{Before you read this post, go back to the introductory post for the survey of the major events of Holy week that we’re doing together on Servant Girl Stories during March. Then, read the post detailing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Next, read the post about the night before Jesus died. After that, you’re ready for this post}.

The cold, quiet night is abruptly interrupted by shouting. You turn to face the door as it bursts open, many soldiers and other men flood in shoving a man whose hands are bound. You know him: the Galilean who’s been causing so much trouble since arriving in the city the previous Monday.

The mob pushes past you into the courtyard. Other men wait, huddled at the door.

Fearful of the noise and angry men, you move towards the door to close it, but someone who broke away from the mob comes quickly back to you. He whispers to you and gestures to another man still standing outside the door. The man at the door has an ashen face and wide, staring eyes. He looks to be barely breathing. Just standing still in shock. When he sees the man by you point to him, he blinks to attention. His blank stare changes to a look of utter terror. But slowly he walks toward the man standing beside you.

As he stumbles past, you see his face clearly. “You’re with the man whose hands are bound!” You blurt out, turning to watch him pass you. “You’re one of his disciples.”

“I am not!” He replies loudly, eyes darting cautiously. Then he quickly moves on to stand by the fire with the officers and some servants.

You remain in your place by the door but can hear the hushed voices by the fire.

“You’re one of his disciples aren’t you?” Some others question the man you recognized.

He denies this a second time.

“Didn’t I see you in the garden when he was arrested?” Another man asks. “Yes! You’re the man who cut off my cousin’s ear! The bound man healed him. I saw it!”

“NO!” The man insists for a third time. “I am not that man.”

At that moment, you hear a rooster crowing somewhere in the darkness beyond the walls. The man you recognized hears it too, and dashes from the fire, past you, and out the door, tears streaking his anguished face.

Can this night get any stranger? You ask yourself as the angry crowd moves out of the courtyard again, still dragging the bound man. They, too, push through the door.

As abruptly as it began, it ends. After the chaos, the silence is so loud, it almost hurts your ears. You shake your head to clear the ringing.

Once more the courtyard is quiet, save the snap of the wood as it is consumed by the fire.

Readings for the third week of March

*As you read each account, note similarities and differences.  How does each writer describe the events?  How are they similar and how are they different?  How do the different perspectives give you a fuller picture of the event?

**Always pay special attention to the things Jesus said/direct quotes.

***When you’re reading, try to imagine the scene in your head: see the people, hear the sounds, inhale the smells. Visualize the events happening as clearly as something you’ve witnessed with your own eyes. For example, with the arrest in the garden, see the soldiers’ torchlight dancing off their armor, hear the worried voices of the disciples as they realize what the soldiers have come to do…imagine you are there in the scene as it unfolds.

Friday, before daylight – Jesus stands trial before the Jewish Council.

READ:

• Matthew 26:57-75
• Mark 14:53-72
• Luke 22: 54-62; 66-71
• John 18:12-27

Consider This:

What do you make of Peter’s denials of Jesus?  Not only did he say he didn’t know Jesus, he swore oaths and pronounced a death curse on himself at God’s hand if he were lying.  How could Jesus have forgiven him after such intense denials?

Optional Reading – Judas’ Fate

• Matthew 27:3-10 – Matthew records the only gospel account of Judas’ fate
• Acts 1:18-19 provides a complimentary account given later by Luke as he was writing the book of Acts

Friday, early morning – Jesus appears twice before Pontius Pilate.

READ:

• Matthew 27:1-2, 11-26
• Mark 15:1-15
• Luke 21: 1-25
• John 18:28-Chapter 19:16a

Consider This – Is Pilate an “innocent bystander” in Jesus’ death?  After all, he believed Jesus to be innocent of the charges, tried many times to release Jesus, and the religious leaders forced his hand. 

Optional Reading – Jesus is mocked by Roman soldiers.

• Matthew 27:27-30
• Mark 15:16-19
• Luke 22:63-65

Friday, late morning to evening – Jesus is crucified and buried.

READ:

• Matthew 27:31-66
• Mark 15:20-47
• Luke 23:26-56
• John 19:16b-42

Consider This – Reread the scriptures that record the last moment of Jesus’ life: Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, and John 19:30.  Use the Blue Letter Bible app or other resource to look at some of the words in their original meanings.  What do these accounts tell you about Jesus’ death?

During the week, reread the verses as many times as possible. Try to read them in different translations as well. Also, read commentary on these verses. Listen to them on a Bible app that will read them aloud. This will help you visualize everything and write the events on your heart. Journal your thoughts on the questions to consider above. Share our survey of events with a friend so you can discuss together what God is showing you as you pray and read.

I pray the Lord will show you something fresh in these familiar stories as you prepare your heart for His resurrection.