Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According to John 20:1-10 (NLT) ~The Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Having an open heart and open mind to what God is saying.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 19:38-42(NLT) ~The Burial of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and the regret they must have felt. The idea of being a secret disciple being contrary to Jesus teaching that no one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl. Jesus teaching on those who are forgiven much, love much.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 19:28-37 (NLT) ~The Death of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus words “It is Finished”. Jesus teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Hyssop being used in Egypt during the first Passover and at the cross. Details that fulfill OT writings about the Messiah.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 19:16-27 (NLT) ~The Crucifixion~ Scripture reading followed by reflecting on the experience of Jesus on the cross and our connection. The picture of a mother losing a son and the friend losing someone they love. Encouraging to focus on what we have and not what we lose. The Jewish leaders protesting the sign reading “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 19:1-16 (NLT) ~Jesus Sentenced to Death~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ words to Pilate speak to the sovereignty of God. His surrender to the will of the Father is an inspiration for our lives.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 18:28-40 (NLT) ~Jesus Trial Before Pilate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus telling Pilate about His Kingdom. The picture of Pilate’s questioning is a picture of us all. When people are in love with their own “truth” they are not interested in the Truth of Jesus. The truth that actually matters is the Truth of Jesus, His sacrifice, and His example of right living.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 18:25-27 (NLT) ~Peter’s Second and Third Denial~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking Peter’s denial and moment of self-awareness. Keeping our identity in mind.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 18:12-24 (NLT) ~Jesus at the High Priest’s House, Peter’s First Denial, The High Priest Questions Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking Peter’s denial. Missing the mark when we focus on our goal, forgetting what Jesus said and is saying. Jesus stops teaching and points the High Priest to those who have heard.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 18:1-11 (NLT) ~Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus response to the force that comes to the grove of olive trees.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 17:20-25(NLT) ~The Prayer of Jesus Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus prayer for unity among believers with each other and with God. Human nature focuses on what we see as wrong, God calls us to focus on what is lovely, pure, and true.