Section Three: The Life of Christ, II February 14 - March 31 THE LIFE OF CHRIST moves in dynamic partnership with history. Woven through the lives of citizens, governors, kings, religious leaders and the oppressed is the life and ministry of Jesus. And it is moving toward confrontation, contemplation and crucifixion. As we journey with Christ through Lent and the Passion, what will the steps of Jesus tell us about our own? Reader’s Notes: Feb 14 (Ash Psalm 51 Call to Turn Our Hearts Wednesday) Around As we enter Lent, we expose ourselves to the kind of life Feb 15 Catch Up Day demands and find ourselves Feb 16 Luke 9:18-27; Matthew Following Christ falling short of following. 16:13-28; Mark 8:27-9:1 Even at points hyperbolic, (John 12:25) and glancingly impossible, the life of Christ really does Feb 17 Luke 9:28-36; Matthew Jesus Transformed boil down to two things: his 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13 love of God and his love of Feb 18 Luke 9:37-43a; Matthew Jesus Heals a Boy neighbor. 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29 Remember, don’t get frustrated when you find the Feb 19 Luke 9:43b-45; Matthew Jesus warns about his 17:22-27; Mark 9:30-32 arrest readings jumping around. Feb 20 Luke 9:46-50; Matthew Jesus Corrects the 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-41 disciples (John 13:20) Feb 21 Luke 9:51 - 56 Jesus sets out for Jerusalem; Following Jesus Feb 22 Luke 10:1-24 Seventy-two sent out; (Matthew 9:37-38, Judgement against 10:7-16, 11:20-27, cities that reject Jesus; 10:40; 13:16-17) The seventy-two return Gospel Reading Plan 2017-2018 Reader’s Notes: Feb 23 Luke 10:25-37 Loving your neighbor (Matthew 22:34-40; A “Catch Up Day” is Mark 12:28-34) positioned in several places of the reading plan in order Feb 24 Luke 10:38-42 Jesus visits Martha and to help facilitate reviewing Mary something again or reading a day you might have missed. Feb 25 Luke 11:1-26 Teaching the Disciples (Matthew 6:9-13, 7:7-11, to Pray; Controversy however you use the day, be 12:22-30, 12:43-45; over Beelzebul reading! Mark 3:22-27) Context matters a lot. What Feb 26 Luke 11:27-54 On seeking signs; Jesus (if any) additional (Matthew 12:38-42, 5:15, condemns Pharisees information would you need 6:22-23; Mark 8:11-12, and legal experts to know or understand a 4:21) passage completely? Feb 27 Luke 12:1-12 Warnings to Jesus’ (Matthew 16:5-6, friends; Acknowledging 10:26-33, 12:31-32, the Human One 10:19-20; Mark 8:14-15, 3:28-30, 13:11) Feb 28 Luke 12:13-34 Warning against greed; (Matthew 6:25-34, warning against worry; 6:19-21, 24:42-51, 10:34-36, 16:2-3, 5:25-26) Mar 1 Luke 12:35-59 Warning about being prepared; conflicts brought by Jesus; Learning and practicing good judgement Mar 2 Luke 13:1-17, 22-35 Demand for genuine (Matthew 7:13-14, change; Healing on a 7:22-23, 8:11-12, 19:30, Sabbath; Who will be 23:37-39; Mark 10:31) saved? Mar 3 Luke 14:1-35 Healing on the (Matthew 22:1-14, Sabbath; Lessons on 10:37-38, 5:13, humility and generosity; 18:12-14; Mark 9:49-50) Discipleship’s demands Mar 4 Luke 15:1-32 (Matthew Occasions for 18:12-14) celebration !2 Gospel Reading Plan 2017-2018 Mar 5 Luke 16:1-18 Faithfulness with (Matthew 6:24, Matthew money; Jesus responds 11:12-13, Matthew 5:18, to Pharisees Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12) Mar 6 Luke 16:19-31, 17:1-19; 17:1-19 Faithful service; Matthew 18:6-9; ; Mark Jesus heals a Samaritan 9:42-50 (Matthew 18:15, 17:19-21; Mark 9:28-29) Mar 7 Luke 17:20-37, 18:1-14 The kingdom is coming; Reader’s Notes: (Matthew 10:39, Justice for the faithful; 24:17-18, 24:23, The Pharisee and the For the reading on March 24:26-28, 24:37-41; tax collector Mark 13:19-23; 11th, as you read the text, 13:14-16; John 12:25) who is short: Zaccheus or Jesus? Verse 3 is not as clear Mar 8 Luke 18:15-30; Matthew Jesus blesses children; as you may think. 19:13-30; Mark 10:13-31 A rich man’s question This raises an important Mar 9 Luke 18:31-34; Matthew Jesus predicts his death aspect of Biblical 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45 and resurrection; A interpretation. How can we blind man is healed account fully for what we Mar 10 Catch Up Day bring to the text v. what the text presents to us? Mar 11 Luke 19:1-28 A rich tax collector; (Matthew 25:14-30; Faithful service Mark 13:34) Mar 12 John 11:1-46 Lazarus is Ill; Jesus with Mary & Martha Mar 13 John 11:47-57 Caiphas Prophesies & The Passover draws near Mar 14 John 12:1-11; Luke Mary Anoints Jesus’ 7:36-50; Luke 8:1-3 Feet (compare with March 19th readings) !3 Gospel Reading Plan 2017-2018 Mar 15 Matthew 18:10-20 (Luke The Parable of the Lost 15:3-7, 17:3) Sheep & Sinning Brother or Sister Mar 16 Matthew 18:21-35 (Luke Parable of the 17:4) Unforgiving Servant Mar 17 Matthew 19:1-12; Mark Teaching About Divorce 10:1-12 (Luke 16:18) Mar 18 Matthew 20:1-16 Workers in the vineyard Mar 19 John 10:22-42 Jesus at the Festival of Dedication & Jesus at the Jordan Mar 20 Matthew 21:18-27; Mark Cursing the Fig tree; 11:12-33; Luke Jesus’ authority 19:47-20:8 questioned Mar 21 Matthew 21:28-46; Mark Parable of the two sons, 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19 Parable of the tenant farmers Mar 22 Matthew 22:1-14 Parable of the wedding party Mar 23 Matthew 22:23-46; Mark Question about 12:18-37; Luke 20:27-44 resurrection; Great commandment; Question about David’s son Mar 24 Matthew 22:15-22; Mark Question about taxes 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26 Mar 25 Matthew 21:1-17; Mark Entry Into Jerusalem; (Palm/ 11:1-11, 15-17; Luke Cleansing the Temple Passion 19:28-46; John 12:12-19 Sunday) Mar 26 Matthew 26-27 Matthew’s Passion Mar 27 Mark 14-15 Mark’s Passion !4 Gospel Reading Plan 2017-2018 Mar 28 Luke 22-23 Luke’s Passion Mar 29 John 13, 18-19 John’ Passion (Maundy Thursday) Mar 30 No readings (Good Friday) March 31 John 3:22-36 John’s Final Witness !5 Gospel Reading Plan 2017-2018 Spiritual Practices ASH WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 14, 2018) is the first day of Lent, a season of reflection and repentance for Christians worldwide. During this six- week season, many people “give up” or fast from something as a spiritual practice (or discipline). Coffee, chocolate, sugar, soda are all common examples of things from which one might fast. Others add something to their normal routine: 15 minutes of daily prayer, calling a friend each day, writing a thank you note each day. All of these spiritual practices are meant to help us focus our hearts and actions on God and to open our minds to God’s purpose for our lives. As you consider how you will practice your faith this Lenten season, you’re encouraged to check the Closer Walk with Thee Facebook™ page for some articles about Lent and fasting. Sampling of Things to Give Up for Lent • chocolate • Greed (only purchase things that • caffeine are essentials during Lent) • gossip • Road rage • late night TV • meat • soda • social media • fast food • electronics/screen time • Listening to Music in the car • swearing • Complaining • make-up • Going out to eat Sampling of What to Take Up for Lent • take a picture of God’s work • Listen to sacred music each day (http://bustedhalo.com/ • reading the Bible daily ministry-resources/2017-instalent- • Visit with someone on the In photo-challenge ) Crowd list • Going to worship every Sunday • 15 minutes of daily prayer • Spending time with your family • Making a meal for someone else every day (Faith 5) • writing down your blessings • Giving away stuff you don’t need everyday or use • practice forgiveness • Being encouraging to others • Read the d365.org devotion each (write note, post encouragements day on social media, call friend each day) !6 Gospel Reading Plan 2017-2018 Movies & Music for Lenten Devotion There are tons of movies about the life of Christ as well as movies that point us toward lessons in repentance, sacrifice and redemption. Watching and reflecting on these movie can be an act of devotion. Likewise, music can serve to point us toward a deeper connection with God and with our fellow travelers on the path. Over time, people have turned scripture into lyrics to express their emotions and devotion to their faith. Others have simply let the notes tell their story. Listed is a sampling of movies and music that you might explore this Lenten season as you look and listen for God’s word for you. Movies • The Mission (1986) • Mary, Mother of Jesus • The Way (2010) • Shadowlands • Wild (2017) • The Chronicles of Narnia: The • The Courageous Heart of Irena Lion, The Witch and The Sendler Wardrobe • The Zookeeper’s Wife • The Last Temptation of Christ • Changing Lanes • The Shack • The Apostle • Ben Hur • Godspell • The Ten Commandments • Jesus Christ Superstar • Keeping the Faith • King of Kings • The Passion of the Christ Music • Händel’s Messiah —Try some • Bach’s St.