Journey through Holy Week April 5 April 12, 2020 · commandment Mark 12:28-34 messiah Mark 12:35-37 warning Mark 12:38-40 widow Mark 12:41-44 end Mark 13:1-31 watch Mark 13:32-37

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Journey through Holy Week April 5 – April 12, 2020

First Baptist Church 81 Center Street

Rutland, VT 05730 Pastor Patti 802-353-2110 Pastor Jon 802-353-0559

http://www.holyweekprayers.com/ Created by Anne Bosarge at www.brightideasforchurchleaders.com

Edited for First Baptist Church by Rev. Patti Stratton

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rejoicing tension conflict betrayal

arrest crucifixion

resurrection hope

This is the story of Holy Week. Holy Week follows the story of Jesus from Palm Sunday through his death and to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The following experiences are meant to help you explore the events of Holy Week in a new way. Through these daily encounters with scripture and prayer you will walk in Jesus’ steps and follow his path to the cross.

prayers. Studying Jesus' last days on earth during Holy Week helps us understand him more fully which will

lead to a deepening of our relationship with God. Each day presents an opportunity for you to experience Jesus' life as he journeyed to the cross. Some experiences require minimal supplies to

complete and those will be listed at the top of each day's instructions.

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palm Sunday Supplies needed: paper or journal, pen, Bible

Palm Sunday is a day we remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds who had rejected him finally recognized him as King - albeit a different kind of King than they were expecting.

obedience Read Mark 11:1-6 Imagine being one of Jesus' disciples who was asked to go into town, walk up to a donkey belonging to someone else and take it. Then imagine being told that if anyone asks, just tell them that the Lord needed it and will return it soon.

Have you ever understood God to be asking you to do something that didn't make sense at the time? Was it something that might embarrass you, draw attention to you or separate you from others? How did you respond?

Spend some time in prayer right now. Consider what God might be asking you to do. Write down God's direction to you on a piece of paper or in a journal. Then write down the steps God is calling you to take in order to accomplish this task. Add a date next to each step as you complete it.

honor Read Mark 11:7-8 Imagine the crowds! Imagine the busyness! Imagine the colors as bits of cloaks drifted to the ground in front of Jesus as he rode by! People who had previously been against him were treating him with the respect and honor he deserved. They laid down clothing to create a carpet for his entry into the city. They cut down palm branches to cover the pathway. They paved the way for the King and treated him as royalty. Because of the honor and respect they had for him, they sacrificially give up their cloaks and clothing so he would have an entrance fitting his position and stature. How do you honor Jesus today? What valuable treasure are you willing to lay down at his feet as a way to honor his position as Lord and king of your heart?

Write your commitment down in a journal or on a piece of paper then share it with someone who will hold you accountable to expressing your devotion with honor.

praise Read Mark 11:9-11 “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The people of the town unashamedly shouted their praise to the One who is worthy of all praise! They weren't worried about what others might think or concerned with the approval of the Religious and Civic Leaders. They loudly and boldly declared who Jesus was. The King! The Lord of Lords! The Ruler of Heaven! Are you filled with praise today? Are you willing to declare who Jesus is? If so, say it out loud, “Jesus, you are my Lord! Amen.”

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monday Supplies: journal or paper, Bible, pen.

As we continue to follow Jesus' journey to the cross, we see him begin to go from adored King

to rejected Savior. We see Jesus coming to make things right. How is your own relationship

with him?

fruitful Read Mark 11:12-14 Upon first look, it would seem Jesus was being unfair to this fig tree. He cursed it for not being fruitful when it wasn't even the season for fruit. Normally these trees would only have leaves if they also had fruit. The tree was not punished for not bearing fruit out of season; rather it was cursed because it was giving the appearance of being fruitful without actually bearing fruit.

This encounter was intended to serve as a warning to the disciples and to us. God isn't

impressed when we look like we are fruitful. God isn't impressed with a bunch of shiny green leaves because what God is looking for is actual fruit. God is looking for our talk to match our walk and our actions to support our words.

In your journal or on a piece of paper, draw a picture of a simple tree. What is the evidence of God's fruit in your life? Galatians 5:22-23 describes nine fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Do you see evidence of this fruit in your life? If so, draw some pieces of fruit on your tree and label them. Pray and ask God to help you abide in Christ so you can be fruitful and not just a bunch of leafy branches.

reverence Read Mark 11:15-19 As Jesus continued on into Jerusalem, he naturally went to the Temple, the center of religious life. Upon arrival Jesus found that merchants had been taking advantage of those coming to worship by charging them exorbitant rates to exchange money and purchase goods required for sacrifices. Not only had the temple become a place for buying and selling, it had become a dishonest marketplace. Jesus' disappointment, profound sadness, and anger at the way people were treating each other in God’s house was so great that he drove them out and would not permit them to transact their business in the temple any longer. What God desired to be a house of prayer for all nations had become a den of thieves.

Do you approach your time with the reverence God deserves or as a transaction where you ask for stuff but forget to listen? Are you more concerned about checking it off your to-do list or living in the presence of God? In your prayer time today, repent of the times you've treated your time with God as a transaction - coming before God just to get something accomplished. Ask God for a renewed sense of reverence and awe when you spend time in the Divine Presence.

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tuesday Supplies: journal or paper, Bible, pen

The religious and civic leaders of Jerusalem were threatened by Jesus' teaching and followers. As he was gaining a following, they could feel their own power and control slipping away.

With every interaction, they came to despise Jesus more and so they crafted a plan to get rid of him.

faith Read Mark 11:20-26 After the interaction with the fig tree yesterday, Jesus and his disciples walked by it again only to discover it was dead. Jesus didn't want the disciples to simply be amazed by his power; Jesus wanted them to know his power comes from God, and that it is also available to every one of them through faith in God.

Jesus then went on to give instructions on how to pray bold, faith-filled prayers.

Believe – fully - knowing God can make it happen. Ask with a heart of forgiveness - receiving forgiveness from God and offering it to others.

When we pray in this way, it's not a guarantee God will do what we want because we aren’t perfect and don’t always ask for what’s best. Rather, asking God in this way puts us in God’s Holy Presence. God already knows what we need and wants to bless us. God loves to give good things to us! What are your big, bold prayers today? Write them down in your journal or on paper. Search your heart for any doubt in God's ability to make it happen. Speak your belief out loud and ask God to help your unbelief. Consider if you are withholding forgiveness from anyone. If you are, ask God to help you forgive. Then wait expectantly and come back to your journal entry and record what God does!

authority Read Mark 11:27-28

Jesus made a bold entry into Jerusalem the day before and cleared the temple. When Jesus comes into our lives, He isn't a wall flower standing in the corner. He takes over and makes things

right because all authority has been given to Him in Heaven and on Earth. Have you given Him all authority? Have you allowed Him to come in and make things right in your life? Or are you trying to

keep Him at a distance and only allow Him to go so far? Write down your thoughts in your journal and confess where you might be holding back and limiting Jesus' authority in your life.

questioned Read Mark 11:29-33 Jesus answered their question with a question of his own. While the Religious Leaders were trying to trick Jesus into indicting himself, Jesus was exposing their motives. He knew they didn't really want to know the answer. Their curiosity was surface-level: a sham to cover up darker desires. They wanted to prove him wrong, make him look like a fool, and discredit him in front of the people.

Do you ever use questions and curiosity as a facade for judgment and condemnation? Jesus called the Religious Leaders out on their false motives and he calls us on this same behavior today. Prayerfully consider your own motives when asking questions of others. Are you genuinely curious and open to learning, or using that as a front for something more selfish?

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debate In Mark chapters 12 and 13 Jesus engages in a series of debates with leaders who are questioning his authority out of fear and protection of their own reputations and influence. Again and again they fight against Jesus' teachings, question his wisdom, and try to discredit him in front of the people who had just heralded Him as King. Read about their interactions in the passages listed below.

tenants Mark 12:1-12

tax Mark 12:13-17

resurrection Mark 12:18-27

commandment Mark 12:28-34

messiah Mark 12:35-37

warning Mark 12:38-40

widow Mark 12:41-44

end Mark 13:1-31

watch Mark 13:32-37

Write your thoughts here: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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wednesday Supplies: journal or paper, Bible, pen

Today's study takes us from extravagant worship to intimate betrayal; from sacrificial generosity to insatiable greed. As you read and pray today, consider the place money plays in your life.

Do you use it to serve Christ's purpose or do you hoard it to serve your own?

worship Read Mark 14:1-9 As Jesus was eating with friends, a woman came with a jar of very expensive imported perfume made from pure nard. The cost of the perfume was about a year’s worth of wages. To put it in today’s terms, think of your entire year’s salary being poured out on Jesus’ head in one lavish offering. Some of the disciples were angry and didn’t see the gift as an offering, but rather as a wasteful, impulsive act. The extravagant generosity of the woman illuminated their own selfish desires and they cloaked their guilt and shame by expressing concern that the gift could have been better used in other better ways. But as Jesus saw through their words and into their hearts, he affirmed the woman’s gift and expressed appreciation and love for her willingness to give so selflessly. This sacrificial act of worship given from a heart of love and devotion was the most important thing she could have done with this perfume.

How do you worship Jesus? Do you give extravagantly from what is most valuable or do you tend to give what is leftover and easily replaced? Our greatest acts of worship come from a place of selflessness. Take three pieces of paper. Write the words, "Talents," "Time," and "Treasures" at the top of each one. On each paper write an example of the types of gifts you typically give in that category. Then flip the paper over and write what it would look like if you began to worship extravagantly through giving in each of these areas.

betrayal Read Mark 14:10-11

Think about all the time Judas spent with Jesus. Consider all of the amazing miracles he had seen Jesus do… Yet, even knowing what he knew and seeing what he had seen, he still betrayed Jesus for 30 coins.

Martin Luther King said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” You may not betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, but how often have you been silent when you have seen injustice? How often have you been quiet when others dishonor God or the people whom God loves?

Sit for a moment and consider the times your silence has been a betrayal of what you believe and who God is. Then, out loud, say the words to this prayer of confession.

Most merciful God,

I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed; by what I have done, and by what I have left undone.

I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself.

I am truly sorry and I earnestly repent. For the sake of your son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your

Holy Name. Amen.

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thursday Supplies: journal or paper, Bible, pen

Jesus is about to finish his earthly ministry with a series of final gatherings with his disciples and followers. The Passover Feast, a celebration of the

time Israel was spared from destruction by the slaughter of a lamb, was the backdrop for Jesus to be the Passover sacrifice for all our sins. The

difference is that Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all.

second chance Read Mark 14:12-21 Jesus gathered together with his disciples and friends for Passover, a time of joyful celebration where they remembered how God delivered their ancestors when they were slaves in Egypt. As they ate, Jesus revealed that one of his closest friends would betray him, even going so far as to say it was someone sitting at the same table and eating from the same dish. He sensed that Judas had already agreed to help the High Priest and His officials find and arrest him. Yet, Jesus still chose to eat with Judas and treated him with love and forgiveness. Judas had time to ask for forgiveness, to repent, and come back to Jesus. Judas turned his back on Jesus' second chance. He probably thought he was doing the right thing. Unfortunately he was wrong. Even so, Jesus still loved Judas.

When has Jesus given you a second chance to turn from sin and do the right thing? When have you turned your back on this second chance? Just as Jesus' love for Judas went deeper than his sin and betrayal, so is God’s love for you greater than all of our wrong doing. When has someone needed a second chance from you? How did you respond? Just as Jesus did not withhold forgiveness and mercy from Judas, likewise, we should not become captive by bitterness and unforgiveness. We are called to see past actions and love all people enough to offer them a second chance too.

Take piece of paper and write Lamentations 3:21-23. Let these words remind you of Jesus' faithful mercy and love toward you so that you can in turn offer the same mercy and love for others.

covenant Read Mark 14:22-25

During the Passover celebration a meal was eaten that had special

significance to all who were gathered. Bitter herbs reminded them of

the bitterness of slavery. Salt water helped them remember the tears

they shed during their suffering. The main course of the meal, lamb,

reminded them of the sacrifice that allowed the judgment of God to

pass over the houses of those who believed and thus saved the

people inside from death. Each part of the celebration was steeped

in tradition and meaning. On this night however, Jesus changed things. Instead of using the bread

and wine as a symbol of God’s love and protection of the Israelites long ago, Jesus said the bread

and wine would now represent his love and protection of us in a new way through his death on the

cross. The disciples must have been confused by the change in tradition. They were probably

worried about Jesus’ talk of his body and blood being offered for the forgiveness of sins. But later

they would come to realize that this was a new covenant Jesus was describing.

The old covenant would be familiar to them (Exodus 24:8). But in this new covenant Jesus was

establishing a new relationship between us and God.

In your prayer time today, give thanks for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus who has opened

the way for us to directly approach God and has given this meal in which to remember.

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disconnected Read Mark 14:26-31 In these verses we see Jesus' mind has turned toward the cross as he tried to prepare his disciples and friends for what was to happen next. He didn't say these words to judge or condemn them for how they would react to his death, but to let them know he was following the calling that what had been predicted years ago by the prophets (Zechariah 13:7) and was now coming true.

It was hard for Peter and the disciples and Jesus’ friends to see themselves in that place. They couldn't imagine ever leaving or abandoning the Lord. They didn't want to think it was possible for them to be scattered like lost sheep. Yet when the shepherd is away, the sheep lose their confidence. They scatter because they lack direction and certainty of purpose.

Consider where you are today. Are you walking with the Shepherd, safe within the fold of beloved community that provides you with the strength and encouragement you need to thrive? Or are you living a scattered life- disconnected from the fold and far from the Shepherd? Jesus, our Good Shepherd is here with us now, guiding us, caring for us, and calling us to himself.

On a paper or in your journal draw a circle and imagine this is where Jesus is present with his flock of followers. Where would you place yourself? In the center of his flock, following him fully? On the edge of the circle, easily picked off by the enemy? Or are you out of the loop- disconnected from the safety of the flock? In your prayer time ask Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to bring you back under care.

surrender Read Mark 14:32-42

After supper, Jesus took his disciples to a garden to pray with him. In this moment, we simultaneously see Jesus’ humanity and his intimate relationship with God. In his anguish over what was to come, he simply asked his Father if there was any other way to accomplish his task other than through his death on the cross. Yet, even in the midst of the pain, Jesus submitted wholly to God's will and committed to go through what was needed. Jesus asked his disciples to stand watch and join him in prayer, but they were not aware of the spiritual significance of this moment and in their fatigue missed out on the opportunity to pray and offer their support during these final hours.

What suffering and anguish are you going through? What are the people around you experiencing? Even as we suffer through this time of quarantine and sickness can we keep watch together in prayer? Follow Jesus' prayer as a model today for your own prayers.

Surrender- Surrender an area of need or struggle to God. Be honest about what you are dealing with and how you are handling it.

Seek- Ask God to give you guidance as you move forward. Sit silently and listen for God’s voice to whisper to you the way to go. If you are unable to hear God with your ears, keep watch with your eyes and ask someone else to keep watch and pray with you so that they might share with you what God reveals to them.

Commit- Decide to follow God’s leading, where ever the Spirit leads.

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friday Supplies: journal or paper, Bible, pen, index cards

"Good Friday" is quite possibly the most difficult day in history. This is the day when Jesus was arrested, tried, mocked, abused, and ultimately put to death. In that agony and pain we are reminded of His

unfailing love and glorious purpose. That is what makes "Good Friday" good.

flight Read Mark 14:48-52 When the fighting didn't work, Jesus’ friends resorted to another instinct - flight. In the midst of their fear and insecurity they felt they had no other option but to flee. Even though they expressed undying devotion for Jesus just the day before, their fears took root, their insecurity set in, and they allowed their emotions to determine their direction.

When have you allowed emotional instinct to determine your response to a fearful situation? How can God's presence and strength help you regain clarity before making an emotional decision?

silent Read Mark 14:53-65

Arrest. Insults.

Accusations. Lies.

Betrayal. Abandonment.

Through all this Jesus chose to remain silent. He didn't fight to defend his reputation. He didn't argue with the testimony given against him. He wasn't offended at the charges leveled against him. He knew who he was, what he had done, and he knew that he was being held in the hand of God. That was enough. When he did speak he only pointed to his identity in his relationship with God the Father.

When you are under attack, how do you respond? Do you lash out? Get defensive? Argue? Retaliate? What if, like Jesus, you chose to respond to the situation from your true identity - as a beloved child of God?

Where are you facing attack? On paper or in your journal describe your natural inclination to respond to attack and persecution. Then on another page write down what you know to be true about God’s ability to handle this situation. How will remembering who you are in Christ change how you respond?

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denied Read Mark 14:66-68 An innocent servant girl recognized Peter as one who was with Jesus. In being confronted with the truth, Peter is forced to make a choice - self-preservation or guilt by association. By admitting he was with Jesus, he would put himself in danger of being tried and accused along with Him. Peter chose self-preservation, denied being with Jesus, and fled.

denied Read Mark 14:69-70

It's so interesting how overly self-assured Peter felt in the presence of Jesus during his arrest, but now that Jesus was no longer physically present, the accusation of a servant girl was enough to

break him and cause him to betray the one he swore to protect.

denied Read Mark 14:70-72

Finally, the accusation moved beyond the servant girl and spread to the surrounding crowd. Faced with a greater and stronger opponent, Peter denies even more vehemently, calling down curses and swearing.

When have you denied your faith in Jesus in front of someone? When have you given in to peer pressure and chosen to pursue acceptance with your peers instead of declaring devotion to Christ?

On paper or in your journal write out a prayer of confession; then pray for and receive God's forgiveness. 1John 1:9.

sentenced Read Mark 15:1-15 More lies. More insults. More accusations. No proof. No answer. An offered trade.

Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty of sin and offered a trade; a way to release Jesus and assuage the guilt he would feel over convicting an innocent man. However, the crowds sided with the Religious Leaders and called for Jesus' death. Pilate released Barabbas; a man accused of insurrection against the government, and sentenced an innocent man to death. The irony was that Jesus would die for the sins of both Pilate and Barabbas- both of them truly guilty.

In the same way, Jesus has given his life for ours as well. Ponder the guilty sentence you should have received because of your own wrong doing. On paper or in your journal write out the sentence you deserve for your sins. Then tear it out, crumple it up and throw it away. Thank God that for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

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mocking Read Mark 15:16-20

In their mocking, the soldiers actually foretold Jesus' future. He would soon be dressed in a royal heavenly robe and wear a crown befitting his title. One day, everyone on earth and in heaven will bow down in honor and worship him.

Consider how Jesus must have felt during their mocking, knowing the reality of his kingship and power. On paper or in your journal, write about the reality of Jesus' kingship and the treatment he is entitled to receive.

walking Read Mark 15:21-24 What do you think was going through Jesus' mind as he walked toward his crucifixion? As he struggled to take these final steps, he might have been both dreading what was to come and eager for what was beyond the veil of death. With each step Jesus took he was walking closer and closer to the embrace of God and the welcome of heaven.

Prayerfully consider how Jesus must have felt as he stepped closer to the place where He would ultimately die for the sins of the world.

death Read Mark 15:25-41 After six hours of agonizing pain, Jesus gave up his life. The curtain in the temple was ripped from top to bottom, as if God had broken down the barrier between God’s self and us through the death of the Holy Son.

Even in this gruesome scene, we still see hope and redemption. A thief came home to Jesus and a centurion believed Jesus was the Son of God. Hope is always present in the pain.

burial Read Mark 15:42-47

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the council that accused Jesus and had a part in sending Jesus to his death. He didn't stand up for Jesus in life, but he did in death. He petitioned Pilate for Jesus' body in order to give him a proper burial instead of letting his body rot during the rest of the Passover celebration. He took care of Jesus' body and placed it in a tomb where the women could minister burial duties.

As you read the story of Jesus' death and burial, what thoughts are going through your mind? Gratitude? Regret? Grief? Take a moment and write down your thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper or in your journal.

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saturday Supplies: Bible

Saturday is a day filled with grief - a day of when Jesus' disciples mourned and

comforted each other in the absence of their Savior. Allow yourself to feel the pain

of this grief today.

grief Read Mark 8:31-38 Can you imagine the pain Jesus’ followers and friends experienced the day after the crucifixion? They must have been in various early stages of grief: denial, anger, and bargaining. Surly some of them were thinking “if only” statements in their minds.

“If only I had spoken up.” “If only I would have fought for him.”

“If only we would have taken him out of the city.” “If only he would have stopped aggravating the Religious and Civic Leaders.”

In addition, things Jesus said in the past must have been swirling through their minds. Statements like those he made in Mark, chapter 8, must have taken on a new meaning. After having seen Jesus pick up his cross and carry it to the place where he died, the disciples were probably considering what following him in the future would mean for them. They may have wondered if they were going to share his fate. What about you? After walking with Jesus in scripture through the last days of his life, are you ready to lose your life? Are you prepared to forget yourself, pick up your cross, and follow him? Spend some time in prayer searching your heart today and empathizing with the depth of the disciples’ grief.

Write your feelings here: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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easter sunday Supplies: Bible, journal or paper, pens

Jesus has risen! He is risen indeed! Jesus is alive! This is the miraculous ending Jesus had been promising his disciples and

one they couldn't understand until it actually happened. This day is perhaps the most important in human history:

the day Jesus rose and made a way for us to be in a right relationship with God.

risen Read Mark 16:1-8 Three women bearing grief, love, and care for their Savior discovered quite a surprise on that Sunday morning! Expecting to care for the dead body of the one they loved, they were shocked and afraid to see the stone had already been rolled away. As they walked inside the empty tomb they received another fright. In the place where they expected to see the body of their Lord sat an angel in a white robe who told them Jesus was alive, just as he said he would be! As the women left, they were in such a state of shock and fear that they didn't speak to anyone along the way. Imagine the emotions that must have been surging through their hearts and minds in that moment! Grief, anger, doubt, and fear all wrapped up in a swirl of confusion. Have you ever felt that way when God fulfilled a promise in your life? Have you ever seen the answer right in front of you, but were too afraid to believe or too scared to hope again? God is a God of miracles and God’s promises are true. God is ever faithful and always follows through in God’s time. Spend some time in prayer writing about areas in your life where you're waiting for a miracle. Ask God to open your eyes and show you where God is already at work. Ask God for eyes to see and a heart to recognize God’s presence and then ask for the courage to tell others how God is working in your life. Rejoice! He is Risen Indeed!