He Chose the Nails: “He Chose to Invite Us into His Presence”
based on Max Lucado’s Bible Study
Because of the cross, we have full access to God through our King and High Priest, Jesus Christ. This week, see how the veil was torn for all to see the glory of God, and our ability to have a personal relationship with our Creator.
This 6-week study will work like this: each day, there will be daily readings (instructions below) for you to work through personally and reflect upon with your family/small group, labeled “Personal Lenten Practice”. There are also additional exercises for you to work through with your small group, labeled “Going Deep”. If you do not have a small group that you meet in, please contact the office so that we can help you find one. 651-300-2642
Going Deep Small Group Exercises
Read: Isaiah 59:17, 11:5, and 61:10.
Exercise: Take a look at each verse and describe how each of us are clothed. We came to the cross dressed in sin. How did we leave? How does this impact you?
Read: (in this order) Hebrews 9:2-3, 6-7, Matthew 27:50-51, Hebrews 9:24-26, 10:19-20
Exercise: Draw out the temple as Hebrews describes it. How was that barrier broken? Are there remnants of the barrier mindset that the Jews had set among people today (are there places, people, or things that are thought to be closer/holier to God than others)? What comes to mind when you picture yourself coming into the Most Holy Place? What does it look like to have access to that today, through the torn veil?
Read: Galatians 3:26-27
Ask: Who are we now, in Christ? How have we become that?
Personal Lenten Practice
Each day this week, set 15-20 minutes aside to read the scriptures below (taken from the Book of Common Prayer Daily Office). As you read, reflect on the questions below. Ask the Lord to speak to you through these readings. Find one word in the readings each day that connects your reading to your daily life. Use a journal to record your word and why you think the Lord revealed that word to you that day. End your time in prayer.
Questions: How have I seen God’s presence today?
Mar 5: Psalm 80, 1 Cor 7:25-31, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 77, 79
Mar 6: Psalm 78, 1 Cor 7:32-40, Mark 6:1-13
Mar 7: Psalm 119:97-120; 1 Cor 8:1-13; Mark 6:14-29; Psalm 81-82
Mar 8: Psalm 42; 1 Cor 9:1-15; Mark 6:30-46; Psalm 85-86
Mar 9: Psalm 95, 88; 1 Cor 9:16-27; Mark 6:47-56; Psalm 91-92