LENT and the Corpath Member - WEEK 6
This is our final edition on the topic of the Lenten Season and how we, as Corpath members, can embrace and participate in this meaningful time in the Christian calendar.
HOLY WEEK
As we think about the life of Christ, we know his life spanned roughly 33 years. We can read about some of his most impactful moments, stories, and ministries in the gospels but when we think about his life, we generally reflect on two specific times during his journey here on earth; we refer to them as Christmas and Easter.
It’s interesting to me that the event of Christ’s birth seems to be a very long celebration. Maybe that’s because the world has adopted this time as a commercialized holiday that starts at the beginning of November (or earlier). North American culture, however, seems to take less interest in the Easter holiday as it generally only lasts a few days.
Q: As Corpath members, what should our participation be as we reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection? Should we give it as much or more value and prominence as his birth?
During this season of Lent, we have explored a few topics that have walked us through some of the actions and disciplines needed to grow in our faith as a disciple of Christ.
As we enter the final week of Lent we reflect on the final week of Christ’s life. Each day this week, take time to meditate on the significance of these events by doing the following:
Read the scripture associated with the event.
Place yourself in the story. Ask God to show you something new about this part of the story.
Reflect on what this specific portion of Holy Week is teaching you right now.
Do something to symbolize your connection to this part of the story.
Share your thoughts with a family member or Corpath group.
End your time of meditation and reflection with prayer.
PALM SUNDAY (Monday)
Jesus journeys to Jerusalem for the purpose of observing a religious holiday. As he enters the city his reputation as a spiritual teacher and Messiah precedes him. The people respond accordingly by waving and laying down palm branches while shouting “Hosanna”. Their deliverer has come to end the oppression of the Jews!
Read about it here: Matthew 21:1-11 and Zechariah 9:9
The LAST SUPPER (Tuesday)
The gathering of his closest friends at this time seems symbolic. Those who have journeyed with him during his ministry are learning about what is to come. He shares that his “time has come” and even encourages it to happen quickly as he tells Judas to “do what you must".
Read about it here: Matthew 26:17-30
The PRAYER in GETHSEMANE (Wednesday)
Being fully aware of his end, he prays to ask for release but acknowledges what he must do and accepts it. It’s in the garden he is arrested.
Read about it here: Matthew 26:36-56
The BETRAYAL (Thursday)
Betrayal came in a couple of different forms to him.
One is from Judas as he brought the Roman guards to his location. Jesus is arrested, taken, charged, chastised, ridiculed, and beaten beyond recognition in front of everyone.
Another betrayal came from one of his most devout followers, Peter. When confronted, Peter vehemently denies any correlation or connection to Jesus.
Read about it here: Luke 22:24-62
Jesus’ TRIAL (Friday)
Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate and is questioned about his identity. Pilot cannot find anything wrong with Jesus but condemns him anyway to appease the Jewish leaders of the day.
Read about it here: Luke 22:63 - Luke 23:25
The DEATH of Jesus (Saturday)
Jesus is sentenced to death by crucifixion. He is forced to carry his cross through the streets as an act of public humiliation; a direct contrast to the way he entered the city. People scoff at him. Many look upon the incident as entertainment. The Romans use this as an example of what would happen to anyone that stands in perceived opposition to the government. He is tortured. He is wearing a crown of thorns as mockery. He is stuck with a spear and given vinegar to drink. Yet, through all of this, he asks for the forgiveness of his accusers. He breathes his last breath. It is finished.
Read about it here: Luke 23:26 - 56
His RESURRECTION (Sunday)
After three days in the tomb, the temple has been rebuilt! Death has been conquered. It no longer has power over anyone! His followers and friends go to visit the tomb and are surprised to see it empty. He is risen, indeed!
Read about it here: Luke 24:1-12
The season of Lent ends with the victory over sin and death. There can be no better ending than this!
Prayer:
My God, I praise you today for your infinite grace and care for me. You have forgiven much in me over the years and continue to do so. I pray that as I seek to forgive others you would remind me to also forgive myself. Let me not live in my sinful past but press on to a righteous future rooted in you. Amen.
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
