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 - 26
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?
Monday March 16
Matthew 23:27-28
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful but inside are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of uncleanness. 28 So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Luke 11:44; Acts 23:3; Psalm 5:9)
Music
Prayer
O God through the power of you Holy Spirit create in us clean hearts that in all we say and do we may glorify your Holy Name and further your kindom. Amen.
