Posts with the category “lent-devotional-2026”

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 30, 2026Written by Rick EccherDo I Trust that Christ’s Sacrifice is Enough?Scripture:25 Through his faithfulness, God displayed Jesus as the place of sacrifice where mercy is found by means of his blood. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness in passing over sins that happened before, 26 during the time of God’s patient tolerance. He also did this t...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 29, 2026Written by Melissa RossChrist’s Triumphal Entry in JerusalemScripture:1 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyo...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 28, 2026 Written by: Susan MeisterWorking Out My Own SalvationScripture:12 Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.Philippians 2:12-13Ref...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 27, 2026Written by Charity GoodwinJesus and CommunityScripture:Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue,as was his custom. H...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 26, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel Christ’s Victory Empowers His People to ServeScripture:“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.'” (Matthew 25:40)Reflection – A practice for the day:Sometimes, the immensity of the world’s needs can be ove...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 25, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel In Christ, freedom from the oppression of sin is both personal AND communal  Scripture:In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.  He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 24, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel Marginalized Prophetic Voices Emphasize God’s CharacterScripture:Take away the noise of your songs; I won't listen to the melody of your harps.  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.  (Amos 5:23-24) Reflection:Black Theology centers God’s character by leveraging the prophetic ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 23, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel The Bigger Picture -  Exodus, Jesus, and the God of the OppressedScripture:Then the LORD said, "I've clearly seen my people oppressed in Egypt. I've heard their cry of injustice because of their slave masters. I know about their pain.  I've come down to rescue them from the Egyptians in order to take them out of that land a...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 22, 2026 Written by: Ryan Hebel Jesus is Liberator of the Oppressed - Atonement through the lens of Black TheologyScripture:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.  He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclai...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 21, 2026 Written by: Jan BrooksOnly Later Did It Begin to Make SenseScripture:3:1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.”3 Jesus answered, “I assure you, u...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 20, 2026Written by Morgan GoymerThe Cross is About CommunityScripture: 37 But Jesus let out a loud cry and died.38 The curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 When the centurion, who stood facing Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “This man was certainly God’s Son.”40 Some women were watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 19, 2026Written by Morgan GoymerA Meal that MattersScripture:17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?”18 He replied, “Go into the city, to a certain man, and say, ‘The teacher says, “My time is near. I’m going to celebrate the Passover ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 18, 2026Written by Morgan Goymer God Shares in Our Emotions, Death, and ResurrectionScripture:32 When Mary arrived where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.”33 When Jesus saw her crying and the Jews who had come with her crying also, he was deeply disturbed and troubled. 34 He a...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 17, 2026Written by Sarah RugenstoneGod Doesn’t Glorify Violence, Man DoesScripture:And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,“See, the home of God is among mortals.God will dwell with them;they will be God’s peoples,and Godself will be with them and be their God;God will wipe every tear from their eyes.Death will be no more;mourning and crying and p...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 16, 2026Written by Sarah RugenstoneTime to Tear DownScripture:“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to be born and a time to die;a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;a time to kill and a time to heal;a time to break down and a time to build up;a time to weep and a time to laugh;a time to mourn ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 15, 2026Written by Sarah RugenstoneFeminist Atonement TheoryScripture:“There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.”  Galatians 3:28-29Reflection:A note: First thin...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 14, 2026Written by Frederick (Rick) EccherChrist’s Death Frees Us So His Reconciling Life Can Flow Through UsScripture:I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)Refl...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 13, 2026Written by Adam BakerThe Good News For All Creation - and the Strange Wonder of God’s PeopleScripture:He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved… And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 12, 2026Written by Adam BakerThe Least of TheseScripture: Matthew 25:34-40“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welc...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 11, 2026Written by Adam BakerJesus & Queerness: Entertaining AngelsScripture:Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)Reflection:As you’ve read through these reflections, how have you felt about “queer theology” and “queerness” in relation to Jesus? Has it made you un...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 10, 2026 Written by Adam BakerFailure and the Invitation To New ImaginationScripture:He was despised and avoided by others;    a man who suffered, who knew sickness well.Like someone from whom people hid their faces,    he was despised, and we didn’t think about him.It was certainly our sickness that he carried,    and our sufferings that he bore,    but ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 9, 2026Written by Adam BakerIn Christ Was Life, the Light For All PeopleScripture:The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest. (John 10:10)Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 8, 2026Written by Adam BakerA Queer AtonementScripture:“There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 CEBReflection:In order to understand more about queer atonement theory, we must consider what “queer” means. The term was first used to refer to that whi...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 7, 2026 Written by: Simon KimChrist + NothingScripture: 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(Luke 23:42-43)ReflectionI grew up in a traditional Asian home where achievement, status, and resume building were the keys to success in life. My old...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 6, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLet It RipScripture:Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)Reflection:The Moral Influence perspective reminds us that transformation is drawn out by love, not fear. When we trust that God’s love is steadfast and unconditional, we are freed from trying to prove ourselves, hiding our imperfections, or performing to earn app...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 5, 2026Written by Dave MerrillNothing Between UsScripture:But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that i...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 4, 2026Written by Dave MerrillWho are you…really?Scripture:There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)Reflection:The Moral Influence view speaks especially to shame, fear, and estrangement. It names how easily we come to believe we ar...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 3, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLike Ads for LoveScripture:Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will be with me. (Revelation 3:20)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement reveals a God who is unendingly invitational. God does not ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 2, 2026Written by Dave MerrillLove That Leads to ChangeScripture:Or do you have contempt for the riches of God’s generosity, tolerance, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life? (Romans 2:4)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement matters because it shows that God’s love is not only ...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathMarch 1, 2026Written by Dave MerrillTurning the Lights OnScripture:We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. (1 John 4:16, CEB)Reflection:The Moral Influence view of atonement teaches that Jesus saves us by revealing the depth of God’s love and inviting our hear...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 28, 2026Written by Melissa RossThe Lamb of GodScripture:  29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.’ 31 Even I didn’t recognize him, but I came baptizing with w...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 27, 2026  Written by: Charity GoodwinThe RepairerScripture: Colossians 2:13–15; Matthew 5:23–2413 When you were dead because of the things you had done wrong and because your body wasn’t circumcised, God made you alive with Christ and forgave all the things you had done wrong. 14 He destroyed the record of the debt we owed, with its requirements that w...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 26, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinConfession Without Self-HatredScripture: 1 John 1:8–9; Psalm 51:10–128 If we claim, “We don’t have any sin,” we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. - 1 John 1:8-910 Create a clean he...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 25, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinWorthy of BelongingScripture: Romans 8:1 So now there isn’t any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 God has done what was impossible for the Law, since it was weak because of selfishness. God condemned sin in...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 24, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinThe God Who Doesn’t Look AwayScripture: Romans 5:6 While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person.8 But God shows his love for us, because...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 23, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinThe Cross: Sin and NearnessScripture: Isaiah 53:4–6; 2 Corinthians 5:214 It was certainly our sickness that he carried,    and our sufferings that he bore,    but we thought him afflicted,    struck down by God and tormented.5 He was pierced because of our rebellions    and crushed because ...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 22, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinWhat We Mean by “Penal Substitution”Scripture: Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, 24 but all are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus. 25 Through his faithfulness, God displayed Jesus as the place of sacrifice whe...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 21, 2026 Written by: Charity GoodwinLet’s Journey With OpennessScripture: Luke 24: 25-27, Leviticus 1625 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 The...  Read More

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 20, 2026Written by: Bentley CaughlanCelebrating Lent — An Oxymoron?Scripture: 12 Yet even now, says the Lord,    return to me with all your hearts,  with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow;13  tear your hearts and not your clothing.    Return to the Lord your God,        for he is merciful and compassionate,        very patient, full of faithful lo...  Read More

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ DeathFebruary 19, 2026 Written By: Bentley CaughlinLed Into the WildernessScripture:1 Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. 2 After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “Since you are God’s Son, command these stones to become bre...  Read More