This Lent we follow Jesus as he faces evil in the hours before his death. What is evil? Who is doing evil against Jesus during Passion Week? What are ways in which we are complicit in evil? Do we take evil seriously? As we experience evil in our own lives, discover how Jesus stands in the face of evil.
Invocation
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, who delivers us from all evil.
Invitation Prayer
Lord Jesus, you suffered evil at the hands of the religious establishment. Priests accused you of blasphemy. In their trial Lord, you know the power of the evil foe. You endured his temptation in the wilderness for 40 days. Answer our prayer to “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Keep us from the devil and his schemes. Guard us from the fiery arrows of satan. Grant us life by the power of our victorious King, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Word
Luke 23:1
“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.”
Meditation: Faith over Fear by Anna Jacob
I tend to always consider the worst-case scenario, imagining it and letting it play out in my mind. I have this need to visualize my greatest fear because part of me needs to know and prepare for what that could be. And another part of me feels that if I can imagine it, then maybe in some way it will prevent it from happening. Being aware of this trait helps me acknowledge that it truly is a worst-case scenario. And no matter how bad I think it will be, I have the assurance from God that he will see me through every situation.
As an Enneagram Six, my worst fear is fear itself. The song “Six” by Sleeping at Last has some very meaningful lyrics for me which include:
Oh God I’m so tired
Of being afraid
What would it feel like
To put this baggage down?
If I’m being honest
I’m not sure I’d know how
I want to take shelter but I’m ready, ready to fight
And somewhere in the middle I feel a little paralyzed—
But maybe I’m stronger than I realize
I want to believe
…
I’ll push into the dark
But I’ll learn to breathe deep
And make peace with the stars
Is it courage or faith
To show up every day?
To trust that there will be light
Always waiting behind
Even the darkest of nights
As Jesus was led to Pilate, what fears was he facing? He knew that being brought to the Romans was an escalation. That only the Roman government could execute him. But he also knew that it was his father’s will, and he trusted the ultimate goodness of his plan.
Facing fear. It is part bravery. It is part strength. But most importantly, it involves faith.
Faith over fear. Knowing that no matter the situation, God will be there with you.
Dear Lord, thank you for being with me when I face my worst-case scenarios. You have promised to be with me, always. Help me to remember that faith can be more powerful than fear. In your name we pray, Amen.
Sending
In the face of evil, may the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.