Journeys: Journey to the Cross

Ashes and New Beginnings

Scripture: Joel 2:12-17; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—Lent begins with ashes, a stark reminder of our mortality and our need for God. Yet these ashes are not symbols of despair but invitations to transformation. When we return to the Lord with all our hearts, we discover that the God who formed us from dust is eager to breathe new life into our weary souls.

Lesson 2

Tested in the Wilderness

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:14-16 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—Jesus faced the full force of temptation in the wilderness and emerged victorious, not through divine immunity but through faithful obedience to the Word of God. His victory becomes our victory, for we have a High Priest who understands our struggles and offers grace to help in our time of need.

Lesson 3

Living Water for Thirsty Souls

Scripture: John 4:5-26 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—Jesus offers living water that satisfies the deepest thirst of the human soul. He crosses every barrier of culture, gender, and moral standing to reach those who are spiritually parched. When we drink from the well he offers, we discover a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

Lesson 4

From Darkness to Light

Scripture: John 9:1-41 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—Jesus is the Light of the World who opens blind eyes, both physically and spiritually. The man born blind received not only his sight but also saving faith, while the religious leaders who claimed to see became more deeply entrenched in spiritual blindness. True vision comes not from natural ability but from encountering Christ.

Lesson 5

The Resurrection and the Life

Scripture: John 11:1-44 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—Jesus is the resurrection and the life. His power extends beyond physical healing to the very realm of death itself. In raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated that he has authority over humanity's greatest enemy and foreshadowed his own resurrection. Those who believe in him, though they die, will live.

Lesson 6

The King on a Donkey

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11; Zechariah 9:9-10 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—Jesus entered Jerusalem as king, but not the kind of king the crowds expected. Riding a humble donkey rather than a war horse, he demonstrated that his kingdom would be established through peace and sacrifice, not military conquest. Palm Sunday invites us to examine what kind of king we are looking for and whether we are prepared to follow the one who actually came.

Lesson 7

He is Risen!

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 (NRSVUE)

Key Theme—The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. On Easter morning/Resurrection Sunday, the stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let the witnesses in. The empty tomb proclaims that death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and new life is available to all who believe. Because he lives, we too shall live.