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Trusting the Wisdom of Our Bodies
When wars rage and earthquakes destroy and the persistent news cycle is painful, our trust can Read More
Steve Harper | Read Isaiah 52:13-15 , Read Isaiah 53:1-12 , Read John 18:25-28
In 1999, my wife, Jeannie, and I took a trip to the Holy Land. We discovered that it is true that visiting the Holy Land changes the way you read the Bible. Indeed it does, including how you understand the events portrayed in today's reading.
Of all the passages that...
Dear God, thank you for being with me when I cannot tell up from down. 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.
