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 23:23-25
“But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.”
Meditation: Faith over Fear by Anna Jacob
My first time on jury duty was here in Saint Louis. As a city resident, I got to spend a few days in the courthouse downtown. In the waiting area, I sat in my chair, looked at the clock, and hoped my number never got selected.
It was not until the second day that I joined a group of prospective jurors in one of the many courtrooms. I listened as they gave us our instructions for the jury selection process, which included not speaking with the defendant.
During one moment when the attorneys were discussing with the judge, the defendant turned to the room. He looked out at us and smiled. And then, he spoke, greeting me and my fellow Saint Louis residents with a hello and asking us how we all were doing today.
I was shocked.
The bailiff swiftly came over to quiet the defendant. But even as he was scolded for speaking out, the man’s smile never left his face.
Since I was not selected to be on the jury, I never found out if the man was found guilty or not. Yet on that day, I had been relieved, having no desire to help judge this man. I did not want that power.
But we do judge people. And not always fairly.
From Spider-Man comes the popular adage, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Though its origin is much older than the Marvel universe, this is a theme we can also see in Scripture. In Luke 12:48 Jesus says, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
It can be hard to be fair and just. To be entrusted with great power.
It can be hard to not let others’ opinions or desires interfere with your own decisions.
Jesus stood, not in a quiet courtroom, but surrounded by his accusers.
He remained silent. But Herod’s soldiers mocked him.
The people did not stay silent. And those in authority bowed to their wishes.
Yet God is the ultimate judge. His authority cannot be questioned. When rulers fail you or when laws do not bring you justice, remember the ultimate source of power comes from God, not man.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us laws to guide us and grace to forgive us when we fall short. Please be with those in authority and help to guide them to look for peace and justice and not just power. 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.