Lent 2009

Come to the Cross

A Lenten Study Based on the Revised Common Lectionary

John Indermark

Come to the Cross offers you the opportunity and challenge to journey toward Jerusalem and the cross by exploring the Revised Common Lectionary readings designated for this Lenten season. It is tempting to bypass the somber notes of the Lenten season and rush straight from Ash Wednesday to Easter morning. “Alleluias” sing easier than “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” Yet the impact of an empty tomb is most fully experienced when we witness again the passion of Jesus and when we keep vigil at the cross.

Pay attention to the wording of the title of this study: Come to the Cross. “Come” is an imperative verb that issues an invitation, a summons to the cross that stands at the core of how we understand the character of God’s love and discipleship. Come to the Cross invites us to the scandal of following a Messiah who came not to inflict suffering on enemies unto death but to love enemies for the sake of their (our) life. It also invites us to the scandal of trusting God for life even when appearances point to God-forsaken death.

A seven-session leader’s guide is available for use in Sunday school classes or other small groups.

John Indermark lives in the southwest corner of Washington state with his wife, Judy, an E-911 dispatcher and trainer. Ordained in the United Church of Christ, John served as a parish pastor for sixteen years. Gospeled Lives is his newest book published by Upper Room Books. Current projects include Seasons of the Spirit, The Present Word, and New International Lesson Annual. He wrote the New Testament materials for youth and leaders in Crossings: God’s Journey With Us, a confirmation resource published in 2006 by Logos Productions, Inc. and recently completed revising that resource for adults. In their spare time, John and Judy enjoy walking their region’s trails and logging roads, beachcombing, rock collecting, and traveling in Canada and the Southwest.

Abingdon Press

General Interest/Seasonal/Advent