Mar/Apr 2014

FOLLOWING
JESUS TO
THE CROSS

ALSO: NEVER-ENDING LOVE

Friends:

When I was in college, my school held

an Ash Wednesday service. It was the
beginning of Lent, a season of reminding
ourselves of our need for a Savior. As
we left the service, we were each given
a square nail tied on a leather strap, and
we were encouraged to wear the nail
around our necks until Easter. I had never
really observed Lent as a special time, but
I wore the nail. I found that it reminded me daily that Jesus was
pierced for my transgressions. Easter was all the sweeter because
I knew that Jesus died and rose again for me!

As we approach Easter this year, we will explore the gospels’

retelling of Jesus’ final days and why they matter to you and me.

In March, Dean Deppe will lead us as we follow Jesus to the

cross. We seek to be faithful followers of Jesus, but none of us is
as faithful to God as he is to us.

In April, we’ll continue our journey with Ruth Boven as we

explore God’s never-ending love for us and his world. We lament
that it is for us that Jesus suffered and died in our place, and
we rejoice as he emerges resurrected from the grave, giving us
abundant life in him forever. Praise be to God!

May you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God’s Word!

—Steven Koster
 Today
Mar/Apr 2014

refresh, refocus, renew

TODAY (USPS 185-140),

Volume 64, Number 2,
published bimonthly by
ReFrame Media, a division
of Back to God Ministries
International, at 6555 West
College Drive, Palos Heights, IL
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at Palos Heights, Illinois, and at
additional mailing offices.
“Following Jesus
Postmaster: Send address
to the Cross” changes to Today, 6555 W.
Dean Deppe College Dr., Palos Heights, IL
60463.
Copyright © 2014, Back to
God Ministries International.
Printed in U.S.A.
Unless otherwise noted,
Scripture quotations in this
publication are from The
Holy Bible, New International
Version®, NIV®. Copyright
“Never-ending Love” © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011
by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by
Ruth Boven permission. All rights reserved
worldwide.
Cover photo by iStockphoto.
Managing Editor: Eleanor Lamsma
Executive Editor: Steven Koster
this month
Following Jesus to the Cross
Dean Deppe
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Disciples are followers. Christian disciples imitate Jesus. We follow in

his footsteps. The church has even set aside forty days called Lent
in which we remember Jesus’ walk to his death on the cross for our
salvation. This is the event that changed the world.
In this month’s devotions, we will relive Jesus’ journey to the cross,
recapturing the significance of many events in the final days of his mis-
sion to save us. In the process, we can expect the Scriptures to come
alive as we enter into Jesus’ rejection, visualize his triumph over suf-
fering, and benefit from his living words and redemptive persistence.
Because of Jesus, our everyday dreariness becomes filled with eternal
meaning and everlasting hope.

Dean Deppe has served as Professor of New Testament Theology at

Calvin Theological Seminary since 1998. Before that he served churches
in Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota. He and his wife, Julie, have four
children and two granddaughters.
Mark 14:1-9 SATURDAY, MARCH 1

“IN MEMORY OF HER”

“Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she
has done will also be told, in memory of her.” —Mark 14:9

Along the road he traveled to This unnamed woman might

the cross, Jesus met a woman well be Mary of Bethany (see
who did “a beautiful thing.” John 11-12). Perhaps instead
Her anointing of Jesus was so of using this burial ointment
important that he said her story on her brother Lazarus, whom
would be proclaimed “through- Jesus had raised from death, she
out the world.” We aren’t told lavished the perfume on Jesus
her name, but her actions do in an act of intense thanksgiv-
become famous. ing. In the process, she pre-
pared Jesus for his burial.
Not everyone liked what she
did, however. “Why this waste Today we sometimes pull up
of perfume?” they exclaimed. our noses at acts of religious
Why pour over the head of Jesus affection, pious prayers, and
a costly jar of ointment so that it emotional outbursts of praise.
is gone in a minute? They were But Jesus calls every action of
convinced that this affectionate extravagant sacrifice “a beauti-
gift was misdirected. The per- ful thing.” So pour out your af-
fume could have been sold and fection on Jesus and offer him
the money given to the poor. your stored-up treasures. Give
him your heart and life!
But Jesus said the woman did a
remarkable feat. She perceived Lord, you are worth more
what no one else had imagined: than all my love and de-
the Messiah would soon suffer votion. May my life be
and she used the perfume to
in tune with all you have
prepare him for burial.
done for me. Amen.
Mark 14:1-2, 10-11 SUNDAY, MARCH 2

A MURDEROUS PLOT AND BETRAYAL

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to
betray Jesus to them. —Mark 14:10

Psalm 2:2 predicts that “the Through this event God wants
­rulers band together against the us to know that human schemes
Lord and against his anointed.” cannot thwart God’s plans. We,
This prophecy is fulfilled when as followers of Jesus, often feel
the priests and teachers of the overmatched, puny before cul-
law form an unholy alliance to tural movements that might
bring Jesus down. The religious appear to threaten Christianity,
leaders of the day want Jesus and betrayed by insiders who
dead. abuse the teachings of Jesus for
their own gain.
At the end of this scene we dis-
cover a traitor on the inside as But God has a surprise for
well. Judas, one of Jesus’ closest us. Even enemies accomplish
followers, secretly turns his back God’s plan. Even in suffering
on Jesus and aids the enemy. and death Jesus is King. God
Judas decides that he has had uses little people, unexpected
enough talk of Jesus’ crusade to events, and even the struggle of
establish the kingdom of God. suffering to accomplish his pur-
poses. That is our confidence in
This is a powerful plot. The
Jesus Christ.
leaders with their temple sol-
diers and an insider who can
lure Jesus into their net—what We praise you, Lord, that
chance does Jesus have? But as nothing can separate us
Psalm 2:4 reports, “The One from the love of God that
enthroned in heaven laughs.” is ours in Christ Jesus. To
God’s ways triumph in the end. that we say, Amen!
Mark 14:12-25 MONDAY, MARCH 3

THE LORD’S GUEST ROOM AND SUPPER

“Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my
disciples?” —Mark 14:14

Today’s society is, for the most Sup­per. It is not our supper; the
part, individualistic and self- Lord Jesus is the most impor-
centered. I am taught subcon- tant person at the meal. If we
sciously that the whole world fail to spiritually see the Lord
revolves around me. These are and hear his words, “This is
my possessions. I control my my body . . . . This is my blood
own assets. But, as a Christian, of the covenant,” we miss the
I am learning to say that every fact that we are guests at Jesus’
square inch of my life belongs table, where he is truly present.
to God. I know that everything
Suppers and guest rooms are
I have and everything I am be-
ordinary parts of life. And we
long to Jesus!
are called to make every meal
Jesus asks, “Where is my guest a supper where the Lord is pres-
room?” He who owned practi- ent, every room of our house a
cally nothing knew that every­ guest room for the Lord. Christ
thing was his. The donkey has placed his name on us. Hear
owned by some other master his words today: “You are mine.”
became his ride into Jerusalem.
(See Matthew 8:20; 21:1-11.)
The upper room used for nor- We are grateful, Lord, that
mal activities became his guest the eternal God wants to
room, where Jesus offered a occupy our guest rooms
heavenly meal to feed the souls and make our suppers a
of his followers for eternity. divine experience. We are
thankful that you are our
Interestingly, we have named God—always. Amen.
Holy Communion the Lord’s
Mark 14:17-31 TUESDAY, MARCH 4

THE LORD KNOWS EVERYTHING

“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating
with me.” . . . “Truly I tell you . . . before the rooster crows twice
you yourself will disown me three times.” —Mark 14:18, 30

Some theologians say that God Jesus prepares us for his suffer-
doesn’t know what the future ing as well as his glory. All of
will hold, that he leaves it open life is in his hands. He warned,
for human activity to deter- “In this world you will have
mine. But today’s verses show trouble.” But he followed those
that the Son of God knows the words with a promise: “But
future. In fact, Christ holds the take heart! I have overcome the
future in his hands. world” (John 16:33).
Jesus knew that one of his disci- God is present in both our
ples would betray him and turn joys and our struggles. Jesus
him over to the authorities. Jesus promises, “I am with you al-
­
also revealed that Peter would ways, to the very end of the
deny him before the rooster age” (Matthew 28:20). That
crowed the next morning. means now and every day to
come—no matter what we face.
God knows us through and
through. Psalm 139:1-2 ex-
claims, “You have searched me,
Lord, and you know me. You
know when I sit and when I
rise; you perceive my thoughts Lord Jesus, just as you
from afar.” were prepared for death
Unfortunately, we do not know and glory, so prepare us by
whether our lives will yield good your Word for everything
or ill. But Jesus has shown that that comes our way. In
nothing takes him by surprise. your name, Amen.
Mark 14:25; 15:36-37 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS COME

“I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day
when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” —Mark 14:25

While talking with his follow- resurrection we have been

ers at the last supper, Jesus said raised to new life (Colossians
that the next time he would 3:1). Thanks be to God!
drink from the fruit of the vine,
Eating and drinking with each
it would be in the kingdom of
other implies the closest fel-
God. That must have stirred the
lowship possible. Joy and mer-
hearts of his disciples. The king-
riment are always associated
dom of God was ready to be
with the fruit of the vine. Our
revealed!
fellowship with Jesus can be
This text is often applied to the much deeper and richer than
teaching about the new heaven we can imagine. Joy unspeak-
and earth that will come with able, intimacy with the divine,
Jesus when he returns. But I table fellowship with Jesus—all
think this verse must be tied to of these are realities of the king-
Jesus’ drink on the cross. Mark dom that Jesus achieved at the
teaches that the kingdom of God cross. So we can begin to cele­
comes surprisingly in Jesus’ suf- brate already in this life!
fering. On the cross just before
Jesus gives up his spirit and dies,
Thank you, Jesus, that we
he drinks in the new kingdom of
God (see John 19:28-30). do not have to wait for
eternity to know that our
The kingdom comes through sins are forgiven and that
Jesus’ death and resurrection. we can experience the
In Jesus’ death we have already joy of the kingdom now.
been judged and not con- Praise your name! Amen.
demned (John 3:18); in Jesus’
Mark 14:29-31 THURSDAY, MARCH 6

RIGHTLY ESTIMATING OUR COMMITMENT

Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will
never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
 —Mark 14:31

We have all made promises: uations in which we must ver-

New Year resolutions, attempts balize our commitment. Jesus
to exercise and lose weight, pointed out a weakness in Peter
efforts to read the Bible daily. so that he would understand
Have we kept our promises? the life-and-death nature of
the decisions before him. Peter
Jesus’ disciples said they would
failed on this occasion, but Jesus
stick with him, no matter what.
later restored him and changed
Peter declared that not even the
his life (see John 21:15-19).
threat of death would affect his
commitment. But no one stood Every decision has conse­
with Jesus through his trial and quences. Some are brief, but
crucifixion. others are long-lasting. These
verses can help us think about
Circumstances often alter our
our commitments and confess
commitments as well. We con-
with humble certainty, “Lord,
fess our faith in church one day
help me not to deny you with
but keep our mouths closed
my words, my decisions, my
the next day at work. We deter-
lifestyle, or my time.”
mine to spend time in prayer,
but then our interest in the lat-
est news or sports event draws
us away from our commitment. Lord, I confess that my
Distractions, distractions! commitment to you ebbs
The everyday things of life can and flows. Fill me with
easily replace our spiritual disci- your Spirit so that I keep
plines. But Jesus places us in sit- my promises. Amen.
Matthew 26:36-46 FRIDAY, MARCH 7

PRAYING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet
not as I will, but as you will.” —Matthew 26:39

Jesus taught his disciples to say, result that the cup of suffering is
“Your kingdom come, your God’s will for him.
will be done, on earth as it is
Our prayer time with God of-
in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In
ten changes us and moves us
today’s verses Jesus models the
in a new direction. We see pos-
process of seeking God’s will.
sibilities that we were blind to
First, Jesus honestly tells his before. We receive a deeper
Father that he would like this capacity to face challenges that
trouble to pass by him. We seemed out of reach. Con­
should not be ashamed to ex- tinued prayer assures us of
press our wishes and desires to God’s presence and affirms that
God. God wants us to know our destiny is safe in his hands,
ourselves and to establish an whatever his will may be.
honest conversation with him.
Sometimes the words “If it is
But too often we stop there.
God’s will” flow flippantly off
Our prayers are often about
our tongue. But praying that
what we want.
God’s will be done is no easy
Jesus waits for confirmation of matter. Our best prayers must
his request. Prayer is a dialogue. yield to God’s will, since that is
He makes this same request a the safest place to be.
second time and then a third
time. He has confidence that his Our prayer, Father, is that
prayer fits the will of his Father. your perfect will may be
But eventually he becomes accomplished in our lives.
convinced that his will is not In Christ, Amen.
God’s will. So he submits to the
Mark 13:34-37; 14:41 SATURDAY, MARCH 8

WATCHING
Returning the third time, [Jesus] said to them, “Are you still sleep-
ing . . . ?”  —Mark 14:41

Telling his disciples about his reward but not to stand with
eventual return at the end of Jesus when the going gets rough.
the world, Jesus instructs his fol- We crave a cup of blessing
lowers to keep watch. Like the but not the cup of sorrow. We
servants in that illustration, they imagine a crown of glory, not a
must watch and be ready for crown of thorns. We demand a
their master’s return. full night’s sleep, not a vigil of an-
guishing prayer to discover God’s
In Gethsemane, during the
will. We fail to anticipate that we
long night of sorrow that over-
can grow to know Jesus in our
whelmed his soul, Jesus told his
anguish, struggles, and failures.
disciples again to keep alert and
watchful. But they fell asleep Mark’s gospel is not easy read-
and failed to identify with Jesus ing. Each episode presents a
in his suffering. challenge. But every convicting
challenge and call to commit-
The disciples were not ready for
ment is matched by a grace suf-
Jesus’ suffering. They paraded
ficient for the task. Jesus leads
their commitment to him, but
the way through suffering and
Jesus revealed that all of them
struggle, and we must follow.
would flee. They fell asleep in-
stead of keeping watch for him
while he prayed. And they all Thank you, Lord, for not
abandoned him during his trial sleeping when we needed
and crucifixion. you to win the victory
Like the disciples, we are ­often for our salvation. Keep us
ready to receive applause and awake to your will. Amen.
Mark 14:32-42 SUNDAY, MARCH 9

THE SPIRIT IS WILLING

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The
spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Mark 14:38

We rarely see the flaws in our As Mark shows, the Spirit of

character until we are tested. God leads Jesus’ followers into
Jesus asked his disciples to watch and through struggles and ad-
and pray with him, but they versity. We do not have to
dozed off. By surrendering to be worried if we are in trying
a small temptation, they lacked circumstances, because the
the spiritual strength to fight off a Holy Spirit will give us words
much greater one. The disciples to speak that come from God
gave in to the weakness of the himself (Mark 13:11).
flesh, and as a result they were
We live in the age of the Spirit
not prepared to support Jesus
today. We can call upon the
during his trial and crucifixion.
Holy Spirit to strengthen our
Our flesh is our own weak- spirits to resist any temptation.
willed human nature without What a gift from the God who
the power of God. Our natural never stops giving himself for
capabilities fail in the midst of us. Ask, seek, and knock—call
temptation, so we need a di- on the Lord!
vine infusion of persistence and
endurance from the Holy Spirit.
With the Spirit, we have the
ability to defeat any temptation Lord, we confess that we
(1 Corinthians 10:13). are weak in fighting temp-
tations. May your Holy
Throughout the Bible we learn Spirit enlighten our spirits
that the Holy Spirit equips us for to the divine power at our
many tasks. The Spirit empow- disposal. Amen.
ers the believer in many ways.
Mark 14:43-46 MONDAY, MARCH 10

BETRAYED WITH A KISS

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
 —Mark 14:45

Friendship usually comes from of his father, David, kissed any-

the depths of our heart. In the one who bowed down to him
culture of that day, a kiss on the (2 Samuel 15:5-6). Judas should
cheek was an ordinary greeting have recalled the wise words of
between friends. Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from
a friend can be trusted, but an
For three years Judas had fol-
enemy multiplies kisses.”
lowed Jesus around the coun-
tryside. But now he turned on But we too can betray Jesus. We
his Master. Shame must have can sit in a church service on
registered in his conscience Sunday while our mind is a mil-
when he made a pact with lion miles away. We can have
Jesus’ enemies. But with the ten Bibles in our home and yet
cold heart of a hypocrite, he rarely open one.
faked friendship and betrayed
Pretended affection is a dead-
his Lord and teacher.
end street. But when we dwell
If Judas had reflected on the in the presence of Jesus, true
Scriptures, he might have real- devotion and compassionate
ized the seriousness of his ac- kindness flow through us. We
tions. Jacob, pretending to be can be loyal defenders of Jesus
his brother Esau, slyly kissed in all we think, say, and do.
his father, Isaac, to receive
the blessing reserved for Esau. Lord, help me to renounce
And because of his deceit he disloyalty, pretense, and
had to leave home and family fakery in my life. Keep me
(Genesis 27). Absalom, in an ef- loyal to you. Amen.
fort to undermine the authority
Matthew 26:47-56 TUESDAY, MARCH 11

THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who
draw the sword will die by the sword.” —Matthew 26:52

These words of Jesus largely go and pacify our heart. We all

unheeded today. We choose know what happens when the
war over peace, intimidation honeybee uses its stinger; it dies.
over cooperation, propaganda Jesus calls us to produce honey
over mutual understanding. rather than a stinger. Do not re-
turn evil for evil. Turn the other
Judas and the armed crowd ap-
cheek. Go the extra mile. If your
proached Jesus with weapons
enemy is hungry, feed him.
and a deceptive greeting. When
Jesus manufactured weapons of
they seized Jesus to arrest him,
love and persuasion. Paul insists,
Jesus’ disciples reacted with re-
“The weapons we fight with are
ciprocal violence.
not the weapons of the world.
In pressure situations we are On the contrary, they have di-
tempted to use weapons of vine power to demolish strong-
this world. We grab the dag- holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
ger of forceful words and chop
In his death Jesus purchased
people to pieces. We insist on
peace with God for us. He says
revenge. We are ready to strike
to us, “Put your sword back in
if we don’t get our way. We
its place.”
take people to court. Christians
­often play the game of intimida-
tion, control, and approval just Lord, may every fiber of
as much as the world does. our being bristle against
But non-violence is the path violence and stand up for
Jesus chose. We must disarm our your peace and justice.
mouth, demilitarize our mind, Amen.
Mark 14:46-50 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

FINISHING WELL
Everyone deserted him and fled.
 —Mark 14:50

The Bible includes many stories powerful, he gave in to adultery

in which God’s people start out and murder and lost his king-
well but end up forsaking the dom to Absalom (2 Samuel
way of life and truth. 11-15). David’s son Solomon
began as the wisest king Israel
Jesus calls twelve followers to
ever had, but when he married
be his disciples. They learn from
women who worshiped other
him and follow his ways. They
gods, his heart turned from
even go out two by two to
God, and the kingdom split
spread the good-news message
apart (1 Kings 3; 11-12).
and do miracles. But in the end
Judas betrays Jesus, Peter denies These figures serve as examples
him, and all the other disciples to prod us to faithfulness and
flee and hide. perseverance. Will you stay de-
voted to God for your entire
There are also some women
life and never flee from follow-
who faithfully follow Jesus from
ing Jesus? That is God’s call on
Galilee. But when he is arrested,
our lives, and his Spirit gives us
they too hide in fear. Jesus’ disci-
the strength to be faithful.
ples and other followers all turn
out to be discipleship failures.
If you read about the leaders Jesus, you were faithful to
of God’s people in the Old the end and were finally
Testament, you find that King vindicated in your victory
David began as a man after over death. Father, give us
God’s own heart (1 Samuel the perseverance of your
13:14). But when he became Son, our Savior. Amen.
Mark 14:51-52; 16:5-7 THURSDAY, MARCH 13

DISCIPLESHIP FAILURE
He fled naked, leaving his garment behind. —Mark 14:52
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a
white robe sitting on the right side. —Mark 16:5

In past readings we’ve looked at robe.” Could this description

Jesus’ disciples who sleep instead be a picture of how the gos-
of pray, flee when Jesus is arrest- pel writer Mark wanted to be?
ed, and deny him during his trial. Through Jesus’ transforming
Today’s reading shows another power in his life, and despite
example—a young man who his failures, Mark did become
would rather lose his clothes someone who proclaimed the
than lose his life for Jesus. good news of the resurrection.
His account in the Bible still
Though we are not told the
brings the message to us today.
young man’s name, many schol-
ars read this as a reference to Though we might fail, we can
Mark—the writer of this gospel return to discipleship too. Every
account. In a way, Mark con- one of our failures can be
fesses his own sin here and calls wiped away because of Jesus’
us to a deeper commitment. saving work and resurrection.
We read more about Mark in And his Spirit fills us to serve.
Acts 15:36-41, which reveals
another discipleship failure on
his part. But later he returns to
discipleship and serves faith-
fully (see Colossians 4:10;
2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24; Thank you, Lord, for wip-
1 Peter 5:13). ing away our failures and
restoring us to new life so
Mark 16 describes an angel that we can serve in your
in the resurrection story as “a
strength. Amen.
young man dressed in a white
Mark 14:53-72 FRIDAY, MARCH 14

CONFESSION
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at
the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of
heaven.” —Mark 14:61-62

Picture yourself standing before cial authorities who want to put

the highest legal officials and him to death, Peter is confront-
church leaders—all in the same ed by people without power
room and all wanting to find who are curious and think he
you guilty. That is what Jesus is one of Jesus’ followers. Yet he
faced as he stood on trial. There falters in his ability to confess
was not one supporter in the his faith three times in a row.
entire place as he faced a judge
Whenever we are tempted not
and jury who would allow false
to acknowledge our loyalty to
testimony and fiery bursts of
Jesus, we should remember the
emotion to skew the evidence
good confession that Jesus ut-
in the courtroom.
tered instead of taking the route
In the face of such antagonism of Peter and hiding our true al-
Jesus stood his ground. He legiance. Remember who you
knew that all he needed was the are and to whom you belong!
backing of his Father in heaven.
Jesus boldly let everyone know
that he was the anointed one
who came to save God’s people Thank you, Lord, for say-
and rule over all things. ing “I am” in the crucible of
criticism. May there not be
Jesus’ confession of his divine
identity takes place at the same
even one occasion in our
time as Peter’s denials. While lives when we forget to
Jesus is standing before the judi- confess your name. Amen.
Mark 14:66-72 SATURDAY, MARCH 15

CURSING UNDER PRESSURE

[Peter] began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t
know this man you’re talking about.” —Mark 14:71

Peer pressure often holds us the church. When they asked

captive. The need for accep- what I did for a living, I was em-
tance is so tyrannical that we are barrassed to say I was studying
willing to do almost anything to to be a minister, so I said I was a
join the crowd. A young per- lawyer. During the whole game
son is murdered for a popular I felt like I wanted to hide. It
brand of shoe. A huge ad cam- was like denying Jesus.
paign to “Say No to Drugs” is
Peer pressure controls all of us
necessary because some say it’s
from time to time. We want
cool to use drugs.
to be accepted, approved of,
Imprisoned by his need to be popular. We don’t enjoy being
like everyone else, Peter denies different. So we allow ourselves
his true identity and compro- to be shaped by people’s opin-
mises his love for Jesus. Not ions rather than by what God
only that, but in his third denial wants. When that happens, we
he also ends up cursing. need to hear the rooster crow
so that we can recognize our sin
Just as Peter tried to blend in
and repent.
with the crowd, we too struggle
to stand up for our convictions.
I remember golfing at a cham- Lord, we often prefer the
pionship course. Emotionally I favor of people to the ap-
was looking for a relaxing time, proval of God. Forgive us
but I was put with a group of and remove our need for
guys who were drinking, swear- human acceptance, for
ing, telling about their sexual Jesus’ sake. Amen.
esca­pades, and putting down
Luke 22:56-62; John 21:15-17 SUNDAY, MARCH 16

RESPONDING TO THE LORD’S LOOK

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remem-
bered the word the Lord had spoken to him. . . . And he went
outside and wept bitterly. —Luke 22:61-62

Two captivating stories are hap- his Lord. And Peter asserted re-
pening at the same time. Inside peatedly, “Lord, you know that
the high priest’s court Jesus re­ I love you.” Jesus then empow-
veals his true identity as the ered Peter to put his past be-
Messiah. Outside near the fire hind him and walk confidently
in the courtyard Peter denies into the future.
his Lord three times. Then the
Jesus’ aim is to rehabilitate us
climax brings the two story lines
whenever we fall from grace.
together. Jesus’ look at Peter
And our conscience can halt us
changes everything.
before we yield to temptation.
Peter had surrendered to the But even if we slip into sin, God
paralyzing fear of standing wants to restore us. For us this
alone. But fortunately Jesus en- means responding to the alarm
abled Peter to break out of the of our conscience, removing
cage of conformity. The roost- our­selves from the place of
er’s crow activated the alarm of temp­ tation, repenting of our
Peter’s conscience. Immediately sin, and reaffirming our loyalty
he repented. In extreme sor- to Jesus Christ.
row, Peter wept bitterly. Later
he reaffirmed his love for Jesus
and was recommissioned as the
Lord’s representative. Lord, we know that your
convicting look is filled
In John 21 we find that Jesus with convincing grace.
refused to let Peter cover up his Thank you for your trans-
unresolved past. Three times forming power! Amen.
Jesus asked Peter if he loved
Mark 15:1-5 MONDAY, MARCH 17

WHEN SILENCE SPEAKS

Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
 —Mark 15:5

When someone challenges us, But often silence is golden.

we usually try to defend our- Silence is always better than
selves with a lot of defensive truth spoken without love.
talk. We attempt to establish Silence calls attention to the
our innocence with elaborate value of the words we do say.
excuses. That’s why Pilate ex- When Jesus finally spoke, his
pected Jesus to deny the false words were intensely powerful.
accusations made by the chief
If silence is golden, most of us
priests. But Jesus said nothing—
are paupers. Often we talk a
and Pilate was amazed.
lot without saying much. The
The word “amazed” is used discipline of silence, however,
most often in the gospels at guides us to reflect on what
the close of a miracle story to we do say. We become better
describe the reaction of people listeners, both to God and to
who saw what Jesus had done. those around us. We choose
Jesus’ silence in this story also our words carefully and build
needs to be seen as a miracle. people up rather than tearing
And Pilate responded with awe. them down. Amazing!
Jesus’ silence fulfilled a proph-
ecy in Isaiah 53:7: “He was op-
pressed and afflicted, yet . . . as a
sheep before its shearers is silent, Father, we need your
so he did not open his mouth.” wisdom to discern when
to speak and when to be
Sometimes silence is cowardly. silent. May our words al-
There are times when we need ways honor you. Amen.
to voice our convictions.
Matthew 27:15-28 TUESDAY, MARCH 18

JESUS BARABBAS, OR JESUS THE MESSIAH?

“Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or
Jesus who is called the Messiah?” —Matthew 27:17

We face difficult choices ev- cleverly conceived strategies. In

ery day. And often, instead of the midst of political injustice,
standing up for the truth, we mob hysteria, and mischievous
compromise our convictions deceit, God finds a way to es-
or let someone else decide. But tablish his perfect will.
the results can be disastrous.
The crowd had to choose,
Pilate tried to negotiate a way and they chose wrongly. We
to remain popular while avoid- too have to make our choice.
ing a decision for the truth. He When we choose for Jesus the
would let the crowd decide Messiah, we recognize the Son
who would be crucified: Jesus of God who came to earth to
the Messiah or Jesus Barabbas. die for our sins and rose again
What a clever move on Pilate’s to save us from eternal death.
part. Certainly the crowd would When we choose for Jesus the
not want a murderer set free! Savior, we honor the one who
has chosen us and who made
Knowing that Jesus was inno-
the hard decision to die so that
cent, Pilate wanted to release
we might live.
him. But without the back-
bone to stand for truth, Pilate
looked for an easy way out. Lord, we are thankful that
He thought he had the perfect your ways are higher than
plan to spare him from making our ways. You overcame
this difficult decision. But God the schemes of human be-
closed the door. Nothing can ings to provide for our sal-
stop the plans of God: not inept vation. Thank you! Amen.
leaders or rebellious mobs or
Matthew 27:3-5, 24-25 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

TAKING THE BLAME

Pilate . . . took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.
“I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. —Matthew 27:24

Taking the blame requires didn’t have the backbone to

character. But we often prefer stand for the truth.
excuses to responsibility. I saw
But excuses, rationalization, and
this alot when I used to visit the
avoidance of the truth have no
county jail as part of a weekly
place in the presence of God.
ministry: almost everyone there
Each of us must face our own
had a story of innocence.
guilt, our own responsibility for
The characters in Jesus’ trial the death of Jesus, our own ac-
were no different. After design- countability to the Almighty. The
ing a plan to lure Jesus into the Son of God came all the way
Jewish leaders’ trap, Judas could from heaven to earth, and we
not bear to take the responsibil- killed him. God was among us,
ity for Jesus’ arrest. He returned but we failed to recognize him.
the money and wanted to undo
Only when we take the blame
what he had done. But it was
can we receive the blessing of
too late.
forgiveness and new life that he
Pilate tried to avoid blame by came to provide for us.
suggesting that Barabbas might
take Jesus’ place. Pilate knew Jesus, Son of God and
Jesus was innocent, but he Lamb of God, I deserved
could not find the strength to to die, but you took my
act on his convictions. So in a place. I was the guilty one,
final act of avoidance, Pilate but you took the blame on
washed his hands in front of
yourself instead. What a
the crowd and claimed he was
Savior! Amen.
innocent of Jesus’ blood. He
Mark 14:65; 15:16-32 THURSDAY, MARCH 20

MOCKED AND MOCKED AGAIN

The chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among
themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save him-
self!” —Mark 15:31

Being mocked is one of the . . . I did not hide my face from

most devastating of human mocking and spitting.” The sign
experi­ences. Sneers and insults above Jesus’ head on the cross,
cut deep. Mockery threatens “The King of the Jews,” de-
our deepest emotional needs: clared a blessed truth. Ironically,
to be loved, protected, and the only way for Jesus to save
cared for. his people was to stay on the
cross instead of coming down
Jesus was mocked several times
and saving himself.
during his trial and crucifixion:
Jewish guards, Roman soldiers, Within this greatest of all rejec-
Jewish religious leaders, and tions comes a promise. Because
people who passed by the Christ was rejected, we will
cross—all took their turns. In all never be rejected. “By his
of this, Jesus experienced the wounds we are healed” (Isaiah
harsh reality of rejection with 53:5). What a sacrifice!
all its rudeness.
Each act of ridicule, however,
also revealed Jesus’ true identity.
The purple robe and crown of We avoid mockery at all
thorns depicted the King who costs, but you, O Lord,
was willing to sacrifice himself bore every tirade of hu-
for his people. The spitting and man disgrace for our salva-
striking blows proved that Isaiah tion. Thank you for taking
50:6 spoke the truth about the the sting out of mockery.
servant of the Lord: “I offered In your name, Amen.
my back to those who beat me.
Mark 15:21 FRIDAY, MARCH 21

HEROIC MINOR CHARACTERS

A certain man from Cyrene, Simon . . . was passing by on his
way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
 —Mark 15:21

We’ve already read about fall into the ground and die to
Simon Peter, the disciple of myself (John 12:24). I must
Jesus who denied Jesus three take Jesus’ yoke on myself
times. Today’s verses tell us and learn from him (Matthew
about Simon of Cyrene, who 11:29). And when I am af-
walked behind Jesus as a dis- flicted, God says, “My grace is
ciple carrying his cross. Simon sufficient for you, for my power
of Cyrene became one of the is made perfect in weakness”
minor heroes in the good-news (2 Corinthians 12:9). I must
story of Christ’s suffering. deny myself, take up my cross,
and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
Simon was compelled by
Roman soldiers to carry Jesus’ Like Simon, we are outsiders
cross. But our compulsion who have an opportunity to
has to come voluntarily from respond positively to the gos-
the Holy Spirit within us. Paul pel. Though we are only minor
leads the discipleship parade characters on the world’s stage,
when he declares, “I want to taking up the cross God has
know Christ—yes, to know the given us is our calling.
power of his resurrection and
participation in his sufferings,
becoming like him in his death”
(Philippians 3:10). We too must Father, show us what it
follow in the footsteps of Simon means to take up our cross
and Paul when we commit to each day and follow Jesus.
live out the call of the gospel. Thank you for answering
I too am like a seed that must this prayer. In Jesus, Amen.
Luke 23:39-43 SATURDAY, MARCH 22

THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
. . . “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
 —Luke 23:42-43

Paradise is something we all the underdog and marginalized.

dream about. A place without In paradise, as Jesus taught, the
pain, tears, loneliness, boredom, first shall be last and the last
and death—that’s where I want first. This helps us see other
to go. people differently, doesn’t it?
But only good people will go I like the word “today.” The
there, right? where and what of life after
death are so fuzzy that we won-
Not according to the good
der what it will all be like. But
news of Jesus. Paradise is a gift
Jesus says, “Today you will be
for everyone who sincerely re-
with me in paradise.” The crimi-
sponds to Jesus with the words,
nal’s death and his entrance into
“Remember me when you
paradise happen on the same
come into your kingdom.”
day. What comfort these words
Surprisingly, these are the words give!
of a violent revolutionary, a
Jesus wants to tell us too, “You
terrorist. But of the few words
will be with me in paradise.”
that Jesus utters from the cross,
the longest dialogue is between
that criminal and Jesus. In fact,
Jesus’ last conversation on earth
is with that convicted prisoner. Lord, my simple prayer is
And Jesus promises that they this: “Remember me when
will soon meet again in paradise. you come into your king-
dom.” Thank you, Jesus.
Even in his deepest pain Jesus Amen.
reserved a place in his heart for
Mark 15:22-27; Isaiah 53:3-10 SUNDAY, MARCH 23

NO SORROW LIKE HIS SORROW

They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
 —Mark 15:23

The first event recorded at sions, he was crushed for our

Jesus’ crucifixion is the offer of iniquities.” He willingly suffered,
wine mixed with myrrh—prob- and we unknowingly benefited.
ably to help dull the senses and What a wonder!
ease the pain. But Jesus refused
How did Jesus respond?
to drink it. He willingly drank
Hebrews 12:2 reports, “For the
God’s cup of suffering instead.
joy set before him he endured
He submitted himself to the
the cross, scorning its shame.”
worst suffering a human could
Extreme sorrow and anguish
experience.
normally breed anger and bit-
Jesus’ road to the cross involved terness. But Jesus’ pure heart
sorrow upon sorrow. His trial would not allow sin to enter in.
was conducted hastily in the
Jesus, who deserved no punish-
shadows of night. The lead-
ment for sin, bore it all for us.
ers altered the rules and broke
His response to suffering en-
the law to condemn him. His
ables us to overcome the hard
own people disowned him.
times and abuses of life. In his
False witnesses lied, upright
strength, we too can remember
men physically abused him, re-
the joy set before us.
spected spiritual leaders spat on
him, and the highest of priests
mocked him. “Man of sorrows—what a
name for the Son of God,
Isaiah 53 explains the conse- who came ruined sinners
quences of Jesus’ decision to to reclaim: Hallelujah,
face every human sorrow. “He what a Savior!” Amen.
was pierced for our transgres-
Mark 15:25; Galatians 3:11-14 MONDAY, MARCH 24

THE CURSE OF CRUCIFIXION

It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.
 —Mark 15:25

Crucifixion was the most hor- on a pole [crucified] is under

rible of deaths. Some victims God’s curse.”
hung for days in the scorching
All of this adds significance to
sun until finally the weight of
the fact that Jesus Christ was
their body, nailed at the hands
not just killed, but crucified.
and feet, collapsed their lungs.
Any other death was preferable. Have you noticed that Mark
Crucifixion was so horrible that uses segments of time (“nine
it was inappropriate to mention in the morning,” “noon,” “three
it in conversation. in the afternoon”) to describe
Jesus’ crucifixion? He wants us
No one imagined that the
to reflect on the long, agonizing
cross might become a religious
struggle Jesus endured for us on
symbol. Because of the cross
the cross.
Minucius Felix in his dialogue
Octavius called Christianity a sick And Paul sees the transform-
delusion. He said that anyone ing blessing for us: “Christ re-
who worshiped a crucified per- deemed us from the curse of
son should himself be crucified. the law by becoming a curse for
us.” Jesus took on the curse so
The Bible also talks about the
that we will not be cursed.
horrors of crucifixion. The cross
is called an offense (Galatians Lord, amid our busyness,
5:11), a sign of shame (Hebrews may we stop to focus on
12:2) and foolishness, and a all you have done for us.
stumbling block (1 Corinthians
Through your death we
1:23). Deuteronomy 21:23
can live! Amen.
states that “anyone who is hung
Mark 15:33-34; Psalm 22:1-2 TUESDAY, MARCH 25

ENDURING FORSAKENNESS
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
 —Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1

A classic case of forsakenness Jürgen Moltmann, a German

involves the famous couple theologian, was born into a
Elizabeth Barrett and Robert secular family and never felt
Browning. Elizabeth’s parents the need for God. He became
so disapproved of her marriage very skeptical when his best
to Robert that they refused to friend was killed in the fierce
associate with her. Every week bombing of Germany dur-
for years she drafted a letter to ing World War II. Entering the
her parents to say how much army, he was taken prisoner by
she loved them. She hoped that the British. Receiving a Bible
one day they would respond from a chaplain, he read until
with love for her too. After he came to Jesus’ cry. Reading
ten years she finally received that, Moltmann said, “I found
a large package in return, con- in Jesus somebody who under-
taining all her letters unopened. stood me. And from that time, I
Forsakenness is devastating. became a Christian.”
Far more disturbing is the pic- By enduring the darkness of
ture of Jesus on the cross crying God-forsakenness for us, Jesus
out, “My God, my God, why ensured that we need never be
have you forsaken me?” To alone.
pay the price for our sin, Jesus
was abandoned by his eternal Lord, thank you for tak-
Father. God turned his face ing our place and bearing
away, and his Son suffered the our punishment. Your cry
complete separation from God inspires within us cries of
that we deserve. thanksgiving. Amen.
John 19:28-30 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

PASSOVER RELIVED
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
 —John 19:30

In today’s verses sour wine requirements of the law so that

is given to Jesus on a hyssop we no longer have to live in the
branch. This reminds us that grip of legalism.
on the first Passover in Egypt,
Further, Jesus’ sacrifice of him-
Israelite families used hyssop
self for our sin meant the end
to put the blood of a lamb on
of all animal sacrifices. No more
the doorframes of their houses.
do we need an intermediary
That night, a destroying plague
between us and God, an earth-
of death covered all Egypt, but
ly priest who would pray and
it passed over those houses
atone for us. We have direct ac-
so that God’s people were
cess through Jesus, our ultimate
spared—and their exodus from
High Priest.
slavery began (see Exodus 12).
Our eternal King has won the
Jesus’ death on the cross began
battle for us. Our sin has been
for us a new exodus—from our
crucified with Christ, our guilt is
slavery in sin. His shed blood
buried in his grave, and death
protects us so that we can cele-
has been overcome in his res-
brate a new Passover feast with
urrection. The devil is defeated,
the Lord’s Supper.
and the gates of hell are barred
At the end of his suffering Jesus to all who believe in Jesus.
took a drink and said, “It is fin- Eternal life is ours!
ished.” What did that mean?
Certainly Jesus’ life of suffering Lord, you completed all
on earth was finished. But there the work of salvation for
was more. “It is finished” meant us. Thank you for your in-
that Jesus had fulfilled all the describable gift! Amen.
Mark 15:38; Luke 23:44-46 THURSDAY, MARCH 27

GOD’S NEW TEMPLE

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
 —Mark 15:38

While Jesus suffered on the cross, called what he had said” (John
it may seem that God the Father 2:19-22). So by his death and
was passive. But as soon as the resurrection, Jesus laid down
Son’s sacrifice was complete, the his own life for us and set up a
earth shook, rocks split, and the new temple, his body of believ-
temple curtain tore from top to ers throughout the whole earth.
bottom. (See Matthew 27:51.)
Now, because of Jesus’ finished
God was on the move.
work “once for all” (Hebrews
What is the significance of the 10:10), we do not have to enter
torn temple curtain? Jesus, our a building to find God. God is
ultimate High Priest, atoned with us always in Jesus through
for our sins with his own his Holy Spirit.
body, represented by the cur-
Everyone has equal access to
tain (Hebrews 10:20). When
God in Jesus. Every day we can
he gave up his body to death,
enter the holiness of God. Our
the curtain tore, and the Most
hearts can become God’s home.
Holy Place in the temple (God’s
So let’s draw near to God e­ very
dwelling place among his peo-
day. He is always near (see
ple) became open to all peoples.
Isaiah 46:13; 55:6; Philippians
Further, Jesus had announced, 4:5; James 4:8).
“‘Destroy this temple, and I
will raise it again in three days.’ Thank you, Lord, that we
. . . But the temple he had spo- can find you because you
ken of was his body. After he
are near. Thank you for
was raised from the dead [on
finding us. Amen.
the third day], his disciples re-
Mark 1:9-11; 9:2-7; 15:39 FRIDAY, MARCH 28

THE SON OF GOD

When the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how
he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
 —Mark 15:39
The crucifixion story is filled confirms that the suffering of
with anguish. Jesus is arrested the Messiah has been inten-
by violent soldiers, deserted by tional. It is only when we look
his followers, betrayed by one steadfastly at the cross that we
of his own disciples, tried by can see the kind of Savior we
a kangaroo court, condemned need.
by a mob, and crucified at the
The centurion was a Gentile.
place of the skull (Golgotha).
Through his words we can see
Then a Roman centurion pro-
that the Son of God is for ev-
claims him the Son of God!
ery nation. We need to see how
Jesus’ true identity shines
Jesus died and respond with all
through the darkness.
our heart, “Surely he is the Son
In Mark’s gospel the centu- of God!” Every day these words
rion’s confession of faith par- should be on the tip of our
allels two earlier voices from tongue. Confessing our faith
heaven. At Jesus’ baptism God’s is the most crucial response to
voice speaks, “You are my Son, our salvation.
whom I love.” Later the same
voice from heaven informs the
disciples of Jesus’ identity: “This
is my Son, whom I love.” And
at the cross the centurion, see- Jesus, I proclaim today that
ing how Jesus died, said, “Surely you are the very Son of
this man was the Son of God!” God. May my profession
The centurion’s words are like ring through my daily liv-
a voice from heaven that again ing! For your sake, Amen.
John 19:31-37 SATURDAY, MARCH 29

SCRIPTURE IS FULFULLED
These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled.
 —John 19:36

The Bible is composed of 66 says, “Into your hands I commit

books written over the course my spirit.”
of about 1,500 years. How can
The prophets add many more
so many different authors from
examples. Only Jesus can wear
diverse time periods compose a
the names mentioned in Isaiah
book that fits so intricately to-
9:6: “Wonderful Counselor,
gether? The fulfillment of Old
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Testament prophecies in the life
Prince of Peace.” Only Jesus can
of Jesus is truly miraculous. Let’s
fill the descriptions of Isaiah 53:
look at just a few.
taking up our pain and bearing
We see the suffering of Jesus our suffering; being pierced for
in many psalms. Psalm 22 be- our transgressions, and much
gins with “My God, my God, more. Zechariah 13:7 adds
why have you forsaken me?” that the sheep will scatter when
It also talks about this person their shepherd is stricken (see
being mocked, people dividing Mark 14:27).
his clothing, and people cast-
In today’s uncertain times we
ing lots for his garments. Psalm
need to reflect on the certainty
41:9 foresees Jesus’ betrayal:
of God’s Word. God’s promises
“Even my close friend, some-
always find their “Yes” in Jesus
one I trusted, one who shared
(2 Corinthians 1:20).
my bread, has turned against
me.” Psalm 27:12 says, “False Father God, hold our lives
witnesses rise up against me, together, we pray, through
spouting malicious accusations.” your Word in Christ.
And, quoting Psalm 31:5, Jesus
Thank you! Amen.
John 12:42-43; 19:38-40 SUNDAY, MARCH 30

“SECRET” CHRISTIANS
They would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would
be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more
than praise from God. —John12:42-43
Two prominent leaders, Joseph In our day a new wave of tol-
of Arimathea and Nicodemus, erance is winning college cam-
paired up to bury Jesus. These puses and social network dis-
two men had been secret cussions. Public pressure is ris-
Christians, afraid at first to open- ing not just to respect someone
ly confess Jesus because they else’s views but to say they are
would have been excommuni- also true. Our culture wants us
cated from the synagogue, the to say there are many ways to
Jewish worshiping community. God, and that what is true for
me is not necessarily true for
But Jesus’ death brought a crisis
you. Yet Christians believe that
of commitment. Would Joseph
Jesus is God and is the only way
and Nicodemus continue to
to eternal life (John 14:6).
side with family, friends, nation,
culture, and place of worship, or Are you willing to speak up for
would they identify with Jesus? Jesus? What stance do you have
to take in order to side with
Nicodemus had come to Jesus
him?
at night to ask him some ques-
tions (John 3). And in a council
discussion he had tried to stand
up for Jesus but was quickly
shouted down (John 7:50-52).
After Jesus’ death, though, he Lord, we confess that we
came forward to help prepare like to be comfortable in
Jesus’ body, and Joseph provid- our culture. Empower us
ed the burial place (Matthew to stand up for you, what-
27:59-60). ever the cost. Amen.
Matthew 28:1-9; Mark 8:31-34; 9:30-32; 10:32-34 MONDAY, MARCH 31

THE GOOD NEWS

“They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
 —Mark 9:31

On three occasions Jesus pre- There are a lot of bad-news

dicted his suffering at the hands bearers in our world today.
of the Jewish rulers and his People say, “The world is head-
death by the Roman authori- ed for hell.” “The church is going
ties. But he didn’t stop there. down the tubes.” “Our young
Each time he also said he would people are lost.” Naysayers harp
rise from the grave. The resur- on what’s wrong with society
rection turns the upside-down and the church. They focus on
world of Jesus’ suffering right problems and negative statistics.
side up. And yet his followers
Yet we are called to spread the
paid little or no attention to this
good news. Because of Easter
teaching.
we can no longer be pessimists.
As the women approached the We can light up the darkness
tomb early on Easter morning, with the good news of Christ’s
they must have been reviewing resurrection. Thank God—we
the terrible events of the past have good news to share with
few days. Their hero was dead. the world!
Their vision was cloudy. Their
purpose in life was confused.
The morning was dark. Good news is sweet to
the soul, and your res-
But as they left the tomb, they urrection, Lord Jesus, is
were good-news bearers. They the sweetest news of all.
had come expecting nothing,
Thank you, Jesus, for res-
but they left anticipating every-
urrection hope. In your
thing. They came in the dark;
name, Amen.
they left in the light.
this month
Never-ending Love
Ruth Boven
Grand Rapids, Michigan

This month we’ll spend much of our time in a quiet place, often called
“the upper room,” with Jesus and his disciples (see Mark 14:14-15).
John’s gospel account dwells there for a good long time. While they
share their last meal together, Jesus delivers his final instructions to
those who will carry on his ministry.
We listen in and pay attention, for these life-giving lessons are for us
as well. Jesus not only speaks words for his followers to live by, but he
also demonstrates—both in the upper room and in his journey to the
cross—a love that never ends. John’s gospel shines a bright light on the
love of God that we see in Jesus Christ. So I invite you to open wide
your heart and mind “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep”
is Christ’s never-ending love for you (Ephesians 3:18).

Ruth Boven serves as the minister of pastoral care at Neland Avenue

Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her
husband, Greg, have two adult children. They find rich purpose in urban
ministry and delight in enjoying the wonders of God’s good creation.
John 13:1-5 TUESDAY, APRIL 1

FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE

Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the
end. —John 13:1

Everybody needs to be loved. down in front of his disciples

It’s one of the deepest truths of and washed their feet. The One
our shared human condition. who had come from heaven
More specifically, we all need humbly washed away the
to be shown love. earth’s dirt from between his
When my children were small, followers’ toes. What an unusu-
they sometimes engaged in try- al expression of love!
ing to express how much they Jesus’ message of love is surpris-
loved me. With arms and hands ing. It’s countercultural. Its claim
outstretched as far as their tod- is that through the cross-shaped
dler-sized bodies would allow, giving of himself, Jesus showed
they strained to show the ex- us the full extent of his love—he
tent of their love: “This is how loved his followers “to the end.”
much I love you, Mommy!” Of
course, I was delighted! Jesus’ love bends low. His love
washes us clean. Jesus’ love
As Jesus spent precious final searches and reaches out for us.
hours with his disciples, his pri- Have you opened your heart
mary project was to make clear fully to his love?
why he had come to earth.
While the shadow of the cross
crept steadily toward him, Jesus
Lord, thank you for loving
showed his disciples the central
meaning of his mission: God’s me. Help me to grasp how
love (see John 3:16). high and wide and deep
and long your love is for
How did Jesus communicate all people. Amen.
that message of love? He knelt
John 13:6-8 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

WILLING TO BE WASHED
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
 —John 13:8

It’s a humbling, maybe even hu- ever!” Peter thought he was say-
miliating, thing to have some- ing the proper thing. It didn’t
one wash you. Nurses know feel right for Jesus to be acting
the awkwardness as well as the as a servant to him. How could
importance of bathing patients it be fitting for his Master to de-
who cannot bathe themselves. scend to such lowliness?
Sometimes a broken body
Jesus’ reply to Peter was also
pre­ vents patients from getting
vehement. In essence, Jesus
themselves cleaned up.
said, “If I can’t wash you, you
This is also true in the life of can’t have me.” Peter needed
faith. Most of us cherish our in- to humble himself. He needed
dependence. We are doers. We to receive the forgiveness of sin
are achievers. We resent need- that Jesus was offering.
ing to rely on others for things
So do we.
we think we can do ourselves.
Yet the truth is that we are bro- So, give in. Be washed. And re-
ken because of sin. The Bible ceive fullness of life!
teaches that in order to enter
into the fullness of life that God
intends for us, we need to be
washed clean. But we are un-
able to do that for ourselves. God of grace, wash me
clean of all my sins. Help
Peter’s refusal to be washed by me receive the fullness of
Jesus was vehement. It could life that you offer through
be translated this way: “You Jesus. Amen.
will never ever wash my feet—
John 13:9-11 THURSDAY, APRIL 3

DAILY HYGEINE
“Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their
whole body is clean.” —John 13:10

When I was a child, Saturday our feet on the path of faith-

night kicked off preparations ful living. Daily we confess the
for Sunday worship. Dresses ways our feet stray from that
were pressed, shoes shined, path. And daily we are invited
grimy hands, faces, and bodies to rejoice in the assurance that
scrubbed clean. Imagine my we’ve been pardoned, that be-
mother’s distress when one of cause of Jesus we are freed, for-
my pajama-clad brothers would given, and wonderfully clean!
escape to rescue a forgotten
There is no better news. The
ball from the dirt driveway.
truth that although we are sin-
Thankfully only his feet needed
ners Christ died to make us
rewashing!
clean compels us to grateful liv-
Jesus told Peter he was clean. ing. Gratitude guides our feet to
Jesus’ message was this: If others who need to hear good
you’ve been washed by me, news.
you are clean once and for all.
To whom will your feet bring
This is the great claim of the
you today?
Christian faith. We believe that
the precious body and blood of
our Lord Jesus Christ were giv-
en for the complete forgiveness Gracious God, move my
of all our sins. Because of Jesus heart to daily confession
we are clean, now and forever. and gratitude. Guide my
feet to those who need
Yet the call to Peter and to us is to know your forgiveness.
to take up our cross daily and
Amen.
follow Jesus. Daily we place
John 13:12-17 FRIDAY, APRIL 4

I HAVE SET YOU AN EXAMPLE

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for
you.” —John 13:15

Jesus has done an outrageous action. As imitators of Christ,

thing. Jesus, the Master, hum- we practice things like good
bly bows before and serves his listening, generous hospitality,
disciples. Philippians 2:6-7 says and faithful care for people in
that Jesus, though “being in very need, starting with those closest
nature God, did not consider to us. In Romans 12:10 we are
equality with God something to instructed, “Honor one another
be used to his own advantage; above yourselves.”
rather, he made himself noth-
Following Jesus’ example of
ing by taking the very nature of
humble service is no easy call-
a servant.” Jesus came to serve
ing. In fact, we cannot do it
among us for our benefit, for
without the Spirit of Christ liv-
our salvation, so that we might
ing in us. Scripture promises
know and enter into the love
that as we serve others, Christ,
God has for us.
by his Spirit, is present to guide,
Jesus also set us an example. to equip, and to bless.
As he washed his disciples’
feet, Jesus was showing and
telling how we can live in the
most blessed way possible—in
humble service. When we serve Loving God, we thank
others, we give our time, our you that Christ Jesus came
attention, our resources, our among us as a servant.
very selves for people’s benefit Help us today to humbly
and flourishing. It’s a way of life serve others in his name.
that influences our every inter- Amen.
John 13:18-20 SATURDAY, APRIL 5

BEING KNOWN
“I know those I have chosen.”
 —John 13:18

Do you remember picking your accomplishments. In love

teams when you were young? God chooses the undeserving,
The way it often went was that the weak and helpless, even the
after two captains were chosen, worst sinners.
the captains chose their teams,
So what can we say about Judas,
one person at a time, picking
who betrayed Jesus? (See John
the better players first. If you
13:26-30; 18:2-3). We can only
weren’t good at the game, you
say what Scripture says. Jesus
hated the process. It would feel
indicated that Judas refused to
awful to be chosen last.
accept the abundant life Jesus
Jesus makes clear that following came to offer.
him is first of all about being
Thankfully, God is the judge.
known and chosen. It’s always
We are not. We are called to re-
God who acts first. God is the
joice in the truth expressed in
Creator, the initiator, the One
that favorite hymn: “It was not I
who seeks us first. One of my
that found, O Savior true; no, I
favorite hymns melodically tes-
was found, was found of thee.”
tifies that God “moved my soul
to seek him, seeking me.”
If you are seeking to know and
follow Jesus, you can be con-
fident that Jesus has already O God, you know me
been seeking you. And, unlike completely. Thank you for
the process in those childhood seeking me out. Move me
games, being chosen has noth- to seek you always. Amen.
ing to do with favoritism or
John 13:21-30 SUNDAY, APRIL 6

INTO THE NIGHT

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was
night. —John 13:30

It isn’t hard to feel the weight of We don’t have to watch or read

this scene. Jesus, while sharing the news very long to detect
a meal with his disciples, iden- darkness all around us. And
tifies his betrayer. It’s Judas. We Scrip­ture teaches that the dark-
can picture Judas slinking out of ness is also in us. All of us some-
the room, his cloak sweeping times prefer darkness that hides
briskly behind him. to light that exposes.
Did you notice that the writer The good news, however, is
made a point of saying, “It was that Jesus dispels our darkness
night”? John was doing more and radiates his light into our
than telling us the time of day. hearts and lives. As the light of
Judas was now joining forces Christ dwells in us, we too can
with the prince of darkness. But dispel the darkness we encoun-
that’s only part of the picture. ter all around us.
John’s gospel account began How will you dispel darkness
with the good news that Christ and shine the light of Christ
Jesus, God in human flesh, the today?
light of the world, came to live
among us (John 1:9, 14). Isaiah
9:2 prophesied that people liv-
ing in darkness would see a God, “I want to walk as a
great light. Jesus came among child of the light; I want
us to shine the light of God’s to follow Jesus.” Lead and
love and grace into a dark and guide me, I pray, in Jesus’
suffering world, our world. name. Amen.
John 13:31-33 MONDAY, APRIL 7

WHAT GLORY LOOKS LIKE

“Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.”
 —John 13:31

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dic- a cross. Jesus showed us that

t­ionary defines glory as great glory comes through sacrificial
“praise, honor, or distinction.” love and obedience to God.
Christians use the word glory
How do you and I think about
often, especially in worship. In
glory? Our world would like us
the church I serve, we some-
to think glory comes through
times sing these words: “We will
achievement and status. Sacri­
glorify the King of kings. We
fi­
cial obedience to someone
will glorify the Lamb. We will
else’s plan would not seem to
glorify the Lord of lords, who
be the path to glory. But, truly,
is the great I Am.” Giving glory
that’s what it takes. Our submis-
to God lifts our hearts upward
sion and obedience to God’s
toward the reigning King. We
loving plan for this world is the
praise him for his greatness,
only achievement worthy of
power, and majesty.
praise, honor, and distinction.
But Jesus gives us another an-
To God be the glory!
gle on glory in our text today.
Remember that Jesus is on the
brink of his brutal march to the
cross. “Now the Son of Man is
God of glory, help us to
glorified,” he said. Jesus’ glory is
first of all about the fulfillment realize that glory comes
of his Father’s purposes. Jesus’ through sacrificial obedi-
obedience to his Father’s plan ence to your loving plan
would be his glory, even though for this world. Through
it meant suffering and death on Jesus we pray. Amen.
John 13:34-38 TUESDAY, APRIL 8

A NEW COMMAND
“A new command I give you: Love one another.”
 —John 13:34

I would like to have been there. the world will know we are
Wouldn’t you? Jesus was giving Christians not by our uniformi-
his final instructions to his disci- ty of thinking or practice, but by
ples. To them he would soon en- our love for one another, which
trust his life-giving mission. The comes from God (see 1 John
tone of Jesus’ speech was tender 4:7-21).
yet urgent. His instructions were
The good news is that the love
specific. Perhaps the clearest and
we are commanded to share is
most direct command was this:
not self-generated. Romans 5:5
“Love one another.” While Jesus
tells us, “God’s love has been
elsewhere taught that his disci-
poured out into our hearts
ples must love all people, even
through the Holy Spirit.” In
their enemies, here he told his
other words, the more we open
followers they must love each
our hearts to receive the gra-
other. This is how the world
cious love of God, the more we
would see and understand the
are able to love one another.
message of God’s love.
Is there a fellow believer to
If you are connected to a
whom you might show love
church, you know the chal-
today?
lenge of this command. It can
be hard to love fellow believ-
ers. Differences in theology, Almighty God, fill me with
culture, lifestyle, worship style, your love. Help me to
and many other things can cre- show love to all my broth-
ate conflict and division among ers and sisters in Christ.
Christians. Yet Jesus said that Amen.
John 14:1-3 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

HOPE FOR TROUBLED HEARTS

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
 —John 14:1

The Bible does not ignore trou- “Do not let your hearts be
ble. From the garden in Genesis troubled. You believe in God;
to the final battle in Revelation, believe also in me.”
trouble is a part of the picture.
Please notice that Jesus is not
Even here in the room with
saying we should simply ignore
Jesus and his disciples there has
or minimize our troubles. No.
been trouble. Jesus has spoken
Jesus’ instructions are simple:
of Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s
Trust the Father; trust me. That
denial. While the intimate pic-
is what’s needed. That is what
ture John paints of Jesus’ last
brings hope to a troubled heart.
hours with his disciples is beau-
Trust the One who holds your
tiful in many ways, it is not a
future. Trouble does not have
perfect picture. And for this we
the final word. Trust Jesus, who
can be glad, for our lives are not
has given his life to secure for
perfect pictures either.
you an eternal home and who
A spiritual song that came out offers hope for your troubled
of the United States’ use of heart today.
slavery says, “Nobody knows
the trouble I’ve seen.” Not one
of us gets through life without Loving God, thank you for
encountering difficulty and Jesus and for the hope he
pain. Sometimes our trouble is offers. Help me to trust
so deep, our pain so profound, that you hold my future
that it’s hard to have hope. If and that Jesus is prepar-
this describes your life, know ing a place for me. In his
that Jesus’ words are for you. name, Amen.
John 14:4-14 THURSDAY, APRIL 10

FINDING YOUR WAY

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6

Several years ago I traveled with is to get with the Father, to get
my daughter to a foreign city with God, then Jesus is the way.
where we needed to navigate
Jesus said, “I am the way and
a complex train system, using a
the truth and the life.” It might
language that was very unfamil-
help to think of it this way: each
iar to me. I wasn’t very good at
one of us has a God-shaped
it. Thankfully my daughter was.
void in us that only God can
She consistently showed me
fill. As we long to be filled with
the right way to go.
God, Jesus is the way there. The
Sometimes getting where we truth of his Word will guide us.
want to go in life can be con- And along the way, his life in us
fusing. After Jesus told his disci- gives us the power to stay on
ples he would be leaving them, track. What a wonderful jour-
Thomas said he didn’t know ney! What a wonderful Lord
where Jesus was going or how and Savior!
to get there.
I like Thomas’s honest ques-
tions. He doesn’t hide his con-
fusion. Sometimes Christians
think they need to know all the
answers. But Jesus doesn’t scold Dear God, thank you that
Thomas for not understanding. through Jesus we have a
He gives him directions. Jesus way to get with you. Help
tells Thomas the way to navi-
us to follow Jesus, our way,
gate successfully. And that way
truth, and life. Amen.
is Jesus himself. If the goal of life
John 14:15-21 FRIDAY, APRIL 11

NEVER ALONE
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
 —John 14:18

One of my childhood memo- this unspeakably good promise:

ries is of waking from a nap on “I will not leave you as orphans;
a stormy Sunday afternoon to I will come to you.”
find myself alone in our house.
There are two ways Jesus made
Neither my parents nor a sin-
good on this promise in his dis-
gle one of my seven siblings
ciples’ lives and in ours. First, he
were anywhere to be found.
did come back, personally and
Frightened, I ran to a neighbor’s
physically. He rose from the
home. I was comforted by the
dead, having defeated death.
presence of familiar faces. As
He walked out of the tomb.
it turned out, my family was
Jesus’ resurrection secures our
in the barn watching our horse
place in the family of God. We
give birth to a colt we named
are not orphans. We are heirs
Lightning.
with the risen Christ. Second,
Being left alone can be frighten- Jesus has sent us his Spirit, who
ing. Jesus describes it as being is with us always. Indeed, we
orphaned. With tender urgency, are never alone.
he comforted and prepared
his disciples for the events that
were nearly upon them. Soon
their friend and teacher would Faithful God, thank you
be brutally arrested, beaten, and for your promise that we
crucified. Jesus knew that would are not orphans but heirs.
frighten his disciples. He knew Help us to trust that by
they would feel abandoned, or- your Spirit, Jesus is with us
phaned, alone. So he gave them always. Amen.
John 15:1-9 SATURDAY, APRIL 12

REMAINING IN CHRIST
“I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I
in you, you will bear much fruit.”  —John 15:5

I’ve attended many weddings our lives will flourish because

recently. One point emphasized we are connected to Jesus.
in nearly every wedding “mes-
This great truth is something
sage” I heard was the work in-
to celebrate, but it also makes
volved in being married. Stay­ing
us responsible. Jesus calls us to
connected to one another in a
stay connected. We are given
mutual relationship of love and
responsibility in our relation-
fidelity does not happen auto-
ship with Jesus. We are called
matically. It takes effort. It takes
to remain in him. We do that
commitment. It takes intention-
by being steeped in God’s Word
ality to remain together until
and by participating in a com-
death does its work of separa-
munity of believers who feast
tion. Simply put, it takes work!
together at the Lord’s table. We
Jesus says something similar to remain in Christ through prayer
his disciples. He indicates that and through loving others as
he and his followers are already Christ commanded. And the
connected, united, bonded to- fruit we bear by his power will
gether: “I am the vine, you are last forever.
the branches.” And Jesus is the
source for all that is needed. As God, you are the giver and
branches attached to the vine,
sustainer of all life. Help us
which is Jesus, we are complete-
to remain in Christ Jesus
ly dependent on him for life,
and to bear fruit for your
nourishment, and fruitbearing.
It is a tremendous blessing that kingdom. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
John 12:12-19 SUNDAY, APRIL 13

THE PALM PARADE

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the King of Israel!”  —John 12:13

Today is one of my favorite days His message in this was for the
on the church calendar. This entire world. Jesus came not
morning in many churches chil- to save one nation but to of-
dren will march up and down fer salvation to all people. “He
the aisles, singing praises and came and preached peace to
waving palm branches. There’s you who were far away and
always some delightful mishap, peace to those who were near”
such as a child who sings more (Ephesians 2:17).
exuberantly than the rest, or
It isn’t by way of weapons or
a youngster who tries to take
war horses that Jesus saves.
someone else’s bigger branch.
Jesus came to lay down his life
I learned recently that the so that all people might claim
palm branches in Jesus’ day him as Lord and King. Hosanna
had patriotic meaning. Rebels in the highest!
rising against Rome would
mint coins stamped with palm
branches on them. So, as Jesus
entered Jerusalem to the wav-
ing of palms, the scene spoke
of Israel’s national hopes, hopes Blessed are you, our Lord
that were pinned on him. and King, for you came to
bring peace and salvation
Likewise Jesus chose to make to all people. Equip us to
his entry on a donkey, a hum- join you in that great call-
ble symbol of both kingship and ing. In your name we pray.
peace. But Jesus wasn’t the po- Amen.
litical king the people ­expected.
John 16:16-21 MONDAY, APRIL 14

GRIEF TO JOY
“You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
 —John 16:20

Some of us know the deep grief teach­­ing. And great joy would
of being separated from a loved overwhelm them.
one. When we are steeped in
We can say more about the joy
grief, it’s hard to imagine that we
Jesus promised. It is for us as
could ever experience joy again.
well. We too wait for Jesus to
Jesus knows that about us.
return. And although we will
My husband and I once served continue to face situations and
a two-year term in East Africa. losses that will cause us grief,
One of the hardest parts was to we do not grieve without hope.
leave our dear family members Our hope is in Christ Jesus and
back home. Toward the end of the saving work he finished
our term some of our family for us. In believing and receiv-
members came to visit. I had ing the forgiveness and new
never before experienced such life Jesus has won for us, one
great anticipation and joy over a day our joy will be complete.
family reunion. A family reunion like no other
awaits us. Let’s rejoice and be
Jesus knew his disciples would
glad!
grieve when he left them. But
he assured them that their grief Gracious God, sometimes
would not last. In fact, their our hearts are weighed
grief would turn to joy because down with grief. Reassure
there would be a reunion. Their us that our hope is in
friend, teacher, and brother Christ, who will lead us
would be among them once into joy. In his name,
again—talking, eating, and
Amen.
John 17:6-19 TUESDAY, APRIL 15

THE BEST PROTECTION PLAN

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you
protect them from the evil one.” —John 17:15

Sometimes Christians are ac- for his disciples’ protection if

cused of “pie in the sky” think- there were no real threat?
ing. Some people say that our
The evil one is real. He schemes
minds are so fixed on heaven
to undo God’s good work in
that we’re of no earthly good.
our world. And he often tar-
Perhaps we’ve been wrongly
gets us, Jesus’ followers. So real
accused. Or could the critics be
is the danger of the evil one’s
at least partly right?
plots that Jesus asks the Father
The truth is, Jesus spoke of to protect us.
heaven, but mostly he spoke
Yet think about it. Could there
of God’s kingdom in our world.
be a better protection plan?
The mission he entrusted to his
Jesus himself is praying for us. As
followers was not about pining
we work with the Lord to grow
for heaven but about making
his kingdom here on earth, the
disciples and growing God’s
power and presence of almighty
kingdom here on earth. And as
God is with us—always!
Jesus prayed for his disciples, he
clearly pointed out one of the
fiercest challenges they would Lord, thank you that your
face: the evil one.
power is infinitely greater
The work of the evil one is the than that of the evil one.
work of undoing. We don’t Thank you for protect-
talk about this ugly truth often ing us. May your kingdom
enough. But here’s a question to come here on earth, we
consider: Why would Jesus pray pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 17:20-26 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

LETTING THE WORLD KNOW

“I in them and you in me. . . . Then the world will know that you
sent me.”  —John 17:23

There’s a lot of togetherness in intimate relationship with him

Jesus’ prayer for all believers. and with other believers. This
Jesus prays that all believers will is a beautiful and joyful com-
be one and that the Father and munion—God and his people
Christ himself will be “in” all joined together in purpose and
believers. unity. Jesus said that when we
get this right—when we share
Opening our hearts and lives to
and celebrate the love of God
God and to one another is foun-
in Christian community—the
dational to living for the Lord
world is compelled to enter in.
who calls us. It shouldn’t sur-
Do you find that to be true?
prise us, for this is the way that
God—the Father, Son, and Holy Jesus is at the leading edge of
Spirit, three in one—lives, in a showing the world the full of
relationship of deepest fellow- extent of God’s love. May that
ship and love with each other. love be evident through every
Christian community.
What should surprise us is that
we are invited into that holy
fellowship. The psalmist mar- Loving God, we long to
vels that the God of the uni- show the world the love
verse even pays attention to us:
that you showed in send-
“What is mankind that you are
ing Jesus. Help us to live in
mindful of them, human be-
ings that you care for them?”
ways that draw others to
(Psalm 8:4). In sending Jesus to join in communion with
live in our world, God opens you and one another. In
the way for us to enter into an Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 18:28-40 THURSDAY, APRIL 17

A TRUE AND OTHER-WORLDLY KINGDOM

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
 —John 18:36

In the three-act play Our Town around him. Pilate could not
by Thornton Wilder, the audi- see beyond the Roman Empire
ence senses through the nar- to the kingdom Jesus was bring-
rator that there is more going ing in. We might say that what
on than meets the eye. There’s Pilate couldn’t see was even
more than a simple story being more real and true than what
presented. In other words, the he could see.
drama is taking place within the
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not
bigger drama of real life.
of this world.” Jesus’ kingdom is
What happens to Jesus in our not established or maintained
story today is dramatic. Jesus by military might. Jesus’ king-
has already been betrayed, dom runs on an economy of
arrested, questioned, and as- love and grace. And it cannot
saulted. He is sent to stand trial fail. Our lives today are under
before Pilate, the Roman gover- Jesus’ reign—within his true,
nor, who also questions Jesus. ­other-worldly, and eternal king-
Now, Pilate can’t quite figure dom. What a great comfort and
out why this non-threatening joy!
figure would cause the Jewish
leaders so much concern. Pilate Eternal God, we rejoice
must have found it amusing that Jesus is King and that
and even ridiculous that Jesus his kingdom is established
claimed to be a king. by the power of love.
Equip us for your kingdom
Sadly, Pilate could not see the work, we pray. In Jesus’
whole picture. He could not
name, Amen.
see the bigger drama unfolding
John 19:28-30 FRIDAY, APRIL 18

“IT IS FINISHED”
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
 —John 19:30

“It is finished.” This three-word cross because of his great love

sentence may be the most im- for the world—which includes
portant sentence ever uttered. you and me. God’s love for you
We can understand more about and me put Jesus on the cross
its meaning by considering it and kept him there until his dy-
in Greek, the language of the ing breath.
New Testament. In Greek the
Also completed by Jesus was
entire sentence is only one
our cleansing, the payment and
word. Even more interesting
forgiveness for all our sin. Jesus
is that the tense of the word
accomplished our reconcilia-
signals an action completed in
tion with God. Jesus carried and
the past with an ongoing effect
paid for all our sin, once and for
in the present. In other words,
all. We are freed and forgiven
Jesus is saying that something’s
and are now heirs with Christ in
been completed and that it has
the family of God. What won-
meaning for us still today.
drous love this is!
So what has been finished? The
Bible provides at least two an-
swers. First, what’s been com-
Gracious God, you have
pleted is the great revelation of poured out your love on us
the love of God to the world. through the cross of Christ,
“For God so loved the world our Lord. Our hearts over-
that he gave his one and only flow with thanks for your
Son . . .” (John 3:16). On this wondrous love. Hear our
Good Friday it’s critical to know grateful prayer, in Jesus’
that Jesus went the way of the name. Amen.
John 19:38-42 SATURDAY, APRIL 19

HOPE IN THE GARDEN

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden. . . .
 —John 19:41

Today is sometimes called Dark How will you live this day?
Saturday. It’s the day Jesus’ body Likely you will eat and laugh
lay lifeless, breathless, in a dark and perhaps enjoy some lei-
garden tomb. Today is a strange sure time. Will you also spend
in-between kind of day. Perhaps some time in expectant hope?
our hearts still mourn the stinging Consider that there, in a garden
reality that Jesus’ death was about tomb, lay the hope of the en-
our sin and about our wandering tire world. Give thanks that the
away from a loving God. One who gave his life, out of
love for us, has won the victory
But perhaps our hearts are also
over death and hell. Let your
beginning to thrill at the hope
heart anticipate tomorrow, a
of what tomorrow will bring.
day of wonder. There’s resurrec-
When you think about it, that’s
tion hope in that garden!
where we live our lives. We live
between what’s been already ac-
complished for us in Christ, and
the hope of what is yet to come.
The truth is that while Jesus’ God of wonder, our hearts
body lay in the grave, the world both grieve and hope.
still turned, children played, Forgive our ways of wan-
families sat down to eat, and dering from you. Help us,
life, for many, went on as usual. with joy, to celebrate the
The same is probably true for resurrection hope that is
us, even as we take note of this ours through Jesus Christ,
day, this week, in the twenty- our Lord. Amen.
first century.
John 20:1-10 SUNDAY, APRIL 20

A DAY LIKE NO OTHER

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary
Magdalene went to the tomb . . . . —John 20:1

In the church I serve we will God created and loves. Because

greet one another this morn- Jesus is risen, life for us is for-
ing with the greeting “Christ ever anchored in good news.
is risen!” and the response will
Christ’s resurrection gloriously
be “He is risen indeed!” We
demonstrates that God’s sov-
join centuries of Christians in
ereign love has the last word.
marking this day as the day
As a powerful hymn puts it,
that changed everything. We
“No power of hell, no human
celebrate the amazing truth that
plan, can ever pluck me from
although Jesus was dead, he’s
his hand.” We now live in the
now alive forevermore. Christ
joyful assurance that because
Jesus rose victorious over death.
Christ lives, we too will live for
He is risen!
all eternity.
It’s interesting to notice how
Christ is risen! He is risen in-
John, the gospel writer, anchors
deed!
the event of the resurrection
to a day, a time, and a witness.
On a particular day in history,
early in the morning, while it Living God, our hearts
was still dark, Mary Magdalene are lifted to you in praise
saw that the stone had been and thanks that the grave
moved away from Jesus’ tomb. could not hold our Lord
John wants to be clear. The res- Jesus. He is risen! Help us
urrection of Jesus happened on to live joyfully, hopefully,
earth’s soil, in our time, for the and boldly in the power of
benefit of us humans whom his resurrection. Amen.
John 20:11-18 MONDAY, APRIL 21

NAME RECOGNITION
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in
Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). —John 20:16

Mary was participating in one wasn’t fanfare, lightning bolts,

of the oldest dramas in the or the blasting of trumpets that
world: she stood at the grave helped Mary see her Lord.
of a loved one and wept. Many She recognized Jesus when he
of us have been there too. And called her name: “Mary.”
perhaps, like Mary, as grief
Jesus calls your name too. In the
swelled, it was hard to see Jesus
midst of your grief, Jesus is near.
in the midst of it.
He cares about your loss and
In her deep sorrow, Mary didn’t pain. He lived, died, and rose
recognize that it was Jesus who again so that you might have
stood near her. In fact, she hope and comfort, even in the
mistook him for the gardener. depth of your sorrows. Jesus
Ironically, Mary was wrong at knows your name and speaks it
one level, but right at another. in love. Take time today to lis-
For Jesus, through his life, death, ten and answer.
and resurrection, had come to
bring order to the chaos that had
invaded God’s world. Jesus came
to plant seeds of new creation, God of grace, thank you
to uproot the thorns and thistles, that in Jesus we see how
the sin and pain and decay of much you love us. Enable
this world—and to replace them me to hear him speak-
with the blossoms of forgiveness, ing my name. Help me
grace, and everlasting life. enter into the comfort of
But perhaps what is most strik-
his ­
risen presence. In his
ing about this scene is that it name, Amen.
John 20:19-22 TUESDAY, APRIL 22

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
 —John 20:19

What do you fear? Fear is per- so, united to him in perfect

vasive in our world. We fear love, they could live without
that harm might befall our chil- fear (see 1 John 4:18).
dren or that our finances won’t
In addition, Jesus breathed on
be secure. We fear what others
his disciples. He actually ex-
may think of us or what others
haled his Spirit into them, who
may do to us.
would always be with them as
Jesus’ disciples were afraid that they were sent out to serve him.
what happened to Jesus might
You see, the peace of Christ isn’t
also happen to them. And then
simply a matter of a calm, cozy
Jesus showed up among them.
feeling. For us it’s a matter of
“Peace be with you!” he said,
being sent, unafraid, as Christ’s
and he repeated it more than
witnesses into the world, trust-
once to his frazzled followers.
ing that the Spirit of Christ will
At first blush one might think
lead and guide and be with us
Jesus was out of touch with
always.
how his disciples were feeling.
Jesus knew about their fear but
offered assurance that his risen God of peace, you send
presence with them meant us as your disciples into a
peace. Jesus’ risen presence world filled with turmoil.
among them signaled that they Fill us with the peace of
too were conquerors and had Christ so that we may be
nothing to fear from earthly channels of that peace to
powers. Jesus now reigns over others. We pray in Jesus’
every square inch of this world, name. Amen.
John 20:24-29 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

BELIEVING AND NOT SEEING

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed.” —John 20:29

After a traumatic encounter But Jesus gently addressed

with a storm when she was Thomas’s assumption. After in-
six, my daughter developed viting Thomas to see and touch
an intense fear of wind. She his wounds, Jesus said, “Because
was convinced that when the you have seen me, you have
wind blew hard, one of the believed; blessed are those who
trees around our home would have not seen and yet have be-
come smashing through our lieved.”
roof. Wisely, a trusted friend
Jesus declares that all who be-
reassured her that what she
lieve and haven’t seen are truly
couldn’t see was an enormous
blessed. That includes you and
root system that secured each
me! Believing is about trusting
tree in place. Eventually she
God’s sovereign love revealed
was persuaded and believed.
through Jesus by God’s Word
Following the traumatic events and Spirit. God plants the seed
of Jesus’ death and resurrection, of faith in us and helps us be-
Jesus’ disciples were dizzied by lieve, even when we cannot
shifting emotions. How could it see. Blessed are we!
be that Jesus went from being
dead to alive, from lying motion-
less in a tomb to walking and
talking? Thomas said he wouldn’t Lord, help us to see how
believe until he saw Jesus with his blessed we are to believe.
own eyes and touched him with Grow our faith, that we
his own hands. Thomas thought may share it with others.
that seeing was the only way to In Jesus’ name, Amen.
­believing.
John 20:30-31 THURSDAY, APRIL 24

A DISCIPLE’S PURPOSE
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah,
the Son of God . . . . —John 20:31

The apostle John has recorded about Jesus, you are assured
what he has witnessed and of God’s love and forgiveness,
experienced of Jesus’ mission and you are equipped to live as
here on earth. John has writ- God’s child.
ten down many—but not all—
It’s almost as if John is looking
of Jesus’ words, teachings, and
down a corridor leading into
miracles (or “signs”). But John
the future, and what he sees at
isn’t reporting these things as a
the end is your face. The mes-
hobby, as a news reporter, or
sage is for you. Jesus loves you.
even as a historian. John states
Jesus came to earth and died
that his purpose for writing is
for you. Jesus arose from the
“that you may believe.”
dead for you.
The book of John is one of the
Believe! And have life in his
most translated books in his-
name!
tory. Missionaries who translate
the Bible into other languages
often begin with the Gospel of
John because it so clearly de-
Almighty God, thank you
livers the saving truth, in story
form, to those who read it. But
for John’s message about
John’s message is much more the saving work of Jesus.
than a story to be read and then Help me to believe that
set aside. Rather, it is aimed di- the message is for me and
rectly at people’s hearts and to embrace the abundant
promises abundant and eternal life Jesus offers. In his
life! In believing John’s message name, Amen.
John 21:1-14 FRIDAY, APRIL 25

GONE FISHING
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
 —John 21:10

Seven of Jesus’ disciples have their vocational efforts with his

gone fishing. Perhaps after ex- goodness and power. Then he
periencing the shocking events also called them to offer their
of Jesus’ horrible death and work, to bring the fruits of their
his startling resurrection, they labor (some fish) back to him.
needed to do something famil-
It’s the same for us. Jesus en-
iar. Or maybe it was simply for
ables us to use our gifts, talents,
practical reasons—for income
treasures, and vocations to the
and basic survival they may
glory of God. In addition, we
have needed to return to work.
are called to offer the fruits of
Whatever the reason, Jesus’ dis-
our work, to share the blessings
ciples went fishing, and when
we have received so that others
things were not going well,
can benefit, also to God’s glory.
Jesus showed up with a miracle.
What do you have? What have
John makes clear that the main
you been given? What gift, trea-
purpose for this miraculous res-
sure, or talent can you offer in
urrection appearance was to
service to the Lord today?
provide another opportunity
for Jesus’ disciples to witness his
risen presence and divine pow-
er. But there are other messages Lord, help me to see you
in this story as well. at work in my everyday
living. Help me to use the
Did you notice that Jesus en- gifts and talents you’ve giv-
gaged the disciples on their own en me and to offer them
turf, as they were going about back to you. Amen.
their everyday lives? Jesus blessed
John 21:15-19 SATURDAY, APRIL 26

FEED MY SHEEP
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
 —John 21:17

It’s hard to miss the repetition in But Jesus gives even more than
these verses. Three times Jesus a second chance. He also gives
asks essentially the same ques- a command.
tion. Three times Simon Peter
Jesus gives Peter the responsibil-
answers in a similar way. Three
ity to graciously tend the sheep
times Jesus responds with near-
of Jesus’ flock. I’ve heard that a
ly the same command.
good way to summarize Jesus’
“Simon . . . do you love me?” three commands is this: Take
“Yes, Lord, you know that I really good care of the people I
­
love you.” place in your path.
“Feed my sheep.”
Of course, the command isn’t
In this triple exchange between only for Peter. It’s for all of us!
Jesus and Peter, we hear a note Jesus says to you today, “Take
of grace. We are reminded that really good care of the people I
when Jesus was arrested, Peter place in your path.”
denied his Lord three times,
just as Jesus said he would.
Three times Peter disconnected Tender Shepherd, thank
himself from Jesus and claimed you for being the God of
he did not know him. Now, af- second chances. Help us
ter Jesus’ resurrection, the Lord to embrace the calling you
gives Peter another chance. give us to care for the peo-
Three times Jesus gives Peter an ple you place in our paths.
opportunity to express his love We pray in your name.
for him. And three times, Peter Amen.
does. What a gift!
John 21:20-23 SUNDAY, APRIL 27

FOLLOWING JESUS
Jesus answered . . .“You must follow me.”
 —John 21:22

Do you know someone who not what we must focus on.

likes to ask lots of questions? I The main point is to follow him.
do that sometimes. My husband
Following Jesus is not just a
can verify this. The problem
one-time decision. It’s a daily
comes when I get too caught
one. Daily you and I must de-
up in the details of something
cide whom to follow. But the
and miss the main point.
Spirit helps us in this. Reading
I think that’s what’s happening God’s Word and daily prayer
here to Peter. Peter is asking also keep us focused on walk-
a question that misses Jesus’ ing in the footsteps of Jesus and
point. Peter is wondering about showing his love and care as we
what Jesus has in store for John. go. In our lives today, let’s “keep
Jesus tells Peter he doesn’t need the main thing, the main thing.”
to worry about that. It almost
sounds like Jesus is scolding
Peter. Perhaps it’s more accu-
rate to say that Jesus is urging
Peter to “keep the main thing,
the main thing.” And the main
thing is to follow Jesus. Loving God, you have
given us Jesus, and you call
Jesus has put his finger on a
us to follow him. Help us
temptation we all struggle with.
We look at others and wonder
to be faithful followers and
about God’s dealings with them to show his love and grace
in comparison to God’s dealings today. We pray in Jesus’
with us. Jesus is telling us that’s name. Amen.
John 21:24-25 MONDAY, APRIL 28

MORE THAN WE CAN IMAGINE

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were
written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have
room for the books that would be written. —John 21:25

It’s called hyperbole. That’s the Sometimes we may think we

literary device John uses here to have Jesus completely figured
express his thoughts about the out. But that’s impossible. Jesus
astonishing signs and wonders is always more than what we
of Jesus. John is using wonder can wrap our minds around.
and imagination to say that
Thankfully, Jesus wants to be
Jesus’ life and teachings and all
known, and he reveals himself
the amazing things he did were
to us. He shows that he is God,
so great that the world could
that he is the way, the truth,
barely contain them all.
and the life. In receiving his love
Hyperbole is a tool that helps and forgiveness, Jesus becomes
us express the inexpressible, our brother, friend, and Savior.
to say what words cannot fully In the words of another church
say. John’s words clue us in to song, “Jesus is all the world to
the fact that no human agent me”!
can fully capture the divine.
Who Jesus is and what he has
done cannot be adequately
transcribed by human hands
and grasped by human minds. O God, your love is ­greater
Jesus is more than what can be than we can imagine.
expressed in words. “Oh, for a Thank you for your salva-
thousand tongues to sing my tion, revealed and offered
great Redeemer’s praise,” says to us in Christ Jesus. May
one of the church’s hymns. our hearts and lives over-
flow with thanks. Amen.
John 1:1-14 TUESDAY, APRIL 29

GOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
 —John 1:14

In The Message, a paraphrase Claus in the sky who blesses

of the Bible, Eugene Peterson all who show good behavior.
articulates John 1:14 this way: But that’s not what the Bible
“The Word became flesh and teaches.
blood, and moved into the
The Bible teaches that God
neighborhood.”
got his hands and feet dirty
It’s unthinkable, really. What with our soil. God came to be
reigning king, with access to all with us, close enough to touch,
the riches and privileges of his close enough for us to hold
position, would willingly move him in our arms. He became
into slums? The apostle Paul one of us. And the Son of God
says Jesus “made himself noth- eventually stretched his arms
ing by taking the very nature out on a cross, for our forgive-
of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). ness, peace, and joy. And by his
God the Son, who with the Spirit, he’s still in our neighbor-
Father and Spirit created our hood. Thanks be to God!
universe, set aside the splendor
of his heavenly position and
moved into our neighborhood. Thank you, gracious Lord,
for taking on our flesh
One of the most important and blood. You know us.
questions to answer as a believ- Remind us that you are still
er pursuing faith is, What is my in our neighborhood, and
picture of God? For some, God help us to live our lives for
is a distant figure with little to you. Through Jesus Christ
no interaction in our world. For we pray. Amen.
others, God is like a giant Santa
John 3:16-17 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

AMAZING LOVE
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
 —John 3:16

I don’t know what’s on your was for you that he went the
heart. I don’t know what you way of the cross. For you Christ
believe. As you read John 3:16, broke the bonds of death and
which is probably the most arose on the third day. For you
well known verse of the Bible, I he reigns and will one day re-
don’t know what comes to your turn. I pray that you will know
mind. this good news deep in your
heart.
What I do know is that the
world we live in is full of pain When we know the truth, we
and strife. Just this morning on cannot keep quiet. This news is
the news I saw images of chaos meant to be shared.
and violence—again. The world
Friends, live gratefully and tell
that God created good is not
the good news!
the way it’s supposed to be. And
that’s because of human sin. I’m
quite sure you see evidence of
that in the world around you
and in your own life too.
Eternal God, you are the
What I want you to know is beginning and the end.
that as I write this meditation, You hold this world in
I am praying for you. It is my love. You hold my life in
prayer that you will hear the your hands. Inspire me to
good news of John 3:16 and share the good news and
know it is for you. God loves to live with joy and thanks.
you deeply. It was for you that In Christ’s name, Amen.
Christ Jesus came to earth. It
 1946358

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