PREPARING

"Preparing His Witnesses"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
As they (the disciples) were talking about these things,
Jesus Himself stood among them, and said to them,
"Peace to you!" (Luke 24:36).
Resurrection Monday
Read Luke 24:36-49.
The two Emmaus disciples are back with the disciples in
Jerusalem sharing their experience. Suddenly, Jesus is
standing right there in their midst. He immediately says,
"Peace to you!"
But the disciples are gripped with fear. Had Jesus knocked
on the door and walked into their midst, instead of suddenly
appearing, no one would be suspecting it was a ghost
standing among them. He immediately invites them to touch
His flesh and bones so they can be convinced He is no
ghost or spirit. He adds visual proof by eating a piece of
broiled fish.
Once they are convinced He is risen, Jesus explains why He
had to suffer, die and rise again. He not only appeals to
Moses and the Old Testament prophets, He reminds them of
the times He had foretold these things before His death. Then
He opens their minds so they can understand what He
accomplished by His cross and empty grave.
These are the witnesses He will send out into the world, but
their eyewitness testimony alone will not be enough. The Holy
Spirit will empower them and open the hearts of those who
hear and read their words. Through these weeks of Lent we
have read their eyewitness testimony. Through their eyes we
have seen Jesus crucified and buried for us, and risen again
in glory. May Christ's forgiveness, peace and eternal joy be
yours until we see Him with our own eyes and touch Him with
our own hands in Paradise.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the testimony of Your eyewitness
disciples, and for sending Your Spirit to create and strengthen
my faith through their words. Now send me as Your witness,
that I may share Your suffering, death and resurrection-wherever
You lead me. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

OUR HEART BURNS

"Opening the Scriptures"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Then they (two of the disciples) told what had happened on the
road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the
bread. (Luke 24:35).
Resurrection Sunday
Read Luke 24:1-35.
It is Sunday afternoon. Two grieving disciples are leaving
Jerusalem and slowly making their way home. Along the way
they talk about recent events. In time a stranger joins them in
their travels, a stranger who is oddly unaware of the recent
happenings in Jerusalem. They tell him about Jesus, about the
crucifixion, and the strange tale their women told about angels
and the empty tomb. But it is clear their dreams died along with
Jesus, and still remain buried in the borrowed tomb.
The Stranger calls them foolish, a word always used in the Bible
to describe people who view this world as if God didn't exist. He
patiently leads them through the Old Testament writings that
foretold the suffering, death and resurrection of God's promised
Messiah. As He speaks their hearts burn within them, filled with
astonishment and excitement as it finally dawns on them the
cross is not a sign of failure and shame, but God's glorious plan
to save humanity.
This day when we celebrate our Lord's resurrection our hearts burn
anew-filled with wonder and holy joy. Our Lord has conquered sin
and Satan. He has risen victorious over death and hell. We no
longer grieve the death of believing loved ones because we know
they are with Jesus Christ in Paradise, and on the Last Day He will
raise them as He Himself was raised. And we ourselves no longer
fear death because it lies crushed and vanquished beneath His feet.
On the Last Day He will return, and we will live with Him in triumph
forever.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, Victor over sin and death, stay with us, for it is
evening and the day is almost over. Comfort us through life and
death until You raise us to live with You in glory forever. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

NINE OCLOCK IN THE MORNING

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him.
The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King
of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one
on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by
derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You
who would destroy the temple and build it in three days,
save yourself, and come down from the cross!”
Mark 15:25-30

Good Friday is not about us trying to "get right with God."
It is about us entering the difference between God and
humanity and just touching it for a moment. Touching the
shimmering sadness of humanity's insistence that we can
be our own gods, that we can be pure and all-powerful.
Nadia Bolz-Weber
Prayer:
Forgive us, crucified Christ, for in our desire for control, we
lash out without regard for others. And yet, despite all of
our violence, you chose mercy. Teach us, we pray, the
way of your self-emptying love.

FINISHED

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion 2016
Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Your hands
I commit My spirit!" And having said this He breathed His last.
(Luke 23:46).
Good Friday
Read Luke 23:44-49.
An unnatural darkness fell upon the land from noon to three in the
afternoon. Luke explains, "The sun's light failed" (Luke 23:45a).
This profound darkness marked the judgment of mankind's sins,
the bitter darkness of hell.
At Jesus' death at the end of those three hours, the curtain of the
temple was torn in two: a powerful sign for the Jewish rulers.
Throughout the Old Testament this curtain symbolized the
separation sin had caused between God and humanity. In Jesus'
perfect sacrifice, that boundary of sin is completely removed, and
we have direct access to God through Jesus (see Hebrews 9:11-12).
With His Heavenly Father's anger stilled, our salvation secured, and
His work completed, Jesus cries out in a loud voice, "Father, into
Your hands I commit My spirit!" and He breathes His last.
The centurion, seeing how Jesus' suffered and died, and the signs
that accompanied His death (see Matthew 27:51-53) praises God,
and proclaims Jesus' innocence. Clearly, Jesus was no criminal,
and He didn't deserve to be executed with them.
Luke next points us to the crowds standing nearby. Having seen the
darkness and the other signs accompanying Jesus' death, they
return home beating their breasts. This Jewish sign of regret and
sorrow shows they knew a guiltless man had been put to death. They
cease to be spectators and become repentant Jews, ripe for Peter's
wondrous sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-24).
Finally, at a distance, stand some of Jesus' acquaintances and
faithful women who had followed Him from Galilee. In the coming
days they will play an important role in our story.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, the miracles that accompanied Your death proved that
You are indeed the Son of God, Savior of the world. Strengthen my
faith that I may always trust in Your all-sufficient ransom for my sins.
Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

REMEMBER ME

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
And he (the criminal) said, "Jesus, remember me when You
come into Your Kingdom." And He said to him, "Truly, I say
to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).
Maundy Thursday
Read Luke 23:39-43.
From every direction Jesus hears mockery and ridicule. Even
the criminals hanging on either side join in with the Jewish
rulers and Roman soldiers (see Matthew 27:44).
But after a while one falls silent. When the other criminal takes
up his taunt again, the first speaks out, "Do you not fear God,
since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And
we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds"
(Luke 23:40b-41a). Clearly, he has been thinking back over his life,
considering the deeds that led to this torturous end, and of the
fearful judgment that soon awaits.
Then he jumps to Jesus' defense, revealing the faith that now fills
his heart: "But this Man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41b).
With firm confidence and faith that Jesus truly is the King of the
Jews, the Chosen One, the promised Christ, he turns to Him and
prays, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom"
(Luke 23:42b).
This night we honor our crucified Lord by gathering in His house
and rehearsing His Last Supper with His disciples. Like the criminal, 
we will confess our sins and ask Jesus to remember us when He
comes into His kingdom. And through Holy Communion He will give
us His body nailed to the cross and His blood poured out for us. We
will remember His suffering and death as we eat His body given for
us, and drink His blood shed for the remission of all our sins.
And like the criminal, we will hear the dying Savior assure us, "Truly,
I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43b).
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, remember us when you come into Your kingdom as this
night we remember Your great sacrifice of Your body and blood on
the cross for us. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Then [Jesus] took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he
broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given
for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the
cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the
new covenant in my blood.”
Luke 22:19-20
To love is to accept dependency on love.
François Varillon
Prayer
Jesus, you who are Life, you offer to us life everlasting. In imitating your
love, we accept your gift, and we praise you, we worship you,
O Lamb of God.

THE TRUE KING

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering
Him sour wine and saying, "If You are the King of the
Jews, save Yourself!" There was also an inscription over
Him, "This is the King of the Jews" (Luke 23:36-38).
Holy Wednesday
Read Luke 23:36-38.
The Roman Empire used crucifixion as a powerful warning
and deterrent to crime. So an inscription was written to
identify the criminal and the crime for which he or she was
dying. Jesus' inscription read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King
of the Jews" (see Matthew 27:37).
This was the mocking theme the Roman soldiers had picked
up during Jesus' trial before Pilate. When they scourged Him,
they wove a crown out of thorns and put it on His head. They
put a purple robe over His torn shoulders, and a reed as His
royal scepter. They knelt before Him, then snatched the reed
from His hand and beat Him over the head with it
(see Matthew 27:27-31).
Now, at the cross, they pick up the theme again. Knowing He
is suffering from agonizing thirst, they come up and offer Him
sour wine-knowing full well He cannot reach it with His hands
and feet nailed to the cross. Then they take up the chant of
the Jewish rulers and add their own little twist: "If You are the
King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
But they don't understand true kingship. They assume a king
rules for his own welfare and benefit. But a true King rules for
the benefit of His subjects-even if that means sacrificing His
life to save theirs. It's what a true King does for His people.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, my King and my Lord. Thank You for sacrificing
Yourself for the benefit of all of us, Your subjects. In Your
goodness and love, rule over all my life. Amen.

SAVING OTHERS

"Saving Others, Not Himself"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at
Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is
the Christ of God, His Chosen One!" (Luke 23:35).
Holy Tuesday
Read Luke 23:35.
Luke shows us two groups of Jews who have gathered around
the cross-the people and the rulers. The Jewish people stand
by curiously watching the gruesome spectacle. Luke lets them
fade into the background as he turns our attention to the Jewish
rulers.
The second group, the rulers, includes the entire Jewish court.
During their trials they had thrown all honor, integrity, dignity
and decorum to the wind as they called for false witnesses
against Jesus (see Matthew 26:59), personally abused and
tormented Him (see Matthew 26:66-68). Then they hounded Him
to Pilate's court, over to Herod's court, and back to Pilate again.
They had stirred up the crowds to demand Jesus' crucifixion,
and when Pilate surrendered Him to their desires, they had
gleefully followed His procession to this place to celebrate their
victory.
Now at the place of execution they put on an air of superiority
and scoff at Him. They play on His name, Jesus, which means
"The Lord saves." Speaking of Jesus' many healing miracles,
they mock, "He saved others, let Him save Himself, if He is the
Christ of God, His Chosen One!"
They mistake Jesus' choice not to save Himself as proof that He
cannot save Himself. But Jesus is not here to save Himself: He
is here to save each of us-and these Jewish rulers as well. To
do that He must remain on the cross until every last sin is paid
and God's justice is completely satisfied. His death is their only
hope of salvation-and ours.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You endured mockery and shame to save me and
all people. Let me gladly bear mockery and shame for Your Name.
Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

A reminder to all those who identify themselves as
Christians, especially those candidates who are
running for President of the United States.
Dear Donald Trump and other Presidential
Candidates. The following is the Biblical
description of "what it means to be a Christian",
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE!!!!!!
Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any
comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?
Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me
truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other,
loving one another, and working together with one mind and
purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be
humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t
look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in
others, too.  5 You must have the same attitude that Christ
Jesus had.  6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality
with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his
divine privileges;  he took the humble position of a slave and
was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human
form,8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a
criminal’s death on a cross.  9 Therefore, God elevated him
to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above
all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
 glory of God the Father.
(Please remember these eleven verses when you mix hate,
violence, and racism with belief in Christ!)
(The Holy Bible)

A PLEA

"A Plea for Forgiveness"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what
they do." ... (Luke 23:34a).
Holy Monday
Read Luke 23:32-34.
In a procession with two condemned criminals, Jesus is led
to the place of execution. The locals know it as "The Skull"
(see Luke 23:33)-possibly because of its shape, possibly
because it is the grisly place of execution and death.
And right away Jesus utters His first words from the cross,
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Of
all the people who should be pleading for forgiveness-Judas,
the high priest, Pontius Pilate, his soldiers-the one who asks
on their behalf is Jesus, the sinless Son of God.
How amazing that even in this hour where His agony reaches
its climax Jesus doesn't turn inside Himself. He could pray
for justice-for vindication-for punishment on those who have
done this to Him. Instead, He pleads with His Father to forgive
them.
Jesus' prayer is not restricted to Pontius Pilate and the Roman
soldiers who abused and nailed Him to the cross, nor to the
Jewish high priest and high court, or even to Judas, Peter and
the other disciples, who abandoned Him. He prays for you and
me, for all people of all time whose sins He has carried to this
dismal place.
But forgiveness isn't easy, or cheap. God the Father can't set
aside His holiness and justice-not when humans are doing this
to His pure and innocent Son. For the Father to be able to forgive
us, Jesus must step into our place and bear the divine punishment
we all deserve. That makes this one of the most incredible
prayers ever uttered in human history. "Father, forgive them"-by
punishing Me instead.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, break through our ignorance and give us knowledge
of our sin. That we may repent of that sin and receive full and free
forgiveness for Your sake. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

COMFORTING

"Comforting His Mourners"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion 2016
And there followed Him a great multitude of the people and of
women who were mourning and lamenting for Him (Luke 23:27).
Palm Sunday
Read Luke 23:26-31.
Today is Palm Sunday. We remember the great crowds of
Jewish pilgrims who filled the streets of Jerusalem and cheered
Jesus as their victorious King. Now, barely five days later, they
line the streets to jeer and heckle Him on His way to execution.
Jesus is too weak and weary to carry the crossbeam to the place
of execution. He tries with all His might, but keeps falling beneath
it. The flogging and the beatings have taken their toll. Finally, the
Roman soldiers enlist a man named Simon to carry it for Him.
But not everyone in the crowd taunts Jesus. Many still believe in
Him, and are greatly perplexed and grief-stricken to see Him going
to His death. In shock and horror they mourn and lament for Him.
Jesus could have joined them in self-pity, but instead He turns
aside their weeping and lamenting. He warns of the future when
they and their children will suffer at the hands of the Romans
because the Jewish leaders will not humble themselves, confess
their sins, and believe He is their Savior.
As we enter this Holy Week and remember Jesus' sufferings and
passion, He doesn't want us weeping for Him. He wants us to weep
for ourselves-for our sins-just as Peter did when the rooster crowed,
and he saw Jesus' face. We are to weep for our sins that deserve
God's judgment; then look in faith to Jesus' cross where that payment
was made in full. There we see God's mercy and forgiveness.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You carried my sins to that place of execution, a load I
could never carry. At the foot of Your cross help me see my sin rightly,
 and turn from it in bitter tears, that I may find in You full forgiveness
and peace. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

"Taking the Responsibility for Us"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion 2016
So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He
released the man who had been thrown into prison for
insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he
delivered Jesus over to their will (Luke 23:24-25).
Read Luke 23:24-25.
Pilate weighs out his options. He could defy the Jewish leaders
and the crowd, which grows more and more agitated every
moment. He could bring in his Roman troops to quell the rising
protest, but what would that mean for his career?
Then he looks at Jesus, standing silently by his side. No one
steps forward to defend Him and Jesus doesn't do anything to
defend Himself. If Pilate wants to save his career, he has to
sacrifice Jesus.
Luke tells us that Pilate "delivered Jesus over," using the exact
words he used of Judas' action. Both betrayed Jesus to those
Jewish authorities who sought His life. According to
Matthew 27:24, Pilate takes water, and in the sight of all the
court washes his hands and says, "I am innocent of this man's
blood. See to it yourselves."
But Pilate can't simply hand over his responsibility and shift the
blame for this miscarriage of justice. He will go down in history
as the one under whose authority God's innocent Son was
crucified.
But Jesus was no helpless victim in this whole process. He didn't
need Pilate's troops to protect Him. If He wanted, He could have
called upon His Father and He would have had vast angel armies
at His disposal (see Matthew 26:53). But He permitted this to
happen-even taking Pilate's guilt upon Himself and suffering God's
wrath in His place-as well as yours and mine.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, like Pilate I often try to shift the blame for my sins to
someone else, or find excuses for what I've done. Through Your
sacrifice I can stop and confess my guilt-knowing You already
paid the full price in my place. Receive my heartfelt thanks. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THEIR VOICES PREVAILED

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
A third time he (Pilate) said to them, "Why, what evil has
He done? I have found in Him no guilt deserving death. I
will therefore punish and release Him." But they were
urgent, demanding with loud cries that He should be
crucified. And their voices prevailed. (Luke 23:22-23).
Read Luke 23:18-23.
Pilate offers his compromise. Instead of condemning Jesus
to death, he will have Him scourged. But Jesus' bloody,
battered body isn't enough for the Jewish leaders. They
demand His death.
So Pilate tries another tactic, he offers the Jewish people
the choice of one of two prisoners he will release in honor
of the Passover: Jesus or Barabbas-the worst criminal he
has in custody. Matthew, Mark and John record that
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner who was guilty of
murder in an insurrection. To Pilate's astonishment the
Jewish leaders convince the crowds to call for Barabbas'
release and Jesus' execution. Ironically, Barabbas' crime
was insurrection and leading the people in revolt against
Rome-the very charge these Jewish leaders had falsely
leveled against Jesus. But now they demand the release
of the true insurrectionist, and the execution of the
Innocent One.
Desperately, Pilate addresses the crowd two more times,
demanding they give a valid reason Jesus should die. They
ignore him and keep shouting for Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate
knew Jesus was innocent and had said it over and over
again. Still, he let the crowds drown it out. Luke ends
today's reading with the chilling words, "And their voices
prevailed."
And what was Jesus doing this whole time? He was
standing by silently, accepting His Father's will that He be
crucified so that by His death He could give us life, pardon
and forgiveness.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You willingly suffered such injustice and hate
from the creatures You came to save. Thank You for bearing
the punishment for my disobedience. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

HE DOESN'T DESERVE DEATH

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
(Pilate said) "... Look, nothing deserving death has been
done by Him. I will therefore punish and release Him"
(Luke 23:15-16).
Read Luke 23:13-16.
In the first trial Pilate declared Jesus not guilty but failed
to enforce his ruling. Now he has a second chance. Pilate
reports that he examined Jesus in open court proceedings,
not in secret, and found that Jesus was not guilty of any of
the charges against Him. Moreover, Herod had tried
Jesus and did not condemn Him.
Herod had a better understanding of the Jewish religion
than the Roman Pilate. Yet even on religious grounds
Herod had not found Jesus guilty, and he certainly would
have punished Him if he had. Besides that, most of Jesus'
preaching and miracles had been done in Herod's
jurisdiction, yet not once over all those months had Herod
found a reason to arrest and try Jesus.
Two courts had reached the same verdict. He concludes,
"Look, nothing deserving death has been done by Him."
Again at this point, Pilate should use his full authority as
Roman ruler to protect the innocent. But instead of freeing
Jesus, Pilate offers a compromise: he orders Jesus
scourged-a savage, crippling whipping. Surely, the Jewish
leaders will be satisfied that Jesus is no longer a threat, and
accept it in place of Jesus' death.
What a strange punishment when you have declared a man
innocent of all the charges leveled against Him. It is also odd
that Pilate shrinks from killing a Man he knows is innocent,
but can justify crippling Him. Jesus yields Himself to such
suffering and injustice to pay for your sins and mine. But He
knows God will not be satisfied with mere earthly punishment
and suffering, the Son of God will have to die to save us from
our sins.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I marvel at Your loving sacrifice. Fill me with such
love and gratitude to You that I will sacrifice myself for others.
Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

BRINGING ENEMIES TOGETHER

By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that
very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each
other (Luke 23:12).
Read Luke 23:12.
Jesus came to be the great Reconciler. In His death He
restores the relationship between God and sinner. But His
sacrifice also works to bring human enemies together. We
see this in the case of Pilate and Herod, whose enmity
toward each other ended with Jesus' trials.
Before this time they hated each another. For Herod it was
probably nothing personal. He wanted the territory that Pilate
ruled, seeking to add that jurisdiction to his own. But an
incident Luke relates in 13:1 might have had some bearing
on it. The verse references something that took place at an
earlier event. "There were some present at that very time who
told Him (Jesus) about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had
mingled with their sacrifices." Some Galileans evidently
started an insurrection that Pilate had efficiently put down
with force and bloodshed. Since these were Herod's subjects,
he could have seen it as a grievous offense.
On Pilate's side, his hatred for Herod may well have stemmed
from Herod's plotting and scheming to drive him out and take
his jurisdiction. But in Jesus the two rulers find common
ground. Herod buries the hatchet with Pilate because Pilate
grants his wish to see Jesus. And Pilate is reconciled because
Herod did him the honor of returning the case to Pilate's court.
It was no small thing for a ruler to entrust the fate of one of his
subjects into someone else's hands.
Pilate was probably not happy to see the return of Jesus and
His accusers, but at least Herod would no longer be a nuisance
and a threat.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, in Your suffering and death You reunited us with
Your Heavenly Father. Unite us to one another through
forgiveness, peace and love. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

SILENCE

"Silence That Speaks Volumes"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer
Lenten Devotion
The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing
Him. And Herod with his soldiers treated Him with contempt and
mocked Him. Then, arraying Him in splendid clothing, he sent
Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:10-11).
Read Luke 23:10-11.
The Jewish leaders are not happy with Herod. They want him to
condemn Jesus, but he's not interested in a trial. He's holding an
audition for a court magician. The scribes are vehement, trying to
force his attention back to the trial at hand, but he totally ignores
them.
Jesus' silence speaks volumes. He won't even dignify Herod's
childish fascination with an answer. But the governor is deaf to
Jesus' silent message. He doesn't take a moment to think about
his behavior, his guilt in having John the Baptist beheaded. He
doesn't think of what he owes this Man who stands trial before
him-or what he owes the God to whom he will one day have to
answer.
Finally, Herod gives up on Jesus. Since Jesus is giving him the
silent treatment, he will return the favor. He begins mocking Him
and treating Him with contempt, and his soldiers quickly join in.
Since Jesus claims to be King of the Jews, He needs royal robes.
So Herod dresses Him in splendid clothing.
Why didn't Herod reach a verdict? He could certainly have scored
points with the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem if he condemned
Jesus. But he'd been down that road before. Back when he had
John the Baptist executed, he took a huge hit with his subjects
up in Galilee who held John to be a prophet (see Matthew 14:5).
There was no way he was going to order Jesus' execution too.
Instead, Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate.
THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, You didn't come for my entertainment, but for my
eternal salvation. When I enter Your house for worship, give me a
heart that seeks Your grace, not my own selfish enjoyment. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

AN AUDIENCE

"An Audience with God's Son"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long
desired to see Him ... (Luke 23:8a).
Read Luke 23:8-9.

Herod Antipas has no interest in religion. His sole ambition is to
reacquire the former kingdom of his deceased father, Herod the
Great. At this time he is ruling a quarter of it: Galilee and
Samaria. His sights are set south on Jerusalem and Judea. To
add that territory to his rule he needs to ingratiate himself to the
Jewish leadership, which is why we find him in Jerusalem at this
feast.

But Herod has a special interest in Jesus. When the stories about
Jesus' miracles first came to his ear, he thought his executed
criminal John the Baptist had been raised from the dead
(see Matthew 14:2). Since then reports have kept spreading,
Herod is anxious to see Jesus for himself (see Luke 9:9).
The ruler questions Jesus at length, but Jesus remains silent.
When Herod had gone to speak with John in prison, John spoke
at length about sin and righteousness, and God's kingdom
(see Mark 6:20). But Herod has no interest in discussing these
issues with Jesus. He wants to be wowed. It was this same love
of entertainment that led him to behead John the Baptist
(see Matthew 14:1-12). Now it leads him to squander his one
chance to talk face to face with the Son of God.
Not a single question is judicial. He isn't interested in making a fair
ruling. He only sees Jesus' value as an entertainer who could
impress other dignitaries and help Herod achieve his political goals.
Not a single question was spiritual, about how to be right with God.
How sad that Herod squandered this great opportunity to listen and
learn from his Lord, his God, and his Savior.
THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I ignore Your precious Word for
me. Open my ears that I may hear and believe. Amen.
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

CHANGE OF VENUE

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And when he (Pilate) learned that He (Jesus) belonged
to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him over to Herod, who
was himself in Jerusalem at that time (Luke 23:7).

Read Luke 23:5-7.

The judge pronounced his verdict, yet permits the
prosecution to challenge that verdict and continue raising
objections. Clearly, Pilate is intimidated.

The Jewish high priest is urgent. He has brought along the
full high court and a large company of guards and servants.
But not even their sheer number is enough to convince
Pilate of the seriousness of this matter. Perhaps Pilate
thinks Jesus only has a local following that his Roman
squads can easily put down. So they report the wide scope
of Jesus' ministry to convince the governor that Jesus is a
greater danger. They claim Jesus has been stirring up
people all over Judea, from Galilee, even here to Jerusalem.

Suddenly, Pilate sees an opening, an opportunity to get rid
of this whole sorry affair. If Jesus is a Galilean, the trial can
be switched to Herod, the Roman governor over Galilee.
Fortunately, he is staying in Jerusalem for the feast. Let
Herod deal with the Jewish high priest and Jesus.

Pilate watches the procession head over to Herod's palace.
As the footsteps die away in the distance and silence
descends over his courts, Pilate may well breathe a sigh of
relief. But by taking this action he has completely undercut
his own verdict. He declared Jesus not guilty, so why is He
still on trial? Why is His life still in jeopardy?

And one more thing Pilate fails to consider: if somehow
Jesus is returned to him, it will be clear to the Jewish leaders
that all they have to do is keep pressing, and Pilate will
eventually give in.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You suffered such injustice to fulfill God's
righteous plan and set free sinners like me. Give me a
grateful heart, and genuine love for the people around me
that need to hear of Your love. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

REACHING OUT

"Reaching Those Who Refuse to Listen"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion 2016

And they led Him away to their council, and they said, "If You
are the Christ, tell us." ... (Luke 22:66b-67a).

Read Luke 22:66-71.

When Jesus stands before the Jewish high court they ask if He
is the Christ. His answer sounds elusive, but He is laying bare
their dark hearts and forcing them to look at their motives. If He
utters the truth that He is God's Son, they will not believe. If He
asks what more He can do to prove He is the promised Messiah,
they will refuse to answer. They've already closed their minds
and aren't interested in searching for the truth.

So He points past the cross. After His suffering and death are
complete He will be enthroned at the right hand of God. That is
the kind of Christ He is: a saving Christ-a heavenly King, not an
earthly king. It is a powerful confession and testimony-and a dire
warning of their future. Today, they sit in judgment on Him, but on
the last day He will be their judge-and their eternal destiny will
rest in His hands.

Ignoring His warning they demand, "Are You the Son of God,
then?" (Luke 22:70b). Again, His answer might sound evasive to
us, but not to the Jewish leaders. He calls their own words as
witnesses against them; they are confessing the truth: He is
indeed the Christ, the Son of God. Without giving it another
thought, they pounce on His words and condemn Jesus to death.

He has done all He can at this time. He has made the great
confession. After His death and resurrection, Jesus will send
strong men of faith to once again share the story of His salvation
and offer them His complete and free forgiveness.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in love You persistently reached out to stubborn men
who hated You for no valid reason. Break through my stubbornness
and lead me to repentance and faith. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

BEARING THE PUNISHMENT

"Bearing the Punishment We Deserve"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion 2016

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were
mocking Him as they beat Him. They also blindfolded Him
and kept asking Him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck
You?" And they said many other things against Him,
blaspheming Him (Luke 22:63-65).

Read Luke 22:63-65.

For months the Jewish authorities have held a deepening
grudge against Jesus. Now they unleash their pent up
frustration and hatred. Luke the physician tells us their
blows bruised and tore Jesus' skin. Matthew and Mark add
that they struck Jesus with their fists and spat in His face.
All the Gospels point out that this abuse-both physical and
verbal-went on and on. These were the dignified, high
officials of Judah lashing out against a bound man.

But the abuse takes on a mocking tone which we will see
repeated many times this day. They blindfold Jesus and take
turns striking Him, asking the Prophet which of them had
struck Him. They condemn Jesus for blasphemy because He
claimed to be God's Son, but they are unaware they are the
guilty ones, blaspheming the Son of God who stands meekly
before them.

Jesus knows full well who is hitting Him, yet He remains silent.
He is suffering exactly what each of them-and each of us
deserves to suffer for our disobedience to God and our
mistreatment of one another. Yet Jesus patiently bears it all in
our place. He does not retaliate or curse; instead, He remains
silent. We wonder what He is thinking. He'll show us shortly
when He cries out from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for
they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34b).

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You endured the abuse and mistreatment I deserve.
Forgive my sins against You, and give me patience when I
suffer wrongly for Your sake. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

A POWERFUL GLANCE

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And immediately, while he was still speaking, the
rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked
at Peter. ... (Luke 22:60b-61a).

Read Luke 22:60b-62.

While Peter is still uttering his third denial, the
rooster crows. And immediately the Lord Jesus
turns and looks at Peter.

How does Jesus happen to be here right at this
very moment? He was first tried before the high
priest and Jewish high court in the middle of the
night (see Matthew 26:57-68). It is likely He has
been held in a place of confinement and now is
being brought back before the court so it can
render a legal verdict.

Despite all He has suffered and all the agony that
still awaits Him, Jesus' greatest concern is for
Peter. He has already prayed for him, and now He
looks upon him. Not with anger, judgment and
retribution, but with loving concern for His disciple's
salvation. With a look He brings Peter back to
repentance and faith.

Peter sees the haunting face of Jesus, and hears
the rooster's crow. Suddenly, the Lord's words come
flooding into his mind: "Before the rooster crows,
you will deny Me three times" (Matthew 26:75b).

Peter is cut to the heart and dissolves into tears. Not
just tears, Luke's word describes loud, audible
sobbing. It may seem strange that the guards don't
move in, but they are busy moving Jesus. Once again,
Jesus offers Himself to protect His disciple, providing
Peter the opportunity to escape to safety. But He
didn't just save Peter from the soldiers-He saved him
from Satan's trap, and through His suffering and death
He will save Peter and all of us from God's wrath.

If Jesus can forgive Peter's denial, be assured He can
forgive your worst sins.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, with Your glance You brought about Peter's
repentance. Look upon me, that I may turn from my sins
with repentant tears-and follow You. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

INTO HARM'S WAY

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

Then they seized Him (Jesus) and led Him away, bringing Him
into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a
distance (Luke 22:54).

Read Luke 22:54-60a.

Simon Peter shouldn't be anywhere near here. Over and over
Jesus told His disciples what will happen. He will be condemned
and crucified, and on the third day rise again. But Peter wants to
see for himself. So he follows at a distance.

Peter enters the enclosed courtyard of the high priest and stands
among the guards waiting there. It is extremely dangerous for him
to be here-and extremely foolhardy. But he doesn't seem to realize
it until he is trapped in the courtyard. When a servant girl questions
him, he cowers in fear-even though her testimony would not be
considered dependable in a Jewish court.

Just a few hours ago he boldly promised he would go to prison and
to death with Jesus. A few minutes ago he initiated a defensive
attack by striking the high priest's servant with his sword. Yet now,
when his life is on the line, he goes into a panic.

After two initial questions and his quick denials, Simon is able to
escape attention for another hour. But as the sky brightens with the
approaching dawn, another man studies him closely. This accusation
is far more dangerous than the earlier two: Simon's northern dialect
is giving him away. It is plain to hear he is from Galilee, like Jesus.
What was a Galilean doing here in the high priest's courtyard in the
middle of the night when all the guards were Judeans from the south?
Simon Peter is exposed and desperate. He has nowhere left to hide.

We often thoughtlessly put ourselves in harm's way too. But Jesus is
already on His way to rescue him, and you and me as well.

Lord Jesus, forgive the times I put myself in danger for no good reason.
Come quickly to rescue, forgive and restore me. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

ADDRESSING HIS ENEMIES

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "Have you come out as against a robber,
with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after
day in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me. But this
is your hour, and the power of darkness" (Luke 22:52b-53).

Read Luke 22:52-53.

Jesus now turns to the Jewish leaders. He protests the
way they are going about arresting Him. Like Judas a
moment ago, He wants them to realize the true nature of
their deeds. They think they are serving God, but in reality
they are serving the prince of darkness.

First, He points out the large armed guard they assembled.
Jesus is neither a lawbreaker, nor a violent man. He has
never preached armed rebellion or insurrection. He has only
preached repentance and the coming of the kingdom of
heaven. His deeds have all been good and kind, benefiting
the sick, the hurting, and the dying.

He then reminds them of all the times He preached and
taught before them in the temple courts. If they really had
grounds to lay their hands on Him, they should have done it
then. But Jesus had given them no cause to arrest Him-and
the fact they came out at night is proof of that.

Like cowards they emerge under cover of darkness when the
crowds are far away. This late hour of the night is their hour-
when the power of darkness reigns.

This may be the hour when they seem to have the upper hand,
but Jesus implies another hour is coming-an hour when God's
truth will be manifest, when Jesus will burst through the gates
of death at the resurrection.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You exposed the evil intentions of Your enemies
in order to bring them to repentance and faith. Turn me from
my evil ways that I may live to Your glory. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

THE PEACEMAKER

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and
cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!"
And He touched his ear and healed him (Luke 22:50-51).

Read Luke 22:49-51.

The sleepy disciples quickly awaken at the soldiers'
approach. Even though Jesus has stepped forward to
shield them (see John 18:4, 8), they ask their Master if
He wants them to strike with the sword and defend Him.
One doesn't wait for His answer. Peter attacks the servant
of the high priest.

Jesus is deeply concerned about the safety of His disciples
and those who have come out to arrest Him. Peter's rash
act threatens to escalate the tense situation into violence
and bloodshed, forcing the soldiers to rush in with drawn
weapons to put down the violence. Jesus immediately steps
in and defuses it. He commands His disciples to put away
their swords (see Matthew 26:52).

Then He demonstrates incredible care for the high priest's
servant whose ear Peter has severed. Jesus immediately
restores his ear and heals him. He brings peace and calm
out of impending chaos.

His actions perfectly display the love He feels for His Father
and for each of us. It's a love that will prompt His first words
from the cross in a few hours: "Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do" (Luke 23:34b). And whether that
servant ever comes to faith in Jesus or not, for the remainder
of his life he will bear the evidence in his body of the last
miracle Jesus performed in His earthly life.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You protected Your disciples while demonstrating
Your concern for a wounded soldier who had come out against
You. Give me such love toward my enemies that I may treat
them kindly and You may bring them to faith. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

CONFRONTING HYPOCRISY

"Confronting Hypocrisy with Love"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

While He (Jesus) was still speaking, there came a crowd,
and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading
them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus said
to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a
kiss?" (Luke 22:47-48).

Read Luke 22:47-48.

As Jesus wakens His disciples, a large company of soldiers
with torches, lanterns and weapons draws near. The Jewish
leaders intend to take no chances, so they bring enough
guards and soldiers to prevent any interference when they
take Jesus into custody. At their lead is Judas. He has
arranged a sign with the soldiers so there will be no
confusing Jesus with any of His disciples in the shadows of
the garden. "The one I will kiss is the man; seize Him"
(Matthew 26:48b).

Jesus points out the betrayer's heartbreaking hypocrisy,
"Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
Judas could have chosen any impersonal way to single out
Jesus. Instead, he chooses a kiss, a gesture intended to
show affection, kindness and love. Jesus' gently pricks at
Judas' conscience, trying to lead him to see his horrendous
sin.

Judas should melt in tears, but he feels no guilt, no regret-at
least not at this moment when Jesus is present to forgive,
restore and comfort him. Yet none of us should conclude that
Jesus didn't try hard enough to reach Judas. He washed his
feet in the upper room, He shared his meal, and here in the
garden He gently called him by name, Judas; and then even
called him "friend" (see Matthew 26:50). Jesus was still
 holding out peace and forgiveness for Judas. It wasn't too late
for Judas; it's not too late for you and me.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Your deep love for Judas is simply amazing,
especially when we see how deeply he hurt You. Give me
grace to forgive those who cut me to the heart. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

LAST MINUTE ENCOURAGEMENT

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And when He (Jesus) rose from prayer, He came to the
disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and He
said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that
you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:45-46).

Read Luke 22:45-46.

Matthew and Mark's Gospels tell us Jesus' prayer lasted
about an hour-and He repeated it two more times. And
each time He went to check on His disciples. He longed
for their prayers, their presence, their support. How
disheartening is must have been to find them asleep.
Instead of rising up in prayer to meet the sorrow that
weighed heavy on their spirits, they sunk beneath it in
defeated sleep.

Jesus' exhausting struggle in prayer had prepared Him
for the grueling trial to come. Yet in their sleep His
disciples left themselves unprepared and vulnerable. He
awakens them, urging them to pray so they can
overcome the temptation to doubt and fall away from faith
when they see Him condemned and executed. They will
need to continue to pray in the hours and days to come
until they see Jesus' standing alive before them on
Sunday. Though they had failed to be there for Jesus, He
is there for them.

When we face difficult trials in life-especially trials of
faith-it is easy to grow weary and fatigued. Like the angel
He sent to Jesus, God strengthens us through His Word
and His gifts of Baptism and Holy Communion. We are
empowered to bear up under those burdens, and wrestle
our fears, struggles and heartaches. Through prayer God
prepares our hearts to embrace His perfect, fatherly will,
and to accomplish the amazing things He has planned for
our lives here on earth.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith through the trials I face,
and teach me to persistently pray as You did. Then by Your
mighty power, glorify Your Name through all I do and say.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

POURED OUT IN PRAYER

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And there appeared to Him (Jesus) an angel from heaven,
strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more
earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood
falling down to the ground (Luke 22:43-44).

Read Luke 22:43-44.

At some point in our lives, many of us will face a moment
when the doctor says, "There's nothing more I can do." You
get word that a loved one has died unexpectedly. As the
realization sinks in so does hopelessness, shock, and the
unrelenting pain of reality. Like Jesus, all we can do is
come to our Father on our knees, and pour out our hearts.

The Father has laid a burden on His Son that no human
can bear, and even Jesus' perfect human nature becomes
faint under the burden. In tender love and compassion the
Father sends an angel from heaven to His dear Son.
Through that angel He provides the strength Jesus' body
requires to fulfill its part in accomplishing God's gracious
plan of salvation. Later we will see Jesus' physical strength
give out again as He attempts to carry the cross and
collapses under its weight. But for now, strengthened by
the angel, Jesus can fully face the dread welling up inside
Him.

In agony, He prays even more earnestly, deeply,
emotionally than before, and the inner turmoil in His soul
pours itself out through His body. Doctors tell us severe
mental stress can cause small blood vessels in the skin
to burst, mingling blood into the sweat. The physician Luke
tells us, "His sweat became like great drops of blood falling
down to the ground." This was the intense struggle our Savior
wrestled through, working to accept as His own His Father's
will to suffer and die for our salvation.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, help me never to shrink back from life's troubles,
but to always bring them to You in prayer; as You brought
Your needs to Your Father in heaven. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

CRYING OUT

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

And He (Jesus) withdrew from them about a stone's throw,
and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if You are
willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will,
but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:41-42).

Read Luke 22:41-42.

Jesus doesn't go far from His disciples, about as far as one
can throw a stone. Matthew and Mark tell us He brings along
three disciples: Peter, James, and John. After strongly
encouraging them to keep watch with Him and pray, He
withdraws a few paces. This is a burden they cannot share.
He has to face it alone with His Father, but still it comforts
Him to know they are listening and praying for Him.

Jews normally stood in prayer, but Jesus kneels down,
showing tremendous humility, coupled with the weight of the
grief bearing down on Him. Immediately, He cries out in pain
and distress. Surely, His three closest disciples hear and join
in fervent prayer. He pleads with His Father to remove the
cup-the physical suffering, the abuse, the pain-but more than
anything, the prospect of coming under the wrath of God for
the sins of the world. Yet He immediately surrenders His will
to His Father, "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done."

He isn't afraid of death-but dreads the thought of being cut
off, forsaken by His Father, and suffering the terrible wrath of
God. Yet He casts aside His own desire, His own will, and in
genuine love for His Father, accepts God's perfect plan as His
own.

In our hours of greatest need our prayers often focus on
ourselves-but notice how Jesus focuses instead on His Father
and what He wants. Again, Jesus casts His own needs and
interests aside, embracing His Father's will-and our desperate
need.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in awe and holy fear we listen as You lay Your heart
bare before Your Father. Teach us so to pray. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)