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Today is Maundy Thursday – the day we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. It is also an appropriate day to reflect upon the love that sent Jesus to the cross.

Today in our Luke in Lent Blog we find ourselves past the Last Supper and on to the Crucifixion of Jesus. We read today how Jesus was lead away to the cross, how his body placed on the cross, how he died on the cross and how he was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb.

In this passage we see the depth of human sin (the mocking of Jesus and the crowd’s lack of compassion) and the fullness of God’s grace (“Father forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.”).  We also experience Jesus’ faithfulness to God.   Though reading of Jesus’ journey to the cross is painful, it is powerful and should have great meaning for us.

Therefore, as we prepare ourselves for Easter ask yourself, “Why should this passage be central to our resurrection faith?” “How do we experience God’s grace through Christ’s faithfulness?” “How can our daily living honor the sacrifice Jesus made for us?”

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We encounter a tense political scene in the opening passages of Luke 23. Tensions between Rome & Pilate and Herod &Pilate further muddy the waters of the already heated religious community. In reading about the tension between Herod and Pilate and the passing back and forth of the prisoner Jesus, one can almost taste the fear and the anger of the time period. And amazingly, it is here, in the midst of this volatile environment, that we see Jesus continue to minister to those who gathered around him.

Though it would be easy for us to turn and run from the prospect of death on a cross, Jesus continued to challenge the “authorities” in the Roman empire, as well as in the Jewish religious community.   He also offered love and guidance to those who grieved for him as walked to his death.

Therefore, as we prepare for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, it is important that we ask ourselves, “What does it mean to belong to a God who loves us so selflessly?” and “What does faithfulness look like when the world challenges our beliefs and our morals?”

It is also interesting today to think about the role that Pilate played in the death of Jesus.  Pilate is often labeled the villain, and while he should be held accountable for his actions, it is easy to see that Pilate was between a rock and a hard place – two sets of expectations were cornering him and making it extremely difficult for him to do the right thing. Have you ever been in such a situation? Have you ever felt that you needed to comprise the truth in order to save yourself?  What would it look like if we dedicated ourselves solely to the Truth of Jesus Christ and did not worry about the personal consequences?

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In our reading for today, we explore the immediate events that send Jesus to the cross and how God was intimately involved in the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  Luke 22:31-71 is an emotional story that reminds of the power and pain associated with the Cross.

As we approach Good Friday and Easter what is the role of the cross in your life? Why is it important that we reflect on the pain and agony that Jesus experienced before his death in order to fully appreciate Good Friday and Easter?

Another theme in today’s reading is denial and betrayal – Jesus’ predicts that he will be denied and betrayed, and Peter, under pressures, proves to the be the one who loves him but can’t stand up for him.  Can you think of times in your faith journey when it has been easier to deny Jesus than to stand up for the the Truth?  Are there where your daily living denies the power of our Loving and Gracious Lord?

As we take one step closer to the cross today, carve out some time today to spend with God, and ask God to give you the strength you need to live fully in the Resurrection and hope of Jesus our Christ.

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Our journey to the cross picks up speed today as we see the disciples prepare for what will be their last earthly meal with Jesus. As your read today’s passage, look for how God’s hand is intimately a part of Christ’s journey to the cross – no detail is left untouched. A perfect place has been prepared for this meal, which proves to be an important gathering as it sets the stage for Judas to betray Jesus.

Judas is a man who brings up various emotions in people – he is an important player in Jesus’ death but only because of his selfish and unloving actions.  Why would God chose Judas to be a part of the story of our salvation?

The meal that Jesus shared with his disciples in today’s reading is now known as the Last Supper and is the basis for our celebration of Holy Communion.  What is the role of Holy Communion in our faith? How have you experienced Jesus through your participation at the table?

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Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, so we revisit the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem – an event that sets the scene for Jesus’ betrayal, arrest and subsequent death and resurrection.

As the story of Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem begins to unfold we can feel the excitement and anticipation his presence brings to this important city.

The people of Jerusalem were eager to welcome Jesus into their midst – so much so that all the disciples had to say when they wanted a donkey was “The Lord needs it.” No asking, no long explanation as to why the King of Man would need a donkey.  Simply put – people were honored to welcome Jesus to their city and to celebrate his presence.

However, as we read, the Pharisees were not so excited to seeing the people welcoming Jesus to their midst. It comes as no surprise that Pharisees were again made uncomfortable by Jesus’ ministry, and that their request for Jesus to temper the crowd’s enthusiasm fall flat.  In response, Jesus’ declares the depth and breadth of ministry by saying, “I tell you, if they [the people in Jerusalem] keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

So on this Palm Sunday look around you – are you shouting out with joy preparing yourself for the death and resurrection of Jesus or are the “stones” doing your work? The story of salvation cannot be contained! During this last week of Lent, let us challenge ourselves to be fully committed in joining  Christ in his journey to the cross.

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We continue on today with another odd and unsettling account in the ministry of Jesus. Here, in the closing passages of Luke 21, we read of Jesus telling his followers what the world will be like when he returns.   Jesus also teaches that we must remain watchful and continue on in the ministry he started in order to be prepared for his return to each.

It is passages such as this one that have often been misinterpreted and used to manipulate people by playing on their fears. Every few years we hear that the end times are imminent and in certain communities in our world this news causes a wave of anxiety.   Therefore, today’s passage begs the questions, “What does a world in waiting look like?” and “What should we be doing as we prepare for Christ to bringing healing and reconciliation to all of creation?”

As Christians, should we be focused on the “when” and “how” of the coming of Christ? Or is God calling us to live with hope and faith that are grounded in a Savior who promises new birth for all of God’s children? What might this look like in our day-to-day living?

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The opening section of the 21st chapter of Luke is short but powerful! Verses 1 though 4 ask us to evaluate a part of our lives that most of us are uncomfortable examining about – our money and material possessions.  The widow’s offering provides a profound example of how Jesus is calling us to live.  What makes you uncomfortable about this example? Does your life reflect the generosity and trust displayed by the widow?

The story of the widow’s offering is followed by an account of Jesus talking about the future with his disciples.  In this scripture passage Jesus paints an odd and unsettling picture of what is to come. But underlying this grim picture is the story of hope and salvation. Jesus tells his followers that while life can be difficult that he has given them the strength and the grace they need to carry on and live in love.

How does this passage relate to our Lenten journeys? How does this passage inform our daily living? As Lent is coming to a close, how do we live in the hope and grace of the Resurrection after our Easter celebrations have ended?