Additional scriptures for reflection:
Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 70, Hebrews 12:1-3, John 13:21-32
Join us for Good Friday Prayer and Worship and Easter at West Side.
Isaiah 50:6b-7
“I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting.
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,
determined to do his will.
And I know that I will not be put to shame.”
Hebrews 12:1b-3
“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
Reflection
What do you do when you want to give up?
When people mistreat us, it’s not only painful, but it can also easily become the focus of our attention. Jesus offers us his example of endurance through suffering and mistreatment. Pause to consider his example.
How does it challenge you as you think about specific places of suffering in your own life?
Pray
- to fix your eyes on Jesus in your suffering
- for the willingness to do God’s will no matter what
Jesus, you let yourself be misunderstood and mistreated for our benefit and for the glory of God. Teach us how to keep our eyes on you and how to bring glory to you, even when we suffer. Amen.