March 1, 2017 - THE BEGINNING OF LENT

Day 60 

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”  (Mark 10:32-34 ESV)

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day in the season of Lent. The purpose of Lent is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - His suffering and His sacrifice, His life, death, burial and resurrection.

The Gospel lesson assigned for today is perfect for the first day of Lent. Jesus, referring to Himself as the “Son of Man,” clearly proclaims what will be happening to Him in Jerusalem.

“... The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” 

This is the destination of the annual Lent journey we begin today.

Jesus, I will ponder now 
On Your holy Passion;
With Your Spirit me endow
 For such meditation.
Grant that I in love and faith 
May the image cherish
Of Your suff'ring, pain, and death 
That I may not perish.
 (Jesus I Will Ponder Now, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #440, stanza 1)

Lord, may the season of Lent be a blessing to me. Grant me a penitent and thankful heart as I journey to Mt. Calvary and the resurrection tomb. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf