). It seems like a simple request—something you may ask a waiter, a friend, or a spouse to get you. Yet two thousand years ago a request from a Jewish man to a Samaritan woman broke all of the social boundaries. As a Jew, Jesus is breaking an unspoken rule: do not engage with the Samaritans, especially women. But here is Jesus asking for water from a Samaritan woman.

The Samaritan woman is baffled by Jesus’ request. She is drawing water in the middle of the day, which should be a sign that she is an outcast who avoids the morning and evening rush to get water. She cannot bear to be around other women who stare at her and talk about her. The Samaritan woman asks, “How is it that you, a Jew, can ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink of water?” (John 4:9). It would have been like an African-American man asking a Caucasian woman for water in the 1970s. It just was not done.

Jesus continues to baffle the Samaritan woman by saying, “If you knew who I am, you would be asking me for a drink of living water” (John 4:10). The Samaritan woman knows Jesus has no bucket to draw water and wonders what “living water” is. And how does this Jewish man think that he is greater than the Samaritans’ ancestor Jacob? How dare he? (John 4:11-12).

Then Jesus goes on to explain how you will always be thirsty if you only drink earthly water, but when you drink living water you will never be thirsty again and will be given eternal life (John 4:13-14). It seems like the answer to the Samaritan woman’s problems. She would never have to go back to the well again. But it cannot be that simple. Jesus asks the Samaritan woman to go get her husband and bring him back to the well (John 4:16). The Samaritan woman must have hemmed and hawed before admitting she had no husband, to which Jesus says, “You are correct. You have had five husbands, and the man you live with is not your husband” (John 4:17-18). Busted! This guy knows everything. The Samaritan woman realizes Jesus is a prophet and asks him where people should worship: on the mountain where Samaritans worship or in Jerusalem where the Jews worship (John 4:19-20).

Jesus answers the Samaritan woman, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:21-24 NRSV).

The time is coming and is here where you do not have worship on a mountain, in Jerusalem, or in a synagogue. You will worship God wherever you are, whenever you want, and with whomever you want. Worship will be to the Father in spirit and in truth. It no longer matters where you worship but how and why. You need to speak of the spirit and the truth of the good news in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and gives you eternal life with God the Father.

Upon hearing the good news, the Samaritan woman recognizes Jesus is speaking of the Messiah and Jesus agrees (John 4:25-26). The Samaritan woman runs back to the village to tell the people about Jesus and what he told her. The Samaritan woman becomes Jesus’ disciple and brings many more people to believe…all because Jesus asked for a drink of water.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the amazing living water you give us through Jesus Christ. Help us to worship you whenever, wherever, and with whomever wants to hear the good news of your beloved son. Guide us to share the Good News with others. Remind us to give the living water to all who are thirsty. Thank you for making us your witnesses and disciples. Amen.

Reflective Questions

Share an example of a conversation where you engaged a nonbeliever or young believer around meaningful questions. How did it go?
What represents living water to you?

Second Sunday of Lent: Born of the Spirit

Reading

Matthew 3:1-17

Devotion

Peace be with you!

You are born into a world driven by the desires of the flesh. The flesh desires riches, power and might, idols, fame, and [whatever “it” is] that will take you away from God the Father. The world begs for attention and distracts you from the good news with its messages of power and riches. It causes jealousy, anger, and resentment among friends, family members, colleagues, and others who live according to flesh.

What does it mean to be born of the Spirit[ED1] ? It seems like an odd question, one which may baffle many people. People understand that babies are birthed from out of a female body after nine months of gestation. Being born in the physical sense causes pain for the mother and joy for the mother, father, and others. Doctors can explain the process to expecting mothers. Ultrasounds can even photograph the baby in the womb. Physical birth does not seem that mysterious.

But to be born of the Spirit? What does this even mean? In your baptism, you are reborn into God’s family. You are received as a child of God who is blessed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. You belong to God, and God belongs to you.

To live according to God’s ways means you choose to live according to the Ten Commandments, follow Jesus’ teachings, and live as his servant. You believe with all of your heart Jesus died and was raised from the dead (John 3:16-17[ED2] ). You need courage to tell the devil no and to walk away. You are not defined by the standards of the world; you live by different standards. To be born again of the Spirit means you make the conscious decision to be a disciple [ED3] of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son.

When you make the conscious decision to be born of the Spirit, you are telling the devil no; you are saying no to the ideas of the flesh and world. You become transformed into a new person, just as Jesus died and rose again. You become born of the Spirit. The world no longer entices you in the same way, because the promise of eternal life holds good news of Jesus Christ. You start to care about what God thinks and feels.

You wake up each morning with a sense of being born again in God’s image. Each day draws you into a relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. You are reminded of the Good News and God’s promise of eternal life with him in his kingdom. Death does not get the final say in life’s journey but is just a means to enter God’s kingdom. You seek truth, social justice, love, life, grace, and God’s call. You feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and protect the weak. You strive to serve the Triune God [ED4] in all that you do—no matter what sacrifice that means. Power is a temptation from the devil to draw you back into the world where you were first born. But [whatever “it” is] the devil promises holds no appeal compared to what the Triune God promises you in Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. You live according to God’s will by answering his call to serve others, and you are waiting for Jesus’ second coming. This is what it means to be born again: to live by Jesus’ teachings. Nothing is more powerful than that.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us the chance to be reborn into the Spirit. Help us to listen to the spirit and not be entice by the devil. Call us out of the darkness and into the light. Thank you for being in relationships with us. Amen.

Reflective Questions

How are you born again of the Spirit each day?
How does the devil tempt you to live according to the flesh?

[ED1]Spirit: Holy Spirit; part of the Triune God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

[ED2] “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).

[ED3]Disciple: a follower of Jesus Christ

[ED4]Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit