Let's Journey With Openness | Lent Devotional Day 4

Lent 2026 DevotionalCore | Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
February 21, 2026
Written by: Charity Goodwin

Let’s Journey With Openness

Scripture:

Luke 24: 25-27, Leviticus 16

25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.

Reflection:

Welcome again to the Lenten season. Starting tomorrow in worship we will be exploring the meanings of Jesus’ death on the cross. In theological terms we call it atonement. Rooted in Judaism, atonement or the Day of Reconciliation also known as Yom Kippur is the day of repentance and fasting. Scripture describes that one's sins are transferred to a goat who is then sacrificed. Jesus later would identify himself as the sacrifice or the lamb - signifying he’s taking on, dealing with, engaging our sin.  There are many ideas about Jesus’ death and its significance.

I hope you stay open to this series and this season. The goal here is for you to consider what the death of Jesus means - not a right or wrong. If we can stay open, be grace-filled with ourselves and others and allow curiosity, scripture and the move of the Holy Spirit to accompany us this season I trust we will grow closer in our relationship to the one who died and was raised.

We join a long history of people asking questions about Jesus’ death. It's OK to question, be unsure, and to wrestle. I'd even say this is what it means to be faithful.

Scripture even highlights the confusion and discouragement of the disciples.   After the resurrection, the disciples encounter the risen Jesus who says “Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:26) Already my mind is asking “necessary!?” What do we mean by this? I’m glad you asked. Ponder that question not just in your head but also in your heart.
 
Truth be told, depending on your experiences, struggles and victories you’d relate to various meanings of Jesus’ death.

Lastly, we can’t know it all. Leave room in your faith for mystery. That place where God is bigger than our rationale and experiences. Honor the mystery and stay leaning in with curiosity.

If you’re not in a CoreGroup, I (really truly) hope you at least discuss this devotional with one other person.

Prayer:

God, here we go on this journey to learn more about you and to grow in our faith. We trust you are with us and because of that - we expect to be transformed during this Lenten Season. 

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