4/17 Easter Sunday

Reading the Passage

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Today is a day to sit in the mystery of Jesus’ resurrection. Everything that the followers of Jesus believed had been shattered…until today. What a change a weekend makes! May the wonder of the resurrection cause you pause and peace today.

So here is the Resurrection story from each of the four gospels: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-23 [Today’s verses are from the ESV, courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Matthew 28:1-10

1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” ⁸ So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Mark 16:1-8

1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ² And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³ And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” ⁴ And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. ⁵ And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. ⁶ And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” ⁸ And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Luke 24:1-12

1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. ² And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. ⁵ And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, ⁷ that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” ⁸ And they remembered his words, ⁹ and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. ¹⁰ Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, ¹¹ but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. ¹² But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

John 20:1-23

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ³ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. ⁴ Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’^[a] head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹ for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to their homes.

¹¹ But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. ¹³ They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” ¹⁴ Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). ¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

¹⁹ On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

4/15-16 Mark 15:33-4, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-37 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to observe Jesus’ final moments on the cross. We have heard the story so many times, so slow down, listen deeply, and ask the Spirit to give you fresh eyes. A few questions to consider:

• Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Talk to God about it.
• Based on your life experience, what encouragement and/or concern that Jesus felt abandoned by the Father?
• As a follower of Jesus at the scene, what kinds of thoughts / emotions would be swirling in your head and heart as you watched Jesus breathe his last?
• How do the words “it is finished” strike you?
• In light of who Jesus is and how He acted at the cross, how does His example translate into my current circumstances?

Sharing Ideas

What stands out to you today? What surprises you? Please share.

4/14 Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-37 (Day One)

Reading the Passage

Jesus is hanging on the cross. Here are the verses describing His death. Imagine you are a disciple at the scene. Dwell in the awkwardness of His sacrifice. [Today’s verses are from the NLT, courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Mark 15:33-41

³³ At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. ³⁴ Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

³⁵ Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. ³⁶ One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!”

³⁷ Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. ³⁸ And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

³⁹ When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

⁴⁰ Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome. ⁴¹ They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Luke 23:44-49

⁴⁴ By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. ⁴⁵ The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. ⁴⁶ Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

⁴⁷ When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” ⁴⁸ And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. ⁴⁹ But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

John 19:28-37

²⁸ Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. ³⁰ When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

³¹ It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. ³² So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. ³³ But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. ³⁴ One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ³⁵ (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.) ³⁶ These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” ³⁷ and “They will look on the one they pierced.”

4/12-13 Mark 15:21-36 and Psalm 22 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to observe Jesus’ crucifixion. We all know the story, so ask for fresh eyes and really dive in. A few questions to consider:

• What kinds of reactions were people having to Jesus in this scene?
• What kinds of emotions was Jesus vocalizing in Psalm 22?
• What do you make of the tone change between v21 and 22 in Psalm 22? How could Jesus make this shift?
• How do these thoughts affect my view of Jesus?
• In light of who Jesus is and how He acted at the cross, how does His example translate into my current circumstances?

Sharing Ideas

What stands out to you today? What surprises you? Please share.

4/11 Mark 15:21-36 and Psalm 22 (Day One)

Reading the Passage

Jesus is hanging on the cross. During this time he quotes the beginning of Psalm 22. That means he wants us to consider the whole Psalm. Dwell in these words today. Listen carefully. What kind of Messiah is this? [Today’s verses are from the NIV, courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Mark 15:21-36

²¹ A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. ²² They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ²³ Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. ²⁴ And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

²⁵ It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. ²⁶ The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.

²⁷ They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. ^[28] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰ come down from the cross and save yourself!” ³¹ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! ³² Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

³³ At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. ³⁴ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

³⁵ When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

³⁶ Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

Psalm 22

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David.

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me,
    so far from my cries of anguish?
² My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
    by night, but I find no rest.

³ Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
    you are the one Israel praises.
⁴ In you our ancestors put their trust;
    they trusted and you delivered them.
⁵ To you they cried out and were saved;
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

⁶ But I am a worm and not a man,
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
⁷ All who see me mock me;
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
⁸ “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
    “let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
    since he delights in him.”

⁹ Yet you brought me out of the womb;
    you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
¹⁰ From birth I was cast on you;
    from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

¹¹ Do not be far from me,
    for trouble is near
    and there is no one to help.

¹² Many bulls surround me;
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
¹³ Roaring lions that tear their prey
    open their mouths wide against me.
¹⁴ I am poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
    it has melted within me.
¹⁵ My mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
    you lay me in the dust of death.

¹⁶ Dogs surround me,
    a pack of villains encircles me;
    they pierce my hands and my feet.
¹⁷ All my bones are on display;
    people stare and gloat over me.
¹⁸ They divide my clothes among them
    and cast lots for my garment.

¹⁹ But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
²⁰ Deliver me from the sword,
    my precious life from the power of the dogs.
²¹ Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
    save me from the horns of the wild oxen.

²² I will declare your name to my people;
    in the assembly I will praise you.
²³ You who fear the Lord, praise him!
    All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
    Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
²⁴ For he has not despised or scorned
    the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
    but has listened to his cry for help.

²⁵ From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
    before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.
²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied;
    those who seek the Lord will praise him—
    may your hearts live forever!

²⁷ All the ends of the earth
    will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
    will bow down before him,
²⁸ for dominion belongs to the Lord
    and he rules over the nations.

²⁹ All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
    all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
    those who cannot keep themselves alive.
³⁰ Posterity will serve him;
    future generations will be told about the Lord.
³¹ They will proclaim his righteousness,
    declaring to a people yet unborn:
    He has done it!

4/10 Sunday

Approach: Prayer & Surrender

On Sundays I encourage you to take extra time with Jesus, prayerfully talking with Him about whatever He has been teaching / challenging / showing you this past week. Scripture is not an end in itself, but its job is to point us to Jesus. So in light of what you have read and what the Spirit has spoken to you, spend time in prayer, talking with Jesus deeply and honestly.

Today read through Jesus’ journey to the cross in Matthew 27:24-31, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Luke 23:26-43, and John 19:16-27. Revisit some/all of the comments that have been shared, maybe make a comment, and as you read ask God:

• “What do you want me to be hearing right now?”
• “How do these stories tell me more about who Jesus is?”
• “In light of who Jesus is, what needs to change in my thinking, attitudes, and/or actions?”

There will be no comments today. This is a day just for you and Jesus. Enjoy your time in prayer!

4/8-9 Luke 23:26-43 and John 19:16-27 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to observe Jesus’ crucifixion. We all know the story, so ask for fresh eyes and really dive in. A few questions to consider:

• What kinds of reactions were people having to Jesus in this scene?
• What kinds of reactions was Jesus having towards the people in this scene?
• What do these verses tell me about who Jesus is and how He operates?
• How do these thoughts affect my view of Jesus?
• In light of who Jesus is and how He acted at the cross, how am I to live?

Sharing Ideas

What stands out to you today? Please share.

4/07 Luke 23:26-43 and John 19:16-27 (Day One)

Reading the Passage

Jesus takes his final walk to Calvary. Today’s passages are familiar, so be careful to slow down. Imagine you are a disciple or a curios onlooker tryign to make sense of it all. Watch what Jesus does. Listen carefully to what He says. Notice what others say about and to Him. [Today’s verses are from the New Catholic Bible (NCB), courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Luke 23:26-43

²⁶ As they led him away, they seized a man from Cyrene named Simon, who was returning from the country. They put the cross on his back and forced him to carry it behind Jesus. ²⁷ A large number of people followed Jesus, among them many women who were mourning and lamenting over him.

²⁸ But he turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep rather for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For behold, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore children and the breasts that never nursed.’ ³⁰ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ ³¹ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

³² There were also two others, both criminals, who were led away to be executed with him. ³³ When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there along with the two criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. ³⁴ Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

³⁵ The people stood there watching. Meanwhile, the rulers jeered at him and said, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” ³⁶ Even the soldiers mocked him. As they came forward to offer him sour wine, ³⁷ they said, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ There was also an inscription above his head that said, “This is the King of the Jews.”

³⁹ One of the criminals hanging there taunted Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other rebuked him, “Have you no fear of God, since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ In our case, we have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds. But this man has committed no wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

John 19:16-27

¹⁶ Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Then they took him away, ¹⁷ and, carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, “Golgotha”). ¹⁸ There they crucified him along with two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.

¹⁹ Pilate also had an inscription written and fastened to the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, King of the Jews.” ²⁰ This inscription, in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, was read by many Jews, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. ²¹ Therefore, the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “You should not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man claimed to be the King of the Jews.’ ” ²² Pilate responded, “What I have written, I have written.”

^23 [e]When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, one share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, which was woven seamless, top to bottom. ²⁴ They said to one another, “Instead of tearing it, let us cast lots for it to see who is to get it.” In this way, the Scripture was fulfilled that says,

“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”

And that is what the soldiers did.

²⁵ Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

4/5-6 Matthew 27:24-31 and Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to reflect on the story of Jesus being mocked and beaten after his sentencing by Pilate. Dwell in the prophetic description of Isaiah 52 & 53. A few questions to consider:

• What kind of Messiah is this?
• What does love look like for Jesus?
• What do these verses tell me about suffering, blessings, and God’s plan?
• What is confusing / encouraging / inspiring / difficult about these verses?
• How is your view of Jesus being confirmed and/or challenged?

Sharing Ideas

What stands out to you today? Please share.

4/04 Matthew 27:24-31 and Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 (Day One)

Reading the Passage

The trial is over. Jesus is about to take his final walk to Calvary. Today’s passages are uncomfortable, yet important as we consider the depth of His love for us. So rest in the awkwardness of these words and see what the Spirit has to say. [Today’s verses are from the Holman Christian Standard BIble (HCSB) courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Matthew 27:24-31

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!”

²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” ²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into headquarters and gathered the whole company around Him. ²⁸ They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet military robe. ²⁹ They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰ Then they spit on Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head. ³¹ When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

¹³ See, My Servant will act wisely;
He will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as many were appalled at You—
His appearance was so disfigured
that He did not look like a man,
and His form did not resemble a human being—
¹⁵ so He will sprinkle many nations.
Kings will shut their mouths because of Him,
For they will see what had not been told them,
and they will understand what they had not heard.

53:1 Who has believed what we have heard?
And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to?
² He grew up before Him like a young plant
and like a root out of dry ground.
He didn’t have an impressive form
or majesty that we should look at Him,
no appearance that we should desire Him.
³ He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from;
He was despised, and we didn’t value Him.

⁴ Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses,
and He carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded Him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But He was pierced because of our transgressions,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on Him,
and we are healed by His wounds.
⁶ We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished Him
for the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet He did not open His mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
He did not open His mouth.
⁸ He was taken away because of oppression and judgment;
and who considered His fate?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
He was struck because of my people’s rebellion.
⁹ They made His grave with the wicked
and with a rich man at His death,
although He had done no violence
and had not spoken deceitfully.

¹⁰ Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him severely.
When You make Him a restitution offering,
He will see His seed, He will prolong His days,
and by His hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.
¹¹ He will see it out of His anguish,
and He will be satisfied with His knowledge.
My righteous Servant will justify many,
and He will carry their iniquities.
¹² Therefore I will give Him the many as a portion,
and He will receive the mighty as spoil,
because He submitted Himself to death,
and was counted among the rebels;
yet He bore the sin of many
and interceded for the rebels.

4/03 Sunday

Approach: Prayer & Surrender

On Sundays I encourage you to take extra time with Jesus, prayerfully talking with Him about whatever He has been teaching / challenging / showing you this past week. Scripture is not an end in itself, but its job is to point us to Jesus. So in light of what you have read and what the Spirit has spoken to you, spend time in prayer, talking with Jesus deeply and honestly.

Today read through Jesus’ journey to Gethsemane, betrayal, and sentencing in Matthew 26:47-75 and John 18:28-19:16. Revisit some/all of the comments that have been shared, and as you read ask God:

• “What do you want me to be hearing right now?”
• “How do these stories tell me more about who Jesus is?”
• “In light of who Jesus is, what needs to change in my thinking, attitudes, and/or actions?”

There will be no comments today. This is a day just for you and Jesus. Enjoy your time in prayer!

4/1-2 John 18:28-19:16 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to dwell in the story of Jesus being investigated and sentenced by Pilate. While this story is in all four gospels, John shares a lot more of the dialogue that occurs between Pilate and Jesus, which is very insightful into what kind of Savior & Messiah Jesus really is. I encourage you to linger in Jesus’ words here – what is He telling us about Himself? What is He telling us about His Kingdom?

Sharing Ideas

What stands out to you? How is your view of Jesus being confirmed and/or challenged? Please share.

Thu 3/31 John 18:28 – 19:16

My apologies that this posted so late.

So now we are in Jerusalem for the final sequence of event leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. As I always I encourage you to enter in to the story, to take your time, to feel the dust and sense the emotions and fully hear the words. (Today’s passage is from the ESV, courtesy of http://www.biblegateway.com).

John 18:28 – 19:16

²⁸ It was early in the morning when Jesus was taken from Caiaphas to the building where the Roman governor stayed. But the crowd waited outside. Any of them who had gone inside would have become unclean and would not be allowed to eat the Passover meal.

²⁹ Pilate came out and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”

³⁰  They answered, “He is a criminal! That’s why we brought him to you.”

³¹ Pilate told them, “Take him and judge him by your own laws.”

The crowd replied, “We are not allowed to put anyone to death.” ³²  And so what Jesus said about his death would soon come true.

³³ Pilate then went back inside. He called Jesus over and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

³⁴ Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own or did someone tell you about me?”

³⁵ “You know I’m not a Jew!” Pilate said. “Your own people and the chief priests brought you to me. What have you done?”

³⁶ Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn’t belong to this world. If it did, my followers would have fought to keep me from being handed over to our leaders. No, my kingdom doesn’t belong to this world.”

³⁷ “So you are a king,” Pilate replied.

“You are saying that I am a king,” Jesus told him. “I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice.”

³⁸ Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”

Pilate went back out and said, “I don’t find this man guilty of anything! ³⁹ And since I usually set a prisoner free for you at Passover, would you like for me to set free the king of the Jews?”

⁴⁰ They shouted, “No, not him! We want Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a terrorist.

19 Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. ² The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. ³ They came up to him and said, “Hey, you king of the Jews!” They also hit him with their fists.

⁴ Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, “I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty.”

⁵ Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, “Here is the man!”

⁶ When the chief priests and the temple police saw him, they yelled, “Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”

Pilate told them, “You take him and nail him to a cross! I don’t find him guilty of anything.”

⁷ The crowd replied, “He claimed to be the Son of God! Our law says that he must be put to death.”

⁸ When Pilate heard this, he was terrified. ⁹ He went back inside and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not answer.

¹⁰ “Why won’t you answer my question?” Pilate asked. “Don’t you know I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?”

¹¹  Jesus replied, “If God had not given you the power, you couldn’t do anything at all to me. But the one who handed me over to you did something even worse.”

¹² Then Pilate wanted to set Jesus free. But the crowd again yelled, “If you set this man free, you are no friend of the Emperor! Anyone who claims to be a king is an enemy of the Emperor.”

¹³ When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out. Then he sat down on the judge’s bench at the place known as “The Stone Pavement.” In Aramaic this pavement is called “Gabbatha.” ¹⁴ It was about noon on the day before Passover, and Pilate said to the crowd, “Look at your king!”

¹⁵ “Kill him! Kill him!” they yelled. “Nail him to a cross!”

“So you want me to nail your king to a cross?” Pilate asked.

The chief priests replied, “The Emperor is our king!” ¹⁶ Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be nailed to a cross.

Jesus was taken away,

3/29-30 Matthew 26:47-75 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to dwell in the stories of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and betrayal. As you read, ask God to help you hear what He is saying. And if yu want to read it from multiple angles, check out Mark 14:43-72, Luke 22:47-71, and John 18:1-27. Here are a few questions/ideas that may help guide your thoughts:

• Imagine you were a disciple with Jesus in this story…
  • How would you have reacted in each of these stories?
  • What kinds of thoughts and questions would have filled your head?
  • How would these experiences align with or differentiate from your understanding of Jesus?
• Now look at these stories with present eyes…
  • What do you hear in Jesus’ words?
  • What do you hear when Jesus chooses not to speak?
  • What does this tell us about who Jesus is and what He is about?
  • What does this tell us about what it means to follow Jesus?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?

Sharing Ideas

What stands out to you? What are you hearing in these verses?

3/28 Matthew 26:47-75 (Day One)

Reading the Passage

We are nearing Calvary. Take the time to really marinate in these stories which are so familiar. Ask the Spirit to give you fresh eyes, so that you don’t miss what He wants you to see. This story is told in all four gospels with slightly different emphases. If you are interested in comparing, check out Mark 14:43-72, Luke 22:47-71, and John 18:1-27. [Today’s verses are from the NLT courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Matthew 26:47-75

⁴⁷ And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. ⁴⁸ The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” ⁴⁹ So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

⁵⁰ Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

⁵² “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? ⁵⁴ But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

⁵⁵ Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. ⁵⁶ But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.

⁵⁷ Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. ⁵⁸ Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end.

⁵⁹ Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward ⁶¹ who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

⁶⁴ Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”

⁶⁷ Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, ⁶⁸ jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”

⁶⁹ Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”

⁷⁰ But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

⁷¹ Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

⁷² Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.

⁷³ A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”

⁷⁴ Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.

⁷⁵ Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.

3/27 Sunday

Approach: Prayerful Surrender

On Sundays I encourage you to take extra time with Jesus, prayerfully talking with Him about whatever He has been teaching / challenging / showing you this past week. Scripture is not an end in itself, but its job is to point us to Jesus. So in light of what you have read and what the Spirit has spoken to you, spend time in prayer, talking with Jesus deeply and honestly.

Today read through the the had curious and familiar stories about Jesus makes in John 13:1-20 and Mark 14:22-26,32-42. Revisit some/all of the comments that have been shared, and as you read ask God:

• “What do you want me to be hearing right now?”
• “How do these stories tell me more about who Jesus is?”
• “In light of who Jesus is, what needs to change in my thinking, attitudes, and/or actions?”

There will be no comments today. This is a day just for you and Jesus. Enjoy your time in prayer!

3/25-26 Mark 14:22-26, 32-42 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow prayerfully ask God to help you hear what He is saying in these familiar stories. Here are a few questions/ideas that may help guide your thoughts:

• Imagine you were a disciple with Jesus in this story…
  • How would you have reacted in each of these stories?
  • What kinds of thoughts and questions would have filled your head?
  • How would these experiences align with or differentiate from your understanding of Jesus?
• Now look at these stories with present eyes…
  • What do you hear in Jesus’ words?
  • What does this tell us about who Jesus is and what He is about?
  • What does this tell us about what it means to follow Jesus?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?

Sharing Ideas

I hope you are spending some time in these Scriptures. Now we look to you to share your thoughts. Would love to hear from you!

3/24 Mark 14:22-26, 32-42 (Day One)

Reading the Passage

As we walk towards Calvary, plunge yourself deep into these familiar stories. Be present in the text, be creative in putting yourself in the room. Ask the Spirit to show you whatever it is that you need to hear today. [Today’s verses are from the NIV courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Mark 14:12,22-26,32-42

¹² On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

…

²² While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

²³ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

²⁴ “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. ²⁵ “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

²⁶ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

…

³² They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ³⁴ “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

³⁵ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

³⁷ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

³⁹ Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. ⁴⁰ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

⁴¹ Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

3/22-23 John 13:1-20 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow prayerfully ask God to help you hear what He is saying and to begin to live it out. Here are a few questions/ideas that may help guide your thoughts:

• Imagine you were a disciple with Jesus in this story…
  • How would you have reacted when Jesus took the role fo the servant?
  • What legitimacy is there in Peter’s questions?
  • What does this show us of Peter’s view of Jesus
• What comfort do you get from knowing that Peter didn’t get Jesus?
• What do you hear in Jesus’ explanation?
  • What does this tell us about Jesus?
  • What does this tell us about what it means to follow Jesus?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?

Sharing Ideas

I hope you are spending some time in these Scriptures. Now we look to you to share your thoughts. Would love to hear from you!

3/21 John 13:1-20

Reading the Passage

Another very familiar story. Take your time with it. Put yourself in the story. Ask the Spirit to show you whatever it is that you need to hear today. [Today’s verses are from The Voice courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

John 13:1-20

13 Before the Passover festival began, Jesus was keenly aware that His hour had come to depart from this world and to return to the Father. From beginning to end, Jesus’ days were marked by His love for His people. ² Before Jesus and His disciples gathered for dinner, the adversary filled Judas Iscariot’s heart with plans of deceit and betrayal. ³ Jesus, knowing that He had come from God and was going away to God, ⁴ stood up from dinner and removed His outer garments. He then wrapped Himself in a towel, ⁵ poured water in a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with His towel.

Simon Peter (as Jesus approaches): ⁶ Lord, are You going to wash my feet?

Jesus: ⁷ Peter, you don’t realize what I am doing, but you will understand later.

Peter: ⁸ You will not wash my feet, now or ever!

Jesus: If I don’t wash you, you will have nothing to do with Me.

Peter: ⁹ Then wash me but don’t stop with my feet. Cleanse my hands and head as well.

Jesus: ¹⁰ Listen, anyone who has bathed is clean all over except for the feet. But I tell you this, not all of you are clean.

¹¹ He knew the one with plans of betraying Him, which is why He said, “not all of you are clean.” ¹² After washing their feet and picking up His garments, He reclined at the table again.

Jesus: Do you understand what I have done to you? ¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord, and truly, that is who I am. ¹⁴ So if your Lord and Teacher washes your feet, then you should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I am your example; keep doing what I do. ¹⁶ I tell you the truth: a servant is not greater than the master. Those who are sent are not greater than the one who sends them.^[a] 17 If you know these things, and if you put them into practice, you will find happiness. ¹⁸ I am not speaking about all of you. I know whom I have chosen, but let the Hebrew Scripture be fulfilled that says, “The very same man who eats My bread with Me will stab Me in the back.” ¹⁹ Assuredly, I tell you these truths before they happen so that when it all transpires, you will believe that I am. ²⁰ I tell you the truth: anyone who accepts the ones I send accepts Me. In turn, the ones who accept Me also accept the One who sent Me.

3/20 Sunday

Approach: Prayerful Surrender

On Sundays I encourage you to take extra time with Jesus, prayerfully talking with Him about whatever He has been teaching / challenging / showing you this past week. Scripture is not an end in itself, but its job is to point us to God. So in light of what you have read and what the Spirit has spoken to you, this might be a time of encouragement, of surrender, of wrestling with doubts or concerns, of re-imagining who you are in light of how God sees you, of healing, or many other possibilities. The key is to be in prayer, talking with Jesus deeply and honestly.

So today read through the the had truths and proclamations Jesus makes in John 12:20-37 and Matthew 16:13-23. Revisit some/all of the comments that have been shared, and as you read ask God:

• “What do you want me to be hearing right now?”
• “Who is Jesus?”
• “What is Jesus really up to?”
• “In light of who He is and what He is doing, what needs to change in my thinking, attitudes, and/or actions?”
• “What encouragement can I take away from these passages?”

There will be no comments today. This is a day just for you and Jesus. Enjoy your time in prayer!

3/18-19 Matthew 16:13-23 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to dwell in Peter’s two contrasting interactions with Jesus. In the first he has a clear understanding of who Jesus is, but quickly reveals that He has no idea how Jesus works. I find comfort in Peter’s struggle. Today and tomorrow continue to prayerfully ask God to help you see and hear what He is saying. Here are a bunch questions/ideas that may help guide your thoughts:

• Why would people have been calling Jesus John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or a prophet?
• Why does Jesus want to know what people are saying about Him?
• Today, what are people saying about who Jesus is?
• Who do think Jesus is?
• What is this passage telling us about Jesus?
• How do your ideas about Jesus’ identity match or contrast with Peter’s?
• Why do you think Peter protested against what Jesus said His work was?
• How do you struggle with understanding how Jesus is going to work in your life and others?
• Who do you relate most with in the story?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?

Sharing Ideas

If you are spending some time in these Scriptures, please share your thoughts. And I will not be posting again tomorrow – Days 2 & 3 are both for reflecting and posting, so we can keep all the comments in one thread this way.

3/17 Matthew 16:13-23

Reading the Passage

In these interactions of Peter with Jesus, we see quite a contrast of Peter’s ability to understand who he believes Jesus to be and how that translates into real life. [Today’s verses are from The Message courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

Matthew 16:13-23

¹³ When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

¹⁵ He pressed them, “And how about you? Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

^17-18 Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.

¹⁹ “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.”

²⁰ He swore the disciples to secrecy. He made them promise they would tell no one that he was the Messiah.

^21-22 Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, “Impossible, Master! That can never be!”

²³ But Jesus didn’t swerve. “Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works.”

3/15-16 John 12:20-37 (Days Two & Three)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to dwell in Jesus’ jarring words. He is explaining what kind of Messiah He is and re-setting what it looks like to follow him. Such a contrast to his welcome parade. Prayerful ask God to help you see and hear what He is saying. Here are a few questions/ideas that may help guide your throughts:

• Imagine you had been on the road when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and now were hearing him speak. What would you make of his words??
• What is this passage telling us about Jesus?
• What is this passage telling us about humanity?
• Who do you relate most with in the story?
• What is a key word / phrase / theme that stands out to you? Sit in that for a while?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?

Sharing Ideas

If you are spending some time in these Scriptures, please share your thoughts. And I will not be posting again tomorrow – Days 2 & 3 are both for reflecting and posting, so we can keep all the comments in one thread this way.

3/14 John 12:20-37

Reading the Passage

In this passage Jesus clarifies what he is about to do, which is far different than the rumors that fill the streets as he has his triumphal entry. This is a different kind of Messiah than anyone was expecting. [Today’s verses are from the CEV (Contemporary English Version) courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

John 12:20-37

²⁰ Some Greeks had gone to Jerusalem to worship during Passover. ²¹ Philip from Bethsaida in Galilee was there too. So they went to him and said, “Sir, we would like to meet Jesus.” ²² Philip told Andrew. Then the two of them went to Jesus and told him.

²³ Jesus said:

The time has come for the Son of Man to be given his glory. ²⁴ I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. ²⁵ If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. ²⁶ If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.

²⁷ Now I am deeply troubled, and I don’t know what to say. But I must not ask my Father to keep me from this time of suffering. In fact, I came into the world to suffer. ²⁸ So Father, bring glory to yourself.

A voice from heaven then said, “I have already brought glory to myself, and I will do it again!” ²⁹ When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder. Others thought an angel had spoken to Jesus.

³⁰ Then Jesus told the crowd, “That voice spoke to help you, not me. ³¹ This world’s people are now being judged, and the ruler of this world is already being thrown out! ³² If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me.” ³³ Jesus was talking about the way he would be put to death.

³⁴ The crowd said to Jesus, “The Scriptures teach that the Messiah will live forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

³⁵ Jesus answered, “The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won’t be caught walking blindly in the dark. ³⁶ Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light.” After Jesus had said these things, he left and went into hiding. ³⁷ He had worked a lot of miracles among the people, but they were still not willing to have faith in him.

3/13 Sunday

Approach: Prayerful Surrender

On Sundays I encourage you to take extra time with Jesus, prayerfully talking with Him about whatever He has been teaching / challenging / showing you this past week. Scripture is not an end in itself, but its job is to point us to God. So in light of what you have read and what the Spirit has spoken to you, this might be a time of encouragement, of surrender, of wrestling with doubts or concerns, of re-imagining who you are in light of how God sees you, of healing, or many other possibilities. The key is to be in prayer, talking with Jesus deeply and honestly.

So today read through the Jesus’ proclamation of His fulfillment of Isaiah 61 in Luke 4 and Jesus’ fulfillment of Zechariah 9 in John 12. Revisit some/all of the comments that have been shared, and as you read ask God:

• “What do you want me to be hearing right now?”
• “What needs to change in my thinking, attitudes, and/or actions?”
• “What encouragement can I take away from these passages?”

There will be no comments today. This is a day just for you and Jesus. Enjoy your time in prayer!

3/11 John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-17 (Day Two)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to dwell in the familiar story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as told in John 12, and the less familiar OT context of Zechariah 9. Prayerful ask God to help you see and hear what He is saying. Here are a few questions/ideas that may help guide your throughts:

• Imagine you were on the road when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, what would have impacted you in that moment?
• What is a key word / phrase / theme that stands out to you? Sit in that for a while?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?
• What is this passage telling us about Jesus?
• What is this passage telling us about humanity?

Sharing Ideas

If you are spending some time in these Scriptures, please share your thoughts.

3/10 John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-17

Reading the Passage

Here is a famous story in the life of Jesus. Just prior to this he has raised Lazarus from the dead and visited Lazarus’ house. The religious leaders really don’t know what to do with Him, and Jerusalem is in a frenzy. The John passage quotes from Zechariah, so we will also spend time in the larger context of that quote. Dwell in these words today, and tomorrow we can chat about them. (Today’s verses are from the NIV, courtesy of biblegateway.com.)

John 12:12-19

¹² The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. ¹³ They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

¹⁴ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

¹⁵ “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
    see, your king is coming,
    seated on a donkey’s colt.”

¹⁶ At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

¹⁷ Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. ¹⁸ Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. ¹⁹ So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Zechariah 9:9-17

⁹ Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
¹⁰ I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
    and the warhorses from Jerusalem,
    and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
    His rule will extend from sea to sea
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.
¹¹ As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.
¹² Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope;
    even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
¹³ I will bend Judah as I bend my bow
    and fill it with Ephraim.
I will rouse your sons, Zion,
    against your sons, Greece,
    and make you like a warrior’s sword.

¹⁴ Then the Lord will appear over them;
    his arrow will flash like lightning.
The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet;
    he will march in the storms of the south,
¹⁵     and the Lord Almighty will shield them.
They will destroy
    and overcome with slingstones.
They will drink and roar as with wine;
    they will be full like a bowl
    used for sprinkling the corners of the altar.
¹⁶ The Lord their God will save his people on that day
    as a shepherd saves his flock.
They will sparkle in his land
    like jewels in a crown.
¹⁷ How attractive and beautiful they will be!
    Grain will make the young men thrive,
    and new wine the young women.

3/9 LUKE 4:14-21; ISAIAH 61 (Day Three)

Prayerful Listening

As we continue to sit in Luke 4 and Isaiah 61…

• What is the Holy Spirit whispering (or yelling) to you right now?
• Has anything from people’s reflections or other things you have encountered this week informing you about these passages?
• And so what? What difference is / could these words be making in how you see yourself, your role, God, and His mission?

Continue sharing

We want to hear from you, so take courage and post a thought or five.

3/8 LUKE 4:14-21; ISAIAH 61 (Day Two)

Reflective Reading

Today and tomorrow continue to dwell in Luke 4 and Isaiah 61. Prayerful ask God to help you see and hear what He is saying. Here are a few questions/ideas that may help guide your throughts:

• Imagine you were in the room when Jesus spoke or Isaiah prophesied, what would have impacted you in that moment?
• What is a key word / phrase / theme that stands out to you? Sit in that for a while?
• What is eye-opening or encouraging or challenging or confusing about this passage?
• What is this passage telling us about Jesus?
• What is this passage telling us about humanity?

Sharing Ideas

If you are spending some time in these Scriptures, please share your thoughts. You don’t have to be lengthy (like I usually am) or revolutionary. Simple observations are welcomed. And if you haven’t made a comment before it may require me to approve your comment, so please be patient with me in that.

3/7 Luke 4:14-21; Isaiah 61

Setup:

This is day one of our new passage. We meet Jesus quoting from Isaiah. In Jesus’ time, when a verse or two of an Old Testament book is quoted everyone knew that the speaker was referring to the entirety of a larger passage. In this case Jesus is referring to all of Isaiah 61. So let these words soak into you, and consider what Jesus is proclaiming. (These passages are from the NASB Version.)

Luke 4:14-21

¹⁴ And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. ¹⁵ And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all. ¹⁶ And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
¹⁹ To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

²⁰ And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. ²¹ And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Isaiah 61

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
² To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
³ To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

⁴ Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up the former devastations;
And they will repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.
⁵ Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks,
And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.
⁶ But you will be called the priests of the Lord;
You will be spoken of as ministers of our God.
You will eat the wealth of nations,
And in their riches you will boast.
⁷ Instead of your shame you will have a double portion,
And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion.
Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land,
Everlasting joy will be theirs.
⁸ For I, the Lord, love justice,
I hate robbery in the burnt offering;
And I will faithfully give them their recompense
And make an everlasting covenant with them.
⁹ Then their offspring will be known among the nations,
And their descendants in the midst of the peoples.
All who see them will recognize them
Because they are the offspring whom the Lord has blessed.

¹⁰ I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
To spring up before all the nations.

3/6 Genesis 1:26-31; 2:15-3:21 (Sunday)

Approach: Prayerful Surrender

On Sundays I encourage you to take extra time with Jesus, prayerfully talking with Him about whatever He has been teaching / challenging / showing you this past week. Scripture is not an end in itself, but its job is to point us to God. So in light of what you have read and what the Spirit has spoken to you, this might be a time of encouragement, of surrender, of wrestling with doubts or concerns, of re-imagining who you are in light of how God sees you, of healing, or many other possibilities. The key is to be in prayer, talking with Jesus deeply and honestly.

So today read through the Genesis passages one more time. Revisit some/all of the comments that have been shared, and as you read ask God:

• “What do you want me to be hearing right now in Genesis 1-3?”
• “What needs to change in my thinking, attitudes, and/or actions in light of the story of humanity’s creation, mandate, fall, and hopeful transition?”

There will be no comments today. This is a day just for you and Jesus. Enjoy your time in prayer!

3/5 Genesis 1:26-31; 2:25-3:21 (Day Three)

Approach

This is our third day in the passage, the second day of reflecting and sharing. Continue to prayerfully sit in the passage. What are you hearing in the original story of our creation and our fall? What continues to stand out to you? In what ways does this passage challenge some of your thinking? In what ways are you encouraged?

Time to Collaborate

Take a minute to read the passage, and to read the post from yesterday and the comment from yesterday and the comment I am about to share. Anything else sticking out to you? If so, please share. That is waht this platform is for.

Technical Difficulties

Right now it looks like I have to approve your first comment. So just be patient or text me and I will make that happen. I think if you follow me in wordpress (with a login) then I can permanently approve you. Thanks for your patience as I figure this out.

3/4 Genesis 1:26-31; 2:25-3:21 (Day Two)

Approach:

Today is Day 2 of our three days in the Genesis passages (please note that I added verse 2:25, for as I listened to the passage yesterday this verse seemed to fit thematically with Chapter 3). I encourage you to sit in the text a bit more, reading it two or three more times. What do you still notice? What is standing out to you? What hits you differently today than yesterday? What questions does this passage raise? What encouragement does it offer?

Time to Collaborate

Now the fun begins. If you feel inclined, post a comment to the blog sharing your thoughts on the passage. Feel free to focus on one specific part that stood out to you, or larger themes of the passage. Whatever you feel inclined to share. Please don’t be afraid of your voice, and trust that we actually do want to hear what you have to say. One request, please do not counter or argue with anyone’s post. You are free to have a different opinion, but this blog is not designed for debate. 

Posture: As I mentioned in the introduction I ask a few things of all who participate: 1) Be Prayerful – only the Holy Spirit can show us what we need to see in the Scriptures. 2) Value Community – you may read perspectives that differ and even aggravate you. Great! Don’t allow discomfort to clog your ears to what the Spirit may be trying to tell you. 3) Be Humble – lets all agree we don’t own the corner on truth, and that at times we miss things. 4) Contribute – the more people who share, the more valuable this experience can become.

Technical Note  – I haven’t figured out yet if I have to approve each comment, or if your comments will automatically appear. So the next two days will be a learning curve. I do know that if you have a login and follow this blog, then I can give you access to direct posting.

I look forward to your contributions!!!!