Loving God, your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a lamp that guides me. Brighten our steps with the light of your resurrected life, and help us walk in your ways with joy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We Wonder is written and hosted by Sarah Dahl, and produced by Richard Clark. You can connect with us at sarah@wewonderpod.com, or on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod. Like what you hear? Want to support future seasons and get some occasional fun insider perks? Support We Wonder by becoming a monthly patron: visit https://patreon.com/wewonder to learn more.

Scripture passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 Loving God, your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a lamp that guides me. Brighten our steps with the light of your resurrected life, and help us walk in your ways with joy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Scripture passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Loving God, your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a lamp that guides me. Brighten our steps with the light of your resurrected life, and help us walk in your ways with joy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We Wonder is written and hosted by Sarah Dahl, and produced by Richard Clark. You can connect with us at sarah@wewonderpod.com, or on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod. Like what you hear? Want to support future seasons and get some occasional fun insider perks? Support We Wonder by becoming a monthly patron: visit https://patreon.com/wewonder to learn more.

Scripture passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Loving God, your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a lamp that guides me. Brighten our steps with the light of your resurrected life, and help us walk in your ways with joy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Scripture passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Loving God, your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a lamp that guides me. Brighten our steps with the light of your resurrected life, and help us walk in your ways with joy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We Wonder is written and hosted by Sarah Dahl, and produced by Richard Clark. You can connect with us at sarah@wewonderpod.com, or on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod. Like what you hear? Want to support future seasons and get some occasional fun insider perks? Support We Wonder by becoming a monthly patron: visit https://patreon.com/wewonder to learn more.

Scripture passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Loving God, your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a lamp that guides me. Brighten our steps with the light of your resurrected life, and help us walk in your ways with joy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We Wonder is written and hosted by Sarah Dahl, and produced by Richard Clark. You can connect with us at sarah@wewonderpod.com, or on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod. Like what you hear? Want to support future seasons and get some occasional fun insider perks? Support We Wonder by becoming a monthly patron: visit https://patreon.com/wewonder to learn more.

Each Sunday in Easter, we will hear a story from the New Testament and wonder together about Jesus, who has passed through death and been raised in glory on the other side. As our churches continue to practice social distancing, I hope this will give both children and grownups together an additional space to come together in worship. We will also have short daily episodes each weekday, from now until May 29. Each day, we will sit with a short passage of Scripture. We will hear it, meditate on it, and pray about it together. I hope this can become a daily practice for children and grownups as we learn together to let God’s good words breathe new life into our hearts. Our first daily episode will be tomorrow! So join me, as we rest and find new life in God.

Today is Holy Saturday, and sometimes it can feel like the longest day in the world. When we woke this morning, Jesus was sealed in the tomb. The disciples were scattered. Sometimes today feels like the day when the light of the world has gone out. But now the day is drawing to a close. The sun is going down, and the dark is creeping across the sky. But tonight is not like other nights. Tonight is the most holy night, when Jesus passed over from death to life. Tonight, the light of Christ flames forth and will never go out again. From Romans 6: “we know that Christ was raised from the dead, and will never die again. Death doesn’t control him anymore. When he died, he died once and for all time. He did this to break the power of sin. Now that he lives, he lives in the power of God.” Paul also tells us, “By being baptized, we have been joined with him in a death like his. So we will certainly also be joined with him in a resurrection like his.” Alleluia! The Lord is risen! Music for this episode is from the album “Love Divine, Victorious,” by City Church San Francisco, with special thanks to Karl Digerness, Minna Choi, the City Church choir and the Magik*Magik* Orchestra. You can purchase a digital copy of the album at https://music.citychurchsf.org/album/love-divine-victorious I wonder what went through Mary’s mind and heart, in the instant she noticed that the stone was moved? I wonder why Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb? What made them feel like they needed to hurry and race? I wonder why Mary stayed beside the tomb, after the two disciples left. I wonder how Jesus’ voice sounded, when he said, “Mary.” Can I begin to imagine the joy and wonder that Mary felt, as she turned around and saw her risen Lord? Can I let myself believe that this is actually true, and that the living Jesus speaks my name, too? This Easter, for us in this time, is different: many of us are celebrating at home, unable to gather with our communities, and we may not know what happens next. The disciples didn’t know what was going to happen next, either. All they had to hold onto were Mary’s simple words: “I have seen the Lord.” Can I hold on to those words right now, and place my hope and trust in their deep, deep good news? God, you make this holy night shine with the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. We praise you and thank you for raising Jesus to new life, and raising us in him. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are carried safely through sin and death; in Jesus, we pass over to your eternal, glorious life. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Today is Holy Saturday, and sometimes it can feel like the longest day in the world. When we woke this morning, Jesus was sealed in the tomb. The disciples were scattered. Sometimes today feels like the day when the light of the world has gone out. But now the day is drawing to a close. The sun is going down, and the dark is creeping across the sky. But tonight is not like other nights. Tonight is the most holy night, when Jesus passed over from death to life. Tonight, the light of Christ flames forth and will never go out again. From Romans 6: “we know that Christ was raised from the dead, and will never die again. Death doesn’t control him anymore. When he died, he died once and for all time. He did this to break the power of sin. Now that he lives, he lives in the power of God.” Paul also tells us, “By being baptized, we have been joined with him in a death like his. So we will certainly also be joined with him in a resurrection like his.” Alleluia! The Lord is risen! Music for this episode is from the album “Love Divine, Victorious,” by City Church San Francisco, with special thanks to Karl Digerness, Minna Choi, the City Church choir and the Magik*Magik* Orchestra. You can purchase a digital copy of the album at https://music.citychurchsf.org/album/love-divine-victorious I wonder what went through Mary’s mind and heart, in the instant she noticed that the stone was moved? I wonder why Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb? What made them feel like they needed to hurry and race? I wonder why Mary stayed beside the tomb, after the two disciples left. I wonder how Jesus’ voice sounded, when he said, “Mary.” Can I begin to imagine the joy and wonder that Mary felt, as she turned around and saw her risen Lord? Can I let myself believe that this is actually true, and that the living Jesus speaks my name, too? This Easter, for us in this time, is different: many of us are celebrating at home, unable to gather with our communities, and we may not know what happens next. The disciples didn’t know what was going to happen next, either. All they had to hold onto were Mary’s simple words: “I have seen the Lord.” Can I hold on to those words right now, and place my hope and trust in their deep, deep good news? God, you make this holy night shine with the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. We praise you and thank you for raising Jesus to new life, and raising us in him. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we are carried safely through sin and death; in Jesus, we pass over to your eternal, glorious life. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Today is Good Friday. Today is a sad and serious day: it is the day when Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. It is a day for remembering, with sadness, how very badly things have gone in the world. But it is also a day for a deep and quiet gratitude, because we know that all that is broken in the world and in us was nailed to the cross with Jesus. Because of his death -- and because that death will come undone when he rises again -- we are welcomed into God’s eternal life. I hope you will find ways to slow down, to watch, and to listen on today and tomorrow, as things go dark and we wait for resurrection. So join me, as we remember today that our one great hope is in God. Music for this episode is from the album “Love Divine, Victorious,” by City Church San Francisco, with special thanks to Karl Digerness, Minna Choi, the City Church choir and the Magik*Magik* Orchestra. You can purchase a digital copy of the album at https://music.citychurchsf.org/album/love-divine-victorious Scripture passage: Mark 15:1-38 I wonder why Pilate handed Jesus over to be killed, when he knew that he did not deserve it? I wonder what it was like to be in the crowd, as they called out “Crucify him! Crucify him!” I wonder if any of those same people had been in the crowd that yelled “Hosanna!”? I wonder how Simon of Cyrene felt, when rough Roman soldiers grabbed him and forced him to help carry Jesus’ cross. I wonder if he was afraid? I wonder if he had any room to feel sorry for the man who would be nailed on it, or if he just wanted to get away and be safe? I wonder what Jesus’ voice sounded like, as he cried out to God? I wonder what the Roman commander saw, that no one else there did? I wonder why, as he watched Jesus die, he said, “This man was surely God’s son”? Jesus, if we have died with you, then we will also live with you. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Today is Maundy Thursday. Today gets its name from the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” Maundy Thursday is the day when Jesus ate his last supper with his disciples, and he gave them the command to love one another. Maundy Thursday is also the first day of the Triduum, or the three holy days that lead up to Easter. These are the days when we walk with Jesus from the Last Supper to the garden of Gethsemane; from his arrest and trial to his death and burial; and then glimpse the dawning light of Easter and resurrection. I hope you will find ways to slow down, to watch, and to listen on these holy days. They are the days that changed everything. So join me, as we watch, and wait, and hope in God. Music for this episode is from the album “Love Divine, Victorious,” by City Church San Francisco, with special thanks to Jason Morrell, Karl Digerness, Minna Choi, the City Church choir and the Magik*Magik* Orchestra. You can purchase a digital copy of the album at https://music.citychurchsf.org/album/love-divine-victorious Scripture passage: John 13:1-9, 11-14, 31-38 I wonder what Jesus’ disciples thought, as they saw Jesus draw the water and prepare to wash their feet. I wonder if they whispered anything to one another? I wonder how I would have felt, if I were there. Can I imagine Jesus doing such a humble, lowly job for me? What would I say to Jesus, if I were there? I wonder why Jesus said he was going to receive glory, when he knew that he would be arrested and killed? I wonder what Jesus’ face looked like, as he spoke to Peter. I wonder what his voice sounded like, when he said, “Before the rooster crows, you will say you don’t me three times.” Jesus said, “You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.” I wonder how we can live that out together? How can we live so that we look like Jesus? Jesus, you loved your disciples to the very end, and you have called us to walk in that love. Help us receive the love and service that you have given us. Transform us to share your love and serve those around us, so that when people look at our lives they may see your love. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday in Holy Week is also known as Spy Wednesday: it is the day when we remember that a disciple named Judas Iscariot agreed to spy on Jesus, and hand him over to be arrested. Each day this week, we are continuing to listen to stories and wonder together about Jesus’ very last days before his death. We are watching what he did, and listening to what he said as we walk with him toward the cross. Good Friday is coming, but Easter morning is waiting for us on the other side. Join me, as we watch, and wait, and hope in God during Holy Week. Scripture passage: Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16 I wonder what Jesus’ disciples felt when he told them that he would be handed over, and nailed to a cross. I wonder how I would have felt, if I were there? Would I have been disappointed? Disbelieving? Confused? Sad? I wonder why the chief priests and the leaders wanted so badly to arrest Jesus, and to see him killed? I wonder how they felt, as they heard him speak and saw the crowds gather around him? I wonder why Judas went to find the chief priests? I wonder what he was thinking and feeling when he made that decision? I wonder how he felt, as he walked away with the thirty pieces of silver in his pocket. I wonder what Judas thought, and felt, the next time he looked into Jesus’ eyes? Jesus, you were betrayed by a friend. You knew that every step in Jerusalem was leading you closer to a Roman cross. On this week, so many years ago, you endured so much pain, because you love us. Help us to trust you even when, like the disciples we don’t understand what you are doing; to adore you, because you are good; and to rest in your strong love. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.