Category Archives: Folders
Good Friday 2021: “It is Finished” (John 19:28-30)
According to John, the last word of Jesus on the cross was “it is finished.” What exactly was accomplished? Three things: payment, defeat, and reconciliation. The payment for our sins have been completed. The devil and death has been defeated. The reconciliation between enemies and between God and the whole creation.
Continue readingMarch 28: “The Last Temptation of Jesus” (Luke 23:32-43)
There were three insults hurled at Jesus on the cross. The insults contained the voice of the devil, tempting Jesus to abandon the cross. Jesus did not give into the last temptation. But he stayed on the cross to die as a ransom for many. The cross seemed to be Jesus’ moment of weakness and […]
Continue readingMarch 21: “Peter’s Denial” (John 13:36-14:1)
All four Gospel authors tell us about the denial of Peter. Peter’s failure shows the reality that all of us fail, that we can trust Jesus in the midst of our failures, and that we are loved despite our failures. Peter’s failure and restoration tell us the good news of God’s grace.
Continue readingMarch 14: “A Covenant Meal” (Matthew 26:26-29)
For Jews, the Passover was a celebration of three things. They were celebrating their God and his work of redemption. They were celebrating the sacrifice of the lamb and a hope for a new exodus from the oppressive Roman empire. During the meal, Jesus shifted the focus from the lamb to himself as the new […]
Continue readingMarch 7: “Live Generously, Spend Wisely” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Wealth is uncertain because it belongs to this present age. When we realize that our possessions are God’s gifts for this age, we can use our wealth with a view to the coming age. Instead of hoarding, we can hold our wealth loosely, spend consciously, and give generously. When we live generously in response to […]
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