Setting Our Faces Toward Jerusalem

A National Presbyterian Church
Holy Week Devotional

When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up to heaven he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51

 

Monday – Luke 21:1-4: A Widow’s Offering

Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Leading up to this encounter, the chief priests and scribes were unhappy with Jesus’ popularity. They attempted to entrap Jesus by posing various questions to elicit responses they could use against Jesus. Jesus, being the Son of God, knew their hearts, so their offerings, while impressive, were not genuine. Jesus makes the point that the poor widow, despite the meager offering, was the one demonstrating true piety and faith. She gave her all, revealing a genuine, sacrificial faith. She gave from her heart.

1. What does this story tell you about what God desires?
2. Why is it easier for us to give out of our abundance rather than out of our devotion?
3. Our finances often show us what we value. What do your finances tell you about where you put your trust?
4. What do you need to do to grow more rooted in your faith?

Next step: When the widow gives all she had to live on, she shows the depth of her trust in God. What is one area in your life where you are holding back from fully trusting in God? Does this affect your generosity with money, or time, or attention? Ask God to deepen your trust in Him during this Holy Week.

Listen to: The hymns and contemporary songs below have been chosen to enhance our understanding and experience of each daily devotion.

If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee (Presbyterian Hymnal No, 282)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xInffLZHZIk 

Trust in You
https://youtu.be/qv-SXz_exKE?si=FtXO8AyrpYwyMIX_

Prayer: Holy God, help us to build our faith to become more like the widow. May we worship you wholeheartedly and trust you in every area of our lives. Amen.

 

Tuesday – Luke 22:1-6: The Plot to Kill Jesus

Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Jesus’ ministry threatened the chief priests and scribes. Their authority over the people was challenged by Jesus’ purity and commitment to the truth. By this point in the narrative, the Jewish leaders were coming to the conclusion that Jesus had to die. For the first time since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, Satan reappears in the story and enters Judas’ heart to bring about Jesus’ destruction.

1. What circumstances make temptation easier to choose? What circumstances make temptation easier to resist?
2. Judas was part of Jesus’ inner circle, yet his heart was not fully committed to Jesus and his ministry. Why do you think that was so?
3. What can you do to ensure that your heart is protected from being led astray?
4. Judas looks for an opportunity to betray Jesus when the crowd was not present. Why do you think was so? How does being in a group offer protection from temptation?

Next step: Take a look at your friend group today. Who encourages you to make good decisions? Is there someone you can seek to create personal accountability or to share your struggles with for the purpose of support and encouragement?

Listen to: The hymns and contemporary songs below have been chosen to enhance our understanding and experience of each daily devotion.

Sweet Are the Prayers of a Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7iCUK6PfAc 

Sweet are the prayers of a friend. How sweet are the prayers of a friend,
Who calls, calling up to heav’n, “Lord, come down and bless again.”

Friends pray for healing, they pray revealing the heavy burdens of our souls.
They pray for courage, unfailing courage, asking God to make us whole.

Friends pray us through troubles, through all our struggles, when life seems to fall apart.
They pray us through grieving, always believing, God can heal the broken heart.

Sweet are the prayers of a friend. How sweet are the prayers of a friend,
Who calls, calling up to heav’n, “Lord, come down and bless again.”

Sweet are the prayer of a friend for a friend.

Oh, How Good It Is
https://youtu.be/IERBkpcWPco?si=AaMFPiiKfAk1RpRi

Prayer: Merciful God, it’s so easy to be led astray when I am not in good relationship with you. Protect my heart against the evil one and strengthen my connection to you through the Holy Spirit so I hold fast to you. Amen.

Wednesday – Luke 22:24-27

A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Jesus and his disciples have gathered for the Last Supper in the upper room and Jesus has just revealed that one of the men around the table had plans to betray him. The disciples ask who that could be and they divert the conversation to determine who around the table is the greatest. Jesus teaches them that in the kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by power or authority, but by a heart and life of service. By this definition, Jesus is the one who is the greatest.

1. This is not the first time the disciples have asked who among them is the greatest. (See Luke 9:46). Why do they fixate on their status rather than focus on the meaning of the Last Supper and the impending betrayal Jesus has just revealed?
2. In what ways do you show a heart for service? In what ways do you seek power and authority? What can you do to shift the balance to model Jesus more consistently?

Next step: Serving others is a powerful way to honor God. And God can use even small acts of service –a smile, a kind word, a show of patience – to transform a relationship or situation. Brainstorm some simple ways you can serve someone today, and then do it!

Listen to: The hymns and contemporary songs below have been chosen to enhance our understanding and experience of each daily devotion.

Battle Belongs
https://youtu.be/qtvQNzPHn-w?si=hS2V-TLWiAaS8q0u

Prayer: Holy God, we are more like the disciples than we care to admit. We often miss the point of your ministry and we focus on the wrong things. Open our eyes to others and give us hearts to serve them with your compassion and mercy. Amen.

 

Maundy Thursday – Luke 23:1-12: Jesus before Pilate and Herod

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

The Jewish leaders had determined that Jesus was guilty of their false accusations, but they couldn’t execute anyone without the consent of the Roman government. They brought Jesus before Pontius Pilate with the expectation that he would agree to their demand. Pilate was known for his brutality and didn’t hesitate to crucify criminals, but here, we see that Pilate didn’t believe Jesus was guilty of a crime against Rome, so he sent Jesus to Herod. Herod wanted Jesus to entertain him with signs and wonders, but Jesus refused to engage in a sideshow. Jesus’ silence unites the former enemies into friendship because it suited their purposes of satisfying the crowds and maintaining order and power.

1. The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead, Pilate didn’t want to deal with Jesus and Herod wanted entertainment. In what ways do you try to make Jesus into your image? In what ways do you ignore Jesus for your own purposes?
2. Have you seen enemies become friends out of convenience? What did you learn from that?
3. What do you make of Jesus in this text? How does his silence affect you?

Next step: What do this story tell us about the potential perils of positions of power? What situations is God bringing to your attention that you should be praying for in light of this passage?

Listen to: The hymns and contemporary songs below have been chosen to enhance our understanding and experience of each daily devotion.

 A Hymn to God the Father
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTRtCLRK6D4

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I began, which is my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive those sins through which I run, and do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.

Wilt thou forgive that sin by which I’ve won others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun a year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.

I have a sin of fear that, when I’ve spun my last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
Swear by thyself that at my death thy Son shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore.
And having done that, thou hast done, I fear no more.

John Donne, d. 1631

Build My Life
https://youtu.be/Z32HiCoFzlU?si=tw64Wu-etGqZKl63

Prayer: Gracious God, I want to follow you with abandon, but I am fearful. I fear the judgment of others, the loss of status, and I fear what you call me into. Help me to stand firm in my faith in you and to have courage to profess my belief in you. Amen.

 

Good Friday – Luke 23:32-33; 39-43: Jesus and Two Criminals

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Jesus. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

We know very little about the two men crucified next to Jesus other than the Romans found them guilty of crimes severe enough to warrant death on a cross. One criminal doesn’t express remorse or ask for forgiveness; he is only interested in Jesus if Jesus will save him from his fate. The other criminal showed reverence to Jesus. He opened his heart to Jesus and encountered him on a deeper level which transformed his heart into one of faith. He asks Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promises him that he will have eternal life with him.

1. What human trait prompted the first criminal to react to Jesus in the way he did? In what ways are you like the first criminal?
2. What made the second criminal behave differently? In what ways are you like him?
3. What does your salvation in Christ mean to you?

Next step: Think of someone in your circle who doesn’t have faith in Jesus. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate your faith in God and witness to this friend or relative? Commit to regularly pray for your loved one to come to faith. Invite someone to church.

Listen to: The hymns and contemporary songs below have been chosen to enhance our understanding and experience of each daily devotion.

He Will Hold Me Fast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=936BapRFHaQ

Mighty to Save
https://youtu.be/GEAcs2B-kNc?si=NfV8tLbzJBn5No3W

Prayer: Merciful God, you have transformed my life by sending your son, Jesus, to pay for my sin and transgressions. You offer life and relationship with you through your precious son. Help me to be truly aware of this gift and to show you my gratitude. Amen.

 

Saturday – Luke 23:50-56: Jesus’ burial

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Joseph was a wealthy member of the Jewish council who was a good and upright man who looked for the kingdom of God. But he did not go along with the schemes and action of the other Jewish leaders because he was a secret disciple of Jesus. After Jesus’ death, Joseph found courage he hadn’t previously displayed, to go to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body, to reverently care for it, and give Jesus a proper burial. These actions would show the crowd who Joseph truly was: he couldn’t hide his beliefs in Jesus any longer.

1. Why was Joseph reluctant to publicly acknowledge his faith in Jesus before Jesus’ death? What changed?
2. In what ways are you similar to Joseph? In what ways are you different? What fears hold you back from being more honest with others?
3. Joseph prepares the body for burial and the women complete the preparations of anointing the body with spice and ointments after the Sabbath. What does it mean to you that these individuals showed such care for Jesus in death?

Next step: Fear can be a powerful force holding us back from being our true selves. What would you do if you weren’t afraid? How could you take a small step toward conquering that fear?

Listen to: The hymns and contemporary songs below have been chosen to enhance our understanding and experience of each daily devotion.

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz_kvFjQqaU&list=PL1nL8HRRj6UMHorW1wiLaOwunSB2TbjXg&index=12

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
     Sometimes it causes me to tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
     Sometimes it causes me to tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

His Mercy is More
https://youtu.be/obtMO0X5Hp4?si=Q8vmJQRi_4s8Ihsm

Prayer: Holy God, we praise you for Jesus and his willing sacrifice on our account. We thank you for examples in scripture of people who loved your son. Help us to have courage to love Jesus wholeheartedly and to show others our faith in word and deed. Amen.