John 20:15–16 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Read the context I can hardly imagine the emotions Mary was experiencing—the grief of watching her teacher die, the fear of not knowing what comes next. And then,...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 24:5b–7 “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Read the context They went searching for a dead man—but found an empty tomb. Do you still expect death in a place of life? You don’t have to live with their expectation. He is not here! The angel’s question still echoes...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 23:50-53 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. Read the context Born to a family in Israel. He was known as the son of the...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 23:44-46 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Read the context On Good Friday —Jesus is hangs from a cross. The sun stops shining. God forsakes his son. The promised Messiah dies. What could possibly be good about that? As he gives up...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 22:39-42 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Read the context A cup of suffering is placed before Jesus. On the night before his crucifixion, will he run from it? In this moment before the pain he turns...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings... Read the context The ancient Israelites were separated from God's presence by a curtain in the temple. Only the High Priest could enter that...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 22:19-20 And he [Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Read the context For centuries, Jewish believers celebrated the Passover. At this last Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus instituted a new meal: Holy Communion. He gives us his body with the bread – his...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 20:17-18 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Read the context Before cement foundations, you needed a solid cornerstone. With that first stone down, the rest of the building would align. Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith: He's the foundation rejected by...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Luke 19:37-38 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Read the context The lights go down at the sold-out show. The band begins the set with their most popular song. Could you silence that crowd? Today we join the crowd that follows Jesus. The crowd...
10 days ago • 1 min read