Lenten Devotions
On the Way: Following Jesus on the Road to the Cross
Throughout these devotions, consider these questions:
To whom is Jesus talking? Note especially those times he speaks specifically to his disciples. What advice does he give? What commands does he give? How does he treat them?
Note also those times when he is speaking to those who oppose him. What does he tell them? How does he tell them? How does he treat them? (Note the verb used Matthew 16:1; 19:3; 22:18; 22:35)
Note those who oppose him. Why? How does what he says and does cause problems for them? How do they propose to deal with him?
Are there times when you oppose Jesus? Why? How does he treat you? As his disciple, what parts of Jesus' advice to his disciples then, seem to ring true for you today? Why?
How can I follow Jesus? What gifts has God given me? What might my actions and words show people about the Jesus I follow?
For those who wish to go more deeply into the texts, please use the notes in brackets and information inserted within the text.
Week Four
March 11-17, 2026
Matthew 23:13-36
This week is a week of woes! On each day, ask yourself: am I acting like the Pharisees and Scribes? If so how? How am I not acting like them? What makes the difference?
Tuesday March 17
Matthew 23: 29-36
29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, 30 and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. (2 Chronicles 24: 20-22) 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. (Luke 11:47-48; Acts 7:51-53) 33 You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape the judgment of hell? 34 For this reason I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, (Luke 11:49-58) some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, (Matthew 10:17, 23; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16) 35 so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. (Genesis 4:8; Hebrews 11:4; 2 Chronicles 24:20-22; Zechariah 1:1) 36 Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation.
Music
Prayer
O God, through the power of your Spirit, let us show our faith by passing your love, care, justice and mercy on to those around us. Amen
