iWitness: Mary
We are traveling through Lent, the 40 days (excluding Sundays) of preparation before Easter. During this season, we will explore some of the eyewitnesses to the cross, including some of the very first evangelists. Through their examples, we’ll learn more about what it means to be a witness for Christ and his Good News.
In our first installment, we explored Judas, the disciple of Jesus who infamously betrayed him. Last week, we turned our attention to Nicodemus, a member of the ruling council to which Judas turned when he betrayed Jesus. This week, Pastor Ken guides us we explore the example of Mary, Jesus’ mother.
Sermon Reflections:
- Imagine yourself as Mary standing at the foot of the cross. What emotions do you think you would be feeling? How would you reconcile your own understanding of Jesus with what you are witnessing?
- Why do you think the gospel of John emphasizes that Mary and the other women were close to the cross, while other gospels say they watched from a distance? What does this add to the story?
- Pastor Ken contrasts the idea of the cross as a punishment from God versus a sacrifice by God. How does this distinction change your understanding of the crucifixion?
- In what ways are we, as a society, “missing the mark”? How can the message of the cross help us course-correct?
- Do you think it’s important to understand the suffering of Jesus on the cross before celebrating Easter? Why or why not?