Holy Week

As we enter into Holy Week, here is a reading schedule that follows John’s narrative of Jesus’ last days:

Monday (4/10): John 17 (the whole chapter)

This chapter can be read as a last will and testament of sorts. It expresses Jesus’ final wishes in the form of a prayer. He prays for those he will soon leave behind and not only for them, but also for those who will one day believe because of their witness. In other words, Jesus lifts us up in prayer as well.

In pondering this passage it may be helpful to do some deep work on the things that Jesus hopes for his disciples (which includes us). In doing so, may what Jesus wants for us reorder our disordered wants and loves.

Tuesday (4/11): John 18:1-27

These verses are filled with betrayal. There is Judas, of course, who (in)famously betrays Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26.48, Mark 14:44, Luke 22:47). Then there is Peter, who denies Jesus not once, not twice, but thrice. Both fail to remain true to Jesus, but they do so for different reasons under different circumstances. In spending time in this passage, we might consider how we are vulnerable to the same pressures that pushed Judas and Peter to turn their backs on the one they both called Lord.

Wednesday (4/12): John 18:28-19:16a

As we continue on in John 18, we find Jesus being interrogated by Pilate. If Peter’s denial of Jesus shows us a certain kind of cowardice, we are confronted with another kind in Pilate. It is a kind that is able to hide behind power and security so as to put off making a decision on the truth Jesus testifies to. Is it possible that there is a little Pilate in us, refusing to accept or putting off the truth that confronts us in Jesus?

The other character that finds a prominent place in the narrative is the mob who cries, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (John 19:6). Pilate’s failure stems from a fear of upsetting popular opinion. Those who demand crucifixion seem to be enraged by the audacity of this poor carpenter from Nazareth who would dare upend and uproot their expectations of what a Savior should be and do. At least they understood that’s what Jesus was up to. The question we might put to ourselves is, “Are we as perceptive as they?”

Thursday (4/13): John 19:16b-42

Here we come to the crucifixion. Jesus is lifted up on a Roman cross between two criminals. John also tells us that some soldiers took his clothes and divided it among themselves. So there hangs the King of the Jews, bloodied and beaten and naked for all to see. And there at the foot of his cross there is a new family forming, of those who come to mourn the death of the crucified King. In reading this portion of Scripture, may we count ourselves among those gathered there and may we spend some time reflecting on just what is meant when Jesus breathed his last and said, “It is finished.”

Good Friday Service (4/14): The Seven Last Words of Christ

Our hope is that our journey through John 18-19 will prepare us well for Good Friday. If you’re in the area Christ Kaleidoscope will be holding a service from 7PM to 9PM at Rancho Senior Center (3 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, CA 92612). We will be designing prayer stations based on the 7 last words from Christ.

May we blessed by the reading of God’s Word this Holy Week.

Grace and Peace.