Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?

Call to Prayer

Prayer of Confession

Perfect God, I bow my knee before the wisdom of the cross. The death of your spotless Son is the only and entirely complete sacrifice and satisfaction for my sins. It is of infinite value and worth, more than enough to cover not only mine but the sins of the whole world. Amen (Prayer based on the Canons of Dort, Question 2.3)

*Prayer borrowed from Philip Reinders’ Seeking God’s Face: Praying with the Bible through the Year

Lent Devo: Backyard Pilgrim

Throughout Lent this year we will follow along over the next 40 days with quotes from Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis which gives us a daily Bible Path (the story of God’s redemption) and Parish Path (a literal path through town where you can walk and ponder what God has shown you through his Word).

Day 35: “Father, Forgive Them” | Read: Luke 23:33-34

BIBLE PATH

Jesus has endured betrayal, arrest, false accusations, and a trial. He has endured beating, mocking, and spitting. He has been crucified, his hands and feet nailed to a wooden cross. How has mankind come to use our Genesis 3 knowledge of good and evil, to make such a cursed tree! Jesus is hungry, thirsty, can hardly breathe, and has spoken very little. But watching the way Jesus dies will convert the thief at his side and cause the centurion at his feet to impossibly declare this forsaken man to be God’s own Son. We were not there to see what Jesus did, but we can still hear what he said: “Father, forgive them.”

When God’s first children approached the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and became caught in sin, their response was to blame each other, blame the devil, and blame God. Now Jesus, caught in other people’s sins, responds by praying for those who are unjustly punishing him. Jesus does so as God’s human Son, reversing the pattern of the fall and becoming a new Adam who responds rightly to God and to others, even when wronged. Jesus did this on our behalf, knowing we would struggle to forgive others and to receive God’s forgiveness for ourselves. When facing your own guilt and shame, to whom will you listen: your own accusing voice, or the One who calls down forgiveness from the cross?

For you, here I AM . . . calling down forgiveness.

PARISH PATH: 

Are you struggling to believe in or to receive God’s forgiveness? To what words will you turn: your own accusing voice, or Jesus’ gracious own? You may need someone to read or say them to you. This can be a pastor, priest, or friend who is willing to open the Scriptures and speak to you Christ’s words of forgiveness.

Believing and receiving God’s forgiveness is a first step toward repentance and new life. As you walk, consider the circumstances under which Jesus called down forgiveness to those who were killing him.

Trust the words Jesus said to his Father. Let Jesus’ “Father, forgive them” include you.

Sermon Devo

Our series in James has concluded. Stay tuned for what’s next! 

(p.s. I’m pretty excited about it!)

Evening Prayer of Examen

• Where did you move with or feel close to Jesus today?
• Where did you resist or feel far from Jesus today?
• Where is Jesus leading you tomorrow? Ask for joy as you follow him.

Benediction