Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.   Mark 8 : 31 – 32

Readings this week :  Genesis 17 : 1 – 7, 15 – 16; Romans 4 : 13 - end; Mark 8 : 31 - 38

Thought for this week

In our Gospel reading Mark the writer tells us ‘Jesus spoke plainly’. I wonder if speaking plainly is something we’re not used to. From our leaders, from our society, to each other, speaking plainly maybe only happens at particular times. When there is a crisis. Or something is urgent. In times of life and death even.

Certainly Peter was taken aback. Jesus was telling the disciples He was to suffer, to be rejected, and to die on the Cross. Further than this Jesus sets out what it means to be His disciple. It is the way of sacrifice, dying to self. It is the hard way. Yet it is the way that leads to life, and even the gift of eternal life.

Jesus took the path to Jerusalem fully knowing the sacrifice He was called to make, and what the consequences would be. This is the Lord’s incredible love that for Jesus the way of sacrifice was something He embraced, and took willingly, for us, for His wonderful, life – giving love for us.

When we look to the Cross of Jesus it speaks plainly of His love for us. This is Jesus who gave His life that we may believe and be set free of sin and death and have forgiveness and Life in Him.

As we journey in Lent, let us give thanks to Jesus for all His sacrifice means.

Rev Paul

A Prayer for this week

Lord Jesus Christ, We call you Lord,

Yet it is too easy for us to worship other things. Other activities, other relationships, other gods.

You tell us we cannot serve two masters, Yet we spend more time focusing our energies elsewhere,

Diverting our time, our energy, our money, our attention away from you.

Forgive us, gracious Savior, When our hearts are led astray, When we serve other gods and worship them.

We turn away from our distractions and sin.

Strengthen us to set our faces toward Jerusalem,

To take up our cross and follow you.

We pray this, in your grace. Amen.

written by Chip Hardwick, on Thinking, Praying, Living. http://www.pcusa.org/blogs/faith/2012/3/30/prayer-confession-march-madness/