Holy Week devotions: Maundy Thursday - John 13:1-17 & 31b-35

Bible reading: John 13:1-17 & 31b-35

Today’s verse:             John 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All people will know you are my disciples if you love one another.”

            Love is at the heart of our Christian faith and was the main theme of John’s Gospel, as well as his church letters. The apostle’s love for Jesus was effectively shown by his lifelong devotion to Christ’s’ ministry and mission.

            As 21^st century Christians, we are called to continue that ministry by showing love to one another, especially in our church as well as across our community. Our mission is meant to both proclaim and show that Christ’s love for the world still effectively endures.

How do I express my love for Jesus in my life? How is Christ’s love expressed by His Church in today’s society?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, teach us Your loving ways and help us to be effective witnesses of Your compassion. As we commune with one another, let us also reach out to our community and the world during this sacred time. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Holy Week Short devotional: Wednesday - John 13:21-32

Bible Reading: John 13:21-32

Today’s verses:                 John 13:26

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.

            We've all experienced someone close to us who hurts or disappoints us. We’ve also all been in that position where we've caused injury or distrust. Human beings are not perfect and so we constantly make mistakes or lose the trust of others.

            When Judas betrayed Jesus, both of them were aware of what was going on. The other disciples may have been clueless, but both Christ and Judas knew what was happening. Jesus, however, provided Judas with a way out by letting His disciple know that He was fully aware of the betrayal. In other words, Christ still provided Judas a moment of grace and truth which he could have received. Sadly, Judas defiantly chose to betray Jesus.

How often do I disappoint God and others? What can I do to remedy this?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, forgive us when we disappoint You or betray another’s trust. Enable us to embrace Your grace and heal any brokenness in others that we have caused. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Holy Week Short .devotional: Monday - John 12:1-11

Bible Reading: John 12:1-11

Today’s verse:                      John 12:3

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

            Mary did something beautiful for Jesus. She instinctively knew that He was tired and stressed out, so she rubbed His weary feet with a soothing balm and gently cleansed in between His toes with her hair. It was a very loving act of friendship and kindness.

            Sadly, within a couple of days, she would see those same feet covered in blood and nailed to a cross. Her heart would be broken and her dreams deeply shattered, but she would also remember that her last special moments with Jesus were spent serving Him.

How do I hope to experience Christ’s presence with me throughout this week? How can I faithfully and lovingly serve Him?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to make this week holy by serving You sincerely. Give us opportunities to do something beautiful that will draw others to You. In Your Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

Holy Week Devotions: Saving the World

Last year I wrote a Holy Week devotional book to enable busy Christians to keep every day sacred. The book was enjoyed by many people and so I’ve decided to write another one for 2014.

            

Each day is divided into three separate parts: - a short morning devotion, a mid-day prayer, and an evening poem of reflection. There is also a different art image for each day to help the readers meditate. By the end of the book, Holy Week should become more meaningful to everyone who undertakes and completes this journey.

            

God bless you all.

               

  John Stuart

           Pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church

            Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

            traqair@aol.com