Cruciform Love Jesus’ death on the cross was and always has been Plan A.  God’s love for the world began before the world was ever created.  He created the world from an abundance, outpouring, overflo...  Read More

Servanthood In the excruciating hours that Jesus hung on the cross, the crowds cried, “Save yourself!” “King of Israel, King of the Jews” they mocked, “come down from the cross.” In much the same way,...  Read More

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39 ESVWhat does it take for you to believe?  We live in...  Read More

Forsaken As you prepare for worship today, you may wish to listen to this version of Psalm 22, Forsaken by Aaron Shust (2023).  How does the song reflect the gravity of the crucifixion?......  Read More

Psalm 22 Mark 15:33-34At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.  And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which me...  Read More

The Dream of the Rood Do you recognize the language below? German?  Dutch?  Would you believe me if  I told you the text below is written in English? Old English to be precise, as differentiated from ...  Read More

Mark 15:21-47 (ESV) In preparation for the sermon on Sunday (4/28), read the following text from Mark 15: 21-47.  Consider the following questions:What details of the crucifixion does Mark include? Do...  Read More

Mark 15:16-20 ESV "And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twi...  Read More

Pilate Listened to the Crowds Godly counsel is important and valid, but do we seek the approval of men and women over the authority of God?  Do we seek acceptance or the righteousness of God? Are we w...  Read More

The angel delivers the news to Mary,The Holy Spirit delivers him to Mary,Mary delivers the him,Judas delivers him to Temple Soldiers,Temples Soldiers deliver him to religious leaders,The religious lea...  Read More

Man of Sorrows We will be singing this song in worship today.  You may wish to listen as you reflect on the truths of Mark 15:1-20. The thumbnail sketch today is a Botticelli (1445-1510) tempera and o...  Read More

The Crowds Read through the text of Mark 15:1-20 once again.  Imagine yourself in the scene.What do you hear?  Is it loud or quiet?  Who do you hear?  What are they saying? What do you see? Who is amo...  Read More