Good Friday

The love that held him there Upon him was the punishment that made us whole, And by his bruises we are healed. Isaiah 53:5   Read John 19:16-30 This night I think upon the cross. I think upon its necessity. If only there was some way for Jesus to avoid it and to still carry…

Holy Thursday: The night before the cross

The Lord who is the servant Pray that I may have the grace to Let you be my servant too. Richard Gillard   Read John 13:1—11 If I sit down in the evening, dim the lights and quieten my mind, I can begin to picture Jesus kneeling before me. It is a vast reversal of…

Holy Week: The man of sorrows

Peter’s denial They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse; There is no one who does good, no, not one. Psalm 53:3   Read Luke 22:54—62 I know this story is told for my comfort. I’m sure of that. It encourages me in the light of this day’s failures, that I am in…

Holy Week: The man of sorrows

The judgement of this world There was no other good enough To pay the price of sin. Cecil Frances Alexander   Read John 12:25—33 It was no trivial thing that troubled the soul of the Son of God. It is beyond me to grasp or imagine. It is a dark supernatural thing that I will…

Holy Week: The man of sorrows

A heart drawn to Jesus For God alone my soul waits in silence; From him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1   Read John 12:1—8 I notice in my New Testament that those who follow Jesus from the heart, who learn simplicity, that is, who live simply themselves and develop a generous and open spirit toward…

Palm Sunday: Jesus our humble king

The journey that included me Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, Humble and riding on a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 Read Matthew 21:1—9 I could spend really fruitful time thinking and praying about what happened when Jesus made his final planned pilgrimage to Jerusalem. His friends were useless. His enemies were…

Lent: Jesus our high priest

The God of all comfort He drew me up from the desolate pit, Out of the miry bog. Psalm 40:2   Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–11 Honestly, I may not really know what Paul is really talking about. I’m sure the consolation he has found is for the suffering he’s endured for his faith in Christ.…

Lent: Jesus our high priest

The sins I remember Because the sinless Saviour died My sinful soul is counted free. Charitie Lee Bancroft   Read Hebrews 10:11—18 I cast my mind back over today. There is so much I could have done better. If the aim of this exercise, this life God has given me to live, if the aim…

Lent: Jesus our high priest

Sanctuary I know that while in heaven he stands No tongue can bid me thence depart. Charitie Lees Bancroft   Read Hebrew 9:24—28 I can read all about the first plans for the ark to go into the holy place.[1] I can read about the high priest’s vestments.[2] And the craftsmen making it all.[3] The…

Lent: Jesus our high priest

The Father’s glory I was daily his delight, Rejoicing before him always. Proverbs 8:30   Read John 8:51—59 ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing.’ Let me think about that. If I turn Jesus into a great figure of history, perhaps a religious genius; if I put him up there against Buddha or Mohammad…