Read a Gospel for Lent: Week 6
Scripture
John 18-21
Reflection questions:
In 18:1-11, Jesus doesn’t stop Judas from betraying Him but tells Peter, who tried defending Jesus, to put away his sword. His response to both is counter to what most of us would do in this situation. Why? Read the second part of verse 11 for a clue. Reflect on Jesus’s resoluteness to complete His mission.
Jesus is taken before the high priest, then gets passed on to Pilate. Why would the high priest not deal with Jesus himself?
Pilate is a man of conflict— he seems to try to give Jesus a way out, questioning Him and offering to free Jesus over Barabbas. Then he has Jesus flogged and sentenced Him to be crucified. How would you describe Pilate?
Reflect on his complicated role in Jesus’s arrest and sentencing.
In John 19:24-27, Jesus provides for His mother. John is (self) described as “the disciple [Jesus] loved”. Reflect on what it must have been for Mary and John to be there, watching Jesus suffer, particularly Mary. Mary, who was used to caring for Jesus as a child, now becomes the one being cared for. Even more remarkable is that Jesus is actively suffering while thinking compassionately of others.
Reflect on Jesus’s compassion on you. Think of someone you can extend compassion toward, knowing they need to experience kindness.
Jesus speaks again from the Cross: “It is finished.” Jesus did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. We do not hope in our words or our works.
Reflect on the fact that “It is finished” means you can rest in what Jesus has done and that it is enough. Spend some time thanking Jesus for His finished work.
Read chapter 20 and reflect on Mary, Peter, and John’s experience discovering the empty tomb. What might they have felt in that moment of discovery? After Peter and John leave, Mary has an incredible experience of seeing Jesus. How does she recognize Him?
Jesus then appears to the disciples, but Thomas was gone and only hears of their experience once he returns… and he doubts. Later, Jesus comes back— through locked doors! What does Jesus invite Thomas to do? Do you relate to Thomas? Why or why not?
In 20:30-31, why is it said that the miracles included were written down? What do you think it means to have life in Jesus’s name?
When Jesus appears to the disciples a third time, He has a conversation with Peter. How many times does Jesus ask Peter if he loves Him? And how many times had Peter denied Jesus. Do you think this is a coincidence or does Jesus know just what we need? Despite Peter’s denial, Jesus asks Peter to feed His sheep.
The book of John ends with this,
“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25
Pause and imagine this. If all that Jesus had done were written down, the world couldn’t contain the books that would be filled! Go to YouTube and search for the song, “The Love of God” by Frederick Lehman
Take a few moments to reflect on just a few of the things He has done in your life.
Prayer:
Lord,
It is so easy to move quickly through the Easter story. Help me slow down and truly reflect this week on the betrayal, trial, mocking, physical anguish, crucifixion, and the separation of God the Father and God the Son.
When I stop and consider all that You have done— during Your time on earth and in my own life— I am overcome by your kindness, mercy, and love. I know our story is not over, that by Your blood and your victory over sin, I have eternity with You. That life starts the moment I believe; help me live like that.
Amen