Be merciful as God is merciful.

March 12
Read Luke 13:1-9 and reflect on the passage.

Karma is not a Christian doctrine. Yes, “you will reap what you sow…” (Galatians 6:7-8), but in this instance, Jesus is chastising the people for presuming that the people who were persecuted by Pilate or died in a construction accident had it coming. Looking at another person’s tragedy and presuming that it must be a result of some terrible sin, in Jesus’ view, is wrong. Instead, Jesus takes the opportunity to call the people to repent for looking at another’s circumstances and drawing uncharitable conclusions.

Jesus then goes on to use the parable of the unfruitful fig tree to again demonstrate God’s great patience with His people. What would it look like for us to pattern our lives on the patience of God?

(John 19:1-3)

After Pilate sentenced Jesus to die, the Roman soldiers made a crown out of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head. Then they knelt in front of Him saying, “Hail, the King of the Jews!” But they didn’t really mean what they were saying. Jesus was a Jew, and the Romans did not like Jewish people. So they used their words to make fun of Jesus.

1. The same crowds that cheer for Jesus on Palm Sunday demand that Pilate crucify Jesus and release Barabbas. Why do you think that might have happened? What does this station tell you about how people relate to Jesus?

2. Which crowd best represents your faith right now—are you still cheering for Him as King, or have you been tempted to turn your back on Him?

3. What is with the crown of thorns? Why would Pilate and other leaders go out of their way to mock Jesus sarcastically as a king? What does this station tell you about Jesus?

—Aaron Thompson