March 5, 2010

Dear Friends:

In Adam Hamilton’s devotion book “The 24 Hours that Changed the World” he writes, “The story of the last twenty-four hours of Jesus’ life is a case study in the human condition. At least five of the seven deadly sins were represented in the actions of the disciples, the religious leaders, the Roman authorities, and the crowd. Through those actions, the people indicted themselves and served to illustrate the premise of the story that was unfolding before their eyes: Humankind needed to be saved.”

Two of the persons that were very prominent in Jesus’ last 24 hours are Caiaphas, head of the Sanhedrin, and Peter, one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples. Caiaphas believed that Jesus’ ministry was a threat to the Jewish faith and customs and, also, he believed that Jesus’ claim that he was the messiah was blasphemy. He was envious and fearful of Jesus; therefore, he must be silenced and he chose to silence him through death.

Peter walked with Jesus for three years. However, when Jesus was arrested Peter became fearful and denied Jesus. Both of these men were righteous and devoted followers of God; however, they gave in to their own emotions and made false accusations against Jesus in one case and denied him in the other. Most of us at times have done the same. Lent is a time for us to do some self-examination as to how we may have denied or betrayed Jesus. The good news is that Jesus forgives, and that saves us.

We look forward to worshiping with you this weekend.

Ken Jackson, Linda Monroe, and Herb Brynildsen