The Meaning of the Cross in the Twenty-First Century
A Lenten Series
Tuesday Evenings—March 7-April 4
7:00 pm
Grace Church Guild Hall 

Session I. The Death of Jesus in the New Testament

            Preparation:

1. Read Mark 1:1-16:8, or Mark 14-15
2. Read Philippians 2:5-11, I Corinthians 1:18-31, I Corinthians 15:3-4
3. Read Hebrews 5:1-10, 9:1-23

Reflection Questions:

1. How would you characterize Mark’s portrayal of Jesus? What are some of the key aspects of his ministry and activity?
2. Looking closely at Mark’s depiction of the crucifixion, what is the meaning of Jesus’ death for Mark?
3. What are some of the central elements of Paul’s understanding of the cross? What sort of “problem” does the cross present for Paul?
4. What are some of the dominant images and words used for Jesus Christ in Hebrews?

Session II. The Meaning of the Cross in the Christian Tradition

Preparation. Read the following hymns from the Episcopal Hymnal 1982

• 166 Sing my tongue, the glorious battle
• 159 At the cross her vigil keeping the link goes to a slightly different translation
• 168 O sacred head, sore wounded
• 474 When I survey the wondrous cross

Session III. The Cross in Feminist Perspective:

Preparation: Read the selection from Elisabeth SchusslerFiorenza’s Jesus: Miriam’s Child, Sophia’s Prophet.

Session IV. The Cross and the Lynching Tree:

Preparation: Read the selections from James Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree

Session V. Exploring the violence of the cross

Preparation: Read the selection from J. Denny Weaver, The Nonviolent Atonement, 2^nd Edition.