As Sent Ones, disciples intentionally
immerse themselves in Holy Week to connect with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
John 20:21
“As the Father sent me, so I am sending you” -
We set aside our normal devotional routine (the Great Sending readings included) and let the words of our precious Lord Jesus pour over us and into us as we meditate on what He said on the cross -- and later after rising from the grave.
Words from Jesus on the Cross
John 19:26
The Third Word
(spoken to His mother Mary) Dear woman, here is your son;
(spoken to His disciple John) Behold, your mother.
Pondering Point
What does Mary’s presence at the crucifixion stir in you emotionally? What do you think it would be like for her to watch her son’s suffering and death?
As a backdrop, read this part of Jesus’ birth story in Luke 2:21-40, where God foretells the redemption of Jerusalem and all of mankind. God also foretells a painful time for Mary herself.
Luke 2:21-40
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Words from Jesus after the Cross
John 21:15-17
Feed My Sheep
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
Pondering Point
Much has been made of the post-resurrection conversation Jesus had with Peter. Many see the three questions asked of Peter as a parallel to the three denials uttered by Peter the night of Jesus’ arrest.
It makes sense.
Consider similar accounts reaching out to Peter after his denial. Angels at the empty tomb tell the women specifically to include Peter in the summons to meet Jesus in Galilee (Mark 16:7). Jesus visits Peter personally the day of His resurrection (Luke 24:34). Jesus seems to be going out of His way to include Peter in the fold. Or maybe it is better expressed that Jesus is working hard to make sure that Peter does not exclude himself from Jesus based on his personal failures. Nor should you exclude yourself based on your past failures.
Prayer
Father God, how many times have I failed to honor You in one way or another, yet Your love and mercy, Your grace and kindness continue to flow to me in the name of Jesus. Let me become a faithful disciple, a faithful follower in the name of Jesus my Lord and Savior. Amen.
• As with all the sheep of Jesus’ fold, I am a beloved child of God through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection – and I celebrate our life in Him. Hallelujah!