Reading from The Gospel According Mark 16:9-20 (NLT) ~The Longer Ending of Mark~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Natural skepticism and stubborn unbelief going back to Adam and Eve. Bad experiences and trauma have cause us to grow in skepticism and stubborn unbelief. We are called to die to that and once again become like children.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 16:1-8 (NLT) ~The Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The women preparing to go to Jesus body, thinking over what obstacles and barriers they will encounter. We make plans but we never know what we will experience. Their willingness to go even though they knew the stone was in their way. When we fail, or miss the mark, the good news is still for us.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 15:33-47 (NLT) ~The Death of Jesus, The Burial of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The example of Jesus for us to follow. Some were still hoping for their version of the outcome to be fulfilled. The unexpected declaration of the Roman officer. The regret of those who were in the room but could not stop the murder of Jesus. We think our problems are this or that when in reality the problems are the lies in our hearts.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 15:16-32 (NLT) ~The Soldiers Mock Jesus, The Crucifixion Trial before Pilate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The soldiers mocking Jesus, and the Jewish people in general. Mocked by people who took offence and missed the point of His teachings. Acknowledging that He saved others. Human nature of justifying actions and doing wrong.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 15:1-15 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Trial before Pilate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The encouragement for the hard times to keep going in Jesus’ spirit. Psalms 11. Following Jesus example of ignoring lies instead of responding from the flesh. The crowd effect and how it can sway opinions. Putting ourselves in the different perspectives of those around.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:66-72 (NLT) ~Peter Denies Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus speaking truth about His identity, and Peter denying who he really was. Peter denies on instinct of self-preservation. The end justifies the means in our logic. The realization and conviction in Peter’s heart.

Reading Psalms 11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Sovereignty of God. The love of God that allows us to choose our own way and takes note of our hearts. Why do bad things happen? God slow to judgment to maximize opportunity for us to repent. It takes a change of perspective to go through hard things and say, “God, You are Good!”

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:53-65 (NLT) ~Jesus Before the Council~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The leaders condemn Him for saying He is who they have been waiting for. Lies reveal themselves, and truth speaks for itself. Jesus responds to the question of His identity. Jesus speaks truth and we can accept it or choose our selfish way. What sin looks like when its grown.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:43-52 (NLT) ~Jesus Arrested~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The human response to come prepared for violence. How fear drives a brutal response. How we rely on our own power instead of looking to and relying on God. Isaiah 53:7-12 (NLT). We are the rebels.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:32-42 (NLT) ~Jesus Prays in Gethsemane~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The sadness of the passage as Jesus faces his death and experiences grief. Wanting to immolate Jesus and His prayer “your will be done” in the dark times and struggles. Sin, Jesus taking on sin, being separated from the Father, and the Father being separated from the Son. Being alert, keeping watch for opportunities to share the good news and the love of God.