Episode 161: Stations of the Cross, Part 2--Garden, Betrayal, Trial

In this new series for Lent, pastors Erica, Sarah, and Steve look at the first three moments in the "stations of the cross" progression, beginning with Jesus' prayer in the garden, and then looking at his betrayal by his disciple Judas Iscariot, and his trial before the Sanhedrin. And instead of rushing through these moments as stories we have all heard before, what if we paused and took a closer look at each of these scenes and consider the questions they raise.  What does it mean that Jesus is deeply troubled before his death and prays that he be given a way out of it?  What does it mean that, despite his prayer, he is willing to go through with the cross anyway?  What's going on when Jesus comes face to face with Judas, knowing exactly what is happening, and lets himself be arrested anyway?  And why are the religious leaders so stirred up that they want to fast-track a trial at night on a holiday weekend (the day before Passover) in order to deal with Jesus?  Just how provocative were Jesus' words and actions that hinted at destroying the Temple, and how would we hear words like that today if someone made threats against our sacred sites or national monuments?  As we take a closer look at these moments, we'll get a better understanding of what Jesus went through for us, and why the story plays out the way it does.  Join us for this latest episode of "Crazy Faith Talk."