Lenten Bible Study

An “Unlikely Lent”In this year’s Bible study for Lent we met some unlikely people who were involved in some part of the activities which led to the death of Jesus. We read about Mary of Bethany who presented Jesus with an unlikely offering when she anointed Jesus’ feet with a costly perfume. We also read about the servant girl with an unlikely opposition to Peter, which reminds us that sometimes challenges that unsettle us are the very ones that transform us. We found Barabbas who was released from prison reminding us that it is God’s grace that led to an unlikely freedom.

We walked with Simon of Cyrene, the man summoned by the Roman soldiers to carry the cross for Jesus. His story calls us to rethink how we respond with an unlikely companionship when we are pulled into the suffering of others. The women at the cross remained by Jesus’ side with an unlikely courage teaching us that courage is not always loud or forceful. It is simply the act of staying, bearing witness and refusing to abandon those in need.

We ended the study with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two influencers in an unlikely alliance. These two men of power and privilege risked everything to care for Jesus’ body. Faithfulness often requires us to step beyond our comfort zone and to align with God’s purposes. I thank those who participated in the class sessions. I hope you will participate in upcoming Bible studies.- Dee Anne