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Shabbat Shalom!
I have a friend who is a rabbi in the Houston area. When I used to Read More
Steve Harper | Read Isaiah 42:1-9 , Read John 12:20-36
Jesus’ final week was, among other things, a great Summing Up—his way of emphasizing one last time what really matters. In today’s reading, Jesus linked life (the seed) and light to describe himself, the same two words John used in the Prologue to his Gospel (1:5). It is a linkage...
Dear God, bring us into the light to the extent that we become light. Amen.
The readings for Holy Week focus our attention on the sacrifice made by the Messiah. The prophecies in Isaiah speak of it. Psalm 22 tells of confidence in God even in the midst of betrayal and suffering like that experienced by Jesus. In First Corinthians Paul describes crucifixion as the center of our teaching as Christians. We follow these events through the eyes of the Gospel writer John. Jesus foreshadows his death in multiple ways, but even his closest followers struggle to understand and accept its meaning. Why would the Son of God experience such alienation and suffering? It is all for us, the ultimate work of love. But then he conquers the grave! Praise be to God!
Read John 13:21-32. When have you noticed darkness planting seeds of betrayal in your heart? How did you follow Jesus’ light?
Read John 13:1-17, 31b-35. What status symbols do you hold on to that keep you from following Jesus’ example of humble service?
Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12. On Good Friday, God enters into human suffering. When have you felt God’s presence in your suffering?
Read John 20:1-18. How has Christ found you?
Respond by posting a prayer.
