Friday – The King Dies for His People – Mark 15

On Good Friday, we sometimes ask:  why did Jesus have to die?  The short answer is that he died for our sins.  Author and priest Fleming Rutledge poses a follow-up question:  why did Jesus have to die by crucifixion?  Jesus didn’t just die any old death; he died...

Thursday – The King Hosts a Meal – Mark 14

One of the practices held in common by all Christians is communion.  Call it the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or Holy Communion – we all believe something deeply significant happened when Jesus broke bread with his disciples on Thursday of Holy Week....

Wednesday – The King Is Not Impressed – Mark 12

In the middle of Holy Week, Jesus holds up two models of discipleship: one is rooted in showmanship and status updates.  Jesus is not impressed with this group.  The other is embodied in the widow, who brought her two small coins.  She comes and lays down her life;...

Tuesday – The King Meets a Rebellion

As Jesus enters the dog days of Holy Week, he is met with resistance.  In response, he tells the parable of the vineyard to show how shocking and offensive it is to resist the son of God.  We often speak of the benefits of receiving Jesus, and to be sure, there are...