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| Image by Michael Levine |
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On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, where are his friends? Once he is arrested, their lives become chaotic and fearful, with groups staying nearby and others fleeing. How can we experience the suffering of Jesus today through those whose feet he has only hours ago washed? Today’s page has a different format: using a series of short readings and reflections, how can we deepen our own personal connections to the story? Try taking a moment to reflect quietly on each section, perhaps letting the music play out before you proceed.
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A GREETING
My God, my God,
Why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far away,
so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
(Psalm 22:1 TIB)
FIRST READING
The Galileans
Jesus then said to them, “Tonight you will all fall away because of me, for scripture says, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go to Galilee ahead of you.”
(Matthew 26:31-32 TIB)
The Galileean identity of Jesus and the disciples is significant to the passion narratives. The Galilee is mentioned more in this part of Jesus’ story than anywhere else. All of Jesus’ principal followers (except the Bethany family) are from the Galilee. We hear over and over that they stood out, mostly because of their distinctive accent. The Judeans had no patience for the Galileeans, who were unsophisticated troublemakers to them. But Jesus tells the disciples that it is in the Galilee that he will find them. At home. How much does it mean to us to have Jesus meet us where we truly live, in mind, body or spirit?
MUSIC
SECOND READING
The 'Other' Disciple
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. This disciple, who was known to the high priest, entered his courtyard with Jesus, while Peter hung back at the gate. So the disciple known to the high priest went back and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter inside. The doorkeeper said, “Aren’t you one of this guy’s followers?” But Peter answered, “No, I’m not.”
(John 18:15-18 TIB)
The unnamed disciple who seems to know Annas the high priest and tries to bring Peter inside that home to see what is happening to Jesus — remains a mystery. In order for this disciple to have friends in high places and sway with the doorkeeper, he or she must be a Judean, someone native to the Jerusalem region. No accent problems here. Scholars generally believe it is the author of John’s gospel himself. Or that this person was a woman (it is women who call Peter out). The unnamed disciple points to the far-reaching nature of Jesus' disciples, including those he acquired during his last days of life. Peter is sent back out. Does the unnamed disciple go back out with him? or try to stay inside to see what happens to Jesus? What would you do?
Reflect in silence.
MUSIC
THIRD READING
Peter
The woman, keeping an eye on him, started again to tell the bystanders, “He’s one of them.” Once again Peter denied it. A little later the bystanders said to him once more, “You are certainly one of them! You’re a Galilean, aren’t you?” Peter began to curse, and swore, “I don’t even know who you’re talking about!” The cock crowed a second time. And Peter recalled the prediction Jesus had made: “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” He rushed away, weeping.
(Mark 14:68-72 TIB)
The arc of Peter through these events is heartbreaking. He challenges the foot washing, he cuts off the ear of a guard at the arrest, he tells Jesus he will stand by him but doesn't, he nonetheless goes to sit by the gate of Annas and dares to warm his hands with those who have been hunting Jesus. When confronted, he denies knowing him. When he is called out by women, he leaves weeping. He flees the Crucifixion, but not the region. He is still nearby on the morning of the resurrection. Yet Jesus has deep faith in Peter. What does Jesus see or know in you that not many others do?
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| Image by Kym Farnik |
FOURTH READING
Judas
When he saw that Jesus had been condemned, Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, felt remorse. He took the thirty pieces of silver back to the chief priests and elders, and said, “I have sinned! I have betrayed innocent blood!” “What’s that to us?” they answered. “That’s your affair!” So Judas flung the money into the sanctuary and left. Then he went off and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the silver, observing, “It’s against the Law to deposit this in the Temple treasury, since it is blood money.” After some discussion, they used the money to buy Potter’s Field as a cemetery for foreigners. That is why that field, even today, is called Blood Field.
(Matthew 27:3-8 TIB)
At a time when the other disciples are fleeing from Jesus to avoid connection, Judas owns him. But this is not the version of Judas we like to tell. His repentance has done nothing to improve his reputation over millenia. We are easier on Pilate, who was known to have been horrific in his judgement — because of his seeming reluctance to condemn Jesus, even though he eventually does. But we tend not to hear the repentance of Judas. The reaction of the chief priests and elders, in their indifference to the man but their concern about the ‘blood money’ points up a contrast. Who in our communities and families has made a grievous mistake, that we don’t seem to want to forgive them for?
Reflect in silence.
MUSIC
FIFTH READING
Mary Magdalene
A group of women were present, looking on from a distance. These were the same women who had followed Jesus from Galilee as ministers to him. Among them were Mary of Magdala; Mary, the mother of James and Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee’s children.
(Matthew 27:55 TIB)
No person is more present to the Crucifixion than Mary Magdalene. All four gospels attest to her witness. The Inclusive Bible follows those who believe the name Magdalene is actually meant to be Mary of Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. More recent scholarship suggests that ‘Magdala’ is the Hebrew/Aramaic word for ‘tower.’ Mary the Tower, is so-named perhaps because of her towering faith, or her towering presence in Jesus’ life. Why is her presence at the murder of Jesus so memorable that it makes all of the known accounts of that moment, while the other women who are present seems to vary? What kind of towering strength would be needed to keep eyes on Jesus through his worst hours?
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| Image by Michael Levine |
God, you are my shepherd—
I want nothing more.
(Psalm 23:1 TIB)
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LC† Streams of Living Justice is a devotional series of Lutherans Connect, supported by the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Centre for Spirituality and Media at Martin Luther University College. To receive the devotions by email, write to lutheransconnect@gmail.com. The devotional pages are written and curated by Deacon Sherry Coman, with support and input from Pastor Steve Hoffard, Catherine Evenden and Henriette Thompson. Join us on Facebook. Lutherans Connect invites you to make a donation to the Ministry by going to this link on the website of the ELCIC Eastern Synod and selecting "Lutherans Connect Devotionals" under "Fund". Devotions are always freely offered, however your donations help support the ongoing work.
Thank you and peace be with you!