#ComeSunday #WorshipBulletin: Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for 10:00 am Sunday worship and Weekly Bible studies!
Guest Instructor: Rev. Melinda Teter Dodge
Rev. Melinda Teter Dodge is an ordained United Methodist clergyperson, serves the Being the Church Movement in Long Beach and leads Yoga in the Park (YIP!) on Sundays. Yoga in the Park offers a simple yoga practice that honors the roots of yoga and the Christian tradition. The practice is intended to help us all breathe a little more deeply, open our hearts a little more fully and to bring together our minds, souls, bodies (and hearts).
Mark 8:34-35 (Common English Bible)
34 After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 35 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them.
Summary:
The biblical story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness is our story. We love Jesus because he has been where we are and is with us in the midst of our wilderness experiences.
Jesus’ teaching to take up our crosses and follow him reminds us of the true meaning of sacrifice. As followers of Jesus, even with the struggle, we don’t surrender for we have divine hope of a better self, church, society and world.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about following?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?