Holy Week 2013 Reading Guide

HOLY WEEK

2013

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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Holy Week 2013 Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

This series of readings invites us to consider different perspectives of those who encountered Jesus the week before his crucifixion. It especially focuses on those who played roles in his betrayal. With the exception of the reading about Jesus on Saturday, the passages come from the Gospel of Mark.

Each day includes a focal passage, questions for consideration, a brief prayer, and the text of a hymn or song.

May the Lord draw us near and show us his heart afresh as we journey with him this week.

“Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?�

Traditional Spiritual

Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?

Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree ?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree ?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they nailed him to the tree ?

Were you there when they pierced him in the side ?

Were you there when they pierced him in the side ?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they pierced him in the side ?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb ?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb ?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they laid him in the tomb ?

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HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

Sunday - The Woman Mark 14:3-9 – “3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

• What did the woman do for Jesus, both physically and symbolically?

• What did this mean to Jesus?

• What do you think motivated her?

• How did others view her actions?

• How has your love for Jesus been extravagant?

Jesus, I want to nurture my love for you at all costs.

“My Alabaster Box” CeCe Winnans

The room grew still as she made her way to Jesus.

She stumbles through the tears that made her blind.

She felt such pain, some spoke in anger; Heard folks whisper, “There’s no place here for her kind.”

Still on she came through the shame that flushed her face Until at last, she knelt before his feet.

And though she spoke no words everything she said was heard As she poured her love for the Master From her box of alabaster.

And I’ve come to pour my praise on Him Like oil from Mary’s alabaster box.

Don’t be angry if I wash his feet with my tears And I dry them with my hair.

You weren’t there the night He found me; You did not feel what I felt When he wrapped his love all around me and You don’t know the cost of the oil in my alabaster box.

I can’t forget the way life used to be; I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound.

And I spent my days, poured my life without measure Into a little treasure box I’d thought I’d found Until the day when Jesus came to me And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch.

So now I’m giving back to Him all the praise He’s worthy of I’ve been forgiven and that’s why I love Him so much.

And I’ve come to pour my praise on Him Like oil from Mary’s alabaster box.

Don’t be angry if I wash his feet with my tears And dry them with my hair.

You weren’t there the night Jesus found me; You did not feel what I felt When He wrapped his loving arms around me and You don’t know the cost of the oil Oh, you don’t know the cost of my praise You don’t know the cost of the oil In my alabaster box.

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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Monday - The Crowd Mark 15:6-15 – “6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

• What words describe the crowd in verse 11? In verse 15?

• Do you think there was an overlap between the two crowds?

• What caused the difference in the crowd’s response to Jesus by the time they asked for his death?

• What do you assume you would have done had you been part of the crowd?

• What about this passage warns or instructs you as you consider your own response to Jesus?

Jesus, help me to see you as you are that I may worship as you deserve and as I ought.

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” Stuart Townend

How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers

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It was my sin that left Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

Tuesday - The Religious Leaders Mark 14:53-64 – “53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.

60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.

• • • • •

What were the high priest and others doing up so late?

What was wrong or unjust about what happened?

What do you make of Jesus’ silence? And of His speech?

What motivated the chief priests? (See 15:10) Have you ever compromised your values because of jealousy?

Jesus, open my eyes to see the mixture of motives in my heart. Purify what you find there.

“The Old Rugged Cross” George Bennard

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see, For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary.

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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Wednesday - Pilate and the Soldiers Mark 15:1-15 – “1 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate.

2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make?

See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. 6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

• How did Pilate seek to dodge having to take action against Jesus?

(See also Matt. 27:1-2, 11-26; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40) • What amazed Pilate?

• What ultimately determined Pilate’s decision about Jesus?

• How do you identify with Pilate? How is Pilate a stranger to you?

Jesus, grant me the wisdom and the courage I need to be true to you.

“Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded”

Paul Gerhardt, based on a Medieval Latin poem ascribed to Bernard of Clairvaux O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown; O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!

Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, ouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance, Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.

How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!

How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!

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Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair; From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.

Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life; Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me, For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.

I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot; Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend, For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

Thursday - Judas Mark 14:10-11, 43-45 – “10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.”

“43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.”

• What event immediately preceded Judas going to the chief priests?

• What was Judas’ intent in going to the authorities?

• How do you respond to Judas’ choice of a kiss to identify Jesus?

• Where do you think Judas went and what do you think he did after Jesus was arrested in the garden?

• Have you ever been tempted to betray a friend?

Jesus, guard me from anything that would come between my heart and yours.

“Alas and Did My Savior Bleed”

Isaac Watson, Ralph E. Hudson, refrain Alas! and did my Savior bleed And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?

Well might the sun in darkness hide And shut his glories in, When Christ, the mighty Maker died, For man the creature’s sin.

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day!

Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears, Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt my eyes to tears.

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine— And bathed in its own blood— While the firm mark of wrath divine, His Soul in anguish stood.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay The debt of love I owe: Here, Lord, I give my self away ’Tis all that I can do.

Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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Friday - The Disciples Mark 14:32-42, 50 – “32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”[a] 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.

50 And they all left him and fled.”

• • • • •

Why did the disciples fall asleep? Twice?

How were they surprised by what happened with Jesus?

Do you believe they were surprised at themselves?

If you can project yourself into this situation, what might you have done?

Who in this episode stirs your compassion?

Jesus, thank you for seeing the unedited version of my heart and loving me still.

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

His dying crimson, like a robe, Spreads o’er His body on the tree; Then I am dead to all the globe, And all the globe is dead to me.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.

See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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Saturday - Jesus John 10:11-18 – “11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

• What makes Jesus such a good shepherd?

• What is the significance of Jesus laying down His life contrasted with having it taken from Him? • How does this insight impact your perspective on Jesus’ betrayal, suffering, and death?

• What do you say to Jesus about these things?

Jesus, I praise you for who you are, the Good Shepherd laying down his life for the sheep.

“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” Henry W. Baker

The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never, I nothing lack if I am His, and He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul He leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill, with Thee, dear Lord, beside me; Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight; Thy unction grace bestoweth; And O what transport of delight, From Thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days, Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise, within Thy house forever.

HOLY WEEK 2013 | UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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