We celebrate the Risen Savior who gives us the victory over sin, death, and the devil. It is finished, it is done, and we continue to live the story of new life.

On Good Friday comes the ultimate sacrifice, that of Jesus. His body is broken and his blood is shed so that we might have life, so that we would not have to live in our sin any more!

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus introduces this holy meal of the Lord's Supper. We put a special focus on this remembrance meal of Jesus' sacrifice and establishment of the new covenant.

The question Jesus considers on Palm Sunday is a question the disciples will get asked: “What are you doing” (Mark 11:5)? We have all asked this question of others, especially our kids when they are getting ready to get themselves into trouble. But we also ask it of God: “God, what are you doing? Why are you taking whatever-my-colt-is from me?” And God’s answer is the same as Jesus’: “The Lord needs it.” Sometimes what is taken from us is used for us – for our blessing and benefit.

In this last week of our midweek series, we look to Jesus who comforts us in struggles and sorrows that we might find rest in his promises.

John 6 marks a turning point in Jesus’ popularity. People begin to leave. There can be dark times in our faith lives where we can be tempted to give up on God. But Peter reminds us that if we leave Jesus, we have nowhere else to go!

We acknowledge that Jesus protects us from the devil and from danger and keeps us safe in him.

When we feel threatened or become angry, we are tempted to rebel. Jesus didn’t, even when he knew he was being carried off to a cross. He responded with peace rather than rebellion. How can we do the same thing when we feel threatened?

In this fourth week of this midweek Lent series, we recognize that Jesus encourages us in our faith to live our life for him.

In Jesus’ first miraculous sign, he asks his mother why she wants his help when wine runs out at a wedding reception. His question of Mary is a question for us all: Why do we want Jesus involved in our lives? Do we involve him only when we need help, or do we involve him in every area and aspect of our lives?