Matthew 26:20-22 | Is it I who betrayed the Lord?

John 12:20-43 | The Father’s will is that Jesus die for our sins,

that we join Jesus at the cross,

and that through His death we are drawn up to heaven.

Matthew 27:21-23 | Pilate tries so hard to put Jesus aside, to make no decision about him. He tires to let him go.  He sends him to Herod. He gives them the choice of Barabbas or Jesus thinking they will surely pick Barabbas.  He scourges him. He washes his hands pretending it is not his guilt.  Yet no

Luke 20:9-20 | This parable is an excellent reminder to us of how we often misuse God’s name and therefore what we are praying for when we pray, “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” It also portrays to what great extent the Lord goes to forgive us and make us His children.

John 18:37 | Sometimes your following instructions and things happen as they should. For example, the instructions say hold down the button 15 sec until the light blinks twice. It is a relief to see that light blink, you know that you are doing it correctly. Or the recipe says bake 15 minutes until golden brown, after 15

Luke 15:11-32 | The address of the Lord's prayer is a simple statement. On the surface all that we have done is to state to whom we are offering the prayer. Yet it is the most important part of the prayer, since it is God's greatest desire and joy that we return to Him, as this son did, and receive from Him without attempting to earn or deserve it that unconditional love by which He calls us sons of God and becomes again our true Father.

Luke 22:70 | Is Jesus the Son of God? Jesus says yes, the Jews say no. What do you say? With Peter we confess, “Yes you are the Christ the Son of the living God.” Of course, it is easy to write yes in the bulletin and go home but Jesus wants more from us than a verbal

Luke 13:1-9 | Repentance is the fruit that Jesus is looking for. The Judeans try to make it about politics, religion and merit. All catastrophes remind us of our need to repent. Jesus waits for repentance and when He does not find it He cultivates the tree.

Matthew 26:51-56 | Jesus disciples are confused, at least Peter is. In that confusion they react. They react quickly, decisively. They react to protect Jesus, at least Peter does. But that reaction is contrary to the Father’s will. That reaction is not in accordance with God’s kingdom. That reaction is sinful. Peter allows his fear to take control

Luke 13:31-35 | Jesus’ kingdom comes through the cross. We pray that Jesus would oppose all those who block His cross. We pray that Jesus would complete His work within us. We pray that Jesus would gather us to Himself.