Grace + Peace!
Good morning beloved! I hope that you have had a meaningful time in God’s Word this week. May you sense God’s love more and more as we get closer to the cross of Jesus.
Scriptures for this week:
- Mark 11:1-11: Jesus instructs his disciples to fetch a young donkey for him to ride. Then he rides it into Jerusalem and a procession forms with people laying their coats and leafy branches on the road, while shouting out “Hosanna, Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord”. Then Jesus goes into the temple, looks around and leaves because it is late.
- Mark 14:1-15:47: This long reading runs from Jesus’ anointing at Bethany through the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, to the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus. It’s a meditative journey through the passion of Christ from Mark’s perspective. One notable feature this year is the young man (Mark himself?) who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested.
- Philippians 2:5-11: Jesus’ humility and obedience in his incarnate, crucified life, and God’s exaltation of Christ.
- Isaiah 50:4-9a: A prophecy of the obedient servant, beaten and mocked, but vindicated by God.
- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29: An exhortation to give thanks to God for God’s eternal mercy. Also a cry for God to save God’s people, and an invitation for God’s people to join a procession of thanksgiving, marching to the altar with palms, blessing the one who comes in the Lord’s name.
- Psalm 31:9-16: The cry of God’s servant, persecuted and beaten.
What intersections did you find this week? I want to learn from you, so please share away!
Video – https://youtu.be/dugX-OwMNFc
