"At the Cross" Series 2023

 

“At the Cross” Series Overview (Feb. 22-Apr. 6)
At the cross, we hear the soldiers’ taunts, feel the weight of a wooden beam, smell the combination of blood, sweat, and tears, and see the hope of those who turn to Jesus when they feel helpless.  Shaped by Amy-Jill Levine’s study Witness at the Cross, our series for Lent confronts us with what happened at the cross through the eyes of those who saw Jesus draw his last breath.  Their witness can help us better understand what kind of witnesses God wants us to be.  Join us this Lent for a season with Jesus at the cross.

Feb. 22 | Ash Wednesday
SIMON OF CYRENE:  While escorting Jesus to Golgotha, the soldiers compel a man along the way named Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21).  Is Simon a victim or is he complicit in Jesus’ suffering?  In Luke 9:20-27, after saying he is on a path of suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they must also take up their cross.  Are you ready to take up a cross?

Feb. 26 | Lent 1
BYSTANDERS AND SCOFFERS: As the saying goes: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”  In Mark 15:27-32, the religious leaders verbally harassed Jesus, and others also mocked him.  When have words hurt someone?

Mar. 5 | Lent 2
THE OTHER VICTIMS: Sometimes, we identify someone as being the worst thing they ever did: murderer, thief, adulterer.  All of us have a mixed background of good and not good.  In Luke 23:39-43, two other men are being crucified with Jesus, one on his right and one on his left.  Jesus sees the men who deserve the promise of paradise.  How do you hope Jesus remembers you?

Mar. 12 | Lent 3
THE SOLDIERS: Jesus died at the hands of the Roman authorities not a Jewish mob.  In Mark 15:16-20, 22-25, 39, the Roman soldiers ridicule and torture Jesus, and after he dies, they gamble for his clothes.  Who is bullied and tormented today?

Mar. 19 | Lent 4
THE BELOVED: Jesus invites us to be part of his beloved community, the church.  In John 13:21-26; 19:25-27, Jesus places his mother in the care of a cherished but unnamed disciple, creating a new family.  What hinders your intimacy with Jesus?

Mar. 26 | Lent 5
THE WOMEN: Women have always been key figures in Jesus’ ministry.  In Mark 15:40-41, 47, a group of women watch the crucifixion from a distance.  They may have felt afraid or wanted more pleasant memories of Jesus to prevail, yet they remained close enough to behold as they kept vigil with Jesus.  When did you keep vigil?

Apr. 2 | Palm Sunday/Lent Music Sunday
JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA: We may go along to get along until our conscience demands a different course of action.  In Mark 15:42-46, Joseph of Arimathea breaks his silence as a disciple to demand from Pilate the right to care for Jesus’ body.  Have you stood up for your beliefs?

Apr. 6 | Maundy Thursday
NICODEMUS: Not ready to commit, we may sit on the fence.  In John 19:38-42, Nicodemus presents himself as willing to assist with the burial of Jesus, but he still resists being identified as a disciple.  When do you hide your faith?