Scripture Reference: Luke 22:47-53

Friday Service: We have spent the week considering the theme of betrayal as it is laid out through Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and Pharaoh’s betrayal of Israel. But we need to do more than simply contemplate these things. There needs to be action, or else all of this study, prayer and meditation is pointless. With your family and with your missional community, begin discussing what you’ve learned, so that you can begin taking some action. Who are the betrayed? How can we, as a community of faith, an extension of the Kingdom here in New Jersey, be heralds of peace? How can we bring relief to individuals who are experiencing betrayal? How can we serve communities who have been under the thumb of Pharaoh? Begin with individuals, maybe relationships and trusts that have been betrayed in your own community. From there, learn what reconciliation entails, so that you can move out from your community into your surrounding communities. Think of specific instances. Repentance requires an acknowledgement of our sin, both sins against individuals and sins against communities. The beauty of the Gospel is that the blood of Christ is sufficient to provide us with the forgiveness we all long for, which is what this season is all about. Jesus Christ died so that we might be forgiven of our sins, and freed to engage in the mission of God to offer forgiveness and restoration to a world longing for grace, peace and justice.