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The Hebrews are suffering under immense persecution. Many have had homes and personal property confiscated. Some have been tortured; others killed. It is no wonder that they have grown discouraged. The writer implores them to hold on to their faith in Christ by considering the example of heroes of the faith who endured to the end.

In his message of encouragement, the writer describes the Hebrews’ lives as a race and then reminds them they are not alone in this race. Cheering them on are heroes of the faith who have already finished their course. Jesus is the leader of them all—the one who marked out the race, ran its course to the very end, and made it possible for us to follow. One of the basic teachings of Christianity is this: It is not how you start that matters; it is how you finish. Jesus makes it clear that those who endure to the end will receive their reward.

The finish line for us is Christlikeness, and all through our race the Creator is shaping us to be more like Jesus. When we grow weary or lose heart, we can change the trajectory of our story by considering those who have run the race before us. They give us courage to endure, to stay the course, to finish the race God has set before us. They demonstrate a life of faith that really works.

If we are to finish this race, we are to imitate Jesus Christ. He never lost sight of where he was headed. The cross, the shame—none of it could slow him down or distract him from the ultimate goal of finishing with God.

Loving God, we are grateful that your mercy includes even those who feel like giving up. When we grow discouraged, remind us of all that Christ endured on the cross so we could be saved. Amen.

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Leer John 13:1-17, 31-35

John 13:1-17, 31-35

¹ Before the Festival of Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully. ² Jesus and his disciples were sharing the evening meal. The devil had already provoked Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Jesus. ³ Jesus knew the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God. ⁴ So he got up from the table and took off his robes. Picking up a linen towel, he tied it around his waist. ⁵ Then he poured water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he was wearing. ⁶ When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” ⁷ Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.” ⁸ “No!” Peter said. “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t have a place with me.” ⁹ Simon Peter said, “Lord, not only my feet but also my hands and my head!” ¹⁰ Jesus responded, “Those who have bathed need only to have their feet washed, because they are completely clean. You disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” ¹¹ He knew who would betray him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you is clean.” ¹² After he washed the disciples’ feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you? ¹³ You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you speak correctly, because I am. ¹⁴ If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. ¹⁵ I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do. ¹⁶ I assure you, servants aren’t greater than their master, nor are those who are sent greater than the one who sent them. ¹⁷ Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them. ³¹ When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human Onehas been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. ³² If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. ³³ Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now—‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’ ³⁴ “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. ³⁵ This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

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Leccionario Semanal

April 6–12, 2020

Resumen de la Escritura

Although we anticipate the celebration of Easter, this week’s readings remind us to slow down and walk through the suffering of Jesus. If we fail to understand why he has to die, then we fail to grasp fully the power of his resurrection. Monday’s passage in Isaiah anticipates the Messiah, the Anointed One, coming to bring justice to the nations. Tuesday’s Psalm laments that sometimes the righteous are met with scorn. The Hebrews passage for Wednesday declares that Christ knows of the suffering that awaits him, yet he endures it because of the joy to come. On Thursday, the reading in John shows us that even when facing death, Jesus continues to model selfless love. Friday brings pain and rejection, but Sunday is the greatest day in human history. He is risen indeed!

Preguntas para la reflexión

Read John 13:1-7, 31b-35. Consider someone who has disappointed, hurt, or betrayed you whom God might be calling you to love. How could a posture of service help you act in a loving way even if you cannot feel affection for this person?
Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. How does this description of a suffering servant help you more fully understand Jesus’ suffering on the cross?
Read Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24. When has grief felt like mercy? When has noticing you are alive felt like a miracle?
Read Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24. Recall a time you forgot how to sing God’s praises despite the joy around you. How did God provide the song?

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Hebrews 12:1-3

John 13:1-17, 31-35

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