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April 9, 2025

Obedience to God

Robert Schnase   |   Read Luke 22:14-38

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Lectionary Week
April 7–13, 2025
Scripture Overview

Obedience is not my favorite word in the vocabulary of faith. I prefer to meditate on the delights of grace, love, generosity, and kindness. These appeal to me. They draw me in. I move toward them. Obedience feels heavy and hard. It prods me into places I don’t want to go. Obedience offends my sense of self-determination and self-sufficiency. It challenges pride and pretension. Obedience calls me to places of vulnerability and uncertainty, requires me to give up control and to leave behind parts of myself I cling to, and causes me to choose between my preferences and God’s will. This week’s readings focus on the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They invite us to explore faithful obedience and trust in the face of suffering, injustice, and inner resistance.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. Recall a time God prompted you to offer a sustaining word to someone defeated by the circumstances of their life. How did you know what to say?
• Read Psalm 31:1-2, 9-16. What does it mean to seek refuge in God? When have you experienced both threatening uncertainty and an absolute trust at the same time?
• Read Philippians 2:5-11. How does Paul’s reflection that Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient” shape your faith? What does faithful obedience look like? How do we foster Christlike humility?
• Read Luke 22:14–23:56. (This reading is lengthy. Take your time.) What surprises you afresh as you read the familiar story? What touches you most personally?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Luke 22:14-38

14 When the time came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles joined him. 15 He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 I tell you, I won’t eat it until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom.” 17 After taking a cup and giving thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 I tell you that from now on I won’t drink from the fruit of the vine until God’s kingdom has come.” 19 After taking the bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, he took the cup after the meal and said, “This cup is the new covenant by my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 “But look! My betrayer is with me; his hand is on this table. 22 The Human One goes just as it has been determined. But how terrible it is for that person who betrays him.” 23 They began to argue among themselves about which of them it could possibly be who would do this. 24 An argument broke out among the disciples over which one of them should be regarded as the greatest. 25 But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles rule over their subjects, and those in authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But that’s not the way it will be with you. Instead, the greatest among you must become like a person of lower status and the leader like a servant. 27 So which one is greater, the one who is seated at the table or the one who serves at the table? Isn’t it the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 “You are the ones who have continued with me in my trials. 29 And I confer royal power on you just as my Father granted royal power to me. 30 Thus you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones overseeing the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has asserted the right to sift you all like wheat. 32 However, I have prayed for you that your faith won’t fail. When you have returned, strengthen your brothers and sisters.” 33 Peter responded, “Lord, I’m ready to go with you, both to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster won’t crow today before you have denied three times that you know me.” 35 Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out without a wallet, bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a wallet must take it, and likewise a bag. And those who don’t own a sword must sell their clothes and buy one. 37 I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in relation to me:And he was counted among criminals.Indeed, what’s written about me is nearing completion.” 38 They said to him, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “Enough of that!”

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

Jesus says, “This is my body.” He does not explain or theologize. He only asks to be obeyed: “Do this in remembrance of me.” He tells the disciples it is “given for you” and “poured out for you.” Jesus intends his followers to repeat the gift-like quality of this solemn...

God, forgive our empty quarrels and divisive natures. Grant us humility. Free us for joyful obedience. Amen.


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