Lenten Readings: Luke 23

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Friday, March 9, 2018
READ Luke 23
MEDITATE on Luke 23:31, "For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” The audacity with which people confronted Jesus and shouted for his death was terrible. But since the Son of God is not visible how, how has evil become bolder? How does the persecution of Christians make you feel?

REFLECT
The crucifixion of Jesus came after neither Pilate nor Herod wielded their authority for justice. The people's bloodthirst prevailed and Jesus was crucified. But after his death, people turned away and beat their chests. They had been so bold to ask for his crucifixion, and then their guilt after his death was too much to bear. But bear it they must if they do not come to God for forgiveness and to ask for reconciliation. How ironic that the one they ordered crucified was actually God's provision to cover over our sins!

Jesus died willingly. He suffered for us. Sometimes the chapter's description of the events of that Good Friday do not affect  us the way they ought. What emotions should we feel? How can we recover a fuller picture of what Christ did actually means?

We must continually submit ourselves to the message of the cross, to humble ourselves, and to let God convict us and save us. Christ really did suffer for us. He faced the evil. He overcame. Preach the Gospel to yourself again - Jesus died for me!

PRAY

Pray thankfulness for Christ's sacrifice, but also pray that God would give you a meaningful reaction to His sacrifice beyond thankfulness, including sadness and joyfulness, as appropriate.