march 21

Lent 5

Some Greeks Seek Jesus

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.

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up

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.

The gospel according to john

John 12:20-33

  1. How would you describe Jesus’ posture toward his suffering as he anticipates his Passion? Look especially at his words in verses 23-28 and 30-32. How would you describe our culture’s posture toward suffering? What does it look like to face suffering like Jesus in our context today? What does it look like in your own life? 
  2. Throughout the passage, where do you find windows into Jesus’ relationship with his Father as he faces his Passion? How do you see the Father meeting Jesus as he walks the road toward his death? 
  3. Spend some time in silence and ask the Lord to show you how he is meeting you in the suffering in your life.

If you are comfortable, share with someone else and pray for each other. Close by praying together for Holy Week. 

Ask the Lord to pour out his Spirit so that we can worship Jesus crucified and glorified. 

 

visio divina

Christ Crucified, by Luis Tristán circa 1624, Oil on canvas, 83.8” x 119” /
El Greco Museum, Toledo.

What are you most drawn to in this image? 
How are your emotions stirred by it? 
Ask the Lord to increase your holy desires.

Musical Devotion

Worship

O Sacred Neck, Now Wounded (The Porter's Gate)

I Surrender All (Jason Lavik)

Classical

Engage with these pieces cognitively, emotionally, textually, and musically. Classical music can help us to uncover the many layers of Scripture by portraying characters, ideas, and emotions in musical form. Enjoy soaking in the music and the text (translated below).
 
Before listening to the Bach cantata, view Janna Williamson’s mini-lecture on How to Listen to Bach Cantatas.

Cantata Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich BWV 150 - Sato

Lamentate: Solitudine (Arvo Part)