PRAY:
In Luke 11:29, Jesus cites the “Sign of Jonah” as a prediction of his death and burial. Pray Jonah’s prayer (Jonah 2:2-9). Make these words your own.
PONDER:
Have you ever prayed to God in a time of great distress? What did you say? How did God answer you?
Do you think the disciples and Jesus’ other followers were praying while he was in the tomb? Why or why not? What might they have prayed?
What was Joseph of Arimathea risking by approaching Pilate for Jesus’ body? Why did he do this?
Matthew adds a description of the guard at the tomb. Why did he feel it was important to recount this? What questions might the early Christians have asked? What questions do we ask about Jesus’ burial?
Why is it important to know that Jesus was in the tomb for two days? (Recall the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John’s Gospel).
DO: In the last couple years there has been growing media coverage of the possibility that a tomb for Jesus’ family might have been found. Research these findings – what is the archaeological evidence? What do you think?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:31-56; Mark 15:20-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-37)
PRAY: In the midst of incomprehensible suffering, pray with Rebekah in Genesis 25:22-23 for understanding.
PONDER: Have you ever been present with someone when he or she died? If so, what was that experience like? If not, what would you be most afraid of?
How can we be assured that death is not the end? That we aren’t alone in our suffering?
Why do we study the crucifixion?
Compare the four accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. What are the similarities and differences? How do you understand the purpose of Jesus’ death?
In Luther’s explanation to the Apostle’s Creed in the Small Catechism that to confess Jesus as Lord means, among other things, to know that “he has redeemed me, a lost and condemned human being. He has purchased and freed me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness, innocence and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and rules eternally.” What does this mean to you? In your own words? How does it affect how you understand Jesus’ death?
DO: Make a list of what you would want your final words to each of your loved ones to be. Share these words with your loved ones, as appropriate.
PONDER: Have you ever been present with someone when he or she died? If so, what was that experience like? If not, what would you be most afraid of?
How can we be assured that death is not the end? That we aren’t alone in our suffering?
Why do we study the crucifixion?
Compare the four accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. What are the similarities and differences? How do you understand the purpose of Jesus’ death?
In Luther’s explanation to the Apostle’s Creed in the Small Catechism that to confess Jesus as Lord means, among other things, to know that “he has redeemed me, a lost and condemned human being. He has purchased and freed me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness, innocence and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and rules eternally.” What does this mean to you? In your own words? How does it affect how you understand Jesus’ death?
DO: Make a list of what you would want your final words to each of your loved ones to be. Share these words with your loved ones, as appropriate.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Jesus on Trial (Matthew 26:57-27:31a; Mark 14:53-15:20a; Luke 22:54-23:25; John 18:13-19:16)
PRAY: In a world that continues to tolerate (and at times condone) violence, abuse, and injustice, pray for tolerance, justice, and peace.
PONDER:
In our culture, the term “I wash my hands of it” is fairly common. This comes from the biblical story of Pontius Pilate. How is our intention with this expression similar (or different) from what Pilate was trying to convey? From Pilate’s situation?
Did Jesus receive a fair trial? Why or why not?
What accusations are brought against Jesus? Are these crimes? How do you define a crime? How would the Roman and Jewish authorities defined a crime?
Who is responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion? How do the responsible parties differ in each Gospel account? What political situations might have influenced the Gospel writers? John gives the longest description of Jesus’ Roman trial (18:29-19:16). Here, Jesus responds to Pilate’s questions, not by the criteria of “the world” but of “God’s Kingdom”. Read this section again. What do you make of Jesus’ responses? What point is this narrative trying to convey?In between the various trials and the actual crucifixion Jesus is mocked and beaten. Why?
The accounts of Jesus’ abuse are quite graphic. Why were they included in Scripture? How do they affect your understanding of our Lord? Of this narrative?
DO: Watch or read a “court room drama”. How are our justice systems similar and different from the trials that Jesus faced?
PONDER:
In our culture, the term “I wash my hands of it” is fairly common. This comes from the biblical story of Pontius Pilate. How is our intention with this expression similar (or different) from what Pilate was trying to convey? From Pilate’s situation?
Did Jesus receive a fair trial? Why or why not?
What accusations are brought against Jesus? Are these crimes? How do you define a crime? How would the Roman and Jewish authorities defined a crime?
Who is responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion? How do the responsible parties differ in each Gospel account? What political situations might have influenced the Gospel writers? John gives the longest description of Jesus’ Roman trial (18:29-19:16). Here, Jesus responds to Pilate’s questions, not by the criteria of “the world” but of “God’s Kingdom”. Read this section again. What do you make of Jesus’ responses? What point is this narrative trying to convey?In between the various trials and the actual crucifixion Jesus is mocked and beaten. Why?
The accounts of Jesus’ abuse are quite graphic. Why were they included in Scripture? How do they affect your understanding of our Lord? Of this narrative?
DO: Watch or read a “court room drama”. How are our justice systems similar and different from the trials that Jesus faced?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30b-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-13)
PRAY: Jesus prayed that God would “let this cup pass” from him; however, he concluded each prayer with, “not what I want but what you want.” This is a model for our prayer lives – don’t hesitate to ask God for anything … even to ask God to change his mind! However, remember to end your prayers with “not what I want but what you want,” and leave your requests in God’s most capable hands.
DO: Jesus went to the garden to be alone to pray. What places are peaceful for you? This week, intentionally go to a place where you can feel at peace and alone and spend time in prayer – conversation with God.
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