“And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29)

Even in mockery the truth that Jesus is King is spoken.  He took it for our sake.  With a word, He could have stopped the whole charade, but He did what was needed for our sake.  In weakness He conquered sin.  In strength, He creates.  The One who created You has placed a path before You.  Those who believe will walk that path.  Like Him, those who walk it will be mocked and suffer; but through suffering comes the strength to endure to the end

Lord, I do not understand why it is this way, but I have experienced it, so I do know that it is the way things are in this age.  Help me to not fall into the trap of railing against reality but see things as they are and for what they are.  Lead me to live according to Your word of promise so that, walking on this narrow path, I may become more like You each day, being conformed to the person that You have always intended.

Lord Jesus, through the suffering of this age, You are perfecting me according to the Father’s will.  Lead me through all the obstacles that come my way and help me to live the life You have given me by grace and through faith.  Guide me now and always so that I may humbly walk in the way You have established.  Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, keep me in the truth so that I may stand firm amidst all the trials of this age.  Amen.

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him.  They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him” (Matthew 27:27-28).

Amidst the sarcasm of this world, the truth still comes through.  Jesus is royalty.  Also, by the scarlet stripes of His wounds, we are healed.  Those who have the so-called power in this world do what they do by the authority of those over them.  But who is in charge?  In reality, the Lord alone has all authority, and He allows for His purpose whatever He allows.  It was as it needed to be, tragedy that it is.

Lord, I often ponder over the brutality of this world and why You allow it to continue, but then I see the brutality of this world being heaped upon You.  It is as if You took it all in and when You died, it died with You.  You do understand the wickedness of this world.  But You did these things to free those who believe.  Take me from pondering to action so that I may live the faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, take me ever deeper in the mystery of the faith.  I see these things and I do not like them, but You, through whom all things have their being, have done what You have done in great love.  Guide me so that I may now and always humbly walk in the way You have established and live into the life for which You are preparing me.  Keep me faithful amidst the things that are happening around me.  Amen.

“And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!”  Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified” (Matthew 27:25-26).

The blood of Jesus is on their children.  For those who believe, it is the healing salve of forgiveness.  For those who do not believe, it is the condemnation of the ongoing rebellion against the One through whom all things have their being.  Crowds go with the flow, under the influence of whatever fancy is passing by, and evil is done.  Hatred and anger is not enough, so taking revenge is the way of the wicked. But vengeance is Mine, says the LORD.

Lord, I have been a part of crowds that go off and do things that are wicked.  We do what is right in our own minds, but if our minds are not right, we will do what is wrong.  Jesus, You have put us into a right relationship with the Father, and wickedness will do all it can to keep us from that relationship.  Continue to interfere with the way of this world so that Your healing blood reminds me the You are the Way. The Truth and the Life.

Thank You Jesus for doing all that is needed.  I cannot begin to imagine all that You have done, but I know You alone are able to do it.  By the grace which is mine in You, forgive me when I am carried away by temptations.  Help me to be quick to repent and grant me fortitude to hold fast to the truth You have revealed so that I may humbly walk with You all the days of my life.  No matter what the shouting crowds around me say, be the One who leads me, dear Lord.  Amen.   

“When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves” (Matthew 27:24).

Even leaders become afraid when they know an injustice is happening, but Pilate chose the way of expedience as many politicians do.  In sin, we often chose the way that seems right to preserve our position and status.  Jesus humbled Himself and did not fight for either His position or the status which can never be taken from Him.  Even in His trial, He shows us the way of following Him.  Seek truth and live in it, no matter the cost.

Lord, You have come to accomplish salvation for all who will believe the good news. You have given Your promise that all who follow You will inherit eternal life.  Lead all who are faithful to stand firm in the truth of Your grace no matter the cost.  Let faith be genuine and true, not bending to the politicians of this age.  None of us are innocent of Your blood Lord, for because of sin, we all have guilt; but You take that away.

Savior Jesus, take away all my sins.  Guide me into the way of everlasting life knowing that only through You am I able to come to the Father.  You enable all who believe to walk the path of righteousness.  Lead me to be faithful.  Help me to be an encouragement.  Aid me to look to You, and like You, to see others as You see them.  By Your grace, guide me to be strong in faith, weak in self-defense, and humble to do the Father’s will.  Amen.

Luke 12:49-56 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning boys and girls! Good morning, Pastor! 

Pastor: Sammy, I am really glad that you and I are Christians.  

Sammy: Yes we are. Otherwise church would be really awkward. 

Pastor: Well, Sammy, in our Gospel reading today, Jesus is talking about families not getting along. Boys and girls, do you ever disagree with your siblings, cousins, or parents? What is that like? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: When Jesus walked on earth, he shared that he is God, and a lot of people believed in him and followed him. When they told their families about Jesus, some members of the family believed, and some didn’t. 

Sammy: That seems like a tricky situation. 

Pastor: It was. And it still is. During and after Jesus’s time, a lot of Christians had to go into hiding, even from their own families. Jesus proclaimed to be God—he is God, and that message divided a lot of people. 

Sammy: You know, Pastor, some of my family members don’t believe in Jesus. I don’t have to hide from them, but it’s hard to talk to them about my faith. 

Pastor: That’s understandable. It’s hard when you believe in the good news of Jesus Christ but someone in your family does not.  

Sammy: But what can I do? How can I encourage my family to see Jesus for who he truly is? 

Pastor: We can do lots of things. We can pray for them, love them, share stories from the Bible and our favorite scripture with them. One of the best things we can do is live a life that glorifies Jesus in all that we say and do. 

Sammy: And what happens when they come to believe in Jesus? 

Pastor: Well, the next step is baptism. When we are baptized, we become a part of God’s family. God wants each of us to be a part of his family. He chooses us, and we get to experience his great love through the Sacrament and gift of baptism. 

Sammy: That truly is a gift.  

Pastor: Yes it is. Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for the good news that you bring to us. Help us to pray for others and to live a life that brings you glory. We love you. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! Bye boys and girls! 

Luke 12:32-40 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Are you ready, Pastor? 

Pastor: Ready for what, Sammy? 

Sammy: The wedding, of course! 

Pastor: Oh, you’re talking about the wedding from our Gospel reading for today. 

Sammy: Yes I am. I am so excited. I love weddings. 

Pastor: Sammy, how many weddings have you attended? You are just a little lamb after all. 

Sammy: I know I am little, but you have to keep up with the trends, Pastor. Didn’t you know that rustic barn weddings are totally in style right now? And moody colors, too. 

Pastor: Hang on a second. You’re telling me that at the farm, you’ve been to several weddings? 

Sammy: More than several, Pastor. Several dozen. And I have a subscription to “The Knot” Magazine.  We have weddings from April to October on the farm. And the farmers have a nice barn where the wedding guests have a banquet and lots of dancing. 

Pastor: That sounds like a good time. Boys and girls, have you ever been to a wedding before? What was it like? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: One of my favorite wedding memories… 

Sammy: That’s a good memory, Pastor. I really enjoy watching the weddings and seeing all of the people dancing and singing. There’s lots of food and wine, too. Sometimes I wish we could have a wedding at the farm every day! 

Pastor: You know, Sammy, Jesus is teaching his disciples about how he is going to come back one day. He talks about himself as the master returning from the wedding banquet. Jesus is going to come from the banquet and is going to redeem his people and call us home to Heaven with him. In Heaven, each day is a wedding. Jesus is the groom, and we, the church, are his bride.  

Sammy: You know, Pastor, I like that we are the bride as a church. I look good in white.  

Pastor: Yes you do, Sammy. But we are Jesus’s bride because he loves us so much, just like a groom loves his bride.  

Sammy: That makes sense. I’ll think about Jesus’s love for me each time I see a wedding now. 

Pastor: That’s wonderful, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you say a prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for your promise to come back one day. Thank you for helping us to keep our hearts open. Help us to be ready for you. We love you. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, boys and girls! 

Pastor: Bye, everyone! 

Luke 12:13-21 

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Pastor! Pastor! Emergency! Emergency! 

Pastor: What’s wrong Sammy? 

Sammy: Farmer Luke’s garden is doing too well this year! We have thousands of tomatoes, hundreds of onions, bountiful squash. We’ve filled up our cellar. The freezer is full and we still have way too much.  

Pastor: That doesn’t sound like an emergency Sammy. It sounds like a good thing. Don’t you want abundant produce? 

Sammy: I thought that would be great too Pastor. But we have nowhere to put all the produce. It’s going to rot. I just don’t know what to do. 

Pastor: What does farmer Luke think? 

Sammy: That’s just the thing Pastor. He doesn’t seem to care at all.  

Pastor: Perhaps he already has a plan in place? Maybe he already knows what to do? Kids. What do you think farmer Luke should do with the produce? (Wait for responses) 

Sammy: Great answers everyone! 

Pastor: Yes they are. Perhaps he is going to share his crops with his friends, family and neighbors.  

Sammy: You know what. I think I did hear Farmer Luke on the phone with the food bank. I just didn’t know why.  

Pastor: It sounds like Farmer Luke plans to share. Sharing the gifts that God give us is important. He doesn’t give us anything that we should keep hidden away from people. He wants us to share.  

Sammy: That makes sense pastor. I will help farmer Luke share his crop this year.  

Pastor: Can everyone pray with me? Dear God, thank you for providing us with your great gifts. Thank you providing for our daily needs. Help us to share the gifts you give us with others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen! Bye! 

“Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify Him!”  And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22-23)

What shall we do with Christ?  “Let’s be rid of Him,” the world says.  But just when they think He is buried for good, He rises again.  The church is alive and well in the world even if it is feeble and sick in certain places.  The more the world shouts to be rid of Jesus, the more we ought to wonder why the world is so afraid of the One whom they say there is nothing to be concerned about.  Why indeed.  Behold the Lamb who takes away our sin and pronounces us brothers and sisters.

Lord, take away my sin.  You killed my sin on the cross and washed it away in baptism.  Take away all the rest that goes against what You have created.  Lead me into all truth.  Help me in Your goodness to see that only in You is there hope and a future.  Though the world may fall apart around me, the illusions of this age are only temporary.  You have given me the words of eternal life and there is no other way to go.  Guide me in the word of truth.

Lord Jesus, Truth made flesh, the Lamb who has taken away our sins, aid me in humbleness to not look to the world, but at You as the source of my being.  Guide me into everlasting life.  Lead me through the difficulties that come so that I may walk in the way You have set before me.  Through all things, help me to overcome the obstacles that get in the way.  Show me the way of truth, my Savior.  Amen.

“But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.  But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas” (Matthew 27:20-21).

In sin, we choose death over life.  We are tempted to see things as political situations.  We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against forces of darkness and principalities.  Even in our freely choosing the sinful way, God’s will has been accomplished.  We go the way of our thinking, but the will of the Lord God is eternal.  All things will work together for good for those who follow the way of Jesus, or to the contrary if we do not.

Lord, despite, or is it because of, the sinful path of those who scheme and plot, You accomplish what needs to be accomplished.  Sinners scheme and despite their urgings, You raise up those who are as good as dead to become saints.  Help me to see that You alone bring us to be with You for all eternity.

Lord Jesus, the betrayal was complete — the expedient over the perfect.  Help me to see through the mess of this world to become what You are making of me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live into the life You have given me by grace through faith.  Let me not join the crowd of sinners, nor betray You, but live into the life You have granted me so that I become like You more and more .  Amen.

“While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him” (Matthew 27:19).

Just the opposite is true for us.  We have everything to do with the One who is righteous.  The world will flee from Jesus and try to get rid of Him.  The Lord warns us all of what comes to those who abide in sin.  Sin kills and destroys.  The Lord, who is righteous, has come to clear the path so that we too may walk in the way of righteousness.  The Lord has come offering a new life which leads us forward into eternal life.

Lord, in the fog and air pollution of this world, it is sometimes hard to see clearly.  I become caught up in the anxieties of this world.  Help me to move beyond the insanity of this age to live life as You have designed it to be lived.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk in Your ways.  Show me the path You know I need to walk and then encourage me to stay on the path You set before me.

Lord Jesus, You through whom all things have their being, guide me this day to understand more clearly what it means to walk in righteousness.  Help me each step of the way, for without You, I will falter.  Be the One who leads me, Lord.  The world will shout at me and seek to divert my attention, but their way is death.  Open my ears to hear Your voice and my eyes to seek the path that You set before me.  Amen.