Come enjoy our Youth Choir as they tell the story of “Heroes of the Faith” through song and story this week at all worship services!
Worship with Holy Communion – Saturday, 5:00 p.m. in Sanctuary this week
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Fellowship
We will continue with the story of Jesus’ Passion in John’s Gospel as we read of Jesus’ condemnation by Pontius Pilate.
April 6, 2014
John 19:1-16a
Key Verses: “And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face.” John 19:2-3
Time: 30 CE
Background: Pilate was still trying to find a reason not to condemn Jesus, but the Jews were adamant about finding him guilty. Their cruel mocking of him showed the depth of their hatred for Jesus. Jesus’ words of truth may have touched some deep shame to make them react so violently against him.
Even when it appeared Pilate held all power over Jesus, Jesus knew who held true power. He knew that Pilate could only harm him if God gave him ability to do so. Such faith may have given him strength to continue down this terrifying path so he could complete his mission.
Community: What makes a crowd move or turn? Have you ever been in a crowded stadium, concert hall, or mall when tension is building? What is it about being in a group that makes certain unacceptable behaviors seem more acceptable? How can you keep your head, when you’re in a crowd that is behaving questionably?
At Home: What shame do you carry that keeps you from being free? How might you turn that over to Jesus this week? Does it make a difference that Jesus has died to free you from shame and guilt?
Read This Week:
Monday, Apr 7, The Promise of the Holy Spirit, John 14:15-31
Tuesday, Apr 8, Jesus the True Vine, John 15:1-17
Wednesday, Apr 9, The World’s Hatred, John 15:18-16:4
Thursday, Apr 10, The Work of the Spirit, John 16:4-15
Friday, Apr 11, Sorrow Will Turn into Joy, John 16:16-24
Saturday, Apr 12, Peace for the Disciples, John 16:25-33
Next Week: Sunday, Apr 13, King, Crucified, John 12:12-17, 19:16b-22
