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April 5, 2023

Holy Week

Joe E. Pennel Jr.   |   Read Hebrews 12:1-3 , Read John 13:21-32

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Lectionary Week
April 3–9, 2023
Scripture Overview

Although we anticipate the celebration of Easter, this week’s readings remind us to slow down and walk through Holy Week. Monday’s passage in John has Jesus in Bethany in full knowledge that he would be betrayed. Tuesday’s Gospel concludes Jesus’ public ministry. The crowd does not understand now, but they will. On Wednesday Jesus tells the disciples that they do not know what he is doing, but later they will understand. On Thursday, the reading in John shows us that even when facing death, Jesus continues to model selfless love. Friday brings pain and rejection, but Sunday is the greatest day in human history. He is risen indeed!

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read John 12:1-11, 20-36. How is this story like the voice from heaven the people heard? What does it mean for us to walk in the light?
Read John 13:1-7, 21-32. Consider someone who has disappointed, hurt, or betrayed you whom God might be calling you to love. How could a posture of service help you act in a loving way even if you cannot feel affection for this person?
Read John 18:1–19:42. What new detail did you notice in rereading this long passage? Why might John have included that detail in the account?
Read Matthew 27:57-66. Sometimes all there is to do is sit with someone in their grief. Think of a time when someone’s presence has made a difference in your life.
Read John 20:1-18. The disciples saw and heard and believed. What has helped your belief?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Hebrews 12:1-3

1 So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, 2 and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

John 13:21-32

21 After he said these things, Jesus was deeply disturbed and testified, “I assure you, one of you will betray me.” 22 His disciples looked at each other, confused about which of them he was talking about. 23 One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was at Jesus’ side. 24 Simon Peter nodded at him to get him to ask Jesus who he was talking about. 25 Leaning back toward Jesus, this disciple asked, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It’s the one to whom I will give this piece of bread once I have dipped into the bowl.” Then he dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. 27 After Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 No one sitting at the table understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Some thought that, since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus told him, “Go, buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So when Judas took the bread, he left immediately. And it was night. 31 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human Onehas been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

The writer of Hebrews used some strong words to describe how we are to follow Christ. He wrote that we are to run with perseverance the race that is set before us. To run with determination is not like a walk through a shopping mall. It is to run with...

Dear God, hear my confession and forgive me for being like Judas. Amen.


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