This is the first week of Lent. Lent is a season to prepare for the celebration of Easter. But it is not a matter of buying Easter candy and coloring Easter eggs. It is a meditative journey of pondering the high cost of the cross. I invite you to ponder these passages on what Jesus said about the cross.
PRAYER
Lord, grace is not free. Jesus paid the high cost of the cross in order for us to receive the gift of grace. Help me to follow his footsteps to the cross of sacrifice and service in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday – Luke 9:18-23
This is the first recorded confession that Jesus was more than a prophet or teacher or miracle worker. He was indeed the Messiah for whom Israel had waited. But immediately, Jesus began to correct their understanding of what it meant to be the Messiah. To follow Jesus is to go the same direction and end up in the same place, does it not? The cross is not just a painful experience, but a total refocus of the meaning of life. But who saves what they cannot keep instead of grasping what can never be stolen?
Tuesday – Luke 14:25-35
Jesus is not teaching us to hate our families. More importantly, he is emphasizing that our first and top priority has to be to follow Jesus. Whatever you love most is your god. It costs to be a disciple. It requires total commitment. What does Jesus want to do in and through you today?
Wednesday – John 3:1-21
Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus the purpose of his coming. Look at verses 16-17. The purpose of the cross is not to make everyone feel bad or guilty. The point of the cross is to open the door to salvation through faith. The cross is the light of truth and grace for the world. How can you give witness to the cross today?
Thursday – Mark 10:35-45
James and John asked Jesus for a favor. They wanted the special privilege of sitting next to Jesus when he ascended to his throne. But Jesus informed them that true leadership is first and foremost sacrifice and service. The cross is the revealed reality of this. Jesus came to serve others. Jesus’ followers will also serve others. How will you serve in Jesus’ name today?
Friday – Matthew 26:26-30
This is Matthew’s account of the Last Supper that became our Sacrament of Holy Communion. When Jesus talked his body and his blood, he was anticipating the cross. What does his sacrifice on the cross accomplish? See verse 28. Forgiveness of sins sets us free to live life abundantly and eternally. How have you experienced Jesus’ forgiveness? How do you express it to others?
Saturday – John 13:1-11
It was the night for the traditional Passover meal. Customarily, a servant or the youngest of the family would wash the feet of the guests. It was an act of hospitality, highly valued in a time without paved roads or buried sewer pipes. But no one stepped forward this night. Without a word, Jesus took the towel and basin of the lowliest servant to wash each of the disciples’ feet. This is the meaning of the cross. It is to sacrifice and serve in Jesus’ name. How can you sacrifice and serve in Jesus’ name today?