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The Centurion, the Astonished April 22, 2011
The centurion’s confession helps us see the good in Good Friday – because it helps us see God in Christ.
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The Apostles, the Servant Leaders April 21, 2011
Jesus’ twelve disciples were a diverse and varied group – and from a human perspective probably of questionable quality for such a high position.
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Pilate, the Thinker April 13, 2011
Every time we say the Apostles’ Creed, we point out that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate.”
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One of the Mob, the Follower April 6, 2011
Group pressures also affect us. We still give in to the pressures of the mob. “Everyone else is doing it” is one of our favorite excuses for sinning.
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Nicodemus, the Silent Believer March 30, 2011
In thinking about people of the passion, I wonder sometimes whether Nicodemus might have felt any remorse that he did not do more to prevent Jesus’ suffering and death.
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Peter, the Born Leader March 23, 2011
Peter, from who we might expect the most, the one who professed most boldly his loyalty to Jesus would more vehemently deny even knowing him.
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Judas, the Opportunist March 16, 2011
“How,” we ask, “could Judas be one of Jesus’ trusted disciples and then deliberately turn him over to his enemies to suffer and die?
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Caiaphas, the Schemer March 9, 2011
We count many villains among the people of the passion, but who was the world of all?
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Lent Lent is the 40 day period which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends Easter Sunday. The 40 days of Lent do not include the Sundays during Lent. Instead, each Sunday is intended to be a mini-Easter celebrating Christ’s resurrection and victory. Many churches hold special Lenten services in which the focus is Jesus’ final sufferings and death to rescue all sinners. Lent is a time of repentance and spiritual preparation. Traditionally, it has been a time when Christians re-examine their spiritual life. As part of their spiritual preparation during Lent, Christians will sometimes will make changes or sacrifices in their lives, including: choosing to fast, giving up some food or luxury, praying more often, spending more time reading the Bible and devotional literature, engaging more often in public worship, devoting more time in service to the church or charity. The liturgical color purple is used during the season of Lent. Traditionally, purple was the color royalty wore as a symbol of mourning. Since Lent is a time of repentance and mourning over our sins as we consider what our sins cost our Savior, purple is a fitting color.
Prayer for Lent O Savior of the world, in this Lenten season I think especially of Your great love for me and all humankind. Without you this world would be without hope. The terrible story of sin and guilt and death frightens me. But I know you have made everything right that was wrong. With you I find peace. Because of your great sacrifice on the cross the devil has lost his power over me. I am yours, and as your child I am safe. Teach me to love you ever more, Lord Jesus, so that I will have a greater desire to serve you in the great work of your church on earth. Give me courage to speak for you without fear. I am much too hesitant about telling friends about you and about asking those who do not know you to attend church services with me. I pray, give me the desire and ability to invite them to worship with me. Help me thus to tell others the good news of your atoning sacrifice. In your gracious name I ask it. Amen.
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