Category Archives: Holy Week Series

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: Veiled Intent

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Read Mark 14:10-11

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:14-16 NLT).

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the ancient stones of Jerusalem, a tension hung in the air. Among the disciples gathered in the Upper Room, an unsettling murmuring arose, barely perceptible yet heavy with betrayal. Judas Iscariot, his features hidden in the gloom, slipped away from the company of Christ, his heart a tumult of conflicting emotions.

His footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones as he made his way through the narrow streets, guided by the faint glow of torchlight. The weight of his decision pressed upon him like a leaden cloak, the darkness of his intent veiling him from the eyes of his fellow disciples.

Arriving at the Temple, Judas sought out the presence of the high priests, the guardians of religious authority. With a voice edged in desperation, he broached the unthinkable. “What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?” The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of betrayal and the lure of silver.

The high priests, their faces hidden in the shadows, exchanged glances. “Thirty pieces of silver,” they replied, their voices a chilling whisper in the darkness. And with that, the pact was sealed, a bargain struck in the shadows of treachery.

In the silence that followed, the darkness seemed to deepen, the night itself recoiling from the magnitude of the betrayal unfolding within its midst. Thirty pieces of silver exchanged hands, a paltry sum that belied the true cost of the soul being bartered away.

Judas’s actions exemplify the depths of human frailty and the allure of worldly gain. While the promise of money is the most overt motivation, we can’t discount the possibility of other underlying factors driving Judas’s betrayal. Perhaps it was resentment or disillusionment simmering beneath the surface, a sense of unmet expectations or personal grievances against Jesus or the other disciples. Maybe it was a misguided attempt to force Jesus into a position of power or to incite a revolution against Roman rule. Whatever the motives, Judas’s betrayal serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of allowing earthly desires and human frailties to eclipse our devotion to God.

Yet, amidst the darkness of Judas’s betrayal, the light of divine providence shines undimmed. Christ, in His omniscience, foresees the impending treachery and accepts it as a necessary step in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Even in the darkest hour of betrayal, the hand of God is at work, guiding the course of history towards its ultimate purpose.

As we reflect on the events of Holy Wednesday, let us examine our own hearts and confront the shadows of betrayal that lurk within. Like Judas, we may face moments of temptation where the promise of worldly gain threatens to lead us astray from our allegiance to Christ. In these moments, may we cling steadfastly to the light of God’s truth, resisting the siren call of temptation and remaining faithful to our covenant with Him.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the quiet recesses of our hearts, let us beware the whispers of temptation, for even the faintest glimmer of silver can obscure the radiance of divine love.

PRAYER
Lord, grant us the strength to resist the allure of worldly gain and to remain steadfast in our devotion to You. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth, even when surrounded by the shadows of betrayal. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: Heart’s Harvest

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Read Matthew 22:34-40

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23 NLT)

In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Holy Tuesday unfolds with profound teachings and poignant encounters. Jesus, surrounded by his disciples, walks with purpose through the crowds, his words carrying weight and wisdom.

As he passes by the temple, a group of Pharisees and teachers of the law approach him, their faces filled with skepticism. One among them, a lawyer, steps forward with a question meant to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asks, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus, undeterred by their intentions, responds with a depth of insight that leaves his audience speechless. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” he declares. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Pharisees murmur among themselves, impressed by Jesus’ answer yet unsure how to respond. But Jesus is not finished. He turns his gaze upon them, his eyes filled with both compassion and rebuke. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,” he says, his voice echoing through the temple courts. “You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”

The Pharisees shift uncomfortably under Jesus’ scrutiny, realizing the depth of their hypocrisy. But Jesus does not condemn them; instead, he offers them a challenge—to live lives marked by genuine love and righteousness.

Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday encapsulate the essence of true spirituality: love for God and love for neighbor. His response to the Pharisees highlights the foundational principles upon which all of God’s commandments rest. Love, Jesus teaches, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith—a love that encompasses our entire being and extends to all those around us.

The first commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, speaks to the depth of our relationship with the divine. It calls us to surrender ourselves completely to God, to offer our whole being in worship and devotion. This love for God is not merely an emotional response but a commitment of the will—an acknowledgment of God’s supreme worth and authority over our lives.

The second commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, extends the scope of our love outward, embracing all of humanity. It challenges us to see others as God sees them—to recognize their inherent worth and dignity as fellow bearers of the divine image. This love is not limited by boundaries or conditions but encompasses all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or religion.

As we reflect on Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday, let us examine our own lives. Are we, like the Pharisees, more concerned with outward appearances than with genuine love for God and others? Let us strive to cultivate hearts that are truly transformed by love—a love that compels us to seek justice, extend mercy, and live lives of faithfulness.

Let us embrace Jesus’ challenge to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should permeate every aspect of our lives, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions. It should inspire us to reach out to those in need, to stand up for justice, and to extend grace and forgiveness to all who cross our path.

Let us also recognize that living out this love is not always easy. It requires humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But as we follow Jesus’ example and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that our efforts will bear fruit—fruit that glorifies God and blesses those around us.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
True spirituality is not about adhering to a set of rules but about cultivating a heart of love—a love that transforms us from the inside out.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our lives be marked by justice, mercy, and faithfulness, reflecting the depth of your love for us. Transform our hearts, O God, and empower us to live lives that honor and glorify you. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: Temple Tumult

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Read Mark 11:12-19

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7 NLT).

The sun rose over Bethany, casting long shadows across the dusty road as Jesus and his disciples made their way toward Jerusalem. Conversation flowed among the group, anticipation rising with each step. Suddenly, Jesus stopped, his gaze fixed on a fig tree in the distance. “I’m hungry,” he declared.

Peter, always quick to respond, chuckled. “We’ll find you something to eat when we get to Jerusalem, Master.”

But Jesus approached the fig tree, his hunger palpable. His disappointment was evident as he found no fruit, only leaves. “May no one ever eat fruit from you again,” he said, his words hanging in the air.

The disciples exchanged puzzled glances, but there was no time for questions as they continued their journey. Soon, they reached the outskirts of Jerusalem, the bustling city stretching before them. The noise of the marketplace filled the air as they entered the Temple courtyard.

What they saw next left them speechless. Jesus, usually calm and composed, was now a whirlwind of righteous anger. He overturned tables, scattering coins, and drove out those who were buying and selling. “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations!” he proclaimed.

The Temple leaders, threatened by Jesus’ actions, began plotting his demise. But amidst the chaos, Jesus continued to teach, his words piercing through the noise and confusion.

You stood in awe, witnessing Jesus’ zeal for the purity of worship and his rejection of religious hypocrisy. His actions challenged the status quo, confronting the corruption and injustice that had infiltrated religious practice.

As evening fell, you left the Temple with Jesus, pondering the events of the day and the profound implications of his actions.

In today’s passage, we witness Jesus’ actions in the Temple and his cursing of the fig tree. The fig tree, with its leaves but no fruit, serves as a symbol of spiritual barrenness and hypocrisy. What’s more, the tree was barren because it was not quite yet in season. This is a warning to us, Jesus’ disciples, that we are to be ready for Him, regardless of when he arrives. Furthermore, Jesus’ actions in the Temple demonstrate his zeal for the purity of worship and his rejection of religious hypocrisy.

The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer and communion with God, but it had become a marketplace, driven by greed and exploitation. Jesus’ actions were a powerful statement against the corruption and injustice that had infiltrated religious practice.

This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, or are we like the fig tree, full of leaves but lacking substance…not ready for the return of our Lord? Are our places of worship, starting with our own hearts, characterized by genuine devotion and prayer, or have they become polluted by worldly concerns?

As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody his teachings and reflect his character. Let us strive to cultivate lives of authenticity and integrity, bearing fruit that glorifies God and serves others. May our places of worship be sanctuaries of prayer and worship, where all are welcomed and embraced in God’s love.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the midst of chaos and conflict, Jesus reveals his zeal for the purity of worship and his unwavering commitment to God’s purposes.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, lead us into reverence, aligning our hearts with Your purpose. Grant courage to confront injustice and wisdom to follow faithfully. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional, Holy Week Series

PASSION: The Unexpected King

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Read Mark 11:1-11

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9 NLT) –

Imagine the dusty road leading toward Jerusalem, the excitement palpable as Jesus and his disciples make their way toward the city. You walk alongside them, feeling the energy in the air crackling with anticipation. The disciples exchange glances, their faces a mixture of awe and uncertainty. They’ve seen Jesus perform miracles, heard his teachings, and witnessed the crowds grow in size, but this moment feels different, charged with significance.

As you journey with them, you hear Jesus instructing two disciples to fetch a donkey. There’s a sense of urgency in his voice, a quiet confidence that everything is unfolding according to plan. The disciples, unsure but trusting, follow his instructions and soon return with the young colt. They lay their cloaks upon its back, a makeshift saddle for their humble King.

They knew the Scriptures. They knew what Zechariah had prophesied and they knew the implications this all meant for Jesus. He was the Messiah… the coming King… who would kick the Romans out of Judea once and for all. He would set up the Messianic Kingdom and restore Israel back to her glory days forever. This is who they saw Jesus as, their warrior king.

The atmosphere shifts as they approach the outskirts of Jerusalem. The crowds begin to gather, their excitement contagious as they catch sight of Jesus riding upon the donkey. Some spread their cloaks on the ground, while others cut branches from nearby trees, shouting praises and blessings as Jesus passes by. “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

In the midst of this jubilation, the disciples exchange nervous glances. They’ve heard the prophecies, they’ve witnessed the miracles, but the weight of the moment is not lost on them. They wonder what this triumphal entry means for their beloved teacher and for the nation of Israel. Will Jesus establish his kingdom here and now, overthrowing the oppressive Roman rule? Or is there something else, something deeper, that they have yet to understand?

As you walk alongside them, you can’t help but ponder these questions yourself. What does this moment mean for you personally? How does Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem speak to the desires and longings of your own heart?

In this passage, we witness the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, echoing Zechariah 9:9. This prophecy, given centuries before, describes the coming of a righteous and victorious king who is humble, riding on a donkey’s colt. By deliberately choosing this mode of transportation, Jesus is unmistakably declaring himself as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the expectations set forth in the Scriptures.

The disciples, familiar with these prophecies, may have interpreted Jesus’ actions as the fulfillment of their hopes for a conquering Messiah who would restore Israel’s former glory. They likely anticipated a political revolution, envisioning Jesus as a powerful warrior king who would overthrow Roman oppression and establish a physical kingdom on earth. Their understanding of the Messiah was deeply rooted in their cultural and historical context, shaped by their longing for freedom from political oppression and the restoration of Israel’s sovereignty.

As we reflect on this scene, we are reminded of the danger of imposing our own expectations onto Jesus. Just as the disciples envisioned Jesus as a warrior king who would bring political liberation, we too may be tempted to confine Jesus to our own narrow understanding of who He is and what He should do in our lives. However, Jesus defies our expectations and challenges our preconceived notions of his identity and mission.

Instead, let us approach Jesus with humility and openness, allowing Him to reveal Himself to us as He truly is—the Savior who brings not just political freedom, but spiritual liberation and eternal life. While Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem may not have met the disciples’ immediate expectations of a political revolution, it ultimately fulfilled a far greater purpose—the redemption and salvation of humanity.

As we journey through life, let us surrender our own agendas and expectations to Jesus, trusting in His divine wisdom and sovereignty. May we allow Him to work in our lives in ways that surpass our understanding, and may we remain open to the transformative power of His love and grace.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, guide me through life’s ups and downs. Help me trust Your plan, find peace in Your presence, and surrender our fears, knowing You reign now and forever. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional, Holy Week Series, Previous Post

REVISITED: Journey with Jesus: Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord

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SCRIPTURE

Mark 16; Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20-21; 1 Kings 19:10-12

AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

My friend and I were traveling back home after a long and terrible weekend. Our rabbi, our Lord, had been crucified like a common thief. What a sad and terrible event. What were we to do now that he was gone? Everything he taught, everything he called us to do, seemed to all be in vain.

While traveling we ran into a person who happened to be traveling alone and wanted to join us for some company. We certainly were in no mood for conversation, but it seemed harmless to let him join us. We said very little, for what could really be said? After sometime, the man broke the silence by asking us why we looked so down in the dumps. We told him the whole story.

He told us we were foolish for being upset that the one we believed to be the Messiah had died. How could he say that? He then started giving us his interpretation of the Scriptures, about how the Messiah would be the suffering servant and that the prophets foretold that this would happen.

We were amazed at this man’s confidence that all was well despite the circumstances. As we approached our home we invited him in to share dinner with us. It was the least we could do and we were interested to hear more of what this stranger had to say. He was going to keep going, but after insisting he agreed to stay. We gave him the honors of blessing the food and breaking the bread. It was then that we realized who this man was…he was our Lord…he was Jesus the Christ…risen from the dead!

REFLECTION

Often times we are looking for the Lord to manifest in miraculous ways. We are looking for the clouds to open and to see the Son of Man descending like God from the sky. We are looking for the earth to shake and lightning to flash across the sky. We are looking for a major, earth shattering event!

Yet, as can be seen in the various accounts of the resurrection, each person experienced Jesus’ resurrection in different ways. In Luke, the men traveling to Emmaus saw Jesus in a stranger passing by. They carried conversations with him, talked with him, listened to him and DID NOT recognize him. Yet, through the act of breaking bread together, they realized who he was.

Reflect on all of the times you have felt the presence of the risen Lord. Perhaps you were lonely and someone was present for you in just the right time…or perhaps you were afraid only to find that the fear had been lifted. Perhaps you were helping someone out only to find out you were the one who was helped. Remember that Elijah did not see God in the fire, or the in the earthquake, or in the raging wind…rather, it was in the sound of a gentle whisper (or the sound of sheer silence as the NRSV translates it) that God’s presence was known. This Easter, open your heart to the subtlety of the Resurrection and be transformed by it. Know that Christ is with you always, and where you go…so too Christ follows. Perhaps in you, the risen Lord will be revealed to someone else.

PRAYER

Lord, be present in me, through me and in spite of me for the transformation of this world. Amen.

Devotional, Holy Week Series, Previous Post

Journey with Jesus: Holy Saturday

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SCRIPTURE

John 19:38-42

AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

What on earth can we do now? Just last week things looked so promising. Jesus had done amazing things. He had healed the sick and gave the blind their sight back. He cast out demons and turned water into wine. He fed thousands of people with only a little bit of food and even walked on water.

Even beyond that, Jesus raised a couple of people to life after they had passed! Who can stop such a person? What on earth could possibly get in the way of such power? And yet, Jesus never claimed to have power. He was always giving credit to God, whom he referred to as Abba…father. He always…

Oh…what difference does it make? He’s dead now. What looked like hope for Israel, became another crushing blow from the Romans. I feel cold and empty. I feel lost with nowhere to turn. Where is God in this dark hour? Has God abandoned us? I was so sure I was called to be a disciple of Jesus…I was so sure that God wanted me to follow in his footsteps; however, now it seems utterly useless. The light in my life has been snuffed and my purpose has been snatched from me.

REFLECTION

On this day, two thousand years ago, Jesus’ cold, dead body lay in a tomb that was carved out of stone. Outside of the tomb hid is disciples, who were uncertain as to what their next move should be. In fact, the room within which they hid became a dark tomb for them. They were paralyzed by the event of Good Friday. Though they were physically living, the passion that was once burning strongly within them was snuffed out.

As Christians, like the disciples, we too start full of passion and zeal. But somewhere along the way, we find ourselves drained, lost and alone. What is it in your life that has become a tomb? What is it that keeps you from living passionately for Jesus? What fears keep you in hiding…tucked away from the purpose Christ has given you?

On this Holy Saturday, take time to reflect on the tombs in your life. Take time to evaluate all of the things that keep you hidden away from your true self in Jesus Christ. Know that Christ is not dead in your life…in fact, Christ has never been more alive. Know that in Christ there is resurrection and that even the darkest of tombs cannot prevent the light of Christ’s resurrection from bursting forth in all of its radiancy. Know that on Easter, Jesus has you in mind. Are you ready to rise from your tomb(s)?

PRAYER
Lord, in this season of darkness, prepare me to see the light. Amen.

Devotional, Holy Week Series, Previous Post

Journey with Jesus: Good Friday

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SCRIPTURE

Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18:28–19:42

AN EYE WITNESS ACCOUNT

I cannot believe that this has happened! Where is my friend, O Lord, that I may once again laugh with him? Where is my teacher, O Lord, that may one again learn from him? Where is my, King, O Lord, that I may lay down my palm branches in praise before him again? Hope eternal seems to have finally died.

Early this morning, the chief priests sent Jesus to Pilate who tried Jesus as a traitor. He put on a dog and pony show, a mock trial, feeding off of the crowd.  He patronized them and got them to give him the verdict that he would’ve come to anyway. Jesus was to be flogged, beaten, mocked, spit upon, and crucified. They made his broken body carry the cross beam up to Golgotha. What a terrible, terrible day.

He looked so disfigured, so bruised and bloodied. His flesh was torn and there was blood everywhere. They even put a crown of thorns on his head, calling out in mockery, “Hail to the King of the Jews!” When they got him here to Golgotha, they laid his body down and drove nails into his hands and his feet and rose him up on the cross. I will never be able to erase the shrieking sounds of horrid pain and agony that came out of his mouth.

Wait a second…I believe he is trying to speak. Yes, he’s having a hard time, but he is trying to speak. “Forgive them…Father…f-f-for they know n-n-not what th-th-they do.” Even now, he is still forgiving. How can he forgive them for what they’ve done? Even in the face of senseless evil, he is showing the grace he always talked about. “My G-G-God, my God, wh-why have you f-f-forsaken m-m-me! It…is…f-f-finished. In…to your…h-h-hands…I c-c-commit m-my s-s-spirit.”

O dear God. I think he has died. His head just dropped to his chest and his body is slouched and lifeless. O, my Lord, could you have abandoned your servant in his hour of need? Couldn’t you have done something, anything, to bring life back to your Son? Why are you so silent in his hour of need. Why are you hidden behind the dark veil of clouds that ominously loom above us? “You have seen, O LORD; do not be silent! O Lord, do not be far from me!” (Psalm 35:22)

REFLECTION

Can you imagine the pain and the suffering that Jesus felt in his last hours on earth? Can you imagine the feeling of abandonment, hopelessness and loss? Can you put yourself in the shoes of Mary Magdalene who stood at the foot of the cross and watched her teacher, who numbered her equally as among his disciples, slowly suffocate to death and succumb to the brutality that was mercilessly inflicted upon him? Can you put yourself in the shoes of his mother who was left to do the one thing that every parent hopes will never pass…to bury her son?

We all have moments where this world seems to deal blows that are far too much for us to handle. We have all had our share of darkness, doubts, and despair. We have all tasted the bitter flavor of Sheol, in one way or another. We have all found ourselves staring down into the pit, wondering if there is any hope of escape.

Let not your heart be troubled, for there is hope.  The story does not end with Sheol, the story does not end in death. Just as Jesus was resurrected from the dead, so too are we resurrected him.  And the beauty of it is that you do not have to wait to die to share in that resurrection. You can experience the new life God has awaiting for you right here and right now. You can inherit the Kingdom of God in this life as well as in the next.

All you have to do is surrender all of yourself to God and breathe in the hope, the healing and the wholeness that comes in knowing that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  Die to the despair and hopelessness that this world has to offer. Die to the inner trappings of the minutia we find ourselves caught up in and take a long, deep breath.  Breathe in through your nose and exhale out of your mouth. Breathe in the life that God is offering you and carry that life, and the good news of it, to those in need around you.

PRAYER

Take this moment to meditate and pray.

Devotional, Holy Week Series, Previous Post

REVISITED: Journey with Jesus: Holy Thursday

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SCRIPTURE

Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-71; John 13 – 18:27

AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Turn, O LORD! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.* O woe this night! Jesus had us prepare for our passover feast together, and so we found this room and had it set aside for us to be together and to celebrate the night the angel of death passed over Egypt. Little did I know that death would be passing over us.

At the table, Jesus began to act very cryptically. He took his robe off and tied it around his waist like a common servant. Then he proceeded to wash everyone’s feet. I tried to protest it, but he wouldn’t let me. He told me that if I didn’t allow him to I would have no share with him in the Kingdom of Heaven! Can you imagine it. So I relented and allowed him to wash me.

Finally, he took the unleavened bread and the wine, blessed them both, and said that they were his body and his blood, broken and poured out for the a new covenant. He said that he was going to die and that we could not follow him, that one of us would betray him and that I would deny him three times! I just couldn’t believe it.

Following the meal we went to the garden of Gethsemane and Jesus asked us to stay up with him and pray. But we were so exhausted that we fell asleep. Jesus woke us up a couple of times but we could not stay awake. But then we heard the soldiers marching toward us and the night was lit up by their torches! They came and arrested Jesus, binding him up like a common criminal! I tried to stop them, but Jesus told me to put away my sword. He said that “Those who live by the sword, shall die by the sword.” And with that they took him!

I am so confused, so lost, so fearful for what lies ahead. I am going to the house of the high priest now. I am afraid that people might arrest me, but I just have to go and to find out what happens to our teacher, to my Lord. I just have to know. God help me in this hour of bitter darkness!

*Psalms 90:13-15

REFLECTION

This night, nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, and arrested like a common criminal. He was taken away in the dark of night, and brought to the house of the high priest. Jesus of Nazareth was to be abandoned by all of his disciples, condemned a blasphemer and was to be handed over to the Romans to be tried for committing treason against the empire.

Even Peter, the rock on which the church would be built, was afraid he would be arrested and denied knowing Jesus. Like Peter, we all have done our share of denying Jesus. Like Judas, we all have had our share of betraying Jesus. In fact, when we live in a way counter to how Jesus calls us to live, we are betraying and denying the very same Christ who lives within us.

But this reflection is not being written to guilt you; rather, it is written to bring you great hope. There is hope in knowing that Jesus shared last supper with the very ones who would betray, deny and abandon him. Even in those painful hours, Jesus extended Grace, Love and Compassion to those who would not extend it back to him. Jesus NEVER stops extending his hope, healing, and wholeness to us. And that is truly Good News.

So, spend this moment now to pause and reflect on the ways that you have betrayed, denied and abandoned Christ and his mission. Take this moment to peer into your soul and search for those moments of fear, confusion and shame. Then shift your focus to the countless blessings, the endless grace God has given you despite those moments. Think of all the times God was present in your life, even in the moments of denial and betrayal. Feel God’s presence with you now and meditate of the endless love God has for you.

PRAYER

Take this time to pray a prayer from your heart.

Devotional, Holy Week Series, Previous Post

REVISITED: Journey with Jesus: Holy Wednesday

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SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 26:6-16

AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Today I did something that I am not sure I should have done. I have been following Jesus for three long years, waiting for the time when he would step up and become the Messiah we are so longing for! With all of the miracles and signs, I just knew that this man must be the one God is sending to liberate our people from the foreign oppressors.

But I fear that these past three years have been in vain. On Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and there was such a crowd! He could have easily inspired that crowd to rise up against the Romans! And who would stop this man who can control the winds and the seas? Who would be able to stop this man who can raise the dead to life and cause the paralyzed to walk again! Surely, Jesus has the power to crush Rome at the snap of his fingers, but instead he does nothing by causes division among our leaders and teaches about his coming death.

I fear that I have been mistaken these past few years. Today I went to the chief priests and spoke with them. They told me that this Jesus was dangerous and that he needed to be dealt with before Rome crushed us all. They said that all Jesus would offer me is Roman punishment and death; however, they said that if I brought them to Jesus, they would give me thirty pieces of silver. Though I am still uncertain as to whether I should or not, I agreed to lead them to Jesus tomorrow night. At least they are offering me something tangible.

REFLECTION

How long have you traveled with Jesus? How long have you listened to him and learned from his teachings? Are you sure you know him as well as you think you do? Are you sure that you understand all that he has been teaching you?

It is easy for us to look at Judas as being different than we are. It is easy to see him as the scapegoat, as the ONE who betrayed Jesus. Yet, are we free from that betrayal? Do we sacrifice our loyalty when Jesus doesn’t fit into our worldview? The truth is that Judas is not alone in the department of betrayal. When we preach the Good News, but don’t live it…are we not betraying Jesus? When we ignore the poor, avoid the sick, judge the “sinner”, and put our own theologies before the LOVE of God, are we not betraying Jesus

Hear the Good News: in whatever ways you have betrayed Jesus, he as forgiven you! Now, move on from the past and allow God to transform you. Embrace Jesus mission of hope, healing and wholeness (Luke 4:18-19) and go forth into the world bearing it!

PRAYER

Lord, Create in me a clean heart and renew a righteous spirit within me. Use me in a way that bears hope, healing and wholeness to those around me who need it. Amen.

Devotional, Holy Week Series, Previous Post

REVISITED: Journey with Jesus: Holy Tuesday

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SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 21:23–24:51; Mark 11:27-13:37; Luke 20:1-21:36

AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Wow, and I thought yesterday was tense! I was shaking from head to toe when Jesus started to overturn those tables and was shouting like a madman! Part of me was scared that the Romans, perched in towers overlooking the Temple complex, would descend on us and crush us right then and right there. The other part of me was excited because Jesus was finally showing the zeal that we have been taught that the Messiah would have. I began to wonder if, perhaps Jesus was this Messiah…cleansing the House of God before purging Israel of her enemies.

But today Jesus started teaching really strange things! He spoke in parables that were set up to make the Pharisees look bad. He compared the Pharisees to a group of murderous farm tenants who refused to give the farm owner his due and killed anyone the farm owner sent them…including his own son! Jesus went on to flat-out curse the Pharisees and the scribes shouting, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth.”

You could just feel the tension in the air. The religious leaders looked beyond mad. If looks could kill…well you know how the phrase goes. Then, Jesus questioned their knowledge of the very scriptures they are well versed in. He asked them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” I got the real sense that he was referring to himself! Was he saying that he was going to be rejected and die? How could he be the Messiah and die? How was that even possible if the Messiah was supposed to free Israel from oppression? Why would this “Messiah” curse our religious leaders? Wouldn’t the Messiah focus his energy on Rome?

REFLECTION

What are your expectations of Jesus? Who is Jesus to you? Do you find that your “Jesus” falls in line with what you think he should be? When you hear or read Jesus’ words of chastisement, who do you envision Jesus talking to? Is he talking about “them”, or is he talking about “us”? Is he talking about “you” or is he talking about “me”?

On this Holy Tuesday, let us remember Jesus’ warnings to the religious leaders of the day. Will we continue to cross land and sea to create converts to OUR way? Will we look like we are righteous on the outside, when in reality we are dead on the inside? Will we be the ones who reject the stone only to be crushed by it? Or will we lay down OUR way and make GOD’s way the cornerstone of our faith? What is God’s way, “No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

PRAYER

Lord, humble me and become the cornerstone of my faith. Let me drop my religion and pick up your love, compassion and mercy in its stead. Amen.