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The Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ

Easter is approaching. Weekly devotions are provided during March to help us draw closer to Jesus as we walk with Him through His suffering.

• These devos are designed to be used with family, friends & groups. Always better together.

• You will find a link to weekly devos on the NH App and website.

• Please consider periodic food-fasts throughout the month as a way to devote yourself to Jesus. (See Pastor Mark’s fasting video.)

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READING

All four of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke & John—depict Jesus’s suffering & death. Jesus is condemned by Pilate, beaten by soldiers, and crucified to His death. Let’s walk with Jesus through His suffering…

FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION

JESUS IS BEATEN

Mark 15:16–20 “The soldiers led Jesus away into Pilate’s palace and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. And they began to call out to him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they pretended to worship Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His Own clothes on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.”

1. The soldiers seemed to revel in this opportunity to ridicule and abuse Jesus.

• What does this depiction of these Roman soldiers help us see about the human heart? About our own heart?
• What are ways Jesus might be mocked and scorned in our day? In what ways might we be critical and accusatory of Jesus?

2. The soldiers taunted Jesus about His claim to be a King (John 18:36-37).

• Why might the soldiers have been so eager to deride Jesus about His claim? Why did Jesus’ claim seem so ridiculous to the soldiers?
• What are ways Jesus’ claims might implicate our daily living? What are everyday examples of how we might submit to Jesus’ authority?

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

Mark 15:21–32 “Simon of Cyrene was passing by and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha. Then they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. And they crucified Him. Dividing up His clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was the third hour when they crucified Him. The written notice of the charge against Him read: ‘The King of the Jews.’ They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So! You Who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save Yourself!’ In the same way the religious leaders mocked Him. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but He can’t save Himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.’ Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.”

3. The site of Jesus’ crucifixion was the scene of many, many brutal and bloody Roman crucifixions.

• Describe the details of what you’re envisioning as you read through this depiction of Jesus’ crucifixion.
• Describe your own reactions, thoughts and feelings as you imagine Jesus’ physical, emotional and spiritual suffering.

4. As you reflect on this crucifixion story, how might each detail, person, action and response speak to your heart?

• Simon of Cyrene? Golgotha? The wine mixed with myrrh? Dividing Jesus’ clothing? The third hour? The charge against Him?
• The two robbers? The passersby? The religious leaders? The insults? The mocking? The claims? The ridicule?

THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST

Mark 15:33–41 “At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ When some of those standing near heard this, they said, ‘Listen, He’s calling Elijah.’ One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. He said, ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take Him down.’ With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, ‘Surely this Man was the Son of God!’”

5. In this final scene, Jesus’ life ends. As you continue your reflections, how do the details of Jesus’ death speak to your heart?

• The darkness? Jesus feeling forsaken? The mentions of Elijah? Jesus breathing His last? The curtain tearing? The centurion’s words?
• What do you imagine Jesus is thinking and feeling as He is dying? Describe what you imagine Jesus is suffering in His last moments.

6. As you contemplate the suffering and death of Jesus, consider the implications of Jesus death upon your life.

• How does Jesus’ suffering demonstrate His love and care for us? How does His suffering impact your personal connection with Jesus?
• How does Jesus’ suffering and death help you understand our sin and God’s forgiveness? Describe your heart’s response to Jesus.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for this opportunity to “brood” in Your cross. Thank You for this vivid depiction of Your love for us, and the price You paid for our forgiveness. Thank You for Your willingness to suffer on our behalf. Thank You for paying the ultimate price by laying down Your life for ours. Please increase our appreciation and gratitude for all You’ve done for us. May it yield deeper love, devotion and obedience to You, our Lord and Savior.

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Struggling in the Garden

Easter is approaching. Weekly devotions are provided during March to help us draw closer to Jesus as we walk with Him through His suffering.

• These devos are designed to be used with family, friends & groups. Always better together.

• You will find a link to weekly devos on the NH App and website.

• Please consider periodic food-fasts throughout the month as a way to devote yourself to Jesus. (See Pastor Mark’s fasting video.)

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READING

After the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples departed to one of Jesus’ favorite spots for prayer—the Garden of Gethsemane, overlooking Jerusalem and the temple. But the disciples had never seen Jesus pray like this before…

Mark 14:32–42 “Jesus and His disciples went to a place called the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus said to them, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ He said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’ Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. ‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.’ Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Simon,’ He said to Peter, ‘are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.’ Once more He went away and prayed the same thing. When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to Him. Returning the third time, He said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes My betrayer!’”

FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION

1. Jesus confides in Peter, James and John by telling them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

• What “sorrows” is Jesus carrying? What does “overwhelmed to the point of death” suggest about Jesus’ Human nature?
• What’s an example of times you’ve been “overwhelmed with sorrow?” How has confiding in others been helpful in your struggles?

2. Jesus calls His disciples to “Watch and pray so you won’t fall into temptation.”

• What temptations might Jesus’ disciples be facing as Jesus suffers and is crucified? In what ways might we suffer similar temptations?
• Jesus is calling His disciples to stay alert spiritually. What spiritual perspective does Jesus want us to perceive as He suffers?

3. As Jesus prayed, “Father, take this cup from Me,” scholars believe He was speaking of the “cup of God’s judgment.” (Isaiah 51:17)

• How are we to understand God’s “judgement?” How do you reconcile God’s love with His judgement?
• How does Jesus’ willingness to drink the “cup of God’s judgement” help us understand what He suffered on our behalf?

4. Jesus promised His Heavenly Father, “Not what I will, but what You will.”

• What is “God’s will” for Jesus in this moment? What do we learn about Jesus as He wrestles with being obedient to God?
• How might Jesus’ demonstration have affected His disciples? What are examples of your obedience to God’s will instead of your own?

5. Jesus awakened His disciples with His admonition: “Pray so you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing. but the body is weak.”

• In what ways can you relate to having a “willing spirit,” but struggle with personal weakness?
• Jesus offers an antidote to temptation: Prayer. What are your experiences of finding victory over temptation as you pray?

6. As Jesus continued to pray, He continued to return and find His disciples sleeping.

• The Bible says, “The disciples didn’t know what to say to Him.” How might you relate to what the disciples experienced in this moment?
• What is Jesus’ response to you when you fall to temptation or fail to be obedient?

7. Soon, Judas and a mob approached to arrest Jesus. What do you make of Jesus’ words to His disciples? How do His words speak to us?

• “The hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
• “Rise! Let us go! Here comes My betrayer.”

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, it’s our honor to walk with You as Your sufferer on our behalf. Thank You for Your selfless obedience to our Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your kindness and mercy to Your disciples. Thank You for Your willingness to bear our sin and sorrow as You approach Your cross. We confess our weakness, disobedience and self-centeredness. Thank You for Your continuing work to change our hearts and make us more like You. Amen.

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Supper with Friends

Easter is approaching. Weekly devotions are provided during March to help us draw closer to Jesus as we walk with Him through His suffering.

• These devos are designed to be used with family, friends & groups. Always better together.

• You will find a link to weekly devos on the NH App and website.

• Please consider periodic food-fasts throughout the month as a way to devote yourself to Jesus. (See Pastor Mark’s fasting video.)

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READING

Jesus and His disciples are sharing a Passover meal. They’ve done this together for several years. But this time is different. Jesus is more solemn, and the meal feels more somber. The evening takes an uneasy turn as Jesus breaks bread and passes His cup…

Matthew 26:20–30 “When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, He said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me.’ They were very sad and began to say to Him one after the other, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ Then Judas, the one who would betray Him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’ Jesus answered, ‘Yes, it is you.’ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My Body, given for you.’ Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of Me. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s Kingdom.’ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION

1. In the first century, people would eat at a low table, seated on pillows on the floor.

• What does the depiction of Jesus “reclining” with the disciples infer about Jesus’ relationship with His disciples?
• How do you feel about being in the presence of Jesus? Describe what it’s like for you to be near Jesus.

2. At the Passover meal, Jesus predicts His betrayal: One of His own will turn His back on Jesus.

• What do you suppose the disciples are feeling as they ask Jesus if they will betray Him? What do you suppose Jesus was feeling?
• How have you betrayed Jesus with your heart, words and deeds? What are your emotions as you consider how personal our sin is to Jesus:?

3. Jesus directly predicts Judas will betray Him.

• What does the accuracy of Jesus’ prediction tell us about Jesus? Is there anything Jesus doesn’t know? (See Matthew 24:36)
• What do we learn about Jesus’ heart as He serves Judas the Passover meal? How does this speak to our relationship with Jesus?

4. As Jesus passes the bread and wine to His disciples, He says, “This is My Body,” and “This is My Blood.”

• What are we to understand about the broken bread from the Last Supper represent? How is this meaningful and/or emotional for you?
• What are we to understand about the wine from the Last Supper represent? How is this meaningful and/or emotional for you?

5. Jesus concludes this Passover meal with these words: “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

• As we share in Holy Communion, what is Jesus wanting us to remember? What is running through your heart and mind during Communion?
• As you consider the countless believers who’ve shared in Holy Communion over the ages, what strikes you about this powerful ritual?

6. Jesus tells us He won’t share in this meal with us until His Father’s Kingdom has come.

• We believe Jesus meets with us in Holy Communion. What does His presence in Communion suggest about the coming Kingdom of God?
• Jesus tells us the Kingdom of God is now with us and in us. How does this speak to the ways we might speak and act in our everyday lives?

7. Jesus and the disciples concluded the Passover observance by singing a hymn and heading to the Mount of Olives.

• As you consider Jesus and His disciples singing together, how does this speak to our congregational singing as we gather for worship?
• Jesus knows He’ll be betrayed & arrested at the Mount of Olives, yet He’s determined to go. What does this tell us about Jesus’ mission?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for offering Your body & blood for us upon Your cross. Thank You for doing what only Your can do to bring us into fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Thank You for loving us and suffering for us, even when we’re unaware and unappreciative. Thank You for Your patience as we walk with You. Thank You for Your gift of this Holy Meal to declare all You’ve done for us. Please help us remember well as we give You our heart.

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The Uninvited Guest

Easter is approaching. Weekly devotions are provided during March to help us draw closer to Jesus as we walk with Him through His suffering.

• These devos are designed to be used with family, friends & groups. Always better together.

• You will find a link to weekly devos on the NH App and website.

• Please consider periodic food-fasts throughout the month as a way to devote yourself to Jesus. (See Pastor Mark’s fasting video.)

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READING

Jesus is in Jerusalem for His final Passover celebration with His disciples. By the end of the week He will have given His life for us on His cross. While visiting His friends for dinner one last time, an uninvited guest appears…

Mark 14:3–9 “While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon (who used to be a leper), a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.’ And they rebuked her harshly. ‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have Me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on My body beforehand to prepare for My burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’”

FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION

1. Jesus was staying in the home of Simon, who used to have leprosy.

• What is implied by the statement, “Simon, who used to be a leper?” How do you suppose Simon felt about hosting the Man Who healed him?

• What differences has Jesus made in your life? What are some ways Jesus helps you? What are some ways Jesus is changing you?

2. An unknown, unnamed and uninvited woman appears with a jar of very expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus’ head.

• What do you suppose drove her to barge into Simon’s home uninvited? What do you suppose she was hoping to communicate to Jesus?

• In what ways do you feel indebted to Jesus? What are ways you express your love to Jesus?

3. Some of the dinner guests were appalled by the woman’s actions and scolded her.

• What are ways you express your love for Jesus? What outward evidence demonstrates to others your for Jesus?

• In what ways does this woman’s extravagant display of love and devotion for Jesus challenge you?

4. Jesus defends the woman’s actions and scolds His disciples for their criticism.

• How do you suppose the women felt when Jesus defended her? When have you been criticized by others and affirmed by Jesus?

• How do you suppose the disciples felt when Jesus corrected them? When has Jesus corrected you for criticizing others?

5. Jesus makes a powerful statement: “The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want.”

• What is Jesus saying about the poor people in our world? What is Jesus suggesting about the brokenness in our world?

• What strikes you about Jesus’ words, “You can help (the poor) any time you want?” In what ways does Jesus’ statement challenge you?

6. Jesus predicts His impending death: “You will not always have Me. She poured perfume on My body beforehand to prepare for My burial.”

• What do you suppose was running through the disciples’ heads when they heard this? What might have been their response?

• Does “You will not always have Me” apply to us today? What are ways you experience Jesus’ with you every day?

7. Jesus speaks amazing words: “Wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’”

• How is reading this passage evidence that Jesus’ bold prediction has come to pass? How does it feel to have been on Jesus’ mind that day?

• Following this week’s devotion, why do you suppose it’s important for this story to be told as we grow in our walk with Jesus?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for this incredible example of extravagant love for You. Thank You for demonstrating Your love for us with Your suffering and death. Thank You for our ongoing relationship with You in loving obedience. Please increase our love for You. Please help us become more and more expressive and unashamed with our love. May we, like our dear, unknown sister, love You with all our heart, mind, soul and spirit. Hallelujah, Amen.