Reading: Luke 9:43b-45 NLT

While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.”

But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – I know how the story ends… with you as our risen Lord and King of Glory. But there was no easy way to get there… for you, or for those around you. The truth is… I want to jump ahead to Pentecost and share in the power of your resurrection. But that’s not the way you chose – the way of the cross – betrayal, suffering, death and then resurrection. Give me a willingness to share in your suffering during this Lenten season of reflection… that I might fully enter into the joy of Easter. Amen.

Hymn: “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” – Fanny Crosby (1869)

Jesus, keep me near the cross / There a precious fountain / Free to all, a healing stream / Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain. / In the cross, in the cross / Be my glory ever / Till my raptured soul shall find / Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul / Love and Mercy found me / There the bright and morning star / Sheds its beams around me.  / In the cross, in the cross / Be my glory ever / Till my raptured soul shall find / Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God / Bring its scenes before me / Help me walk from day to day / With its shadows o’er me. / In the cross, in the cross / Be my glory ever / Till my raptured soul shall find / Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait / Hoping, trusting ever / Till I reach the golden strand / Just beyond the river. / In the cross, in the cross / Be my glory ever / Till my raptured soul shall find / Rest beyond the river.