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Individual Scripture Meditation Guide : Mar 11

Each day, find a quiet place, take five deep breaths, and invite the Spirit to be your guide. Read the passage slowly, out loud if possible. Engage it through the lens of the day, taking notes if helpful. To close, always return to deep breathing and rest for a few quiet minutes in God’s all-loving presence.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE:
March 4 - 10 | Persecution

John 18:28-40

28Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32(This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. 39But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

DAILY PRACTICE:

MONDAY
Practice Lectio Divina:
After reading the passage, notice and reflect on what stands out to you. (What does it bring up for you? What might the Spirit want to talk about with you?) Respond truthfully, perhaps with a question, gratitude, or resolution.

TUESDAY
Meditate on Jesus in this scene:
Get curious about this passage’s setting, people, power dynamics, threats, and dedication, and about Jesus‘ inner and outer posture through it.

WEDNESDAY
Explore How Love is under this Pressure Today:
Contemplate thispressure as it surfaces in the national or global news, in work or institutions, in relationships or families.

THURSDAY
Identify with this pressure in your life:
Where have you experienced this? What does it feel like? What happens to you under this pressure? How might Love lead you through it?

FRIDAY
Cultivate compassion and action:
What person or people do you know who are under this pressure? How might you support them with prayers or resolve to act?

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