Sat Apr 3 Luke 24:36-53 – Up and off – glory!

Sat Apr 3 Luke 24:36-53 – Up and off – glory!

The risen Christ is really real. Real flesh and real blood. Someone who eats and can be touched. In fact Jesus is so real that the disciples struggle to recognise him. This is true human bodily reality – something that Jesus doesn’t lose when he’s taken up into heaven. At this the disciples praise God with great joy.

How will you respond to the risen Christ today? Why not take a moment to praise God and thank him for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now that you’ve walked through the Gospel of Luke take a moment to reflect on your Lenten journey and think of two or three ways how your life will be different from now on. Thank God for all that he has revealed and pray that St Paul’s would become known for its resurrection life.

Fri Apr 2 Luke 24:13-35 – Putting the pieces together

Fri Apr 2 Luke 24:13-35 – Putting the pieces together

Jesus encounters two sad, sorrowful and confused men on the road to Emmaus and opens up the scriptures showing them that all that had happened had to happen. Their eyes are finally opened as they break bread together.

In what areas of your life do you feel like the two men? Ask Jesus to reveal himself and enable you to understand where he is at work.

Ask God to help you meet Jesus in your reading of scripture, prayer and taking of Holy Communion more intimately.

Thur Apr 1 Luke 24:1-12 – Resurrection

Thur Apr 1 Luke 24:1-12 – Resurrection

Frightened women, unbelieving disciples and a perplexed Peter. Welcome to the first Easter, an event that nobody expected. But the tomb is empty and Jesus is Risen!

Will you open yourself to the power of resurrection life today? Why not ask God to fill you afresh with resurrection power?

Pray for an increase of resurrection life in our church community, city and world today.

Wed Mar 31 Luke 23:26-56 – Crucified, dead and buried

Wed Mar 31 Luke 23:26-56 – Crucified, dead and buried

This is it. The moment is here. In all its apparent foolishness, weakness and failure Jesus deals with evil, sin and death in a way no one expected. Darkness is over the land, the curtain is torn in two and one criminal and the centurion recognise Jesus as King.

How might we forgive like Jesus? (see verse 34)

Today, no matter what you face, will you trust that he alone can save?

Tue Mar 30 Luke 22:66- 23:25 – Trial

Tue Mar 30: Luke 22:66- 23:25 – Trial

Jesus reaches the point he knew in some way had to come – his willing and obedient submission to a massive miscarriage of justice. Barabbas, guilty of murder and revolt is freed whilst Jesus the innocent one is condemned.

Why do you think it’s important that both Pilate and Herod find Jesus innocent of breaking any law?

Think of a recent miscarriage of justice and pray for that now.

Lent Readings: Mon Mar 29 Luke 22:47-65 – Arrest

The Big Ending – death, resurrection, ascension

Jesus’ arrest shows that his kingdom will not be one that comes by violence, force and oppression. Peter then disowns Jesus and we see that Jesus is a true prophet (compare 22.34 and 22.61).

How could you apply Jesus’ example of the way he dealt with his arrest to your life today?

When and in what ways are you tempted to disassociate yourself with Jesus? Turn any thoughts into prayer.

Lent Readings: Sat Mar 27 Luke 22:39-46 – Praying hard

Jesus in Gethsemane expresses the full weight of the vocation to which he was called. The disciples fail to understand what he was doing or saying.

What do you think Jesus’ prayer to His father reveals about him?

What current temptations might you need to pray about?

Lent Readings: Fri Mar 26 Luke 22:1-38 – Last Supper

Jesus uses a meal to explain his forthcoming death to the disciples. Notice here how the blend of celebration and betrayal mirrors the triumph and tragedy displayed in the cross.

What does re-enacting this meal mean for you today?
In what ways might you be able to practice humility and service in the life of our church?

Lent readings: Thur Mar 25 Luke 21:5-38 Read the signs

Jesus predicts Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 and also his own second coming at the end of the age. He invites his hearers to face this future with confidence even though God’s people will suffer during this time.

In what ways and by what things do you presently experience your faith being knocked, tested or challenged? Ask God for his help.

Think of someone you know who is struggling in their faith and pray for strength, courage and patience.

Lent Readings: Wed Mar 24 Luke 20:41 -21:4 Seeing the King

Having silenced his enemies Jesus asks a question to reveal the error in Jewish thinking as to the identity of the long awaited Messiah and denounces religion which is merely of outward show.

Can you think of any ways in which your Christian faith has become a performance? If so, take a moment to ask for God’s forgiveness and empowerment for transformation.

Can you think of any ways in which you could follow the poor widow’s example in living out your faith?