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Walking by the Sea
If I were Jesus’ therapist, there is one moment in particular that I’d love to process Read More
Robert Schnase | Read Luke 23:50-56
Luke 23 ends Christ’s Passion story by drawing our attention to intimate, less visible, and quieter obedience and trust. In what must be a risky choice, given the temperament of the crowds, Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. He wraps it in linen and places it in a...
In the quiet and unseen moments, Lord, open in me the practice of humility and the compassion of Christ. Amen.
Obedience is not my favorite word in the vocabulary of faith. I prefer to meditate on the delights of grace, love, generosity, and kindness. These appeal to me. They draw me in. I move toward them. Obedience feels heavy and hard. It prods me into places I don’t want to go. Obedience offends my sense of self-determination and self-sufficiency. It challenges pride and pretension. Obedience calls me to places of vulnerability and uncertainty, requires me to give up control and to leave behind parts of myself I cling to, and causes me to choose between my preferences and God’s will. This week’s readings focus on the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They invite us to explore faithful obedience and trust in the face of suffering, injustice, and inner resistance.
• Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. Recall a time God prompted you to offer a sustaining word to someone defeated by the circumstances of their life. How did you know what to say?
• Read Psalm 31:1-2, 9-16. What does it mean to seek refuge in God? When have you experienced both threatening uncertainty and an absolute trust at the same time?
• Read Philippians 2:5-11. How does Paul’s reflection that Jesus “humbled himself and became obedient” shape your faith? What does faithful obedience look like? How do we foster Christlike humility?
• Read Luke 22:14–23:56. (This reading is lengthy. Take your time.) What surprises you afresh as you read the familiar story? What touches you most personally?
Respond by posting a prayer.
