Worship Moment

Why?

Luke 22: 39-53

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[c]

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Jesus Arrested

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

 

The song for you to listen to is one written and performed by Christian artist Michael Card. He writes a great deal of music about Jesus’ life.  The first time I ever heard this piece many years ago it evoked so many thoughts in me.  Each time I listen to it I hear something different, and again it gets me reflecting on Jesus’ death and all of the people who were part of that powerful story. A story that is still ours today – one in which we each have a part.

I’m not sure how it might affect you.  I offer it for you to listen to and reflect upon.

Prayer

God, as we get closer to the cross our eyes are opened to what it all means and what we still can learn from Jesus’ death. Fear, uncertainty, power – all powers that were prevalent at that time.  All powers that still seek to gain control today. Help us to understand how Jesus’ death still has so much to teach us as we seek healing for your world. Amen.

To Listen and Reflect: