The Last Supper (Matthew 26:1-30a; Mark 14:1-31; Luke 22:7-38)

READ: Matthew 26:1-30a; Mark 14:1-31; Luke 22:7-38

WATCH:

PRAY: The traditional Jewish Passover prayer before drinking the first cup of wine is “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.” This same introduction is used for all of the scripted Passover prayers. Begin your prayers this week in a similar manner: “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe…” Reflect on how God’s relationship with that to/for which you’re praying inform your prayer and God’s response?

DO: In the church, we often commemorate the Last Supper on a day called “Holy Thursday” or “Maundy Thursday.” Talk to others about what they think this day, especially the term “Maundy” means, and what it represents. Do they know what we commemorate on this day? Research and see if you can find out the origins of the term “Maundy” and/or what we do/say in worship on Maundy/Holy Thursday. OR

DaVinci’s famous painting depicts The Last Supper. The fiction novel and film The DaVinci Code has popularized much speculation about this painting and the actual event. Look into DaVinci’s painting, or read the book…how do these secular things inform your reading of Scripture?

Parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)

READ: Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; (Isaiah 5:1-7)

PRAY: If you don’t already, find time to pray the Lord’s prayer at least once each day. If you already do this, add Jesus’ commandment from Matthew 22:37 to your prayer time – thank God for the unconditional love given to you, and pray that God help you to love Him better.

WATCH:


DO: Make a commitment to yourself to do something this month that will help you be a better steward of all that God has entrusted you. Stewardship of Life Institute is a good resource for what it means to be a faithful steward. You can also talk to members of our stewardship committee here at church.

Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

PRAY: The psalms are the prayers of the Bible. Use Psalm 23 as your prayer this week.

LISTEN: It's cheesy, I know... but I think You Tube has me addicted!



DO: Ride the bus and watch for “Jesus” to board. How does this change your perceptions of people? OR Invite a neighbor to dinner. Pick someone you’ld like to know better and enjoy the opportunity to talk with your neighbors.

Zacchaeus (was a wee little man) Luke 19:1-10

For Next Week: Zacchaeus

READ: Luke 19:1-10

LISTEN: I can barely read the name of this lesson without singing an old Sunday School song in my head. However, since most of the time, when I bring up these songs, everyone else looks at me like I'm crazy, I'm including a video of the song for your (and mostly my) entertainment... Happy listening!



PRAY: Like many of the stories we’ve been reading in the last few weeks, this story may seem familiar to you. Pray that through it, God will reveal something new. In all the ordinary tasks of your life this week, give thanks to God for His Words in the prophet Isaiah, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (43:19) and ask God help you to experience His newness in your life.

DO: Think of someone you would like to invite to worship this week. Use this as an opportunity to share your faith and help a friend /co-worker / neighbor / relative come closer to God. (You don’t have to be pushy – just express that worship is something important to you and you’ld like to share it with them…even if they decline the invitation, you’ll have had the opportunity to share about your faith and plant a seed in them for the Spirit to water).