Easter Sunday - Day Forty-Seven - Restoration

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 - Last Day

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.
John 21:4-6

Our Lord is good and gracious. With each resurrection appearance, we see different facets of how Jesus works to re-gather his scattered flock, heal sorrows, speak peace, fill with the Spirit, and restore them to what he desires to do through them.

Three times Peter denied Jesus. Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” The first two times, Jesus asks if Peter loved Him sacrificially, the last time he asks if Peter loves him as a friend. Surely Peter was right when he responded, “Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.”

Why does Jesus press so hard on Peter? Jesus moves Peter to a point of honesty about his human nature in order to keep him from relying on himself or anything else. He invites Peter to trust in him alone. Jesus’ grace was already there. God had already accomplished the work that reconciled Peter. But Jesus had much more in store.

Sin can bring a double calamity. First, there is the sin itself which causes discord in our lives and relationships. Then there is the way that our sin and guilt are always before us. This tempts us to doubt that we have been raised to new life in Christ. Our sin can keep us from the work that God wants to do through us. Once we are actually convicted of sin, we often find it hard to let go. This is not from God!

With every sin Jesus announces, “You are forgiven, I have redeemed you.” Continuing with his gracious compassion, he says, “Trust in me. Rely on me. I have things for us to do together in the lives of others. Follow me.”

Prayer:

As Peter declared, "Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.” Help me to ever hold fast to You and follow You wherever You lead. Amen.

Reading Further - John 21:1-25

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Lent - Day Forty-Six - That You May Believe

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31

“That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name." That is the purpose for all that John wrote. If John published his Gospel today as a biography, the title would not be Jesus Christ: The Full Historical Account or Jesus Christ: In the Words of the One Who Knew Him Best. It would be Jesus Christ: That You May Have Life. In that title, you learn how the Gospel should be read; its purpose and reason for existence.

Whether the first time or the one-thousandth time we read it, eyes of faith see things we never noticed before and we are once again drawn to the wonderful grace of God. Because of John’s testimony, in addition to the testimony of the other disciples and apostles, we believe that Jesus is the Christ, and we have life in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        Thank You for Your servants who faithfully proclaimed Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who created faith in me through the testimony of Your disciples. Strengthen me to boldly give witness of my faith to others that they too may believe You are the Christ, and by believing have life in Your Name. Amen.

Reading Further - John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Lent - Day Forty-Five - All that He has Said

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

John 20:17-18

During this Holy Week, we recall the events of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus met in the upper room with his disciples before being arrested in the garden. We recall Good Friday, when our Lord was crucified and buried. However, we do so knowing that when Easter morning comes we will celebrate our Lord’s resurrection from the dead. Not having our benefit of hindsight, Mary must have experienced those days in a sorrowful state. That is, until our Lord speaks into her mourning and distress, giving peace and assurance that despite what she had seen and experienced, he was victorious… just as he had said.

In those difficult moments, it may have been tough for Mary and the disciples to think that resurrection was possible. But Jesus had said that all these things would take place, including his resurrection.

We have the benefit of living after Easter, but as we await Jesus’ return and the final resurrection, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with distress or sorrows which make Jesus’ words of promise seem impossible. Our resurrected Lord speaks through his word and is present when we gather as the body of Christ. He speaks so that he may give us peace and assurance that, despite what we experience, he is victorious… and he will do everything he has promised.

Prayer: 

My risen Savior, 

                       Comfort me, and all Christians, in times of sorrow with the assurance of Your resurrection. Restore to us each day, especially in times of distress, the joy of Your salvation. Amen.

Reading Further - John 20:1-18

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Lent - Day Forty-Four - God is in Control

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
John 19:33-37

“He was crucified, died, and was buried.” These words have been confessed by Christians for hundreds upon hundreds of years. They reflect the gracious plan of God that put events in motion for thousands upon thousands of years, from the time sin entered into the world and we became slaves under our sinful condition. Even the smallest of details, going mostly unnoticed by those at the cross, point to God’s intervention and plan.

“I thirst.” This was spoken to fulfill all Scripture.

“They did not break his legs.” This took place to fulfill all Scripture.

“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear.” This took place to fulfill all Scripture.

If ever we doubt who is, and always has been, in control of our salvation we can look to the details of the cross. Even at the moment of death itself, we are reminded of all the times that men tried to take Jesus’ life unsuccessfully because the timing was not according to God’s plan.

Here Jesus himself says, “It is finished,” and he gives up his spirit. No one takes his life; he voluntarily lays it down for us. Because Jesus was in full control, even at the point of death, we can be assured of his promises that he would give up his life only to take it up again. We can trust when Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” We can trust him when he says, “You are clean.”

Prayer: 

Almighty God, 

                  You have always held all things in Your control. Anchor my faith to Your Son and His cross that I may always be reminded of Your divine wisdom and mercy, and held firmly in Your grace whenever things in this life seem to give way or fall apart. Amen.

Reading Further - John 19:28-42

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Lent - Day Forty-Three - My King

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
John 19:14-16

“Behold your King!” Those are the words of Pilate as he brought Jesus out to the people. “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” With that, Jesus was handed over to be crucified. A sign was hung on the cross, over Jesus’ head, in mocking testimony to his claims and alleged treasonous crimes: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Pilate, the crowds, the testimony, and the sign all spoke of kingship, not understanding the truth of their words. Jesus gives us eyes to see that, in fact, he is our King. Our King allowed himself to be brutalized and put to death for our sake, on our behalf. This is how he makes us his people. Faith clings to him and confesses: “He is my Savior. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature. He has purchased and won me, not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood. All this he did that I may be his own and live under him in his kingdom. He is my King!

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, my Savior and King, 

              Thank You for redeeming me with Your all-sufficient sacrifice. Having been brought into Your kingdom, help me to serve You in all righteousness. Amen.

Reading Further - John 19:1-27

1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Lent - Day Forty-Two - Switching Places

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” 

John 18:38-40a

Betrayed. Denied. Tried. Piece by piece, the whole world turns its back on Jesus, the one who came to save it. The only man ever to live in innocence and purity is falsely accused and will be condemned to death. In an added twist of irony (at least from our fallen human perspective), a guilty man is pardoned and released. But, in God’s economy, this is to be expected.

This is the summary of our condition and God’s redemption. We reject, betray, and deny God with each act of sin. We put God on trial, questioning his timing, his presence, and his reasons for the way things are in the world. In our sinfulness, we flip everything upside down. Nevertheless, in his grace, God turns everything over in order to set us right side up. We who are actually the guilty ones are released because the one who was innocent received our condemnation.

Prayer:

Lord,
        Please forgive all my sins, when I reject You as the one true God and Lord of my life. As I live in Your promise, dead to sin and raised to a new life, be patient with me. In Your mercy, do not cast me away from Your presence but restore me in Your salvation. Amen.

Reading Further - John 18:19-40

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Lent - Day Forty-One - From Denial to Boldness

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?”
John 18:25-26

Peter boldly told Jesus, I will lay down my life for you (John 13:37). But now, pressed by various servants, Peter folds. Boldness turns to denial three times. While some may be quick to judge Peter, it isn't a stretch for us to summon compassion and understanding. Fear and the instinct for self-preservation can easily unravel all of us. Most of us will never experience the sort of threat the disciples felt on that night and in the coming days. Even without such a threat, we easily allow fear and self-preservation to shrink our boldness to speak of Jesus. There is an incongruence in our lips and lives that will, at one moment, worship and praise Jesus, only to turn around and deny him by our sinful disobedience.

Consider, in contrast, Jesus' boldness on trial. He doesn't speak much, but when he does there is no effort for self-preservation. He says, “I have spoken openly to the world.” Jesus has always spoken with truth for the sake of the world. He speaks and takes action so that sinners may receive forgiveness through the redeeming work he was about to endure, giving up his own life on the cross.

Historical tradition tells us that Peter eventually did lay down his life in martyrdom for Jesus. Before that happened, Jesus fulfilled his promise to send the Holy Spirit (John 15 and 16) who would speak with Jesus' authority to guide his people in all truth. The Spirit empowered them and made them bold witnesses.

To this day, followers in many corners of the world face serious persecution yet remain bold and steadfast in their faith by the same cross-purchased grace and the ongoing sustaining work of the Holy Spirit. Brothers and sisters in Christ, what great news it is to be reminded that we too are recipients of the same grace and the same Holy Spirit!

Prayer: 

Holy Spirit, 

                 Guide me in all truth and make me bold in faith to confidently testify to all that Jesus has done in redeeming me and the world. Help me to continue to follow my Lord and Savior in all circumstances. Amen.

Further Reading - John 18:18-26

18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?”

Lent - Day Forty - A Powerful Name

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
John 18:4-6

We may overlook a small detail contained in the early moments of Jesus’ arrest. Judas leads Roman soldiers, temple police, and other religious leaders to capture Jesus. But as they do this, there is a moment where they draw back and fall to the ground. What could cause such an occurrence?

Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus has invoked the very personal and sacred name of God, “I Am,” to refer to himself. “I Am the Bread of Life.” “I Am the Light of the World.” “I Am the Good Shepherd.” “I Am the Vine.” Now, as they approach Jesus, he asks them, “Whom do you seek?” They answer, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus responds by saying, “I Am.” He doesn’t employ a conversational, “Oh, that’s me. I’m Jesus.” He invokes the personal and sacred name of God, “I Am.”

I can’t help but recall the words of Philippians 2:6-11: Though he was in the form of God, [Christ Jesus] did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God’s name has such power that, when Jesus speaks, it casts down those who came to arrest him. Only his willingness could enable his arrest, beating, crucifixion, and death. A day will come when all will bow to his name. For many, this will be by compulsion and fear, but for those of us found in Christ, it will be with praises, great joy, and peace, for this is the name by which we have been saved! (Acts 4:12)

Prayer: 

Jesus, 

         I praise your holy name. By it, I have been saved from my sin, with it, I was claimed as your child, and in it, is great power. Amen.

Reading Further - John 18:1-18

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Lent - Day Thirty-Nine - Jesus' Compassionate Prayer

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [j]will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
John 17:20-23 NKJV

How does our Lord face the hour of tribulation – the final moments before arrest and trial, mere hours from crucifixion and death? With prayer. In doing so, he demonstrates how we may rely on the Father in our own trials. “Christ not only speaks about endurance of evil but puts himself forward as an example. After his admonition that ‘in the world you would have tribulation,’ he himself turns to prayer in order to teach us that in our testing we are to leave everything behind and flee to God. He had shaken their souls in his admonition but raised them up again by this prayer.” 1

What is on the heart of our Lord as he turns to the Father in prayer? He prays for those who belong to the Father because of his testimony and the truth of his sanctifying word. In essence, Jesus says:

Father keep my disciples in your name. Join them to us as partakers of your grace.

Father, give them joy, not any joy, but my joy, the joy that comes because of the life and salvation I give.

Father, leave them in the world, as bad as the world can be at times, but cover them with your hand of protection, preserving them from Satan.

Father, continue to be at work in them, purifying and consecrating them through your word.

Father, I pray this not just for these disciples, but all who are yet to believe in me because of their testimony.

The deep compassion of Christ is expressed in this prayer. It shows us the heart, mind, and grace of our Lord which led to that night in the garden and unfolded the events that would take place in the coming hours. It also gives us an example of how to face our own difficulties of life. It helps to shape our hearts and prayers to include not just the removal of difficulties from our lives, but these very concerns that our Lord himself held as the highest priority.

Prayer: 

Father, 

           Keep me in the true faith. Strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who find themselves persecuted for their faith. Guide my days and deeds that, in all I say and do, others would come to know and believe that You love them and sent Your Son for them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 Quote by Chrysostom, cited in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; New Testament, volume IVb p. 227. 

Reading Further - John 17:1-26

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Lent - Day Thirty-Eight - Overcoming the World

  Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

“Believers may not feel like conquerors of the world, but, thankfully, overcoming the world depends not on our feelings or experiences but on our faith.” 1 

Surely the disciples did not feel like victors when Jesus was arrested, crucified, and laid in the tomb. They scattered during the crisis and, in the aftermath of Jesus’ death, hid behind locked doors fearing for their lives. Little did they know that Jesus overcame the world during those terrifying, overwhelming hours.

Throughout God’s word, we are reminded that the world outside of us is not as great as the One who is within us. Because of what Jesus accomplished, we are able to live out Jesus’ words: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Not only has our Lord overcome the world, he has given us something very powerful: he has given us his name with which to call upon the Father in prayer. In times of tribulation, we are not left without any recourse. Rather, we are invited to approach the throne of God in prayer, not in our own name, but rather with the very name of Jesus, the Son of God. Even when our lives are full of discord, hardship, or suffering we are able to sing with confident hope, “Jesus lives! The victory’s won! Death no longer can appall me…This shall be my confidence.” 2 

Prayer: 

Father, 

           You know the trials I face. Grant me peace so that I may not be overwhelmed by them, but may instead find rest in the assurance of Christ’s victory. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, my Lord. Amen.

1 Study note 1 John 5:4, The Lutheran Study Bible, pp 2179-2180.
2 Hymn, “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won”, Christian Furchtegott Gellert, tr. Frances E. Cox.

Reading Further - John 16:16-33

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Lent - Day 37 - Consolation

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 
John 15:18

A consolation prize is often given to the runner up or to the winner of the “losers’ bracket” in a competition. It is given to, at least partially, console an individual or team for not winning the top prize.

Sometimes I think that is how we view faith and the Holy Spirit. Our hearts get set on a life filled with all the joys this world might have to offer: good health, financial security, fulfilling relationships, personal success, recognition and approval from others, and no strife. When those things don’t fall in place, we may treat faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit like a consolation prize. “There was so much more that I hoped for, but at least my faith and the Holy Spirit can help me through the difficulty of not receiving what my heart desires.”

It seems Jesus wants the disciples to see the Holy Spirit as a completely different consolation. He is about to win the ultimate victory through his death and resurrection. Through this, the disciples are going to be champions with him because he makes his victory their victory. This will not eliminate their experiences of brokenness in this world. In fact, because they are Jesus’ disciples, the world will attack their faith and heap on more trials. Jesus reworks the hearts and minds of his followers. Their consolation is not in the platitudes and praises of men, nor in the pleasantries or possessions of this world. Those things are not true victories, but only work to pacify us in the midst of a sinful world. Instead, Jesus gives to all his disciples (including each of us) true consolation for our sin-broken lives. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, helps us cling in faith to the victory which is ours in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        Let me not be discouraged by the trials in this world nor when attacked because of my faith in You. Instead, send your Holy Spirit as a help and comfort to keep me steadfast in true faith. Amen.

Reading Further - John 15:18-16:15

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

1 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Lent - Day Thirty-Six - Abide

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:4-5 

In these few verses (vvs 1-17), Jesus uses a single word 10 different times: “abide.” Is there really a good way to define this word? How do you tell someone what it means to abide? We might use other verbs like to sit, rest, be, dwell, live, or remain. At the same time, we realize that this word carries with it not just a state of being or an action we do, but this word also communicates blessings and benefits being given to us and worked in us. To abide means to be nourished, united, rooted, strengthened. This is why Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine. The branches are attached to the vine. That attachment translates into blessings flowing from vine to branch for its ongoing growth and sustaining. How do you separate one activity from the other? You cannot. That is abiding.

This is how God works in the lives of those washed and claimed in the name of Christ. It is a daily invitation to sit with Jesus, rest in Jesus, be with Jesus, live in Jesus, dwell with Jesus, remain in Jesus.

A busy life may seem to have little room for this “abiding.” But that just shows how important it is. In those times especially, we need his nourishing, strengthening, and sustaining presence. “Abide in me. Abide in my word. Abide in my love.” Jesus abides with us.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

         Thank You for covering me with Your protection and presence. Break through the noise and overwhelming pace of life to call me to find rest in You. As I abide in You, assure me that You enable me to do what You ask through Your living and life-giving word and spirit. Amen.

Reading Further - John 15:1-17

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Lent - Day Thirty-Five - The Promised Holy Spirit

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 
John 14:26

As the last days of Jesus’ earthly ministry approach, imagine for a moment what this journey is about to be like for Jesus’ disciples. They have spent the last three years of their lives following Jesus. They have seen miracle after miracle with their own eyes. They have sat at his feet to take in all of his teachings. They have broken bread with him, eating meal after meal together. They walked where he walked, and followed wherever his voice led them. Now that is all going to drastically change.

He is leaving, but he promises that he will not leave them as orphans. He promises that the Father will be with them, and that he will be in them. He promises to give them another helper, another advocate… the Holy Spirit.

We did not walk the Jerusalem roads with Jesus, but his promise is for us as well. While we may often feel quite alone, Jesus promises that he has not left us as orphans. He dwells in us. We, too, have been given the helper, the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is at work in us to create and sustain faith. The Holy Spirit continues to work in us while we wait for our Lord’s return. This Holy Spirit is sent to teach us all things and recall for us all that our Lord has taught. The Spirit teaches us our Lord’s commands, cultivates a love for those commands, and produces a desire to keep them. The Holy Spirit nurtures us to love our Lord and treasure his word. We have an advocate who stands before the Father on our behalf. We have a helper who works faith and the fruit of faith in us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: 

Holy Spirit, 

                 I am thankful for Your presence in my life. Draw me ever closer to my Lord and Savior. Direct me according to His will. Comfort me in all temptation and defend me from all error. Amen.

Reading Further - John 14:15-31

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

Lent - Day Thirty-Four - Two Paths?

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 
John 14:1-3

In Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” a person is presented with the dilemma of two paths of equal possibility. He takes one, leaving the other for another day, then adds, “Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.”1 Reflecting on this, he concludes that he chose the better road: the one less traveled.

Theologian Bo Giertz notes that our self-righteous and self-sufficient nature would have us “go the way of obedience to the very end in order to find peace with God. But the way of obedience has no end. It lies endlessly before you, bringing continually severer demands and constantly growing indebtedness.”2 We may work to take stock of our deeds, examine our hearts, and amend our lives. It seems like the right way, but it never ends, leading on and on, steeper and steeper. This way can never bring us to peace with God.

In contrast, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Here is a road that is simply wonderful. God has driven us toward this road all along. This is the road where, with eyes opened to see our sinful state, we look up to see Jesus standing in its midst. This is the road where his righteousness is offered to everyone who believes. Only in Jesus do we find rest for our anguished souls. Here peace is offered and we are led to the Father.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        Lead me in Your way of truth that I may always rest in Your unchanging grace. Amen.

1 Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.”

2 Bo Giertz, “The Hammer of God” Augsburg Fortress, 2005 p.173.

Reading Further - John 14:1-14

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Lent - Day Thirty-Three - Love One Another

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35

When we think of how Jesus is about to demonstrate his love on the cross, this is an overwhelming commandment. “A new command I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” It can weigh on us as a heavy burden we cannot bear, only reminding us of how undeserving of God’s love we are. Christ wants us to see that his love has been poured out on our behalf because we could not live up to any expectation of God’s commands.

In this commandment to love, we are given an invitation. We stand as God’s children by the blood of Christ. Now, as recipients of such love, our lives can bear testimony to that love and to Christ himself. It is his desire that, in imitating his love, we attend to the cares and needs of others. Through this, the world can see that there is something different about Christians. We do not do this to bring attention to ourselves, but to direct others to the One who works love in us. In this, our Lord is honored.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

         Too often I fail to love others as You have commanded. Forgive me. May Your love guide me in every action today and every day. Amen.

 Reading Further - John 13:18-38

18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

Lent - Day Thirty-Two - Washed by Jesus

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:3-5

John is the only gospel writer to share the account of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. With it, John continues to add layer after layer foreshadowing Jesus’ death.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t “take off” his clothes; he lays them down and takes them up again—just as he will do with his life. Jesus carried out this humble service, “knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands,” a reminder that God’s power and glory will be demonstrated in his ultimate act of service and sacrifice. Of course, we cannot forget the act of washing itself. “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

All disciples of Christ are washed in the precious blood of Jesus which makes them clean. We come to the Cross time and time again. Perhaps we are tempted to see this as “the same old thing.” But Jesus reminds us that, without this, we have no share with him. His ways might seem simple, but they are perfect, and enough for all that we need.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        May this example of Your humble service remind me that I have been washed and made clean in Your blood. Help me to love others with the same humility and self-sacrifice. Amen.

Reading Further - John 13:1-17

1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Lent - Day Thirty-One - Light Shining in Darkness

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 

46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 

John 12:46

Our readings are nearing the end of Jesus’ public ministry. His message remains consistent: he has come to save the world, to bring all people out of darkness into his saving light. Yet not all receive this. Some saw signs and refused to believe, so God’s word sealed them in their rejection. Others believed but with a secret faith that would not confess Christ publicly. They seem to love the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Why does faith make its way into the lives of some but not others? Honest reflection shows that we are just as sinful as unbelievers. So why has faith taken root in us? Searching our own hearts, we find that we also seek and crave the praise of others. But we rarely consider that our desires may be at odds with seeking the praise of God.

This short section of Scripture demonstrates how precious and mysterious the gift of faith really is. The Holy Spirit calls us with the gospel to receive God’s grace in humility. God’s word reminds us to consider how needless the praise of people is when, in Christ, we have already received praise and glory from God himself.

Finally, we are encouraged to lives of persistence as we talk with those who do not yet believe, because his light still shines and rescues from darkness.

Prayer: 

Gracious Savior,

                        I sin against You daily and am prone to wander from Your grace. Forgive me. Remove all doubt and unbelief from my heart. Strengthen me to humbly shine the light of Your Gospel. Amen.

Reading Further - John 12:37-50

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”

41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

Lent - Day Thirty - Unexpected Glory

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 

John 12:27-28

Finally, the time has come for Jesus to be glorified. But, once again, God does not always work as we might expect.

There were many times when we might have expected to see Jesus receive the honor, status, and glory that he deserved. We might think of angelic birth announcements, miraculous feedings of thousands, blind men receiving their sight, or the dead brought back to life. In fact, we might prefer to jump from the cheers of Palm Sunday to the glory of Easter. God has a different plan.

To be lifted up connotes being raised to a higher status, held in great honor, high regard, or increased in power or position. But for our Lord, the lifting up – and the glory – comes when he is lifted up on the cross. (3:14, 8:28, 12:32). So, before we jump to Easter joy, it is important that we spend the next few weeks recalling the journey of those days that led to his being lifted up for our salvation. It is helpful to take in each conversation and event recorded in Scripture that walk us ever closer to his death. As Christians, we are called to see all things through his suffering and the cross. We must not look around it, over it, or beyond it because without it we are without hope, stuck in the mire of our sin. In Christ, the cross becomes hope, defeat is turned to triumph, and death becomes life.

Prayer: 

Father, 

         Draw me to Christ and his work accomplished on the cross, that I would view all things through it, including my own suffering, life, and salvation. Amen

Reading Further - John 12:20-36

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Lent - Day Twenty-Nine - What Did We Do?

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him, many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

John 12:9-11

Lazarus appears several times in our reading [see 'Reading Further' below]. He reclines at the table with our Lord. Crowds see Lazarus, hear about his resurrection and follow Jesus because of it. The chief priests want to kill Lazarus because of it. Even some in the Palm Sunday crowd seem to be there because they heard about Lazarus’ resurrection. But all of this was Jesus’ work. Lazarus was simply the recipient of Jesus’ gracious intervention.

We are like Lazarus. In baptism, God raised us from death to life (Romans 6:3-4). What part did we really have to play in that? God performed the miracle and did the work. As we live in that reality, in relationship with the Son, we are invited to recline with him. Some will hear about the miracle that God has worked in us and, because of that, [they will] follow Christ as well. Others may reject Jesus and, because of the life Christ has given us, may reject us, too. Jesus warns us, “The world will hate you, because they hate me and you are my disciples.”

What did we do that we get to recline with our Lord? What did we do that others would hear our testimony and follow Christ? What did we do to cause others to reject us as they reject Christ? This is simply the description of life for those who have been raised [to new life] by Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus has been at work in us to bring us to faith and sustain us in that faith, he is also at work through us because of this new life we have been given.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        May I [always] follow You as a humble servant who bears witness about the life You have given me. Amen.

Reading Further - John 12:1-19

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt!”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”