DISCOVER MORE : TOGETHER

Our weekly devotional content ties back to the worship themes and scriptures from the previous Sunday. Dig deeper into what the Word and the message mean to you, and explore how you can deepen your walk with Christ through these resources.

In addition to the devotional resources, the "5 Minutes with God" sections are like spiritual snacks; small, quick, easy connections you can make as you go about your busy life. 

  • PRINT

    Discover Scripture and Life


    Introduction: The resurrection happens before anyone shows up at the tomb. The story from John works through a series of human misinterpretations before arriving at understanding.  

    Bible

    John 20:1-18


    1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples returned to their homes.
      11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

    17Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her. 


      

    Questions for Reflection


    1. What was Easter like for you as a child? What happened at church? Breakfast? Sunrise Worship? What made it different?


    2. Vs 1 “while it was still dark Mary came.” Easter begins in darkness and an empty place. Easter happens in darkness, behind a stone, where no one is present. How is darkness point to Mary’s mood and the mystery of resurrection? What does that say to you?


    3. Karl Barth argues the mystery of Easter is that 1) God created a universe governed by rules. 2) God breaks the rules on Easter. The running back and forth with Mary, Peter, and the other enters into the puzzle of God both making and breaking laws of nature. Something’s amiss on Easter morning, but the disciples are not sure. What do you think? How do you make sense of Easter?


    4. How many times do the characters see, but not understand?


    5. When Jesus says, “Mary,” Easter becomes the reality of the presence of the risen Jesus to Mary. How would you describe the difference between knowing the story of Easter and knowing that Easter is for you. How is being baptized by name like the Easter experience for Mary?


    6. Jesus tells Mary not to hold on. What does that mean? Some interpret holding on as if Mary wants to go back to the past and have Jesus again just like before. Jesus is saying, no, I am with you, but it will be different. What does it mean to have a relationship with risen Jesus even though we can’t “hold on” like before?

    What is God inviting you to let go of?


    7. What does it mean for us to say, “I have seen the Lord?” What kinds of encounters of faith in God could you share?


    8. Why is Easter important for you? What do you receive from God at Easter?


               

    Discover More about the Message

    Reflect on the message you heard in person or on-line. You can listen to the message online here.

    https://firstlutherancr.org/resources/sermons

    1. What is something you heard that was interesting or engaging?
    2. Is there anything that raised a question or needed more explanation?
    3. What is one thing you take with you? It may be something to do, something to trust, or a wisdom of insight to have.

    Together with God in Prayer


    OPTION 1: ONE WORD. Take time to reflect about your day, your concerns, and how God may be speaking to you. As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling? What might God be saying to you in this word?


    OPTION 2: Reflect on the past 24 hours

    • Step 1: Ask God to calm your self and help you see your life from God’s perspective.
    • Step 2: Review the last 24 hours. What happened? What stands out? What captures your attention? What is a High and Low of this time? When did you experience God’s presence? When did you feel apart or distant from God?
    • Step 3: Give your day to God your day. Ask for forgiveness where needed. Give thanks.
    • Step 4: Look forward. How might you be more loving this day? What is God calling you to do?

    Prayer

    Who or What can you pray for today?


    Close in the Lord’s Prayer

    Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


    Five Minutes with God



    INTRODUCTION: Visio Divina is a spiritual practice you probably already know how to do. You just didn’t know there was a fancy name for it. Visio means seeing; divina means holy. So, Visio Divina means holy seeing. When you look at something beautiful like a sunrise, watch the fun of a small child playing, or look into the face of someone you love, you are practicing Visio Divina. Holy Seeing means that you look at something deeper than just with your physical eyes. You are looking with your heart. Art can be a great way to use our “heart eyes,” and this week we will practice Visio Divina with Rembrandt’s Christ and St Mary Magdalen at the Tomb. Use the link to spend time with this painting as you read John 20:1-18. Rembrandt had a lot of fun with this painting. Use your heart eyes to search out the fun and the Resurrection joy he depicts.


    SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Click here to get to the painting

  • PRINT

    Together in Community

    Check in with one another. 

    If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.

    • If there is a new person, welcome them and introduce group members.
    • (High) Share something good or eventful that you give thanks and praise for?

    Open in Prayer

    We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen. 


    5 Minutes with God—Spiritual Practice

    (Optional)



    INTRODUCTION: Visio Divina is a spiritual practice you probably already know how to do. You just didn’t know there was a fancy name for it. Visio means seeing; divina means holy. So, Visio Divina means holy seeing. When you look at something beautiful like a sunrise, watch the fun of a small child playing, or look into the face of someone you love, you are practicing Visio Divina. Holy Seeing means that you look at something deeper than just with your physical eyes. You are looking with your heart. Art can be a great way to use our “heart eyes,” and this week we will practice Visio Divina with Rembrandt’s Christ and St Mary Magdalen at the Tomb.  Use the link to spend time with this painting as you read John 20:1-18. Rembrandt had a lot of fun with this painting. Use your heart eyes to search out the fun and the Resurrection joy he depicts.


    SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Click here to get to the picture


    Discover Scripture and Life


    Introduction: The resurrection happens before anyone shows up at the tomb. The story from John works through a series of human misinterpretations before arriving at understanding.  


    Bible

    John 20:1-18

     

    1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples returned to their homes.

      11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

    17Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

                 

    Questions:

    Opening Discovery


    1. What was Easter like for you as a child? What happened at church? Breakfast? Sunrise Worship? What made it different? 


    More about the scripture


    1. Vs 1 “while it was still dark Mary came.” Easter begins in darkness and an empty place. Easter happens in darkness, behind a stone, where no one is present. How is darkness point to Mary’s mood and the mystery of resurrection? What does that say to you?


    2. Karl Barth argues the mystery of Easter is that 1) God created a universe governed by rules. 2) God breaks the rules on Easter. The running back and forth with Mary, Peter, and the other enters into the puzzle of God both making and breaking laws of nature. Something’s amiss on Easter morning, but the disciples are not sure. What do you think? How do you make sense of Easter?


    3. How many times do the characters see, but not understand?


    4. When Jesus says, “Mary,” Easter becomes the reality of the presence of the risen Jesus to Mary. How would you describe the difference between knowing the story of Easter and knowing that Easter is for you. How is being baptized by name like the Easter experience for Mary?


    5. Jesus tells Mary not to hold on. What does that mean? Some interpret holding on as if Mary wants to go back to the past and have Jesus again just like before. Jesus is saying, no, I am with you, but it will be different. What does it mean to have a relationship with risen Jesus even though we can’t “hold on” like before?


    6. What is God inviting you to let go of?



    More about Life


    1. What does it mean for us to say, “I have seen the Lord?” What kinds of encounters of faith in God could you share?


    2. Why is Easter important for you? What do you receive from God at Easter?


    Together in Prayer


    1. As you look to the coming week, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.


    2. Do you have any prayer concern that you would like to share? What is it?


    Closing Prayer

    Pray for the concerns shared in the group. Close in the Lord’s Prayer.


    You may also use this prayer.

    O God, we thank you for this time we have shared. We bring before you the joys and concerns of our heart. We pray especially for….. Grant us your healing and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.


    Lord’s Prayer

    Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


  • PRINT

    Together in Community

    • If there is a new person, welcome them and introduce group members.

    Discover Scripture and Life

    Open in Prayer

    We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence.


    Introduction: The resurrection happens before anyone shows up at the tomb. The story from John works through a series of human misinterpretations before arriving at understanding.  

    Bible

    John 20:1-18


    1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples returned to their homes.

      11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

    17Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.


     

    Question—Choose 1 (If there are 6 or more in the group, breakout in groups of 2 or 3.)


    1. What was Easter like for you as a child? What happened at church? Breakfast? Sunrise Worship? What made it different?


    2. Vs 1 “while it was still dark Mary came.” Easter begins in darkness and an empty place. Easter happens in darkness, behind a stone, where no one is present. How is darkness point to Mary’s mood and the mystery of resurrection? What does that say to you?


    3. Karl Barth argues the mystery of Easter is that 1) God created a universe governed by rules. 2) God breaks the rules on Easter. The running back and forth with Mary, Peter, and the other enters into the puzzle of God both making and breaking laws of nature. Something’s amiss on Easter morning, but the disciples are not sure. What do you think? How do you make sense of Easter?


    4. How many times do the characters see, but not understand?


    5. When Jesus says, “Mary,” Easter becomes the reality of the presence of the risen Jesus to Mary. How would you describe the difference between knowing the story of Easter and knowing that Easter is for you. How is being baptized by name like the Easter experience for Mary?


    6. Jesus tells Mary not to hold on. What does that mean? Some interpret holding on as if Mary wants to go back to the past and have Jesus again just like before. Jesus is saying, no, I am with you, but it will be different. What does it mean to have a relationship with risen Jesus even though we can’t “hold on” like before? What is God inviting you to let go of?


    7. What does it mean for us to say, “I have seen the Lord?” What kinds of encounters of faith in God could you share?


    8. Why is Easter important for you? What do you receive from God at Easter?


     

    Together in Prayer

    Connect with one another before prayer. Choose one of these options.


    Option 1: One word—As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.


    Option 2—Share High’s and Low’s

    (If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.)


    Prayer—We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.


    Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


  • March_31.docx.docxPrint

    FIVE MINUTES WITH GOD



    INTRODUCTION:  Visio Divina is a spiritual practice you probably already know how to do. You just didn’t know there was a fancy name for it. Visio means seeing; divina means holy. So, Visio Divina means holy seeing. When you look at something beautiful like a sunrise, watch the fun of a small child playing, or look into the face of someone you love, you are practicing Visio Divina. Holy Seeing means that you look at something deeper than just with your physical eyes. You are looking with your heart. Art can be a great way to use our “heart eyes,” and this week we will practice Visio Divina with Rembrandt’s Christ and St Mary Magdalen at the Tomb. Use the link to spend time with this painting as you read John 20:1-18. Rembrandt had a lot of fun with this painting. Use your heart eyes to search out the fun and the Resurrection joy he depicts.


    SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Click here to get to the picture


  • print


    Discover Scripture and Life


    Bible and Questions

    Mark 15:1-39

    Trial #1—Before the Sanhedrin during the night: They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62Jesus said, “I am; and
     ‘you will see the Son of Man
     seated at the right hand of the Power,’
     and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ”
    63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.



    Questions:

    1. Have you ever gotten a bad deal from a judge or officer?

    2. Jesus finally had to give evidence to convict, because the trial wasn’t going according to plan

    What do you make of that?

    3. There is a lot of violence in the story, which makes the terror all the more real. Thoughts.


    Trial #2: Before Pilate at dawn. 

    1As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

      6Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.


    Questions: 

    4. Who is seeking vengeance? Who is seeking punishment? Is it God or is it humanity? 

    5. Why did Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate? What’s the goal? 

    6. What’s Pilate’s over-riding concern? 

    7. Why did Jesus say nothing? Why does Jesus allow everyone else to talk? What is revealed?


    Trial #3 as King of the Jews


      16Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

      21They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. 22Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

      25It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”




    Questions: 

    Scholars argue that the terms “Messiah, Anointed, King” came about by accident of history, the trial and Pilate’s plaque that Jesus is a fake “King of the Jews.” And yet the mocking came to be seen as the truth of Jesus. From one perspective what seems an historical accidence of Pilate, from another perspective is now the truth. Philippians 2 puts this reversal of standing for Jesus this way: 


    5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

     6who, though he was in the form of God,

      did not regard equality with God

      as something to be exploited,

     7but emptied himself,

      taking the form of a slave,

      being born in human likeness.

     And being found in human form,

      8he humbled himself

      and became obedient to the point of death—

      even death on a cross.

     9Therefore God also highly exalted him

      and gave him the name

      that is above every name.


    8. How does this passage from Philippians challenge our common ideas of success? How did Jesus become successful according to this? 


    Trial #4: Crucifixion and Bargaining


    27And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.


      33When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” 36And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!

    Questions

    The crucifixion on the hill provides an extension of the trial where witnesses and bargains continue to be offered. 

    9. Have you ever sat with someone who was dying? What was that like?

    10. Jesus is offered terms for success—come down from the cross. If he had, what would have gained? What would have been lost? 

    11. Jesus quotes psalm 22 and he seems to be overwhelmed by the experience, losing hope. When you hear these words from Jesus, what is your response? Is he saying these words for show? If not, what is he communicating? 

    12. At the very end, Jesus is misunderstood. He says “My God” but others hear “Elijah.” It is almost a farce, a scene of complete misunderstanding. They offer sour wine to revive him for the end, and Jesus cries out and breathes his last, as if in total humiliation, alienation, consternation, and defeat. What are your feelings about this scene and Jesus?

    13. In all of this, what do we learn about the human heart? And the ways of the world? 

    14. How do you feel when you realize what Jesus went through, what God went through. What is God thinking about all of this? 

    The only person who speaks a word of defense or exoneration is a Roman soldier, who may or may not have understood what he was saying. The crucifixion of Jesus is an exhausting affair in Mark, filled with bad actors, misunderstanding, conniving, and a total failure of anyone having any sense what God is doing. If there is any hope, it is now taken completely out of human hands on so many levels, which makes the surprise of Easter, all the more surprising.


    Together with God in Prayer


    OPTION 1: ONE WORD. Take time to reflect about your day, your concerns, and how God may be speaking to you. As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling? What might God be saying to you in this word?


    OPTION 2: Reflect on the past 24 hours

    • Step 1: Ask God to calm your self and help you see your life from God’s perspective.
    • Step 2: Review the last 24 hours. What happened? What stands out? What captures your attention? What is a High and Low of this time? When did you experience God’s presence? When did you feel apart or distant from God?
    • Step 3: Give your day to God your day. Ask for forgiveness where needed. Give thanks.
    • Step 4: Look forward. How might you be more loving this day? What is God calling you to do?

    Prayer

    Who or What can you pray for today?


    Close in the Lord’s Prayer

    Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


    Five Minutes with God


    Let’s walk with Jesus during this Holy Week.  Read the scripture for each day and reflect on it. 

    Ask yourself as you read:

    •          What does this reading tell me about Jesus?

    •          What is meaningful for me in this reading?

     

    SUNDAY:  Mark 11:1-11—Palm Sunday

    MONDAY:  Mark 11:15-19—Clearing Out the Temple

    TUESDAY:  Mark 12:1-12—Teaching in the Temple

    WEDNESDAY:  Mark 14:3-9—Jesus is Anointed

    THURSDAY:  Mark 14:17-25—The Lord’s Supper

    FRIDAY:  Mark 15:25-39—Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death


  • Print


    Together in Community

    Check in with one another. 

    If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.

    • If there is a new person, welcome them and introduce group members.
    • (High) Share something good or eventful that you give thanks and praise for?
    Open in Prayer
    We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen. 

    5 Minutes with God—Spiritual Practice

    (Optional)

    Let’s walk with Jesus during this Holy Week.  Read the scripture for each day and reflect on it. 

    Ask yourself as you read:

    •          What does this reading tell me about Jesus?

    •          What is meaningful for me in this reading?

     

    SUNDAY:  Mark 11:1-11—Palm Sunday

    MONDAY:  Mark 11:15-19—Clearing Out the Temple

    TUESDAY:  Mark 12:1-12—Teaching in the Temple

    WEDNESDAY:  Mark 14:3-9—Jesus is Anointed

    THURSDAY:  Mark 14:17-25—The Lord’s Supper

    FRIDAY:  Mark 15:25-39—Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death


    Discover Scripture and Life



    Mark 15:1-39

    Trial #1—Before the Sanhedrin during the night: They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62Jesus said, “I am; and
     ‘you will see the Son of Man
     seated at the right hand of the Power,’
     and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ”
    63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

     

    Questions:

    • 1.      Have you ever gotten a bad deal from a judge or officer?
    • 2.      Jesus finally had to give evidence to convict, because the trial wasn’t going according to plan
    • What do you make of that?
    • 3.      There is a lot of violence in the story, which makes the terror all the more real. Thoughts.

     

    Trial #2: Before Pilate at dawn.

    1As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

      6Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

     

    Questions:

    • 4.      Who is seeking vengeance? Who is seeking punishment? Is it God or is it humanity?
    • 5.      Why did Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate? What’s the goal?
    • 6.      What’s Pilate’s over-riding concern?
    • 7.      Why did Jesus say nothing? Why does Jesus allow everyone else to talk? What is revealed?

     

    Trial #3 as King of the Jews


      16Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
      21They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. 22Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.
      25It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”

     

    Questions:

    Scholars argue that the terms “Messiah, Anointed, King” came about by accident of history, the trial and Pilate’s plaque that Jesus is a fake “King of the Jews.” And yet the mocking came to be seen as the truth of Jesus. From one perspective what seems an historical accidence of Pilate, from another perspective is now the truth. Philippians 2 puts this reversal of standing for Jesus this way:

    •  

    5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
    6who, though he was in the form of God,
      did not regard equality with God
      as something to be exploited,
    7but emptied himself,
      taking the form of a slave,
      being born in human likeness.
     And being found in human form,
      8he humbled himself
      and became obedient to the point of death—
      even death on a cross.
    9Therefore God also highly exalted him
      and gave him the name
      that is above every name.

     

    • 8.      How does this passage from Philippians challenge our common ideas of success? How did Jesus become successful according to this?

     

    Trial #4: Crucifixion and Bargaining

     

     27And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

      33When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” 36And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!

    Questions

    The crucifixion on the hill provides an extension of the trial where witnesses and bargains continue to be offered.

    • 9.      Have you ever sat with someone who was dying? What was that like?
    • 10.  Jesus is offered terms for success—come down from the cross. If he had, what would have gained? What would have been lost?
    • 11.  Jesus quotes psalm 22 and he seems to be overwhelmed by the experience, losing hope. When you hear these words from Jesus, what is your response? Is he saying these words for show? If not, what is he communicating?
    • 12.  At the very end, Jesus is misunderstood. He says “My God” but others hear “Elijah.” It is almost a farce, a scene of complete misunderstanding. They offer sour wine to revive him for the end, and Jesus cries out and breathes his last, as if in total humiliation, alienation, consternation, and defeat. What are your feelings about this scene and Jesus?
    • 13.  In all of this, what do we learn about the human heart? And the ways of the world?
    • 14.  How do you feel when you realize what Jesus went through, what God went through. What is God thinking about all of this?

    The only person who speaks a word of defense or exoneration is a Roman soldier, who may or may not have understood what he was saying. The crucifixion of Jesus is an exhausting affair in Mark, filled with bad actors, misunderstanding, conniving, and a total failure of anyone having any sense what God is doing. If there is any hope, it is now taken completely out of human hands on so many levels, which makes the surprise of Easter, all the more surprising. 



    Together in Prayer


    1. The master entrusted to the servants. What does God entrust you and the church with? What are the riches of the Gospel, the fruit of the Spirit, the resources of faith that God entrusts to your care? How do you invest or multiply them in some way?


    2. Do you imagine God as the joyful master who encourages you to risk and act? Or a judging master who scares you not to act?


    Closing Prayer

    Pray for the concerns shared in the group. Close in the Lord’s Prayer.


    You may also use this prayer.

    O God, we thank you for this time we have shared. We bring before you the joys and concerns of our heart. We pray especially for….. Grant us your healing and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.


    Lord’s Prayer

    Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


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    Together in Community

    • If there is a new person, welcome them and introduce group members.

    Discover Scripture and Life


    Mark 15:1-39

    Trial #1—Before the Sanhedrin during the night: They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62Jesus said, “I am; and
     ‘you will see the Son of Man
     seated at the right hand of the Power,’
     and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ”
    63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

     

    Questions:

    • 1.      Have you ever gotten a bad deal from a judge or officer?
    • 2.      Jesus finally had to give evidence to convict, because the trial wasn’t going according to plan
    • What do you make of that?
    • 3.      There is a lot of violence in the story, which makes the terror all the more real. Thoughts.

     

    Trial #2: Before Pilate at dawn.

    1As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

      6Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

     

    Questions:

    • 4.      Who is seeking vengeance? Who is seeking punishment? Is it God or is it humanity?
    • 5.      Why did Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate? What’s the goal?
    • 6.      What’s Pilate’s over-riding concern?
    • 7.      Why did Jesus say nothing? Why does Jesus allow everyone else to talk? What is revealed?

     

    Trial #3 as King of the Jews


      16Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
      21They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. 22Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.
      25It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”

     

    Questions:

    Scholars argue that the terms “Messiah, Anointed, King” came about by accident of history, the trial and Pilate’s plaque that Jesus is a fake “King of the Jews.” And yet the mocking came to be seen as the truth of Jesus. From one perspective what seems an historical accidence of Pilate, from another perspective is now the truth. Philippians 2 puts this reversal of standing for Jesus this way:

    •  

    5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
    6who, though he was in the form of God,
      did not regard equality with God
      as something to be exploited,
    7but emptied himself,
      taking the form of a slave,
      being born in human likeness.
     And being found in human form,
      8he humbled himself
      and became obedient to the point of death—
      even death on a cross.
    9Therefore God also highly exalted him
      and gave him the name
      that is above every name.

    • 8.      How does this passage from Philippians challenge our common ideas of success? How did Jesus become successful according to this?

     

    Trial #4: Crucifixion and Bargaining

     

     27And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

      33When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” 36And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!

    Questions

    The crucifixion on the hill provides an extension of the trial where witnesses and bargains continue to be offered.

    • 9.      Have you ever sat with someone who was dying? What was that like?
    • 10.  Jesus is offered terms for success—come down from the cross. If he had, what would have gained? What would have been lost?
    • 11.  Jesus quotes psalm 22 and he seems to be overwhelmed by the experience, losing hope. When you hear these words from Jesus, what is your response? Is he saying these words for show? If not, what is he communicating?
    • 12.  At the very end, Jesus is misunderstood. He says “My God” but others hear “Elijah.” It is almost a farce, a scene of complete misunderstanding. They offer sour wine to revive him for the end, and Jesus cries out and breathes his last, as if in total humiliation, alienation, consternation, and defeat. What are your feelings about this scene and Jesus?
    • 13.  In all of this, what do we learn about the human heart? And the ways of the world?
    • 14.  How do you feel when you realize what Jesus went through, what God went through. What is God thinking about all of this?

    The only person who speaks a word of defense or exoneration is a Roman soldier, who may or may not have understood what he was saying. The crucifixion of Jesus is an exhausting affair in Mark, filled with bad actors, misunderstanding, conniving, and a total failure of anyone having any sense what God is doing. If there is any hope, it is now taken completely out of human hands on so many levels, which makes the surprise of Easter, all the more surprising. 

     

    Option 1: One word—As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.


    Option 2—Share High’s and Low’s

    (If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.)


    Prayer—We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.


    Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.


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    FIVE MINUTES WITH GOD

    Let’s walk with Jesus during this Holy Week.  Read the scripture for each day and reflect on it. 

    Ask yourself as you read:

    •          What does this reading tell me about Jesus?
    •          What is meaningful for me in this reading?

     

    SUNDAY:  Mark 11:1-11—Palm Sunday

    MONDAY:  Mark 11:15-19—Clearing Out the Temple

    TUESDAY:  Mark 12:1-12—Teaching in the Temple

    WEDNESDAY:  Mark 14:3-9—Jesus is Anointed

    THURSDAY:  Mark 14:17-25—The Lord’s Supper

    FRIDAY:  Mark 15:25-39—Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death