Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross, each waypoint of the journey marked by Jesus’ compassion for those who would betray, mock, accuse, or do violence to him. Though persecuted and beaten, Jesus the Son of God is not disgraced; instead, he asks forgiveness for those who put him to death. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
Our Bible readings for today are Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, and Luke 22:14-23:56. During worship we read short segments of the Gospel and then sang a verse of Were You There before reading the next installment. The verses are:
1. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
2. Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
3. Were you there when they pierced him in the side?
4. Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
5. Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Take a moment to reflect on these readings before listening to the sermon. The season of Lent ends on Maundy Thursday. Join us for worship at Bethel Thursday night and at Hope Lutheran, Atascadero on Friday night and then join us for Easter Sunday service this coming Sunday.
Blessings on this Holy Week,
Pastor Diana
