Today’s Author: Milt Warkentien
I like looking at what Jesus teaches and lives out, versus what really happens. The Good Friday Journey to the Cross services usually is based on this idea. The same is true this year. Servant/Betrayer is one set of readings this year. In John 13 we find Jesus washing his disciple’s feet. Peter try’s to get out of this because Jesus is their master. A master shouldn’t be serving those that follow the master, instead, they should be washing their master (Jesus’s) feet.
Jesus shows, in this act, that no one is greater than another person. How one of his disciples “repays” Jesus is by betraying him. I just can’t fathom how someone following Jesus, hearing his teachings, etc. could then betray Jesus, but then I think of all those times I stumble in my faith life and realize that in many ways I betray Jesus, too.
Debbie Jorgens got me looking more closely at ELW 803 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. The verses of this hymn are very powerful, and I urge you to take time to meditate on them and let them wash over you, but today I leave you with verse 3 “See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?” Did e’er such love and sorrow meet!!!! Jesus dies for us because of Jesus’s unboundless love for us. I’m so grateful that Jesus gave himself for us and hope that in my life I reflect that love.”
The prayer for today is from the ELW p. 73 “After Worship”
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that the ears which have heard the voice of your songs may be closed to the voice of dispute; that the eyes which have seen your great love may also behold your blessed hope; that the tongues which have sung your praise may speak the truth in love; that the feet which have walked in your courts may walk in the region of light; and that the bodies which have received your living body may be restored in newness of life. Glory to you for your inexpressible gift; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, contact Pastor Peter.