Welcome to our special Holy Week Podcast for Maundy Thursday.

The word “maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning command. The English word mandate comes to mind. This term Maundy Thursday helps us to recall Jesus’ mandate to remember Him, using the observance of Holy Communion/The Lord’s Supper…

Today’s scripture comes from two segments of Luke Chapter 22.

In this last supper gathering with his twelve closest disciples, Jesus knew what was coming and he made good use of every moment, and every word said at this meal. He wanted his disciples to understand how important his final instructions were. The disciples may not have known why Jesus said the bread was his body and the cup his blood, but we do.

As events unfolded, they would have remembered the strange words about bread as body and wine as blood. Perhaps their very first recollection of his commanding words filled them later that evening as they were with him in the Garden as he prayed.

We hear this part of the evening from our second scripture selection.

Perhaps the disciples heard his anguished prayer and even saw his bloody agonized sweat that stained his robe. As the evening came to its dreadful finale, with his arrest, they all ran away, leaving him alone with no support as the battalion of soldiers took him away.

I can imagine the disciples as they walked the floor or tossed and turned in their beds, sleepless that whole night. Perhaps the mandate from Jesus rang over and over in their ears – “This is my body. This is my blood. Remember me! Remember me!”

We know they did remember and thank God they wrote his stories and his words and their memories of him in the Gospels and letters in the New Testament, so we too can know and remember Him.

In the United Methodist Church when we observe Holy Communion services, we ask the Holy Spirit to be poured on us and on the gifts of bread and grape juice, that the bread and juice be for us the body and blood of Christ, so we, who receive them, may be for the world, the body of Christ redeemed by his blood.

So, friends, let’s lift up this Maundy Thursday prayer to our Lord Jesus to show Him and the world that we do remember and that we hope to LOVE as He loves, to live as He lived, always loving GOD and our neighbor.

Dear Loving Lord Jesus, who died on that cross for all of us – help us to always remember you and to follow your mandate to LOVE one another as you have LOVED us - not only on this Maundy Thursday but every day of our lives. In your Holy Name we pray, Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Welcome to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast written and produced by the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Thank you for joining us today. This is Holy Week, a time when Christians everywhere observe the days leading up to the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ. This week, we present a special set of podcasts that day by day, trace the activities and words of Jesus during this time. Again, thank you for joining us on this journey.

“Crucify him!”

“Crucify him!”

Years ago I heard a pastor ask while giving an Easter sermon “who do you most identify with in the resurrection story?” He then listed central characters: Peter, Pontious Pilate, the Pharisees. Afterwards I told him that it seemed to me that Barabbas, who he had not named, was the only choice I could make. He seemed surprised, but to me Barabbas represents all that I do not understand in the mysteries of grace and what I have been given. Barabbas was pardoned so that Jesus could make the most divine, powerful, and loving sacrifice ever made.

“Crucify him!”

In John 3:8 Jesus shares, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Just the other day, I saw a photo of mist on the water with gorgeous orange and pink hues in the sky. I thought to myself what a beautiful sunset. I wondered where it was. Then I read the caption and saw the location but also learned that it was a sunrise and not a sunset. In a photo, I could not sense east from west. In life, I do not know whether it is the beginning or the end. Who am I to say how or where the Spirit will move? I do not know what will be asked of me or of you.

“Crucify him!”

Jesus cried out on the cross the prayer of David in Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” but as we know God did not forsake him. He loved him above all others. Judas sat at the table with Jesus and said “surely you do not mean me, Rabbi?” Immediately after, Jesus shares the new covenant with everyone at the table. It is shared with Judas, and Peter, who denies Jesus three times before the cock crows, and now with all of us. Judas is a beloved child of God, and what a task he was given. Jesus knows and feels all that Judas is going to do, and he says to him in love, “What you are about to do, do quickly." The most infamous betrayer in history shared the cup with Jesus and his sins were forgiven because Jesus was crucified.

Abba, may we remember that all are beloved and are forgiven! We know in our heart that you do not forsake us even in our darkest moments, but let us remember it always. Let us also understand in our hearts that we should not cry out “Crucify him!” about any beloved child of God, but forgive us when we do it anyway. Your mysteries are great, and our understanding is small. When I look into the eyes of others and think I see Judas, may your spirit be with me so that I recognize Jesus. Amen.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Hello, and welcome to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee! I’m Grace Jonas, the reader and writer of today’s devotional, which I’ve entitled “By What Authority?”. Thank you so much for joining me on this Holy Tuesday! Now, I’d like to invite you to take a moment and pause with me as we meditate on today’s scripture:

If we expand upon this story further, Jesus counters this questioning by asking those who would question him: “tell me, John’s baptism, was it from Heaven or from human origin?” A question which the elders discussed among themselves, concluding that if they said it was from heaven, they would be asked why they did not believe him.

On the other hand, however, if they answered that it was of human origin, that they would be stoned due to the belief that John was a prophet. So, they answered that they did not know where it was from, and in response, Jesus said “neither will I tell you by what authority that I am doing these things.”

In this day and age, it can feel easy when faced with questions of authority such as “who told you that you could do this?” to resort to the response of being told by a parental figure or otherwise authoritarian figure to do a task. The historian in me would even go as far as to put the assumption out there that some would say that the tasks they are carrying out are pleasing to God, citing him as the one who gave them such authority.

But notice how instead of resorting to responses such as these, Jesus simply questions the men in return, asking them to think about a different angle, almost as if he is posing a riddle of sorts. Instead of caving, he stands strong, and when he is given an answer that they did not know the origins of John’s baptism, he opts that he will not tell them where his authority comes from that is allowing him to teach the good news within the temple. It can be implied and widely believed that his authority comes from none other than the grace of God, or in other words, from heaven, much as John’s baptism is implied to be from heaven.

Throughout this Holy Week, as we meditate on the scripture and the teachings of Jesus during his last week, let us remember that while it may be the authority of God and the heavens that allows us to act, not all may believe us, but we don’t have to justify that, we should simply strive to keep acting in a manner pleasing to God no matter what.

God, when we are faced with authority being put to question, help us to remember that the authority of heaven and your will is what matters and should influence our words and actions when others may doubt and question us. And help us to always remain unwavering in these beliefs. Amen.

This episode was written and read by Grace Jonas.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

In this scene, an event which is recorded in all four gospels, Jesus calls out injustice toward the poor and marginalized, and toward God. The temple, intended to be a place of reverence and worship, had become a mechanism of oppression. The poorest people, who could afford only the minimal sacrifice, were being taken advantage of the most. They were subject to price gouging, and because they had to exchange their currency for temple-approved coins prior to the sale—often at unfair rates—they were doubly wronged.

The money changers and merchants in the temple courts were participating in a system of social and divine injustice. Jesus, in overturning the tables and clearing out the temple, was protesting that system and its oppression of the vulnerable, under the guise of religious practice. In doing so, Jesus was also restoring the temple to its right purpose, realigning worship with God’s will and removing the barriers that kept people from experiencing God’s presence.

Religion at its best leads humanity closer to God and into personal and social holiness. Religion at its worst has, throughout human history, served as a means for some groups to suppress and disadvantage others, obstructing the relationship between humanity and God.

As we remember Jesus’ journey toward the cross during this Holy Week, and especially as we read of Jesus clearing the temple, I cannot help but think of those places Jesus might enter and clear out in righteous anger and indignation if he were here now. Where might Jesus be calling us today, as His followers, to go, turn over some tables?

Lord Jesus, forgive us when we, in our human frailty, have turned your house of worship into a den of thieves. Open our eyes to the ways our religious practice might serve to harm the vulnerable or to hinder those who seek you. Call us into those places where tables need overturning, that you might restore all your people into right relationship with you. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Why did Jesus do what he did? Could he see that an injustice was being done?

Stoning was the penalty for the crime. But, the partner in the adultery was also to be stoned and is not mentioned nor is the witness who is to throw the first stone.

Jesus forgives her of her sins and sends her away with the admonition to sin no more. If she had not been sorry for her sin and repentant, would Jesus have done this?

Interesting questions, but for me the most important lesson to be learned comes from Jesus’ statement, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” For years I thought that his words only applied to the scribes and the Pharisees. But, there was one present without sin. Maybe Jesus was saying that if a stone (judgment) was to be thrown, he was the only one permitted to be first.

Aren’t we sinners like the scribes and Pharisees? I fear that we are. Instead, we need to bring God’s love to those who are being unfairly treated, to those who are sick, to those who are hungry. We are qualified to do those things. But we are not qualified to throw the first stone. Only Jesus is.

Dear God, help us to bring your love to all those we encounter. While we need to help others understand how you want us to live, never let us judge them. You are the only one qualified to do that.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by Herb Sadler.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Merriam-Webster.com defines meek as enduring injury with patience, and without resentment. The Bible offers meekness as a virtue that means to be humble, gentle, and submissive to God’s will. It is often associated with patience and putting aside one’s own desires, to follow God.

Jesus was meek while the soldiers arrested him in the garden, where he was only praying.

Jesus was meek while Herod and the soldiers mocked and ridiculed him. He was meek as they spit upon him, stripped him of his clothes, and beat him bloody. He was meek as the soldiers pressed a crown of thorns onto his head and blood ran into his eyes. He was meek as he bowed under the weight of that huge cross, dragging it through the streets and up the hill to Golgotha, the place of the skull. He was meek as they pounded the nails into his hands and feet, nailing him to that cross.

He was meek as the cross was raised. He was quiet and submissive.

He could have called down legions of angels from heaven to destroy those crucifying him. Yet, he hung there, dying humbly, accepting the pain and humiliation of torture and crucifixion.

All throughout his life on earth, Jesus showed restraint. He was gentle, kind, and loving. He was strong in His faith and trust in God His Father/ yet never lorded Himself over anyone. Instead, he constantly lifted others up – teaching by example, healing freely, and loving all he met.

What if we Christians took a page from Jesus’ playbook and made being meek and humble our constant attitude? What if we turn the other cheek when offended? What if we forgive 7x70 times? What if we pray for those with whom we disagree, instead of condemning them? What if we keep the Great Commandment to Love God and Love our Neighbors. What if we all endure injury with patience instead of resentment? What if we start a movement that brings a revolution of peace on earth?!

Now, Peace on the whole earth may take a while – but wouldn’t it be amazing and wonderful to have peace in your own soul, peace in your family, peace in your workplace, in your neighborhood, in your town, as we work toward bringing it to the whole earth?

I recall the words of that wonderful Vince Gill song… “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

My friends, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and emulate His meekness. Let’s be bold in LOVE and meekly forgiving in everything else. Let’s start that Peace on Earth today!

Dear God, I want to be more like Jesus today. I want to be meek and mild and forgiving toward everyone – just as He is. I want to let go my anger and resentment, forgiving as Jesus did, meekly accepting hardship as a pathway to Peace. Help me, Lord, to grow in LOVE and to spread that LOVE wherever I go. Help me, Lord, to be meek. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Today’s podcast was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Years ago, I was giving the children’s message on Sunday morning, and this was our verse. I gave each child a different piece of fruit – a banana, an apple, an orange, a pear, small clusters of grapes, red and white. After getting through the comments “I like oranges, I don’t like pears, my mother cuts my grapes up,” and so on, I asked them why it is important to include fruit in your diet. Again, the expected answers were given: “they have vitamins, they’re good for you, they taste good,” and then one unexpected answer: “they make you sweet.” We did go on and make the connection between fruits of the Spirit and striving to show them in our daily lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.

I hope some of the children really did understand the importance of accepting and exemplifying the fruits of the Spirit, but the more I thought about the answer “they make you sweet,” the more I believe that child was exactly right.

Think about the opposites of these gifts: hatred, unhappiness, anxiety, impatience, meanness, and disloyalty. These are not qualities we seek, nor are they the characteristics of a happy person. I believe God is telling us that through Him we have the capacity and strength to be better people. Without the Spirit giving us the ability to love others, no matter their faults, a Christian is no different from the saddest, meanest, grouchiest person who lives. Who wants to be like that person?

The fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists benefit every one of us. They also benefit everyone who comes in contact with us. The checkout line is long and you’re in a hurry? You can be impatient and grouchy, or you can be kind and encouraging to others in line with you and especially the stressed out clerk. A friend or family member has betrayed your trust or done something to hurt you? You can hold a grudge forever and respond with unkind words or you can forgive and work to repair the relationship, even when that may take a lifetime or never happen at all.

As human beings, it is not easy to be the one who is kind or the one who forgives. Truthfully, most of us cannot do it on our own. We must embrace the Spirit in order to enjoy the fruits for ourselves and to demonstrate Christian joy to others. Through the power of your Spirit, we can.

Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that through the Power of your Spirit, we can behave in ways that go against our instincts. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness and faithfulness are the fruits you give us so that we can live in a different, Christ-like way that is pleasing to you. Amen.

This devotion was written by Pat Scruggs and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.