creative lenten encounters - creative communications · 6 lenten encounters le-2 power brokers...

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LentenEncounters

Brief Monologs For Worship

By Lynelle Mason

CREATIVE

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS Lenten

COMMUNICATIONS LentenLenten

COMMUNICATIONS Lenten

Encounters

COMMUNICATIONS Encounters

SAMPLES

SAMPLESLenten

SAMPLESLentenLenten

SAMPLESLentenEncounters

SAMPLESEncounters

2 Lenten Encounters

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CREATIVE

COMMUNICATIONS

SAMPLES

Brief Monologs For Worship 3

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IndexAboutLentenEncounters.....................................................................................4-5

PowerBrokersAnnas.................................................................................................................6-9Caiaphas.......................................................................................................... 10-12Pilate................................................................................................................13-15HerodAntipas.................................................................................................. 16-19

ClassByThemselvesJudas.............................................................................................................. 20-23Barabbas......................................................................................................... 24-25

TheSpiceBearersMaryofBethany............................................................................................... 26-29MaryMagdalene.............................................................................................. 30-34Mary,theMotherofJesus..................................................................................35-37

DisciplesJohn................................................................................................................ 38-43SimonPeter....................................................................................................44-47JohnMark.......................................................................................................48-50Thomas............................................................................................................ 51-53Cleopas.......................................................................................................... 54-57Lazarus............................................................................................................58-61ThiefontheCross...........................................................................................62-64

BystandersWifeofPilate.................................................................................................. 65-67SimonofCyrene..............................................................................................68-70

RomanReactionsCenturion.........................................................................................................71-73TombGuard....................................................................................................74-76TheFlogger.....................................................................................................77-79TheGambler.................................................................................................. 80-82

SanhedrinSympathizersJosephofArimathea.........................................................................................83-86Nicodemus......................................................................................................87-90

ByLynelleMason.ArtbySallyBeck.©2010byCreativeCommunicationsfortheParish,1564FencorpDr.,Fenton,MO63026.1-800-325-9414.creativecommunications.com.Allrightsreserved.PrintedintheUSA.

LentenEncounters

CREATIVE

.................................................................................................. 16-19CREATIVE

.................................................................................................. 16-19

ClassCREATIVE

Class ByCREATIVE

By.............................................................................................................. 20-23

CREATIVE

.............................................................................................................. 20-23......................................................................................................... 24-25

CREATIVE

......................................................................................................... 24-25

The

CREATIVE

The Spice

CREATIVE

Spice Bearers

CREATIVE

BearersBethany............................................................................................... 26-29

CREATIVE

Bethany............................................................................................... 26-29.............................................................................................. 30-34

CREATIVE

.............................................................................................. 30-34..................................................................................35-37

CREATIVE

..................................................................................35-37

John................................................................................................................ 38-43

CREATIVE John................................................................................................................ 38-43

....................................................................................................44-47

CREATIVE ....................................................................................................44-47

.......................................................................................................48-50

CREATIVE .......................................................................................................48-50

............................................................................................................ 51-53

CREATIVE ............................................................................................................ 51-53

CREATIVE .......................................................................................................... 54-57

CREATIVE .......................................................................................................... 54-57............................................................................................................58-61

CREATIVE ............................................................................................................58-61...........................................................................................62-64

CREATIVE ...........................................................................................62-64

COMMUNICATIONS

AnnasCOMMUNICATIONS

AnnasCaiaphas

COMMUNICATIONS

CaiaphasPilate

COMMUNICATIONS

Pilate................................................................................................................13-15

COMMUNICATIONS

................................................................................................................13-15Her

COMMUNICATIONS

Herod

COMMUNICATIONS

od Antipas

COMMUNICATIONS

Antipas

.............................................................................................................. 20-23

COMMUNICATIONS

.............................................................................................................. 20-23Barabbas

COMMUNICATIONS

Barabbas......................................................................................................... 24-25

COMMUNICATIONS

......................................................................................................... 24-25

Bethany............................................................................................... 26-29

COMMUNICATIONS

Bethany............................................................................................... 26-29.............................................................................................. 30-34

COMMUNICATIONS

.............................................................................................. 30-34Jesus

COMMUNICATIONS

Jesus..................................................................................35-37

COMMUNICATIONS

..................................................................................35-37

Disciples

COMMUNICATIONS

DisciplesJohn................................................................................................................ 38-43

COMMUNICATIONS

John................................................................................................................ 38-43....................................................................................................44-47

COMMUNICATIONS

....................................................................................................44-47.......................................................................................................48-50

COMMUNICATIONS

.......................................................................................................48-50............................................................................................................ 51-53

COMMUNICATIONS

............................................................................................................ 51-53

COMMUNICATIONS

.......................................................................................................... 54-57

COMMUNICATIONS

.......................................................................................................... 54-57............................................................................................................58-61

COMMUNICATIONS

............................................................................................................58-61...........................................................................................62-64

COMMUNICATIONS

...........................................................................................62-64

.................................................................................................. 65-67

COMMUNICATIONS

.................................................................................................. 65-67..............................................................................................68-70

COMMUNICATIONS ..............................................................................................68-70

.........................................................................................................71-73

COMMUNICATIONS .........................................................................................................71-73

....................................................................................................74-76

COMMUNICATIONS ....................................................................................................74-76

.....................................................................................................77-79

COMMUNICATIONS .....................................................................................................77-79.................................................................................................. 80-82

COMMUNICATIONS .................................................................................................. 80-82

SAMPLES

Bethany............................................................................................... 26-29SAMPLES

Bethany............................................................................................... 26-29MagdaleneSAMPLES

MagdaleneMarySAMPLES

Mary,SAMPLES

, theSAMPLES

the MotherSAMPLES

Mother

John................................................................................................................ 38-43

SAMPLES

John................................................................................................................ 38-43....................................................................................................44-47

SAMPLES

....................................................................................................44-47.......................................................................................................48-50

SAMPLES

.......................................................................................................48-50............................................................................................................ 51-53

SAMPLES

............................................................................................................ 51-53

SAMPLES.......................................................................................................... 54-57

SAMPLES.......................................................................................................... 54-57

............................................................................................................58-61

SAMPLES............................................................................................................58-61

...........................................................................................62-64

SAMPLES...........................................................................................62-64

Bystanders

SAMPLESBystanders.................................................................................................. 65-67

SAMPLES.................................................................................................. 65-67..............................................................................................68-70

SAMPLES..............................................................................................68-70

Reactions

SAMPLESReactions

.........................................................................................................71-73

SAMPLES.........................................................................................................71-73

4 Lenten Encounters

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About Lenten EncountersCenturies-old biblical characters, in these twenty-four monologs, spring to life to enhance our Lenten journey. They fall within the following groups: Power Brokers, Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions, and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference, prayer thought, and song suggestions.

The monologs are simple yet profound and adaptable for presentation before Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical characters to life.

CostumingKeep it simple: basic tunics and shoulder wrap-arounds for most speakers, a crown for Herod, a laurel wreath for Pilate.

StagingTo the side of the presentation area, have a cross, spotlighted. Speaking characters share their monolog from a lectern. It is not necessary for the monolog to be memo-rized.

LentenEncountersCREATIVE

About CREATIVE

About Lenten EncountersCREATIVE

Lenten EncountersCenturies-old biblical characters, in these twenty-four monologs, spring to life to

CREATIVE

Centuries-old biblical characters, in these twenty-four monologs, spring to life to enhance our Lenten journey. They fall within the following groups: Power Brokers,

CREATIVE

enhance our Lenten journey. They fall within the following groups: Power Brokers, Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions,

CREATIVE

Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions, and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference,

CREATIVE

and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference,

The monologs are simple yet profound and adaptable for presentation before

CREATIVE The monologs are simple yet profound and adaptable for presentation before Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of

CREATIVE Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-

CREATIVE settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical

CREATIVE ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical

CREATIVE

COMMUNICATIONS

About

COMMUNICATIONS

About Centuries-old biblical characters, in these twenty-four monologs, spring to life to

COMMUNICATIONS

Centuries-old biblical characters, in these twenty-four monologs, spring to life to enhance our Lenten journey. They fall within the following groups: Power Brokers,

COMMUNICATIONS

enhance our Lenten journey. They fall within the following groups: Power Brokers, Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions,

COMMUNICATIONS

Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions, and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference,

COMMUNICATIONS

and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference, prayer thought, and song suggestions.

COMMUNICATIONS

prayer thought, and song suggestions.


COMMUNICATIONS

The monologs are simple yet profound and adaptable for presentation before Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of

COMMUNICATIONS

Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-

COMMUNICATIONS

settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical

COMMUNICATIONS

ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical

Costuming

COMMUNICATIONS

CostumingKeep it simple: basic tunics and shoulder wrap-arounds for most speakers, a crown

COMMUNICATIONS

Keep it simple: basic tunics and shoulder wrap-arounds for most speakers, a crown

To the side of the presentation area, have a cross, spotlighted. Speaking characters

COMMUNICATIONS To the side of the presentation area, have a cross, spotlighted. Speaking characters

COMMUNICATIONS share their monolog from a lectern. It is not necessary for the monolog to be memo-

COMMUNICATIONS share their monolog from a lectern. It is not necessary for the monolog to be memo-

COMMUNICATIONS

EncountersCOMMUNICATIONS

Encounters

SAMPLES

Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions, SAMPLES

Class By Themselves, The Spice Bearers, Disciples, Bystanders, Roman Reactions, and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference, SAMPLES

and Sanhedrin Sympathizers. Each monolog comes with a Scripture reference, prayer thought, and song suggestions. SAMPLES

prayer thought, and song suggestions.


SAMPLES

The monologs are simple yet profound and adaptable for presentation before Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of

SAMPLES

Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church worship services in a variety of settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-

SAMPLES

settings. Perfect for use in worship throughout the season … or even in Bible Stud-ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical

SAMPLES

ies, Youth Groups, or for Children’s Church … these brief monologs bring Biblical

Costuming

SAMPLESCostuming

Keep it simple: basic tunics and shoulder wrap-arounds for most speakers, a crown

SAMPLESKeep it simple: basic tunics and shoulder wrap-arounds for most speakers, a crown

Staging

SAMPLESStaging


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Speaker NotesDepict age by body movements: especially Annas or other who might be interpreted as being elderly. Be familiar enough with your monolog that you become that person in speech and mannerisms.

About Lynelle MasonLynelle Mason is a retired elementary teacher who has published twenty-two articles and received eleven awards. A life member of the Southeastern Writers’ Association and holding membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Midsouth Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has also completed two courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for K-1st graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her therapy dog, Ms. Cleo, she makes weekly visits to a nursing facility. She enjoys reading, international traveling, photography, water aerobics, and Scrabble.

CD-RomA CD-Rom is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF form (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-chase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community.

CREATIVE

Lynelle Mason is a retired elementary teacher who has published twenty-two articles CREATIVE

Lynelle Mason is a retired elementary teacher who has published twenty-two articles and received eleven awards. A life member of the Southeastern Writers’ Association CREATIVE

and received eleven awards. A life member of the Southeastern Writers’ Association and holding membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

CREATIVE

and holding membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Midsouth Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has also completed

CREATIVE

and the Midsouth Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has also completed two courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

CREATIVE

two courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and

CREATIVE

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for

CREATIVE

small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her

CREATIVE

graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her

CREATIVE

therapy dog, Ms. Cleo, she makes weekly visits to a nursing facility. She enjoys

CREATIVE

therapy dog, Ms. Cleo, she makes weekly visits to a nursing facility. She enjoys reading, international traveling, photography, water aerobics, and Scrabble.

CREATIVE reading, international traveling, photography, water aerobics, and Scrabble.

A CD-Rom is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF

CREATIVE A CD-Rom is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF

CREATIVE form (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-

CREATIVE form (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-chase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community

CREATIVE chase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community

COMMUNICATIONS

Lynelle Mason is a retired elementary teacher who has published twenty-two articles

COMMUNICATIONS

Lynelle Mason is a retired elementary teacher who has published twenty-two articles and received eleven awards. A life member of the Southeastern Writers’ Association

COMMUNICATIONS

and received eleven awards. A life member of the Southeastern Writers’ Association and holding membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

COMMUNICATIONS

and holding membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Midsouth Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has also completed

COMMUNICATIONS

and the Midsouth Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she has also completed two courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

COMMUNICATIONS

two courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and

COMMUNICATIONS

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for

COMMUNICATIONS

small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her

COMMUNICATIONS

graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her

COMMUNICATIONS

therapy dog, Ms. Cleo, she makes weekly visits to a nursing facility. She enjoys

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

reading, international traveling, photography, water aerobics, and Scrabble.

CD-Rom

COMMUNICATIONS

CD-RomA CD-Rom is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

form (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-

COMMUNICATIONS

form (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-chase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community

COMMUNICATIONS

chase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community

SAMPLES

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and SAMPLES

Her pastor husband (now deceased) and she have served in churches large and small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for SAMPLES

small over many decades. Lynelle is currently a Stephen Minister, a shepherd for graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her SAMPLES

graders in church school, and is on the Staff Care Committee. Along with her SAMPLES

therapy dog, Ms. Cleo, she makes weekly visits to a nursing facility. She enjoys SAMPLES


SAMPLES

reading, international traveling, photography, water aerobics, and Scrabble.


SAMPLESA CD-Rom is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF

SAMPLESform (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-

SAMPLESform (for reprinting) and text files for the monologs (for revising, if you wish). Pur-chase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community

SAMPLESchase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community

6 Lenten Encounters

LE-2

Power Brokers—Annas—

John 18:13-14, 19-23First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”


Power BrokersCREATIVE

Power Brokers—Annas—

CREATIVE

—Annas—

John 18:13-14, 19-23

CREATIVE

John 18:13-14, 19-23First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest

CREATIVE

First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have

CREATIVE that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have

Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus

CREATIVE Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues

CREATIVE answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why

CREATIVE and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why

CREATIVE

COMMUNICATIONS

John 18:13-14, 19-23

COMMUNICATIONS

John 18:13-14, 19-23First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have


COMMUNICATIONS

Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues

COMMUNICATIONS

answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why

COMMUNICATIONS

and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.”

COMMUNICATIONS

do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face,

COMMUNICATIONS

When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered, “If I have spoken

COMMUNICATIONS saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”

COMMUNICATIONS wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”

COMMUNICATIONS


Encounters

SAMPLES

First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest SAMPLES


SAMPLES

that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

SAMPLES

one person die for the people.


SAMPLESThen the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues

SAMPLESanswered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why

SAMPLESand in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.”

SAMPLESdo you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face,

SAMPLESWhen he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered, “If I have spoken

SAMPLESsaying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”

SAMPLESwrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”


LE-2

AnnasMy name is Annas and all the religious, economic, and political clout of Israel rests

with my family. Although I’m the ex-high priest I’m probably more powerful than my son-in-law Caiaphas, the current High Priest. I was appointed by the Romans and, likewise, was my son. What does this mean? It tells you we got where we are by toeing the line with the Romans. It also lets you know that when a person angers the high priest he’d better watch out. Our ability to do a person in is powerful!

For three years we’ve had a watchful eye on a young upstart from Galilee named Jesus. I’d spent months getting all my booths lined up for the celebration of Pass-over. I had a booth where people could buy their animal sacrifices. This included lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins into Jewish coins. With well over 200 million people visiting the Temple that trans-lated into selling around 250,000 lambs. The men who manned my booths weren’t businessmen but expert extortionists. The Bazaars of Annas is our biggest money making effort of the year.

It may strike you as odd these booths were operating in one of the courts of the Temple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean by most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all nations could come, feel welcomed, and pray. Most people, except Jesus, had for-gotten about that bit of information.

During Passover people traveling long distances and from other countries came in droves. We enabled them to obtain their animals for temple rituals and to exchange their foreign coins for a Jewish half shekel, the tax required in temple worship. I call it a convenience measure.

CREATIVE

the high priest he’d better watch out. Our ability to do a person in is powerful!CREATIVE

the high priest he’d better watch out. Our ability to do a person in is powerful!

For three years we’ve had a watchful eye on a young upstart from Galilee named CREATIVE

For three years we’ve had a watchful eye on a young upstart from Galilee named Jesus. I’d spent months getting all my booths lined up for the celebration of Pass-

CREATIVE

Jesus. I’d spent months getting all my booths lined up for the celebration of Pass-over. I had a booth where people could buy their animal sacrifices. This included

CREATIVE

over. I had a booth where people could buy their animal sacrifices. This included lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins

CREATIVE

lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins into Jewish coins. With well over 200 million people visiting the Temple that trans-

CREATIVE

into Jewish coins. With well over 200 million people visiting the Temple that trans-lated into selling around 250,000 lambs. The men who manned my booths weren’t

CREATIVE

lated into selling around 250,000 lambs. The men who manned my booths weren’t businessmen but expert extortionists. The Bazaars of Annas is our biggest money

CREATIVE businessmen but expert extortionists. The Bazaars of Annas is our biggest money

It may strike you as odd these booths were operating in one of the courts of the

CREATIVE It may strike you as odd these booths were operating in one of the courts of the Temple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean

CREATIVE Temple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean by most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all

CREATIVE by most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all

COMMUNICATIONS

and, likewise, was my son. What does this mean? It tells you we got where we are COMMUNICATIONS

and, likewise, was my son. What does this mean? It tells you we got where we are by toeing the line with the Romans. It also lets you know that when a person angers COMMUNICATIONS

by toeing the line with the Romans. It also lets you know that when a person angers the high priest he’d better watch out. Our ability to do a person in is powerful!

COMMUNICATIONS

the high priest he’d better watch out. Our ability to do a person in is powerful!

For three years we’ve had a watchful eye on a young upstart from Galilee named

COMMUNICATIONS

For three years we’ve had a watchful eye on a young upstart from Galilee named Jesus. I’d spent months getting all my booths lined up for the celebration of Pass-

COMMUNICATIONS

Jesus. I’d spent months getting all my booths lined up for the celebration of Pass-over. I had a booth where people could buy their animal sacrifices. This included

COMMUNICATIONS

over. I had a booth where people could buy their animal sacrifices. This included lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins

COMMUNICATIONS

lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins into Jewish coins. With well over 200 million people visiting the Temple that trans-

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

businessmen but expert extortionists. The Bazaars of Annas is our biggest money


COMMUNICATIONS

It may strike you as odd these booths were operating in one of the courts of the Temple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean

COMMUNICATIONS

Temple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean by most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all

COMMUNICATIONS

by most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all nations could come, feel welcomed, and pray. Most people, except Jesus, had for-

COMMUNICATIONS

nations could come, feel welcomed, and pray. Most people, except Jesus, had for-

During Passover people traveling long distances and from other countries came in

COMMUNICATIONS During Passover people traveling long distances and from other countries came in

COMMUNICATIONS droves. We enabled them to obtain their animals for temple rituals and to exchange

COMMUNICATIONS droves. We enabled them to obtain their animals for temple rituals and to exchange their foreign coins for a Jewish half shekel, the tax required in temple worship. I

COMMUNICATIONS their foreign coins for a Jewish half shekel, the tax required in temple worship. I

SAMPLES

lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins SAMPLES

lambs, pigeons, and doves. Another booth was set up to exchange foreign coins into Jewish coins. With well over 200 million people visiting the Temple that trans-SAMPLES


SAMPLES


SAMPLES

businessmen but expert extortionists. The Bazaars of Annas is our biggest money making effort of the year.

SAMPLES

making effort of the year.


SAMPLESIt may strike you as odd these booths were operating in one of the courts of the

Temple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean

SAMPLESTemple. They were located in the Court of the Gentiles, a place considered unclean by most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all

SAMPLESby most Jews. I’m told it was a place where, long before my time, people from all nations could come, feel welcomed, and pray. Most people, except Jesus, had for-

SAMPLESnations could come, feel welcomed, and pray. Most people, except Jesus, had for-

During Passover people traveling long distances and from other countries came in

SAMPLESDuring Passover people traveling long distances and from other countries came in

8 Lenten Encounters

LE-2

Did we make money from these booths? Of course we did. We had control of the market. You had to have the right coin and your sacrifice had to be perfect. Suppose you tried to enter with your own doves. Outside the Temple you could buy a set of doves for 4 pence. In the Bazaars of Annas you’d pay 75 pence. My inspectors could always find something unacceptable about your offering. You’d wind up buying one of our lambs at twice the price of the regular market. The same was true of our money-exchange booths.

We were hoping Jesus wouldn’t show this year. He did! Everywhere Jesus went he was followed by a mass of people. Furthermore he took more than a verbal at-tack on my bazaars!

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle of the booth that sold animals. He brandished a whip and shouted to the booth owners, “Get out of here, you money-making scoundrels! This court is a house of prayer for all people and you’ve made it a den of thieves!”

Doves and pigeons took to the air, baaing sheep raced to escape, and the booth hucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in on the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled and rolled hither and yon. Patrons were grabbing to retrieve them.

When the report reached me I became so angry I was on the verge of a stroke.

“How dare he attack my bazaars! We’re in control here, not him.”

“Take it easy,” said Caiaphas. “We’re collaborating with one of his disciples and should have him in custody soon.”

CREATIVE

We were hoping Jesus wouldn’t show this year. He did! Everywhere Jesus went CREATIVE

We were hoping Jesus wouldn’t show this year. He did! Everywhere Jesus went he was followed by a mass of people. Furthermore he took more than a verbal at-

CREATIVE

he was followed by a mass of people. Furthermore he took more than a verbal at-

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle

CREATIVE

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle of the booth that sold animals. He brandished a whip and shouted to the booth

CREATIVE

of the booth that sold animals. He brandished a whip and shouted to the booth owners, “Get out of here, you money-making scoundrels! This court is a house of

CREATIVE

owners, “Get out of here, you money-making scoundrels! This court is a house of prayer for all people and you’ve made it a den of thieves!”

CREATIVE prayer for all people and you’ve made it a den of thieves!”

Doves and pigeons took to the air, baaing sheep raced to escape, and the booth

CREATIVE Doves and pigeons took to the air, baaing sheep raced to escape, and the booth

hucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in

CREATIVE hucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in on the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled

CREATIVE on the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled

COMMUNICATIONS

always find something unacceptable about your offering. You’d wind up buying COMMUNICATIONS

always find something unacceptable about your offering. You’d wind up buying one of our lambs at twice the price of the regular market. The same was true of our COMMUNICATIONS

one of our lambs at twice the price of the regular market. The same was true of our money-exchange booths.

COMMUNICATIONS

money-exchange booths.

We were hoping Jesus wouldn’t show this year. He did! Everywhere Jesus went

COMMUNICATIONS

We were hoping Jesus wouldn’t show this year. He did! Everywhere Jesus went he was followed by a mass of people. Furthermore he took more than a verbal at-

COMMUNICATIONS

he was followed by a mass of people. Furthermore he took more than a verbal at-tack on my bazaars!

COMMUNICATIONS

tack on my bazaars!

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle

COMMUNICATIONS

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle of the booth that sold animals. He brandished a whip and shouted to the booth

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

prayer for all people and you’ve made it a den of thieves!”


COMMUNICATIONS

Doves and pigeons took to the air, baaing sheep raced to escape, and the booth hucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in

COMMUNICATIONS

hucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in on the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled

COMMUNICATIONS

on the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled and rolled hither and yon. Patrons were grabbing to retrieve them.

COMMUNICATIONS

and rolled hither and yon. Patrons were grabbing to retrieve them.


COMMUNICATIONS



COMMUNICATIONS “How dare he attack my bazaars! We’re in control here, not him.”

COMMUNICATIONS “Take it easy,” said Caiaphas. “We’re collaborating with one of his disciples and

COMMUNICATIONS “Take it easy,” said Caiaphas. “We’re collaborating with one of his disciples and

SAMPLES

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle SAMPLES

One day he pushed and shoved his way until he was smack dab in the middle of the booth that sold animals. He brandished a whip and shouted to the booth SAMPLES


SAMPLES


SAMPLES

prayer for all people and you’ve made it a den of thieves!”


SAMPLES

Doves and pigeons took to the air, baaing sheep raced to escape, and the booth hucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in

SAMPLEShucksters ducked to avoid the cracking whip. Jesus wasn’t through. He moved in on the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled

SAMPLESon the money changers tossing their tables upside down. Clanging coins spilled and rolled hither and yon. Patrons were grabbing to retrieve them.

SAMPLESand rolled hither and yon. Patrons were grabbing to retrieve them.


SAMPLESWhen the report reached me I became so angry I was on the verge of a stroke.


SAMPLES“How dare he attack my bazaars! We’re in control here, not him.”


LE-2

It was a little past midnight on Thursday when there was a knock on my door. Standing before me was a burly Temple guard and a prisoner with his arms bound and tied. “Sir,” said the soldier, “this is Jesus, and we wanted you to be the first to know he’s our prisoner.”

“Tell me, Jesus, about your disciples and your teachings.”

“You shouldn’t be asking me questions. Ask those who have heard me.”

The guard slapped Jesus across the face and warned, “Are you trying to teach the high priest how to conduct a trial?”

Jesus said, “If I’ve said anything illegal, witnesses should be called. I’ve only stated the law. Why hit me for that?”

Laws? Rules? Who cares? The only thing that’s going to satisfy me is to have Jesus killed and the sooner, the better.

Prayer ThoughtAre you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What corners of compromise need to be cleaned out in your life? What tables of temptation need to be overturned?

Suggested MusicSearch Me, O God

CREATIVE

“You shouldn’t be asking me questions. Ask those who have heard me.”CREATIVE


The guard slapped Jesus across the face and warned, “Are you trying to teach CREATIVE


CREATIVE

the high priest how to conduct a trial?”

Jesus said, “If I’ve said anything illegal, witnesses should be called. I’ve only

CREATIVE


Laws? Rules? Who cares? The only thing that’s going to satisfy me is to have

CREATIVE


CREATIVE Are you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What

CREATIVE Are you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What

COMMUNICATIONS

“Tell me, Jesus, about your disciples and your teachings.”COMMUNICATIONS

“Tell me, Jesus, about your disciples and your teachings.”


COMMUNICATIONS


The guard slapped Jesus across the face and warned, “Are you trying to teach

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

the high priest how to conduct a trial?”


COMMUNICATIONS

Jesus said, “If I’ve said anything illegal, witnesses should be called. I’ve only stated the law. Why hit me for that?”

COMMUNICATIONS

stated the law. Why hit me for that?”


COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

Jesus killed and the sooner, the better.

COMMUNICATIONS

Prayer Thought

COMMUNICATIONS

Prayer ThoughtAre you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What

COMMUNICATIONS

Are you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What corners of compromise need to be cleaned out in your life? What tables of temptation

COMMUNICATIONS

corners of compromise need to be cleaned out in your life? What tables of temptation

SAMPLES

stated the law. Why hit me for that?”SAMPLES

stated the law. Why hit me for that?”

Laws? Rules? Who cares? The only thing that’s going to satisfy me is to have SAMPLES


SAMPLES

Jesus killed and the sooner, the better.

SAMPLESPrayer Thought


Are you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What

SAMPLESAre you, like Jesus, passionate about God and yearn to be in his presence? What corners of compromise need to be cleaned out in your life? What tables of temptation

SAMPLEScorners of compromise need to be cleaned out in your life? What tables of temptation

Suggested Music

SAMPLESSuggested Music

10 Lenten Encounters

LE-2

Power Brokers—Caiaphas—

Mark 14:53, 55-65They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testi-mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.


Power BrokersCREATIVE

Power Brokers—Caiaphas—

CREATIVE

—Caiaphas—

Mark 14:53, 55-65

CREATIVE

Mark 14:53, 55-65They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes

CREATIVE

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testi-

CREATIVE were assembled. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testi-mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false

CREATIVE mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave

CREATIVE testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple

CREATIVE false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with

CREATIVE that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with

CREATIVE

COMMUNICATIONS

—Caiaphas—

COMMUNICATIONS

—Caiaphas—

Mark 14:53, 55-65

COMMUNICATIONS

Mark 14:53, 55-65They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes

COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

were assembled. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testi-mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false

COMMUNICATIONS

mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave

COMMUNICATIONS

testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple

COMMUNICATIONS

false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with

COMMUNICATIONS

that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest

COMMUNICATIONS

hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they

COMMUNICATIONS

stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest

COMMUNICATIONS testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest

the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am;

COMMUNICATIONS the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am;

and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming

COMMUNICATIONS and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do

COMMUNICATIONS with the clouds of heaven.’ ” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do

COMMUNICATIONS we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All

COMMUNICATIONS we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All

COMMUNICATIONS


Encounters

SAMPLES

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes SAMPLES


SAMPLES

were assembled. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testi-mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false

SAMPLES

mony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave

SAMPLES

testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple

SAMPLESfalse testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with

SAMPLESthat is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest

SAMPLEShands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they

SAMPLESstood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest

SAMPLEStestify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am;

SAMPLESthe Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am;

and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming

SAMPLESand ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming


LE-2

CaiaphasI am Caiaphas. I was the high priest of Israel during the time Jesus lived and had

the honor of presiding over the meeting that condemned him to death.

You’d be interested in knowing I was handpicked by Rome for my job and nor-mally worked very closely with Pontius Pilate. Actually I was part of a family dy-nasty. My father-in-law Annas, had been the high priest before I took over. I presided over a group known as the Sanhedrin. We were the sacred keepers of Jewish law and laid down its rules and regulations. Above all else we were to keep our people in line and make sure no insurrection against Rome ever happened. That’s precisely why I had my scouts constantly dogging the steps of Jesus and his followers.

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak like this man!”

When Jesus supposedly brought Lazarus back to life, I was alarmed. It was re-ported that important citizens were aligning themselves with him.

I told one of my priests, “We’ve got to put an end to Jesus and Lazarus! I smell an insurrection of mammoth proportions.”

“Do you want us to seize him while he’s teaching?” the priests asked.

“No, that would make him seem like a martyr. We had best wait until Passover is over.”

“Sir,” said the priest. I hear Judas, one of his 12 disciples, isn’t as happy as he once was.”

I jumped up from my throne seat. “That’s it! Go to work on Judas! Pay him whatever you must.”

CREATIVE

nasty. My father-in-law Annas, had been the high priest before I took over. I presided CREATIVE

nasty. My father-in-law Annas, had been the high priest before I took over. I presided over a group known as the Sanhedrin. We were the sacred keepers of Jewish law CREATIVE

over a group known as the Sanhedrin. We were the sacred keepers of Jewish law and laid down its rules and regulations. Above all else we were to keep our people

CREATIVE

and laid down its rules and regulations. Above all else we were to keep our people in line and make sure no insurrection against Rome ever happened. That’s precisely

CREATIVE

in line and make sure no insurrection against Rome ever happened. That’s precisely why I had my scouts constantly dogging the steps of Jesus and his followers.

CREATIVE

why I had my scouts constantly dogging the steps of Jesus and his followers.

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring

CREATIVE

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak

CREATIVE

me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak

When Jesus supposedly brought Lazarus back to life, I was alarmed. It was re-

CREATIVE When Jesus supposedly brought Lazarus back to life, I was alarmed. It was re-

ported that important citizens were aligning themselves with him.

CREATIVE ported that important citizens were aligning themselves with him.

I told one of my priests, “We’ve got to put an end to Jesus and Lazarus! I smell

CREATIVE I told one of my priests, “We’ve got to put an end to Jesus and Lazarus! I smell

COMMUNICATIONS

You’d be interested in knowing I was handpicked by Rome for my job and nor-COMMUNICATIONS

You’d be interested in knowing I was handpicked by Rome for my job and nor-mally worked very closely with Pontius Pilate. Actually I was part of a family dy-COMMUNICATIONS

mally worked very closely with Pontius Pilate. Actually I was part of a family dy-nasty. My father-in-law Annas, had been the high priest before I took over. I presided

COMMUNICATIONS

nasty. My father-in-law Annas, had been the high priest before I took over. I presided over a group known as the Sanhedrin. We were the sacred keepers of Jewish law

COMMUNICATIONS

over a group known as the Sanhedrin. We were the sacred keepers of Jewish law and laid down its rules and regulations. Above all else we were to keep our people

COMMUNICATIONS

and laid down its rules and regulations. Above all else we were to keep our people in line and make sure no insurrection against Rome ever happened. That’s precisely

COMMUNICATIONS

in line and make sure no insurrection against Rome ever happened. That’s precisely why I had my scouts constantly dogging the steps of Jesus and his followers.

COMMUNICATIONS

why I had my scouts constantly dogging the steps of Jesus and his followers.

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring

COMMUNICATIONS

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak

COMMUNICATIONS

me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak


COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS



COMMUNICATIONS



COMMUNICATIONS


“No, that would make him seem like a martyr. We had best wait until Passover

COMMUNICATIONS “No, that would make him seem like a martyr. We had best wait until Passover

COMMUNICATIONS “Sir,” said the priest. I hear Judas, one of his 12 disciples, isn’t as happy as he

COMMUNICATIONS “Sir,” said the priest. I hear Judas, one of his 12 disciples, isn’t as happy as he

SAMPLES

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring SAMPLES

One time I sent an elite group of guards to spy on Jesus, expecting them to bring me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak SAMPLES

me back a prisoner. Instead they came back lamenting, “Never did any man speak like this man!”

SAMPLES

like this man!”


SAMPLES


SAMPLES



SAMPLESI told one of my priests, “We’ve got to put an end to Jesus and Lazarus! I smell

an insurrection of mammoth proportions.”

SAMPLESan insurrection of mammoth proportions.”


SAMPLES“Do you want us to seize him while he’s teaching?” the priests asked.

“No, that would make him seem like a martyr. We had best wait until Passover

SAMPLES“No, that would make him seem like a martyr. We had best wait until Passover

12 Lenten Encounters

LE-2

You know by now Judas became Jesus’ Achilles heel.

After midnight Thursday but way before daylight, there was a knock on my door.

I opened the door and in walked a group of roughshod soldiers and Jesus. I went through the pretense of making it look legal. We called for witnesses and to be quite frank they made fools of themselves. None of them could agree.

I took matters in my own hands. I know that legally I’m not allowed to put a person who is on trial in a defensive position. Nevertheless, I wanted Jesus on a cross and the quicker the better. I looked Jesus square in the eyes and said, “Are you the son of God, yes or no?”

“I am,” he said.

“Trial’s over!” I shouted as I tore my outer tunic into shreds. “He calls himself the Son of God! That’s blasphemy pure and simple. Case dismissed. Let’s move on to Pilate’s court.

Prayer ThoughtTruth-telling is the road that enables one to live with his or her head held high. Some-times life doesn’t offer us a lot of choices. When our faith requires a yes or no reply, may we, like Jesus, tell the truth even if the results may harm us.

Suggested MusicJesus Walked This Lonesome Valley

CREATIVE

I took matters in my own hands. I know that legally I’m not allowed to put a CREATIVE

I took matters in my own hands. I know that legally I’m not allowed to put a person who is on trial in a defensive position. Nevertheless, I wanted Jesus on a

CREATIVE

person who is on trial in a defensive position. Nevertheless, I wanted Jesus on a cross and the quicker the better. I looked Jesus square in the eyes and said, “Are

CREATIVE

cross and the quicker the better. I looked Jesus square in the eyes and said, “Are

“Trial’s over!” I shouted as I tore my outer tunic into shreds. “He calls himself

CREATIVE


CREATIVE the Son of God! That’s blasphemy pure and simple. Case dismissed. Let’s move on

CREATIVE the Son of God! That’s blasphemy pure and simple. Case dismissed. Let’s move on

COMMUNICATIONS

went through the pretense of making it look legal. We called for witnesses and to COMMUNICATIONS

went through the pretense of making it look legal. We called for witnesses and to be quite frank they made fools of themselves. None of them could agrCOMMUNICATIONS

be quite frank they made fools of themselves. None of them could agr

I took matters in my own hands. I know that legally I’m not allowed to put a

COMMUNICATIONS

I took matters in my own hands. I know that legally I’m not allowed to put a person who is on trial in a defensive position. Nevertheless, I wanted Jesus on a

COMMUNICATIONS

person who is on trial in a defensive position. Nevertheless, I wanted Jesus on a cross and the quicker the better. I looked Jesus square in the eyes and said, “Are

COMMUNICATIONS

cross and the quicker the better. I looked Jesus square in the eyes and said, “Are you the son of God, yes or no?”

COMMUNICATIONS

you the son of God, yes or no?”


COMMUNICATIONS


COMMUNICATIONS

the Son of God! That’s blasphemy pure and simple. Case dismissed. Let’s move on

COMMUNICATIONS


Prayer Thought

COMMUNICATIONS

Prayer ThoughtTruth-telling is the road that enables one to live with his or her head held high. Some-

COMMUNICATIONS

Truth-telling is the road that enables one to live with his or her head held high. Some-times life doesn’t offer us a lot of choices. When our faith requires a yes or no reply,

COMMUNICATIONS

times life doesn’t offer us a lot of choices. When our faith requires a yes or no reply, may we, like Jesus, tell the truth even if the results may harm us.

COMMUNICATIONS may we, like Jesus, tell the truth even if the results may harm us.

SAMPLES

“I am,” he said.SAMPLES

“I am,” he said.

“Trial’s over!” I shouted as I tore my outer tunic into shreds. “He calls himself SAMPLES

“Trial’s over!” I shouted as I tore my outer tunic into shreds. “He calls himself SAMPLES


SAMPLES


Prayer Thought


Truth-telling is the road that enables one to live with his or her head held high. Some-

SAMPLESTruth-telling is the road that enables one to live with his or her head held high. Some-times life doesn’t offer us a lot of choices. When our faith requires a yes or no reply,

SAMPLEStimes life doesn’t offer us a lot of choices. When our faith requires a yes or no reply,

SAMPLESmay we, like Jesus, tell the truth even if the results may harm us.

SAMPLESmay we, like Jesus, tell the truth even if the results may harm us.

creative lenten encounters - creative communications · 6 lenten encounters le-2 power brokers...

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