The Wired Word for 04132025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 04/13/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article4.6bc1851654a0.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 04/13/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #selfsacrifice - #faithinaction - #capitalpunishment Author: The Wired Word Team Source: The Wired Word – Lesson for April 13, 2025 Reference: https://www.thewiredword.com/ date created: 2025-04-13 13:22 --- # ✝️ Title: Pastor Offers to Accept Another Man's Death Sentence ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis Prompt](#-darvo-analysis-prompt) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ## 📝 Summary: William Devlin, a U.S. pastor, has offered to take the place of Nigerian farmer Sunday Jackson, who faces execution after being convicted of killing a herder in alleged self-defense. The incident raises ethical, theological, and legal questions about justice, sacrifice, and systemic bias in judicial processes. The story connects directly to themes of Holy Week and Christ’s substitutionary atonement, prompting discussions on self-sacrifice, advocacy, and faith-driven action. --- ## 📖 Main Content: Devlin, a veteran and humanitarian, frames his offer as obedience to Christ’s model. The lesson integrates biblical narratives—Judah offering himself in Genesis, Pilate condemning Jesus, Jesus’ own declaration in John 15—alongside Jackson’s case to challenge readers: what would we sacrifice for others? It also critiques capital punishment’s misuse, especially in flawed systems affecting marginalized communities. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Devlin’s Background** - Vietnam veteran and psychiatric nurse - Founded REDEEM! and Widows and Orphans to support the persecuted - Long history of faith-motivated service - **Jackson’s Case** - Attacked while protecting his crops - Convicted despite self-defense claim - Court argued he should have fled (despite being stabbed) - **Legal Outcome** - Supreme Court upheld verdict - Christian leaders decry injustice - **Devlin’s Offer** - Sees action as mirroring Jesus’ sacrifice - Quote: “Why wouldn’t I do that for someone else?” - **Biblical Connections** - Genesis 44: Judah offers himself for Benjamin - Luke 23: Jesus condemned while Barabbas released - John 15:13: “No one has greater love...” - Romans 5: Christ died for enemies - **Theological Themes** - Substitutionary atonement - Justice vs. mercy - Role of governments in executing justice - **Discussion Prompts** - Would you sacrifice for another? - Should Devlin’s offer be seen differently if the man were Muslim? - Consequences of others absorbing punishment --- ## 📖 References: - Wired Word lesson archive - Christian Post - Premier Christian News - Delaware Valley Journal - Presbyterian News --- ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. *Devlin’s words:* > “If I can save that man's life, and they take my life, then I'm willing to do it.” **Paraphrased**: If exchanging my life means saving his, I’m ready. That’s what obedience to Christ looks like to me. 2. *Scripture Commentary:* > “Rarely will anyone die for a righteous person... Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” **Paraphrased**: It’s uncommon for someone to die even for a good person—yet Christ chose to give his life when we were unworthy. --- ## 📰 Newsletter: **This week in open-source and community:** In a remarkable echo of sacrificial love, Pastor William Devlin offers to take the death sentence of a Nigerian Christian wrongly convicted in a controversial self-defense case. Drawing parallels to Holy Week, his story prompts us to reflect on justice, grace, and public advocacy. In other updates: - The WordPress Plugin Repo welcomed several new tools enhancing site security and performance. - WPCC’s contributor onboarding series continues with fresh insights into DEIB and sustainability. - Check out our dev tips this week on writing testable PHP and handling conditional logic in Gutenberg. **Read more**: [Christian Post Coverage](https://www.christianpost.com) --- ## ✅ Action Items: - **Faith & Ethics Advocacy**: This article ties directly into your WordPress ecosystem work by highlighting faith-motivated justice—consider adapting the story for a contributor spotlight. - **Lesson Plan Ideas**: Great example to use in workshops focused on justice in open-source governance or contributor conflict resolution. - **Educational Content**: Extract principles of servant leadership and self-sacrifice for onboarding materials. - **Contributor Equity**: Leverage this case in DEIB-aligned documentation or dev-rel training content. --- ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Individuals with trauma exposure may show heightened empathy in justice scenarios. - Public acts of substitutionary sacrifice strengthen interfaith credibility and cross-cultural dialogue. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Design**: Mixed-method case studies of humanitarian actors in conflict zones - **Sources**: Interviews, news reports, historical analogs (e.g., Bonhoeffer, Maximilian Kolbe) - **Analysis**: Thematic coding of motivations, societal impact, and faith language ### ❓ Questions: - Does justice ever require self-sacrifice? - How does public faith expression alter perceptions of legal justice? - How should we understand fairness when moral and legal systems diverge? ### 🔮 Future Research: - The theological implications of layperson substitution offers - Comparative studies of Christian and Islamic views on atonement and justice ### 💡 Implications: - May influence faith-based humanitarian policies - Raises pressure on international legal systems for reform and equity - Promotes dialogue on restorative over punitive justice --- ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual**: Minimal—suggest adding a map of Nigeria, a timeline, and charts comparing judicial outcomes - **Aural**: Missing audio formats—recommend podcast tie-in or audio readout - **Verbal**: Strong—rich descriptions and religious language - **Kinesthetic**: Could improve with discussion prompts as journaling or roleplay - **Logical**: Moderately structured—add data/statistics on wrongful convictions - **Social**: Highly present—group discussion is central - **Solitary**: Opportunities for reflection via prayer and self-examination - **Naturalistic**: Absent—could relate Jackson’s case to environmental land rights conflicts --- ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader**: No info—ensure semantic HTML - **Keyboard Navigation**: Needs assessment - **Contrast**: Neutral colors used—needs verification - **Text Resizing**: Layout appears flexible—test recommended --- ## 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance**: Strong—touches on Nigerian Christian persecution - **Inclusive Language**: Mostly gender-neutral and respectful - **Neurodiversity Support**: Could use shorter sections and clearer formatting - **Representation**: Majority Christian lens—interfaith voices underrepresented - **Psychological Safety**: Prayer and communal tone promote inclusion --- ## ✅ Logical validity: - **Strengths**: - **Causal Reasoning**: Devlin links faith with action logically - **Appeal to Ethical Reasoning**: Strong Christian moral framing - **Valid Analogy**: Links Christ’s sacrifice to modern-day substitute acts - **Weaknesses**: - **Appeal to Emotion**: Heavy use of emotive storytelling (may weaken objectivity) - **Possible Strawman**: The judicial system is portrayed simplistically --- ## 🔍 DARVO Analysis Prompt: - **Deny**: Nigerian court dismissed Jackson’s self-defense claim—no denial from Jackson - **Attack**: No clear attack on Bawuro; the system's rul - Document Tags: [[wired word]] - Summary: News reached us about an American pastor who has volunteered to die in place of a Christian Nigerian farmer on death row for killing a Muslim herder who allegedly attacked him with a knife. Dear Class Members, News reached us about an American pastor who has volunteered to die in place of a Christian Nigerian farmer on death row for killing a Muslim herder who allegedly attacked him with a knife. While we don't know whether the Nigerian court system would permit such an exchange, we are prompted to consider what motivated Jesus to offer his life for sinners during Holy Week, and what we would be willing to sacrifice for others. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Pastor Offers to Accept Another Man's Death Sentence*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of April 13, 2025** **In the News** [William Devlin](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBbu1SjLX-2BOSQfHBBttjWLYJvoT2CtVH7d81CJXenlTq6F47pObxSU4j7RZzSTKpLQ-3D-3Dqbvn_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbjPgjVGRnaklanV1lMFeqVOCk5rcA1qj6dxXt8-2Bu3ejHba82xWqa8JGCbtc3dTW2X-2FZfKwcnyNBtTBBnWSVI278j-2FsamadbJBOAvEc0Nux3TGGjjx88SWU6Y3RlA4zLFa2OgLL2hXljpczjTaXhehvdVphyfRw-2FwEyJR1l8QVEENVsIRyRwODEv-2FGmYfKduWzOJjElIwPiZ9RqzQZgc1ONA-3D), the missions pastor of [Infinity Bible Church](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPD-2FCQs1XPWVuy-2Bk3qwapkxQNhOfcu-2BQxHNoQfbqLqZygWGdH6w31KrPrpg2tQsUs3AUbe9xtlcZ0mh0ex0W5FiE-3DXB-6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbj4vn9x-2FNrqP-2BP3FwilvpHgtaZKxaQvFWJ2SBcf-2B5HfHJ8WzbjuL8MnPHcCxytws3Z1ldjXjC79vghK3DOcBtHVl4MrI2-2BdPx-2FeWTFBG9v9g-2Bo8koS0pBfNI9FpnS32yYXuzMUVN9-2FCHbi5QJIz-2BK2l2N8IUT4sbZbZFtr2vj1HfzLlVjQFwdxQYwHTHrDlSA5lwsSHAY6JwuYPV-2Bc-2BQVXw-3D) in the South Bronx, New York, is offering to take the place of Sunday Jackson, a 30-year-old Nigerian Christian farmer sentenced to death by hanging for killing a Fulani herder during an attack on his farm in 2015. Jackson alleged that Buba Ardo Bawuro herded his animals onto his farm to feed on his crops without permission. The farmer claimed that when he protested, the herdsman attacked and injured him with a knife. Jackson said that in the ensuing skirmish, he killed Bawuro in self-defense. At trial in 2021, the Adamawa High Court Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, a Muslim, rejected that argument, ruling that Jackson should have fled the scene rather than killing his attacker, even though Bawuro had stabbed the farmer in the leg, making escape next to impossible. Last month, the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld Tafida's verdict of guilty and sentence of capital punishment. According to the 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List, Boko Haram and other Islamic extremist groups killed nearly 10,000 Nigerian Christians between November 2022 and November 2024. Human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe, who attended the March 7 hearing, called the judicial decision "a textbook case of miscarriage of justice." Leaders with the Christian Association of Nigeria and other human rights advocates have advocated for clemency or a pardon for Jackson. Devlin, 72, told journalists, "My relationship with Jesus Messiah demands that I offer myself up for Sunday Jackson, much as Jesus Messiah offered Himself up for me." Devlin is no stranger to self-sacrifice. A combat decorated Vietnam veteran, recipient of the Purple Heart and psychiatric nurse with degrees in religion and urban trauma, he has practiced [extended fasts](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPC3aT9aCsN8LO9HJkwjFygzrkTKywD3CdJBjFf14DVwtyOnPnvek-2BgtP38VHKMyD0V1OTJhBX8jsyjcVh6sos-2BuOqlTKoS031chwmI3r2-2F7rcUMRn5QO7OR2VnCmAhI079DUdAWrQVvoJKrmxo1az3g-3Dh-sA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbg8FpCQfJxKcKPQ-2BGGUqWLNRVE9ZH22bFCWBGFqi2YiVWj6LPPrbdat39lS8aXbQd9-2BGc0rm7Mrs3ud-2BYsjif7LGGVXwOOPOkRCReJKvdBH0goJ0YxcKIhrJXWZ3KzHF5QaZ8wHfZAupxYwVjbbT3ktw7iaIOacUVPg8JGxcgapAdff4Er2UDGvYhENMotE98ZmkmbffALrCNZeAy0EcJoU-3D), imploring God for an end to the war in Ukraine in 2022, gun violence, poverty and injustice. "I started REDEEM! in 2010, and then God called me to war zones," he said. "And in the midst of that, as I looked at who are the people that I'm attempting to reach and that would be widows, orphans, the neglected, the forgotten, the broken, the lost." Later he created another charity, [Widows and Orphans](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCZtWYhn-2FE42V1opKhgOBWCOHvYeOTouzKmgw70aONly8VXV_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbhckAbwz79MT17UrxMcDCvLhZxtgEwbmm92cjxzejTN4ktU6ks7Buf1cXewczO8Vtrlm1Uqv3d4NYbO8Bw39WZHuLNWcxMryxB473Hv5Emaf4tf279qZ0Uo92nO1vOeQsECjdZhyhRTJclkekGj3dG1r8qBxmJIJ2BMI6jNIAV0jl5w1RTp0xgSpvnXfgRKheAWLutXng8cvotItZIIuQJU-3D), to provide "emotional, spiritual, psychological and practical physical care to persecuted Christians," refugees, traumatized and internally displaced persons (IDPs), in hot spots across the Middle East (including Gaza), Africa, Asia and Europe (including Ukraine). Who knows why Devlin feels such a powerful connection to Sunday Jackson? A product of a home troubled by alcohol abuse, whose father abandoned the family and whose mother died when Devlin was in his teens, he found hope in Christ at the age of 19. He was once injured by a mugger wielding a knife, an experience that may have given him a greater appreciation for the fear Jackson must have felt when he was under attack. "If I can save that man's life, and they take my life, then I'm willing to do it," Devlin stated. "I see it as obedience to the Scripture. Jesus Messiah did it for me. He went to the cross, and I have a new life because of that. So why wouldn't I do that for someone else?" Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, said, "Pastor Bill Devlin is a person of faith who speaks out for people of all faiths under attack. ... Some people in our world do so little and ask, 'What can I do?' Pastor Bill Devlin risks his life and asks, 'What else should I do?' He is a true blessing to humankind." Friend Mark Houck calls Devlin "the most courageous man I know. He has sacrificed himself so much for the crucified church that I see the face of Christ in him every time I am in his company. A true hero. A true patriot. A true Christian." More on this story can be found at these links: [American Pastor Offers His Life For Nigerian Christian Sentenced to Death by Hanging.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF2XpsLcqjymgYw0oGxRtXoSVbWxDXK67s2JlQFD-2FmsI3KBYqpdNEHgefFq-2ByBbcCNBGWaA5lSP2z6qNxZtwQOlLbOUBl9ymtSruMcNKFpqnTOZPm4zVn3aMV8k81bYRdw-3D-3DWHei_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbl8qh-2FgHGpB0JY4HVasuS-2BTY3UCHiN1HxFFiUZgwXq5dLvjfgN0bjRu4f-2B9SajXWqQqztSBUXvujGAb1Ei-2B-2BNimc6KcSIJsUbvvAsbH5IwhOpclu4wTTdImzlL-2FR7dmzEScZh9688N2MgZIv3U0HqozTJwgtsYNqqnPz9a6TP8wlfgolXn5u6LpA-2F4NVgYk6rfTyRUMKAVTzosqboPN3nxQ-3D) [*Christian Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF2XpsLcqjymgYw0oGxRtXoSVbWxDXK67s2JlQFD-2FmsI3KBYqpdNEHgefFq-2ByBbcCNBGWaA5lSP2z6qNxZtwQOlLbOUBl9ymtSruMcNKFpqnTOZPm4zVn3aMV8k81bYRdw-3D-3DYtpQ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbmkKaEJGI6-2FVO4bbjVC03Rx2KHll6xIYDX759eAkeHHExZFt5bZklxer8t0ABFxPUODg6rW-2FcFZ8hAy2TcHiXOtoqWdVEl16nYeQ6hZSJ2g6E-2BDWLmIL1FCcBkIIv9-2FMIYPgDALcAu3r948cHzIzhiQYTHM0hTBKBTn-2FP1lv-2BQg57-2B9rBxZ-2FRS4Ho209p8ASI5DcZOgIO-2FWXRy-2F7FOMFw-2BE-3D) [American Pastor Offers His Life For Nigerian Man Facing Death Sentence.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEieeyZY4bj5SWyZVLv6sR-2FbPRfQtP5peu4wp7jIn-2FAG8Vxb7h2CetdszVtwqE68Dv-2B0iNLn0Kd0rq04MP9TrcBV-2FzXhkPq0H-2Fbixub580Yt-2B9HVbfHWtcQESTt74ePXtg-3D-3DWpst_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbqQpbzBoo1l5cOvJlIH78CPQiRn4PMb4ptr77y5XLqAT-2BQ0qFeTSDmPWXU3miAbW880mnMNWJgfrvhE0k-2Ft5FarXcKK3dt0A86TCUdQ1rH11fv-2F4NsBrQR6aPHYSs402eiCc5AywJUJMq40UfsYsDLFtFU63wWCh1OltxKRXcmzfcBWs-2FiDf3qJeP9w-2B9WLAIh0x-2FNmKj4rU0tkajpkVlkY-3D) [*Premier Christian News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEieeyZY4bj5SWyZVLv6sR-2FbPRfQtP5peu4wp7jIn-2FAG8Vxb7h2CetdszVtwqE68Dv-2B0iNLn0Kd0rq04MP9TrcBV-2FzXhkPq0H-2Fbixub580Yt-2B9HVbfHWtcQESTt74ePXtg-3D-3DDvjm_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbgS40X-2BHMLn-2BWa6gaY3Sl5oFuUvsdvx1QQABSORrhQnfjwqLcUnGW2-2B2-2FOAzqFZnGd-2FYRal-2Br08q2TSKA3db3QnafHvDDxY22iSgVJmCYSF3NT-2Fgo9k87DVKcMpQ0ewY-2BFTgo19mNU9Xf63o6sFfGCAM4DPRbH28HRok9iZeskL8SER0dG-2Bz58lnTEzam0lBlM2-2F2XTfV7T8YN6IzqSQiv4-3D) [Lower Moreland Pastor Helps Persecuted Christians Abroad.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEcABqjgRVHYExTtOeqSsy3Ir55jAXBHF3ubszsPr-2F7AxJo-2F1ZTBqwmeAb6atVkBbNDQW23N-2BqYy51e8jdkAsYM-3D_Wd6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbi3u5tfkBgKzKrXjkfrGvuceINifJgsvrvvZpQM3tm9LBtOPbhEHLusaG1ddwVIQRebcP59k-2BuHjv-2BPZr6RjDyT-2Fr71ZbMZSvN48m90jPLaRknoUHgb6rvMpjc8Pb9T34PX3A5WbicV-2BXhbaulUrHyPqqu3n-2B8TD6qcrvyln3Ol3bL7h0SbsSzBOlcKwbolyM7emFvxnShgtNscbJ4rjz-2B4-3D) [*Delaware Valley Journal*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEcABqjgRVHYExTtOeqSsy3Ir55jAXBHF3ubszsPr-2F7AxJo-2F1ZTBqwmeAb6atVkBbNDQW23N-2BqYy51e8jdkAsYM-3DI0ZF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbiqFkw1YHw8I-2FEpNnx5CgSGiHBSiCfnRHgTcTdkBfcWCR5bGRr6g2-2B-2FWoXpkLIlqLkf2FtDPPWcIyBuMR2diosZrbj6bVhQO5NkS20onKph6Hvv6ytIN1WpvCMMKlqNPKvG9-2Fo5NDRxLscGEqaKBSVyx2senQ07JeBtymH8C-2F52aF9Hb-2F2HZfSVJ-2BJh3RY06WU0og-2B5ikC53quIbXnAu0bs-3D) [The Sad Story of Sunday Jackson (Video 2:56).](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq19V4jOJ09zUcPkKSBr1asKAAUD-2B-2BVkSHKA4ReRAEptphQ-3D-3DahNZ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbu1wp1GvbOE6rfwE27SKGyyZBbIZ-2BQSgTEzA-2Bl8eE7aTN0uPROZfFAbz-2BQs0obzjoIQf-2FnQvnI-2BO0vFO-2B7G3VPFDExXNTOT7HXDTCHvOb7Dpc4Xop0qG16JPpbpU7UIzG0rWBigZ3Kb6loQKeespnJjBATtCSZr5Oh9CdXzOTxecmJSBoa-2F6CAkaUtfksi4sHIkQD5j-2FPoEIdU0Cl-2BIneDI-3D) [*@TheEastcoastshow*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq19V4jOJ09zUcPkKSBr1asKAAUD-2B-2BVkSHKA4ReRAEptphQ-3D-3Dpsws_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbj5seQpVPx3Pptxg8FM0KJ3-2FoL9bh1eDK6fG3DCxwBQXeBKmwF97DhRk-2FFE7ZoTXqdjviFdO-2BnoH8rn-2BKZ-2FFNn-2Fas3CXAW0iPIk4JHRw5LK7xVCrnpVn6bBw6U6RP-2B5kp9w5f-2ByiRy8QWmkps1otM-2FP82E3O60w8igF2J6gOhyow9qxPjK0KVXGH9AsFHdWk9movzJztQe9tGkJHe4OoYQk-3D) [Loving One's Enemies While Battling for Righteousness.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEQoWJ8O0F0CrS18-2F3uYL5IVpVuID1Li4A-2BN4ciVtLZbFSUrCRre3ua2pIoXYXP8r-2BhrIb8RZgBTlLdWF2O1wUY-3DJRnb_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbl2vECLLIxSZ1onzLSrMy8LvJh9ACdzMvMBrfqu-2B-2FK5SoRRQQEZPhNd6MfQ4XbZXtRj5D9yzGIzookU1GTWlN0xx3ccNJHP4Aihx6GwfbCmYgJetx6OJznHKnxVU1FL9-2B58KHiBKwsYufbA25oZrh4-2FaspBAi6CRmt7XnkTNQ7a74xqx9B8lAvk5VufdJJEGSolr-2B62Y3TE1mWpcNeDXWl0-3D) [*Presbyterian News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEQoWJ8O0F0CrS18-2F3uYL5IVpVuID1Li4A-2BN4ciVtLZbFSUrCRre3ua2pIoXYXP8r-2BhrIb8RZgBTlLdWF2O1wUY-3DD5wR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbqXuSzaNGEgDYSufh1-2BSwg-2B52WTHnYIAxEdvyyRrF1LDj0HwwiIWWwEmNt9i-2F6g83ddR2Lb75LMNS61qAXuHxHeYuRJGW1LDxbeMu2i7FtamxpTyV9sYAGQ0dtTLvRRp7ve6D3E6X4Wo3ycKwYdcvS0oU-2FFUwsNTVKC3zBh5QDpml8gZ7Uy23DYQW4Oca3Lgoy63t9K-2Bhp7PYKc1m-2B45mAs-3D) **The Big Questions** 1. What example of self-sacrifice (other than that of Jesus) most inspires you? 2. When, if ever, has someone willingly intervened and taken a beating (literally or figuratively) meant for you? What do you think motivated that person? How did you react? 3. Would the actions of Devlin strike you differently if the person he was offering to change places with was a Muslim rather than a Christian? Explain. 4. What if the person on death row had not acted in self-defense, but had committed premeditated murder? 5. Under what circumstances, if any, would you consider offering your life in exchange for that of another? What role would your faith play in that decision? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Genesis 44:33-34** *[Judah said,] "Now therefore, please let your servant remain as a slave to my lord in place of the boy, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the suffering that would come upon my father."* (For context, read [Genesis 44:18-34](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNWy2G1s8kU2NX8RTGarTdvSLX72SR2voJdm6Z8OPEeJhubnf_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbhZNFFDD6wqDG13bp0xGmVae-2FX7sC41ShQiWSNKEyH0UC-2BTOLz2DgcJvnoIDXl46RCO-2FtzwjIA-2B8khhg2EpTSTqM3Qv3Toi6mIWi8o06YUTXDj6FEBogYMBGF9fnn3Ls30P-2FwJQtTvmlOYbjEcGv939KFl7F-2FYPj3sftciGIf9503z800riuxMMlUYSwpFiCuNpgyTFn5m7Z4tD8eD1Vp4E-3D).) After Joseph's half-brothers sold him to Midian slave traders who brought him to Egypt, he spent years in forced labor, and then languished in prison after being falsely accused of attempted rape of his master's wife. He was released and rose to extraordinary power after he correctly interpreted the pharaoh's dreams of catastrophic famine to come. When Joseph's brothers began to run out of food, they traveled to Egypt to buy supplies for their families. There they encountered Joseph in his new role as administrator of the nation's storehouses, but they didn't recognize him. Joseph devised a cunning plan to ascertain whether his brothers had changed their ways in the years they had been apart. He had his aide hide his cup in his full brother Benjamin's sack, so that it would appear that Benjamin had stolen it. Then when the cup was discovered, he threatened to take Benjamin into custody as a slave. Judah, who had participated in the original crime against Joseph decades earlier, now begged Joseph to let him trade places with Benjamin, so that he could become a slave instead of the boy. Joseph was so moved to see how Judah's heart had changed that he broke down, revealed his identity and extended forgiveness to his brothers. None of them would need to become slaves after all! > **Questions:** What do you think motivated Judah to offer to take Benjamin's place? What do you think led to his change of heart in the time that passed between his selling Joseph into slavery and this incident? **Luke 23:23-25** *But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for [Barabbas], the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.* (For context, read [Luke 23:13-25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxrmDi49uLo3s-2BewWzPMWJ01AFtSFMCYjpGCvFvGCpOfOLxLbvVHgCUecMQEzX-2B8Ey5LYy_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbr6m-2BN379FZKN7syHRsov4p8bvQhp-2BVGmD9s7MtveH-2FttMocLVy9KX29B8Dj2HrSd2EHOEAGxeq6gHsBJOAEOVZ6ikeXfrbSChlUTLin39CAxP522MEGcnUUAegdYY2d0zPlWQa-2FLM9NzfArCb0bnPppytmNra-2Bzz7wus-2BbZTb12bMWzytlZ06u8et2vLYDkMueOz7WMyh5-2B5JqLaVhN3J8-3D).) At Jesus' trial, he was accused of inciting the people to revolt against Rome, but his accusers could not provide evidence to prove the charges against him. Pilate sought to appease the mob by agreeing to have Jesus flogged rather than executed, but they would have none of it (vv. 13-23). Scripture makes it clear that Judas, who betrayed Jesus ([Matthew 27:4](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDZhEyZQoKOFqtATwVufh0S-2BLFcleNgnQmMB6sZNpBT-2BrmqUF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbjk2LHff3RUYhz66uUNEHCYpel4gK1QN7GPU72e-2BfiQWZ-2FoD1eFUpBzL1LDnF6APj3fRDTnmz8kN51ppYhWTYJxXeSb6OOClrXPcychJbLv5zxw84CUtn-2FInAz1WFCvdMk-2B2aH1672-2BXEJMRyw2HZJhVglq0kkoEr4qS6ZYe5c3SMIFH6WFj9a57uNBZhGVm70YOl2TtvPKe5V-2FYUWNizTM-3D)), his accusers, the government officials who condemned him (Herod and Pilate) (vv. 4, 13-15, 22), another prisoner crucified next to Jesus ([Luke 23:40-41](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxrmDi49uLo3s-2BewWzPMWJ07IWcuZcH550YCXJ49E4WIJ5HSZfbfRNIY-2BScrR9FYw7s5P2_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbtL8xsxD-2B13MpgFQeHvjmpzyc4i3807VgVoA-2BW8qt3xDcOiUWGow2zRk8znuI-2FbOM3B05Za5njzz2dcFeUxKBZxnxoRCOXLIf2JPH-2FBeRrUb3A-2BExOETVvWPLu-2BZ8tLxWectFjvmd4wiDIDnizrrEGnQoGXGobHQ01pQVqYQQz14rwUVSvKyRN8xpj7x-2BLrwuYn6b3LiRXBIAOsackGXr2k-3D)), and his executioner (the centurion) ([Luke 23:47](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxrmDi49uLo3s-2BewWzPMWJ00O-2Fv6dw91Z-2BuvcUI7uWa-2BMe4MKqbhhThtT0fcT15kVbn0rh_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbkOaLFUCpqX3u1cxy3ZyV07N8y7U0E3atYt5aM969aMoxb3ShOZahaLLQCH7RaDrxBE-2BJ6hEHCxUmJu5RFD8jML8DkEKihTkqCT925GsF3snlFZJD2yabOOnrA6C9spd5lbED03-2Bpr2qyZcdJjIP6YmKxJebYJprKoub-2FEe3ZBXHuR2zQGePZKgUmCvUa-2B077kbIB4IYLHL2IiofvhFIzwU-3D)) all knew Jesus was not guilty of anything remotely deserving the death penalty, but they participated in the miscarriage of justice that let a guilty man go free while damning the innocent anyway. Jesus appeared before Caiaphas the high priest, who "had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people" ([John 18:12-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxIZQdl9o19AaGMoRwm2CB4g2T7yRyqeVzEE7YQcmwsUk2SGdyjDjsT32ek0Re9Cz1a1sT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbgjN-2BBGlJG8BHdJyLylkXshUHxuyULyKtzG-2BmhVcjgoZBc2k47AheCWkM0xM7I6x7ROa9SIVcXBSDuPH-2BEimDpzzbIEl3SznRsX9yOMLFp124yiKN2o-2BDIDQdR0Wgszp-2FvDQ4hPS6L68L4uWc1FCefTtN9ldwVJ1JvNIDu7MUeF75JTzBO52kSD143fml9CvPFAISpnOOfFRhIjP52uaSlE-3D)). He gave that advice after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, creating such a stir that the Jews in leadership worried that the Romans would believe the people were rebelling and destroy their temple and nation. "It is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed," Caiaphas said ([John 11:47-53](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxm710weIZqGHxzbXNCbplKX-2Bp0V-2FYXOKbFqF-2BYfZ226CkCEQSz5h2EYLdlTKr-2BPSlrAin_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbr7VL6vxgat-2Fve-2Fl8kcuuFdNkZtP7rEREFGhgvg3en7FEUV3seFMvALtNd3f3AWO1YLaqzsrXiROhQy4-2Fam7cq-2Fi9Iu8-2FBGrwvkUg5NqbbrDY2mzvxBzIVpFz2XEmTubasdzRebKxtP3LSrWwetWspnTejRwpXJzc7uNdHWi2vDzEGLng9DwfYC8ZCeREdMOQitryeNLTb0jpj-2BeNwEiFOY-3D)). > **Questions:** What could Jesus have said to avoid punishment? Why didn't he defend himself? What motivated the different actors to participate in the condemnation of an innocent man? Where, if anywhere, do you see similar factors at play in the world today? **John 15:12-14** *[Jesus said,] "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."* (For context, read [John 15:12-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6X5ZDqmmd6bjMoDH8aooD947FQf3sUmmaIpmhzt36yHwTpQq_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbr9aN74Sq7UzdNUCcNdjCzKxhW8rESDicNg1GIwALV3uP-2BKT6tSRcogJ1slLhtWFG0KQmNPcI-2BbqzI8jy8pCuf5dg7CqucAvqSuXDOxGOJxL4HAntRd0ckrTqOPiQuthXUErO-2BwoOXyYSzYanNhdGczQBTVcPdY3vAQbVgRi5HvzUimU4J2awOIrnlFWa8OKflYCLEupBWL-2B0mwrjFHSycQ-3D).) This statement is part of Jesus' discourse during the Passover meal he shared with his disciples hours before his arrest, trial and crucifixion. He had washed the disciples' tired, dirty feet, even though convention would have exempted him from such lowly duties, reserved only for slaves at the bottom of the ladder ([John 13:1-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2FyQiqyOLSLAUV1XaJAN8ktz6y622fw3a0-2F8ACP8oP2qhHNFjFGIdaouZ034jYFhq_ihE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbklocRUIeuy9QCun6anykpSxmzyEIhngt-2BLaT-2BMbwmVqfOpb1TtE-2BpEMRCVg3DiASHgDcf611b0Cj0SLn40wUz11MdFi0XJTufGUu86zUYDjrzTm2cmqSnb5crfWO0g5Djt-2BPYcM4Lteny1YhQrqOEykAr8fE-2BTIGHILecZMJPYayhse0uT8Uv7qc2Ae-2FP7vf874B8COc3kYdNTXPBWXYZ8-3D)). During the supper, Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to them, and said, "This is my body, which is given for you." Then he took a cup, and said, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" ([Luke 22:19-20](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxD2XRzVIiP-2Bh2Nqe6kf2V2wiijbuOghQacE90ZAda2NM2PvYvKPjXJmAJhnPk7EtmHIKv_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbrHLjxb3uUslBeMpW1Ccgev4u5qZACgAQli42LSdzLXaoW4PQmSOxyEnNIius59Kpw6g-2FHjYhbte0-2FXTTEU0oS0L-2Bzj0l1S7lC2Dx13qgr2RtGc9C7fUK0EuX18FEXZorDu21atq1mu9Eg-2BA-2BaUwrD4hq-2BCejUOnmmv7QjFWBVobM7n3a9Ilyxa1Dmm4eo2hoGegyAxWb6VuoeUK1qlvxzM-3D)). Mark says the cup is poured out "for many" ([Mark 14:22-24](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2BxD3tA0R5ra-2FuXtihIhX1ZTaucJA3ahlDUdHj7h8yiNtyI1OvUil67i7fMvxWPC5AFD1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbs4aGqNEBUYo8Ycepjl4UkyBph5r8VwJaYv5fwmP3-2FxU7c9QlB7J-2F83HH4ocKqpt2HkvrPf-2FmfJSkO2hXECUIdFsizrJ9FM9EvNGSS3Vi-2Bwa-2BdOPN7G9ODvMxTLPgI9piXE4br7KXuSgep2uGrUXJY7h3BGutkKQCM-2FiAK4hiLl7hKx9-2FmEiEYLTQuYR0mQaXWO3aaKfW4l5VTt8GBr1fWo-3D)). > **Questions:** How did Jesus love his disciples? How, then, are his disciples to love each other? What do the phrases "for one's friends," "for you," and "for many" suggest to you about self-sacrifice? About what it takes to offer one's life for that of another? **Romans 5:6-10** *For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person -- though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely, therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.* (For context, read [Romans 5:1-11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxt6IVE54u7FY5mod21JAtLxts0d4HNDu-2F-2FysdmQbFYPbL2hvsbYHJPajz2dMzZmQTKO06_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbrqinv92N-2B9ygVyJFrxCTfkXgZEcaFZ3f26aSMbvkN0BwiezDkFM3EAls7vSEiGFBP6Mlcu4-2Bd4pGHZL41WravwSNgKh-2BQRr6D17rgYa5JO6p1IdxAkLf4F79g0r5csNzEM2J6y6yxx2usheUHzf-2FVxfYP24XrFExu0h8H6LqjZfYbQlQVUGNtTw6MrQoVMVxKLUQVG9obV-2BkAV-2FAw7NIjM-3D).) Here Paul's theology matches that found in 1 John 4:10-11, which states: "In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another." Both passages reveal that God is the one who initiates the love relationship before we express love to God. > **Questions:** Why does it require daring to die for a good person? If, as Jesus said, "no one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends," what kind of daring love made it possible for Christ to die for weak, ungodly, unrighteous and evil sinners who were his enemies and God's enemies? What is the most appropriate response to that kind of love? **For Further Discussion** 1. React to this: Regarding the death penalty, Devlin believes "only God has the authority to take life" and that when a government executes someone, it usurps God's authority. It might also limit the prisoner's opportunity to repent. Add to that the imperfection of human judicial systems, that in some cases apply the ultimate irreversible penalty unfairly and unjustly to people of color and to the poor, and capital punishment becomes difficult and problematic at best and perhaps corrupt, criminal and wicked at worst. Agree or disagree? Discuss. 2. Devlin wrote: "When it snows up here on Saturday, and I put my thirteen old son on the community snow plow and he does about five miles of plowing the sidewalks, I believe that that's glorifying to God! And it's creating civil society. Because some neighbor's going to say, 'Hey, why do you plow the streets or the sidewalks?' 'Well, because we love people.' 'Well, why do you love people?' 'Well, because Jesus died for people.'" What does Jesus' willingness to die for people motivate you to do? 3. A classic tale of a boy who volunteered to take a classmate's punishment is found in this video: [He Took My Whipping (Video 8:45)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq183-2B74-2F-2FqYlvTD91ra4YBWSF-2F2rWyEP8esmTyJjeSX-2FYw-3D-3Dq3Yt_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbp3NRn18H0XQoO-2BOiG8qGST8P9DnhLPAXGQJsJ3Sjr7jiMKeKq9Pm1dsW0DucrALw5OEF2WvOFq3uyH1MOTGQhst8HpRyBU40F8rNNJeoLsBgWOvcEsIFrPCdKuvqZf6xOcDThZ7vNxM9hXzE7zUYqvnZTLeyujPWnoeUH9Mqx3MDs-2BkH0pyXQc3ldVy6l9Z0AtTI-2BmRc1uRy6URI2-2BuHgw-3D). What do you think about the way the storyteller connects the tale to what Jesus did for us? 4. If people never have to face the consequences for their misdeeds, because someone else pays their fees or takes the blame instead, what might happen? What potential benefits and drawbacks might result from such a situation? **Responding to the News** 1. If you believe a person, your family, neighborhood, community or entire country is in trouble, what rescuing action might you take and what would it cost you? What result of your action would make it worth your sacrifice? 2. Give thanks for the many times God has forgiven you, and ask God for the grace to repent and to turn from sin, to follow Christ and his way. **Prayer** O God, we pray for justice for Sunday Jackson, for protection for persecuted Christians and other people at risk of violence, and for your people to be able to live peaceably with others. In the name of the Prince of Peace we pray. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=Ikfu4FXJdG-m1feGchDSEOQbZxIt9pzhzxz9A67YqbVoMDAwdTAwMO77oYnpSKZsDzl7IL9xuN09D2mwtwq479M9KmBVLArvuSLxlWOLEBhr8Z_t9vEJtO76A0mRUPNjPFEfhKXKcXHj90iA_rSfgiM90acI6uTbIR_gGCt6s-qr7uLzpnkQiSJr55rURSgQbXbcOLT0b5aSucsvmOxSVMjRwbzRSmEfcnb4qbruyAahbGyIhcuDshxysQOsZY_hZDUsDznP9UXqPrSwNGbWl8s_dy2l0OCiO-snuH1nBJVFbwmGg80YmOgk8u2u1hfKssYQZJQx2bey2gGerJGV9tuCRb-bsEvIfm3yV4i7Ey8D1ld4BIISImNWwmKawP_qWtfdw2RAPOp1QrfrcQdjvYw1e_Og2YH8i3LnkPKuk5T7JO_RKxPHNPLSFfJm36D0QIaFr17qoh6TFqFjVcQ6vA0NVwClUM_oYcxKRGAJxwT1gdwSQW4M5ZEt_xbkyvpT5eqxfQIZs-5fK1yCBxIdD1zx5I8ivijng3EKLDXBt4Rl0_VDMBK2-Dr2MBkryp-zZcb9wkluSFeXrD9y_rEPWu7ytkKUWjZhHmn0Uqanx7IohZOPo3GrOusv3H65xlFeJKe7nEO2Q-Y=) <div>Dear Class Members, News reached us about an American pastor who has volunteered to die in place of a Christian Nigerian farmer on death row for killing a Muslim herder who allegedly attacked him with a knife. While we don't know whether the Nigerian court system would permit such an exchange, we are prompted to consider what motivated Jesus to offer his life for sinners during Holy Week, and what we would be willing to sacrifice for others. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Pastor Offers to Accept Another Man's Death Sentence The Wired Word for the Week of April 13, 2025 In the News <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBbu1SjLX-2BOSQfHBBttjWLYJvoT2CtVH7d81CJXenlTq6F47pObxSU4j7RZzSTKpLQ-3D-3Dqbvn\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbjPgjVGRnaklanV1lMFeqVOCk5rcA1qj6dxXt8-2Bu3ejHba82xWqa8JGCbtc3dTW2X-2FZfKwcnyNBtTBBnWSVI278j-2FsamadbJBOAvEc0Nux3TGGjjx88SWU6Y3RlA4zLFa2OgLL2hXljpczjTaXhehvdVphyfRw-2FwEyJR1l8QVEENVsIRyRwODEv-2FGmYfKduWzOJjElIwPiZ9RqzQZgc1ONA-3D">William Devlin</a>, the missions pastor of <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPD-2FCQs1XPWVuy-2Bk3qwapkxQNhOfcu-2BQxHNoQfbqLqZygWGdH6w31KrPrpg2tQsUs3AUbe9xtlcZ0mh0ex0W5FiE-3DXB-6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbj4vn9x-2FNrqP-2BP3FwilvpHgtaZKxaQvFWJ2SBcf-2B5HfHJ8WzbjuL8MnPHcCxytws3Z1ldjXjC79vghK3DOcBtHVl4MrI2-2BdPx-2FeWTFBG9v9g-2Bo8koS0pBfNI9FpnS32yYXuzMUVN9-2FCHbi5QJIz-2BK2l2N8IUT4sbZbZFtr2vj1HfzLlVjQFwdxQYwHTHrDlSA5lwsSHAY6JwuYPV-2Bc-2BQVXw-3D">Infinity Bible Church</a> in the South Bronx, New York, is offering to take the place of Sunday Jackson, a 30-year-old Nigerian Christian farmer sentenced to death by hanging for killing a Fulani herder during an attack on his farm in 2015. Jackson alleged that Buba Ardo Bawuro herded his animals onto his farm to feed on his crops without permission. The farmer claimed that when he protested, the herdsman attacked and injured him with a knife. Jackson said that in the ensuing skirmish, he killed Bawuro in self-defense. At trial in 2021, the Adamawa High Court Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, a Muslim, rejected that argument, ruling that Jackson should have fled the scene rather than killing his attacker, even though Bawuro had stabbed the farmer in the leg, making escape next to impossible. Last month, the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld Tafida's verdict of guilty and sentence of capital punishment. According to the 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List, Boko Haram and other Islamic extremist groups killed nearly 10,000 Nigerian Christians between November 2022 and November 2024. Human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe, who attended the March 7 hearing, called the judicial decision "a textbook case of miscarriage of justice." Leaders with the Christian Association of Nigeria and other human rights advocates have advocated for clemency or a pardon for Jackson. Devlin, 72, told journalists, "My relationship with Jesus Messiah demands that I offer myself up for Sunday Jackson, much as Jesus Messiah offered Himself up for me." Devlin is no stranger to self-sacrifice. A combat decorated Vietnam veteran, recipient of the Purple Heart and psychiatric nurse with degrees in religion and urban trauma, he has practiced <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPC3aT9aCsN8LO9HJkwjFygzrkTKywD3CdJBjFf14DVwtyOnPnvek-2BgtP38VHKMyD0V1OTJhBX8jsyjcVh6sos-2BuOqlTKoS031chwmI3r2-2F7rcUMRn5QO7OR2VnCmAhI079DUdAWrQVvoJKrmxo1az3g-3Dh-sA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbg8FpCQfJxKcKPQ-2BGGUqWLNRVE9ZH22bFCWBGFqi2YiVWj6LPPrbdat39lS8aXbQd9-2BGc0rm7Mrs3ud-2BYsjif7LGGVXwOOPOkRCReJKvdBH0goJ0YxcKIhrJXWZ3KzHF5QaZ8wHfZAupxYwVjbbT3ktw7iaIOacUVPg8JGxcgapAdff4Er2UDGvYhENMotE98ZmkmbffALrCNZeAy0EcJoU-3D">extended fasts</a>, imploring God for an end to the war in Ukraine in 2022, gun violence, poverty and injustice. "I started REDEEM! in 2010, and then God called me to war zones," he said. "And in the midst of that, as I looked at who are the people that I'm attempting to reach and that would be widows, orphans, the neglected, the forgotten, the broken, the lost." Later he created another charity, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCZtWYhn-2FE42V1opKhgOBWCOHvYeOTouzKmgw70aONly8VXV\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbhckAbwz79MT17UrxMcDCvLhZxtgEwbmm92cjxzejTN4ktU6ks7Buf1cXewczO8Vtrlm1Uqv3d4NYbO8Bw39WZHuLNWcxMryxB473Hv5Emaf4tf279qZ0Uo92nO1vOeQsECjdZhyhRTJclkekGj3dG1r8qBxmJIJ2BMI6jNIAV0jl5w1RTp0xgSpvnXfgRKheAWLutXng8cvotItZIIuQJU-3D">Widows and Orphans</a>, to provide "emotional, spiritual, psychological and practical physical care to persecuted Christians," refugees, traumatized and internally displaced persons (IDPs), in hot spots across the Middle East (including Gaza), Africa, Asia and Europe (including Ukraine). Who knows why Devlin feels such a powerful connection to Sunday Jackson? A product of a home troubled by alcohol abuse, whose father abandoned the family and whose mother died when Devlin was in his teens, he found hope in Christ at the age of 19. He was once injured by a mugger wielding a knife, an experience that may have given him a greater appreciation for the fear Jackson must have felt when he was under attack. "If I can save that man's life, and they take my life, then I'm willing to do it," Devlin stated. "I see it as obedience to the Scripture. Jesus Messiah did it for me. He went to the cross, and I have a new life because of that. So why wouldn't I do that for someone else?" Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, said, "Pastor Bill Devlin is a person of faith who speaks out for people of all faiths under attack. ... Some people in our world do so little and ask, 'What can I do?' Pastor Bill Devlin risks his life and asks, 'What else should I do?' He is a true blessing to humankind." Friend Mark Houck calls Devlin "the most courageous man I know. He has sacrificed himself so much for the crucified church that I see the face of Christ in him every time I am in his company. A true hero. A true patriot. A true Christian." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF2XpsLcqjymgYw0oGxRtXoSVbWxDXK67s2JlQFD-2FmsI3KBYqpdNEHgefFq-2ByBbcCNBGWaA5lSP2z6qNxZtwQOlLbOUBl9ymtSruMcNKFpqnTOZPm4zVn3aMV8k81bYRdw-3D-3DWHei\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbl8qh-2FgHGpB0JY4HVasuS-2BTY3UCHiN1HxFFiUZgwXq5dLvjfgN0bjRu4f-2B9SajXWqQqztSBUXvujGAb1Ei-2B-2BNimc6KcSIJsUbvvAsbH5IwhOpclu4wTTdImzlL-2FR7dmzEScZh9688N2MgZIv3U0HqozTJwgtsYNqqnPz9a6TP8wlfgolXn5u6LpA-2F4NVgYk6rfTyRUMKAVTzosqboPN3nxQ-3D">American Pastor Offers His Life For Nigerian Christian Sentenced to Death by Hanging. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF2XpsLcqjymgYw0oGxRtXoSVbWxDXK67s2JlQFD-2FmsI3KBYqpdNEHgefFq-2ByBbcCNBGWaA5lSP2z6qNxZtwQOlLbOUBl9ymtSruMcNKFpqnTOZPm4zVn3aMV8k81bYRdw-3D-3DYtpQ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbmkKaEJGI6-2FVO4bbjVC03Rx2KHll6xIYDX759eAkeHHExZFt5bZklxer8t0ABFxPUODg6rW-2FcFZ8hAy2TcHiXOtoqWdVEl16nYeQ6hZSJ2g6E-2BDWLmIL1FCcBkIIv9-2FMIYPgDALcAu3r948cHzIzhiQYTHM0hTBKBTn-2FP1lv-2BQg57-2B9rBxZ-2FRS4Ho209p8ASI5DcZOgIO-2FWXRy-2F7FOMFw-2BE-3D">Christian Post</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEieeyZY4bj5SWyZVLv6sR-2FbPRfQtP5peu4wp7jIn-2FAG8Vxb7h2CetdszVtwqE68Dv-2B0iNLn0Kd0rq04MP9TrcBV-2FzXhkPq0H-2Fbixub580Yt-2B9HVbfHWtcQESTt74ePXtg-3D-3DWpst\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbqQpbzBoo1l5cOvJlIH78CPQiRn4PMb4ptr77y5XLqAT-2BQ0qFeTSDmPWXU3miAbW880mnMNWJgfrvhE0k-2Ft5FarXcKK3dt0A86TCUdQ1rH11fv-2F4NsBrQR6aPHYSs402eiCc5AywJUJMq40UfsYsDLFtFU63wWCh1OltxKRXcmzfcBWs-2FiDf3qJeP9w-2B9WLAIh0x-2FNmKj4rU0tkajpkVlkY-3D">American Pastor Offers His Life For Nigerian Man Facing Death Sentence. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEieeyZY4bj5SWyZVLv6sR-2FbPRfQtP5peu4wp7jIn-2FAG8Vxb7h2CetdszVtwqE68Dv-2B0iNLn0Kd0rq04MP9TrcBV-2FzXhkPq0H-2Fbixub580Yt-2B9HVbfHWtcQESTt74ePXtg-3D-3DDvjm\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbgS40X-2BHMLn-2BWa6gaY3Sl5oFuUvsdvx1QQABSORrhQnfjwqLcUnGW2-2B2-2FOAzqFZnGd-2FYRal-2Br08q2TSKA3db3QnafHvDDxY22iSgVJmCYSF3NT-2Fgo9k87DVKcMpQ0ewY-2BFTgo19mNU9Xf63o6sFfGCAM4DPRbH28HRok9iZeskL8SER0dG-2Bz58lnTEzam0lBlM2-2F2XTfV7T8YN6IzqSQiv4-3D">Premier Christian News</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEcABqjgRVHYExTtOeqSsy3Ir55jAXBHF3ubszsPr-2F7AxJo-2F1ZTBqwmeAb6atVkBbNDQW23N-2BqYy51e8jdkAsYM-3D\_Wd6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbi3u5tfkBgKzKrXjkfrGvuceINifJgsvrvvZpQM3tm9LBtOPbhEHLusaG1ddwVIQRebcP59k-2BuHjv-2BPZr6RjDyT-2Fr71ZbMZSvN48m90jPLaRknoUHgb6rvMpjc8Pb9T34PX3A5WbicV-2BXhbaulUrHyPqqu3n-2B8TD6qcrvyln3Ol3bL7h0SbsSzBOlcKwbolyM7emFvxnShgtNscbJ4rjz-2B4-3D">Lower Moreland Pastor Helps Persecuted Christians Abroad. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEcABqjgRVHYExTtOeqSsy3Ir55jAXBHF3ubszsPr-2F7AxJo-2F1ZTBqwmeAb6atVkBbNDQW23N-2BqYy51e8jdkAsYM-3DI0ZF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbiqFkw1YHw8I-2FEpNnx5CgSGiHBSiCfnRHgTcTdkBfcWCR5bGRr6g2-2B-2FWoXpkLIlqLkf2FtDPPWcIyBuMR2diosZrbj6bVhQO5NkS20onKph6Hvv6ytIN1WpvCMMKlqNPKvG9-2Fo5NDRxLscGEqaKBSVyx2senQ07JeBtymH8C-2F52aF9Hb-2F2HZfSVJ-2BJh3RY06WU0og-2B5ikC53quIbXnAu0bs-3D">Delaware Valley Journal</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq19V4jOJ09zUcPkKSBr1asKAAUD-2B-2BVkSHKA4ReRAEptphQ-3D-3DahNZ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbu1wp1GvbOE6rfwE27SKGyyZBbIZ-2BQSgTEzA-2Bl8eE7aTN0uPROZfFAbz-2BQs0obzjoIQf-2FnQvnI-2BO0vFO-2B7G3VPFDExXNTOT7HXDTCHvOb7Dpc4Xop0qG16JPpbpU7UIzG0rWBigZ3Kb6loQKeespnJjBATtCSZr5Oh9CdXzOTxecmJSBoa-2F6CAkaUtfksi4sHIkQD5j-2FPoEIdU0Cl-2BIneDI-3D">The Sad Story of Sunday Jackson (Video 2:56). </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq19V4jOJ09zUcPkKSBr1asKAAUD-2B-2BVkSHKA4ReRAEptphQ-3D-3Dpsws\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbj5seQpVPx3Pptxg8FM0KJ3-2FoL9bh1eDK6fG3DCxwBQXeBKmwF97DhRk-2FFE7ZoTXqdjviFdO-2BnoH8rn-2BKZ-2FFNn-2Fas3CXAW0iPIk4JHRw5LK7xVCrnpVn6bBw6U6RP-2B5kp9w5f-2ByiRy8QWmkps1otM-2FP82E3O60w8igF2J6gOhyow9qxPjK0KVXGH9AsFHdWk9movzJztQe9tGkJHe4OoYQk-3D">@TheEastcoastshow</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEQoWJ8O0F0CrS18-2F3uYL5IVpVuID1Li4A-2BN4ciVtLZbFSUrCRre3ua2pIoXYXP8r-2BhrIb8RZgBTlLdWF2O1wUY-3DJRnb\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbl2vECLLIxSZ1onzLSrMy8LvJh9ACdzMvMBrfqu-2B-2FK5SoRRQQEZPhNd6MfQ4XbZXtRj5D9yzGIzookU1GTWlN0xx3ccNJHP4Aihx6GwfbCmYgJetx6OJznHKnxVU1FL9-2B58KHiBKwsYufbA25oZrh4-2FaspBAi6CRmt7XnkTNQ7a74xqx9B8lAvk5VufdJJEGSolr-2B62Y3TE1mWpcNeDXWl0-3D">Loving One's Enemies While Battling for Righteousness. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEQoWJ8O0F0CrS18-2F3uYL5IVpVuID1Li4A-2BN4ciVtLZbFSUrCRre3ua2pIoXYXP8r-2BhrIb8RZgBTlLdWF2O1wUY-3DD5wR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbqXuSzaNGEgDYSufh1-2BSwg-2B52WTHnYIAxEdvyyRrF1LDj0HwwiIWWwEmNt9i-2F6g83ddR2Lb75LMNS61qAXuHxHeYuRJGW1LDxbeMu2i7FtamxpTyV9sYAGQ0dtTLvRRp7ve6D3E6X4Wo3ycKwYdcvS0oU-2FFUwsNTVKC3zBh5QDpml8gZ7Uy23DYQW4Oca3Lgoy63t9K-2Bhp7PYKc1m-2B45mAs-3D">Presbyterian News</a> The Big Questions 1. What example of self-sacrifice (other than that of Jesus) most inspires you? 2. When, if ever, has someone willingly intervened and taken a beating (literally or figuratively) meant for you? What do you think motivated that person? How did you react? 3. Would the actions of Devlin strike you differently if the person he was offering to change places with was a Muslim rather than a Christian? Explain. 4. What if the person on death row had not acted in self-defense, but had committed premeditated murder? 5. Under what circumstances, if any, would you consider offering your life in exchange for that of another? What role would your faith play in that decision? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Genesis 44:33-34 [Judah said,] "Now therefore, please let your servant remain as a slave to my lord in place of the boy, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the suffering that would come upon my father." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNWy2G1s8kU2NX8RTGarTdvSLX72SR2voJdm6Z8OPEeJhubnf\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbhZNFFDD6wqDG13bp0xGmVae-2FX7sC41ShQiWSNKEyH0UC-2BTOLz2DgcJvnoIDXl46RCO-2FtzwjIA-2B8khhg2EpTSTqM3Qv3Toi6mIWi8o06YUTXDj6FEBogYMBGF9fnn3Ls30P-2FwJQtTvmlOYbjEcGv939KFl7F-2FYPj3sftciGIf9503z800riuxMMlUYSwpFiCuNpgyTFn5m7Z4tD8eD1Vp4E-3D">Genesis 44:18-34</a>.) After Joseph's half-brothers sold him to Midian slave traders who brought him to Egypt, he spent years in forced labor, and then languished in prison after being falsely accused of attempted rape of his master's wife. He was released and rose to extraordinary power after he correctly interpreted the pharaoh's dreams of catastrophic famine to come. When Joseph's brothers began to run out of food, they traveled to Egypt to buy supplies for their families. There they encountered Joseph in his new role as administrator of the nation's storehouses, but they didn't recognize him. Joseph devised a cunning plan to ascertain whether his brothers had changed their ways in the years they had been apart. He had his aide hide his cup in his full brother Benjamin's sack, so that it would appear that Benjamin had stolen it. Then when the cup was discovered, he threatened to take Benjamin into custody as a slave. Judah, who had participated in the original crime against Joseph decades earlier, now begged Joseph to let him trade places with Benjamin, so that he could become a slave instead of the boy. Joseph was so moved to see how Judah's heart had changed that he broke down, revealed his identity and extended forgiveness to his brothers. None of them would need to become slaves after all! <blockquote> Questions: What do you think motivated Judah to offer to take Benjamin's place? What do you think led to his change of heart in the time that passed between his selling Joseph into slavery and this incident? </blockquote> Luke 23:23-25 But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for [Barabbas], the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxrmDi49uLo3s-2BewWzPMWJ01AFtSFMCYjpGCvFvGCpOfOLxLbvVHgCUecMQEzX-2B8Ey5LYy\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbr6m-2BN379FZKN7syHRsov4p8bvQhp-2BVGmD9s7MtveH-2FttMocLVy9KX29B8Dj2HrSd2EHOEAGxeq6gHsBJOAEOVZ6ikeXfrbSChlUTLin39CAxP522MEGcnUUAegdYY2d0zPlWQa-2FLM9NzfArCb0bnPppytmNra-2Bzz7wus-2BbZTb12bMWzytlZ06u8et2vLYDkMueOz7WMyh5-2B5JqLaVhN3J8-3D">Luke 23:13-25</a>.) At Jesus' trial, he was accused of inciting the people to revolt against Rome, but his accusers could not provide evidence to prove the charges against him. Pilate sought to appease the mob by agreeing to have Jesus flogged rather than executed, but they would have none of it (vv. 13-23). Scripture makes it clear that Judas, who betrayed Jesus (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDZhEyZQoKOFqtATwVufh0S-2BLFcleNgnQmMB6sZNpBT-2BrmqUF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbjk2LHff3RUYhz66uUNEHCYpel4gK1QN7GPU72e-2BfiQWZ-2FoD1eFUpBzL1LDnF6APj3fRDTnmz8kN51ppYhWTYJxXeSb6OOClrXPcychJbLv5zxw84CUtn-2FInAz1WFCvdMk-2B2aH1672-2BXEJMRyw2HZJhVglq0kkoEr4qS6ZYe5c3SMIFH6WFj9a57uNBZhGVm70YOl2TtvPKe5V-2FYUWNizTM-3D">Matthew 27:4</a>), his accusers, the government officials who condemned him (Herod and Pilate) (vv. 4, 13-15, 22), another prisoner crucified next to Jesus (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxrmDi49uLo3s-2BewWzPMWJ07IWcuZcH550YCXJ49E4WIJ5HSZfbfRNIY-2BScrR9FYw7s5P2\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbtL8xsxD-2B13MpgFQeHvjmpzyc4i3807VgVoA-2BW8qt3xDcOiUWGow2zRk8znuI-2FbOM3B05Za5njzz2dcFeUxKBZxnxoRCOXLIf2JPH-2FBeRrUb3A-2BExOETVvWPLu-2BZ8tLxWectFjvmd4wiDIDnizrrEGnQoGXGobHQ01pQVqYQQz14rwUVSvKyRN8xpj7x-2BLrwuYn6b3LiRXBIAOsackGXr2k-3D">Luke 23:40-41</a>), and his executioner (the centurion) (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxrmDi49uLo3s-2BewWzPMWJ00O-2Fv6dw91Z-2BuvcUI7uWa-2BMe4MKqbhhThtT0fcT15kVbn0rh\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbkOaLFUCpqX3u1cxy3ZyV07N8y7U0E3atYt5aM969aMoxb3ShOZahaLLQCH7RaDrxBE-2BJ6hEHCxUmJu5RFD8jML8DkEKihTkqCT925GsF3snlFZJD2yabOOnrA6C9spd5lbED03-2Bpr2qyZcdJjIP6YmKxJebYJprKoub-2FEe3ZBXHuR2zQGePZKgUmCvUa-2B077kbIB4IYLHL2IiofvhFIzwU-3D">Luke 23:47</a>) all knew Jesus was not guilty of anything remotely deserving the death penalty, but they participated in the miscarriage of justice that let a guilty man go free while damning the innocent anyway. Jesus appeared before Caiaphas the high priest, who "had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxIZQdl9o19AaGMoRwm2CB4g2T7yRyqeVzEE7YQcmwsUk2SGdyjDjsT32ek0Re9Cz1a1sT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbgjN-2BBGlJG8BHdJyLylkXshUHxuyULyKtzG-2BmhVcjgoZBc2k47AheCWkM0xM7I6x7ROa9SIVcXBSDuPH-2BEimDpzzbIEl3SznRsX9yOMLFp124yiKN2o-2BDIDQdR0Wgszp-2FvDQ4hPS6L68L4uWc1FCefTtN9ldwVJ1JvNIDu7MUeF75JTzBO52kSD143fml9CvPFAISpnOOfFRhIjP52uaSlE-3D">John 18:12-14</a>). He gave that advice after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, creating such a stir that the Jews in leadership worried that the Romans would believe the people were rebelling and destroy their temple and nation. "It is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed," Caiaphas said (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxm710weIZqGHxzbXNCbplKX-2Bp0V-2FYXOKbFqF-2BYfZ226CkCEQSz5h2EYLdlTKr-2BPSlrAin\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbr7VL6vxgat-2Fve-2Fl8kcuuFdNkZtP7rEREFGhgvg3en7FEUV3seFMvALtNd3f3AWO1YLaqzsrXiROhQy4-2Fam7cq-2Fi9Iu8-2FBGrwvkUg5NqbbrDY2mzvxBzIVpFz2XEmTubasdzRebKxtP3LSrWwetWspnTejRwpXJzc7uNdHWi2vDzEGLng9DwfYC8ZCeREdMOQitryeNLTb0jpj-2BeNwEiFOY-3D">John 11:47-53</a>). <blockquote> Questions: What could Jesus have said to avoid punishment? Why didn't he defend himself? What motivated the different actors to participate in the condemnation of an innocent man? Where, if anywhere, do you see similar factors at play in the world today? </blockquote> John 15:12-14 [Jesus said,] "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT4PTUfd6hE6df7lW-2Bu8M6X5ZDqmmd6bjMoDH8aooD947FQf3sUmmaIpmhzt36yHwTpQq\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbr9aN74Sq7UzdNUCcNdjCzKxhW8rESDicNg1GIwALV3uP-2BKT6tSRcogJ1slLhtWFG0KQmNPcI-2BbqzI8jy8pCuf5dg7CqucAvqSuXDOxGOJxL4HAntRd0ckrTqOPiQuthXUErO-2BwoOXyYSzYanNhdGczQBTVcPdY3vAQbVgRi5HvzUimU4J2awOIrnlFWa8OKflYCLEupBWL-2B0mwrjFHSycQ-3D">John 15:12-17</a>.) This statement is part of Jesus' discourse during the Passover meal he shared with his disciples hours before his arrest, trial and crucifixion. He had washed the disciples' tired, dirty feet, even though convention would have exempted him from such lowly duties, reserved only for slaves at the bottom of the ladder (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2FyQiqyOLSLAUV1XaJAN8ktz6y622fw3a0-2F8ACP8oP2qhHNFjFGIdaouZ034jYFhq\_ihE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbklocRUIeuy9QCun6anykpSxmzyEIhngt-2BLaT-2BMbwmVqfOpb1TtE-2BpEMRCVg3DiASHgDcf611b0Cj0SLn40wUz11MdFi0XJTufGUu86zUYDjrzTm2cmqSnb5crfWO0g5Djt-2BPYcM4Lteny1YhQrqOEykAr8fE-2BTIGHILecZMJPYayhse0uT8Uv7qc2Ae-2FP7vf874B8COc3kYdNTXPBWXYZ8-3D">John 13:1-17</a>). During the supper, Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to them, and said, "This is my body, which is given for you." Then he took a cup, and said, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxD2XRzVIiP-2Bh2Nqe6kf2V2wiijbuOghQacE90ZAda2NM2PvYvKPjXJmAJhnPk7EtmHIKv\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbrHLjxb3uUslBeMpW1Ccgev4u5qZACgAQli42LSdzLXaoW4PQmSOxyEnNIius59Kpw6g-2FHjYhbte0-2FXTTEU0oS0L-2Bzj0l1S7lC2Dx13qgr2RtGc9C7fUK0EuX18FEXZorDu21atq1mu9Eg-2BA-2BaUwrD4hq-2BCejUOnmmv7QjFWBVobM7n3a9Ilyxa1Dmm4eo2hoGegyAxWb6VuoeUK1qlvxzM-3D">Luke 22:19-20</a>). Mark says the cup is poured out "for many" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2BxD3tA0R5ra-2FuXtihIhX1ZTaucJA3ahlDUdHj7h8yiNtyI1OvUil67i7fMvxWPC5AFD1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbs4aGqNEBUYo8Ycepjl4UkyBph5r8VwJaYv5fwmP3-2FxU7c9QlB7J-2F83HH4ocKqpt2HkvrPf-2FmfJSkO2hXECUIdFsizrJ9FM9EvNGSS3Vi-2Bwa-2BdOPN7G9ODvMxTLPgI9piXE4br7KXuSgep2uGrUXJY7h3BGutkKQCM-2FiAK4hiLl7hKx9-2FmEiEYLTQuYR0mQaXWO3aaKfW4l5VTt8GBr1fWo-3D">Mark 14:22-24</a>). <blockquote> Questions: How did Jesus love his disciples? How, then, are his disciples to love each other? What do the phrases "for one's friends," "for you," and "for many" suggest to you about self-sacrifice? About what it takes to offer one's life for that of another? </blockquote> Romans 5:6-10 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person -- though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely, therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxt6IVE54u7FY5mod21JAtLxts0d4HNDu-2F-2FysdmQbFYPbL2hvsbYHJPajz2dMzZmQTKO06\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbrqinv92N-2B9ygVyJFrxCTfkXgZEcaFZ3f26aSMbvkN0BwiezDkFM3EAls7vSEiGFBP6Mlcu4-2Bd4pGHZL41WravwSNgKh-2BQRr6D17rgYa5JO6p1IdxAkLf4F79g0r5csNzEM2J6y6yxx2usheUHzf-2FVxfYP24XrFExu0h8H6LqjZfYbQlQVUGNtTw6MrQoVMVxKLUQVG9obV-2BkAV-2FAw7NIjM-3D">Romans 5:1-11</a>.) Here Paul's theology matches that found in 1 John 4:10-11, which states: "In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another." Both passages reveal that God is the one who initiates the love relationship before we express love to God. <blockquote> Questions: Why does it require daring to die for a good person? If, as Jesus said, "no one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends," what kind of daring love made it possible for Christ to die for weak, ungodly, unrighteous and evil sinners who were his enemies and God's enemies? What is the most appropriate response to that kind of love? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. React to this: Regarding the death penalty, Devlin believes "only God has the authority to take life" and that when a government executes someone, it usurps God's authority. It might also limit the prisoner's opportunity to repent. Add to that the imperfection of human judicial systems, that in some cases apply the ultimate irreversible penalty unfairly and unjustly to people of color and to the poor, and capital punishment becomes difficult and problematic at best and perhaps corrupt, criminal and wicked at worst. Agree or disagree? Discuss. 2. Devlin wrote: "When it snows up here on Saturday, and I put my thirteen old son on the community snow plow and he does about five miles of plowing the sidewalks, I believe that that's glorifying to God! And it's creating civil society. Because some neighbor's going to say, 'Hey, why do you plow the streets or the sidewalks?' 'Well, because we love people.' 'Well, why do you love people?' 'Well, because Jesus died for people.'" What does Jesus' willingness to die for people motivate you to do? 3. A classic tale of a boy who volunteered to take a classmate's punishment is found in this video: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPXTV2R-2Bm0Kz58iOCQYIq183-2B74-2F-2FqYlvTD91ra4YBWSF-2F2rWyEP8esmTyJjeSX-2FYw-3D-3Dq3Yt\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTRmpxTy95Zqv-2BVP6cAPHK8nBMu1WbF5RnhPWC7bGwPv6Z8SrEzOzL7indcZqHQMbp3NRn18H0XQoO-2BOiG8qGST8P9DnhLPAXGQJsJ3Sjr7jiMKeKq9Pm1dsW0DucrALw5OEF2WvOFq3uyH1MOTGQhst8HpRyBU40F8rNNJeoLsBgWOvcEsIFrPCdKuvqZf6xOcDThZ7vNxM9hXzE7zUYqvnZTLeyujPWnoeUH9Mqx3MDs-2BkH0pyXQc3ldVy6l9Z0AtTI-2BmRc1uRy6URI2-2BuHgw-3D">He Took My Whipping (Video 8:45)</a>. What do you think about the way the storyteller connects the tale to what Jesus did for us? 4. If people never have to face the consequences for their misdeeds, because someone else pays their fees or takes the blame instead, what might happen? What potential benefits and drawbacks might result from such a situation? Responding to the News 1. If you believe a person, your family, neighborhood, community or entire country is in trouble, what rescuing action might you take and what would it cost you? What result of your action would make it worth your sacrifice? 2. Give thanks for the many times God has forgiven you, and ask God for the grace to repent and to turn from sin, to follow Christ and his way. Prayer O God, we pray for justice for Sunday Jackson, for protection for persecuted Christians and other people at risk of violence, and for your people to be able to live peaceably with others. In the name of the Prince of Peace we pray. Amen. 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