Sunday, March 28 - HOSANNA  Click Here for VIDEO

Read Psalm 118 and then read Matthew 21:1-17.  Why are the crowds so enthusiastic to celebrate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem?  Why are the priests and scribes so offended by the shouts of Hosanna?  Why is Jesus so disappointed with what has become of the Temple?  Why did Matthew make a point that the blind and lame enter the Temple with Jesus? (Hint: Read Lev. 21:16-23 and 2 Sam. 5:8).    How can we join others in celebrating our rescue by Jesus?

 

Monday, March 29 – WELCOMING JESUS  CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Read Luke 19:1-10.  What is a tax collector and why were they so disliked?  Why do you think Zacchaeus was so eager to see Jesus?  Why isn’t Zacchaeus upset that Jesus invited himself to stay at Zacchaeus’ house?  Why are the people muttering about it? 

Who can you share hospitality with?  Who can you visit and encourage?  What can you do to get ready to “welcome Jesus” into your life this week?  Notice that Zacchaeus paid back money that he cheated out of others and gave money to the poor; do you have any matters that you need to settle with others?

 

Tuesday, March 30 – GIVING WHAT WE HAVE CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Read Mark 12:13-44 and Luke 20:20-26.  Look at various coins and think about the meaning of the imagery stamped on them?  What claims are being made on these discs of metal?  The Roman emperor put his image on coinage.  Who has put his image on us?

Why does Jesus want his disciples to notice what the woman gave even though her contribution was a small amount?  Why is her gift more compared to others who gave large sums? 

Read Exodus 4:1-5.  When God equips Moses with a miracle to prove his credentials, does he ask Moses to use something he doesn’t have or to use something he already has?  What is it that we already have that God wants us to give for his sake?

 

Wednesday, March 31 – THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Read Matthew 21:28-32; Mark 12:28-34.  Have you ever told someone that you won’t do something or don’t want to do something, but you later did what you were asked?  How did you feel after you did the work or took the advice?  Is there anything that you know you should do or have been asked to do and yet you refuse to do it?  How is that keeping you from living to your fullest in the kingdom of God?

Why is loving our neighbor more important than following religious rules about worship?  Why is God more concerned with how we treat one another?

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Thursday, April 1 – SUPPER WITH FRIENDS CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Read Luke 22:7-38 and John 13.  The Passover meal was important to Jesus for many reasons.  He had been looking forward to it.  He wanted to help his disciples because he knew what was ahead.  He discouraged them from bitterness and quarrelling and washed their feet just to teach them to serve others.

Who could you share an ordinary meal with today?  How could this meal together become an opportunity to serve one another and encourage one another?  How do you include the spirit of Christ in such gatherings?

 

Friday, April 2 – SEE THE STORY CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Read Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19.  The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus rescued the world and changed history forever.  Since the first century, this story has been written, painted, dramatized, and made into music.  Great effort has gone into telling this story in many ways.  Check this page later in the week and we will include a sampling of resources for you and your family and friends see and hear the story told in creative ways.  Compare it to Scripture and see if it helps you understand God’s word better. 

 

Saturday, April 3 – REST AND REFLECT

Read Luke 23:55-56, Psalm 22.  Set aside today for rest and reflection: What have you learned this week?  If you choose to fast today, consider giving up something that distracts you and instead dedicate that time to Jesus.  Consider what it must have been like for Jesus’ followers who faced a day without his presence.  What would that be like after spending years with him and witnessing miracles?

 

Sunday, April 4 – TELLING THE STORY

Read Mark 16.  What would have happened if Mark 16:8 was truly the end of the story?  Wouldn’t it be a shame if the news of Jesus’ resurrection  wasn’t told because of fear?

Who will you invite to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and rescue with you?

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Check the West-Ark Church of Christ YouTube channel every day during this eight day period.  We will post a short clip to help you reflect on the activity and readings for the day.  Encourage others to join you for this Eight Day Easter journey.