Tracy Sullivan's Blog

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” ~ John Muir

In honor of International Mountain Day, I’d like to share my mountain inspo… 🏔️💘

About this time last year, several friends asked what was next on my bucket list. I honestly didn’t have anything in mind and knew setting an audacious goal was a big commitment, but I felt like it was about time to fill my bucket up again. Specifically with something that inspired me, that reignited the flame inside my heart and brought me back to the core of who I really am. I tossed around a couple ideas, like summiting a physical mountain again, which I did many years ago, or maybe completing a Half Iron Man triathlon. I’d done a handful of shorter multi-sport races, but that would truly be a monumental challenge. You see, I’d been climbing “mountains” for some years now of personal challenge and of overcoming, with yoga as one of the tools that helped me move and breathe and find peace through it all…but my friends reminded me that this time I would get to choose the mountain I’d climb. 🤍

I set my sights on the 70.3, and in September 2024, I took in the view from the top, completing the Wildman Long Distance Triathlon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky…and somehow I even ended up on the podium. Honestly, it was even harder than I’d imagined, but it was worth it, and I’m thankful for step and stroke.

It’s time now to start imagining what’s next. I’ll continue with the goal I set for myself this year, fixing my eyes on another “mountain” up ahead on the horizon, something that truly lights my fire, and checking everything I do by whether it moves me further up that mountain or not. I’ll do it every year that I’m lucky enough to continue breathing and moving through this wondrous, adventure-filled world. Living life fully. Breathing deeply. Practicing gratitude and grace. Challenging myself and rising up.

My tattoo is the reminder to myself to keep my eyes fixed on these things that fuel me forward - and to stay rooted in all the places and people that feel most like home.

What mountain is calling your name? 🏔️💭

#mountainsarecalling #dreambigneverquit #getoutside #smallbatchsanctuary #tattooinspo #halfironman

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” -Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬

Christmastime can be hard for a lot of us. For my children and I, it’s a reminder of deep loss and pain, and it can be especially hard to join in all the merriment while grief is sneaking around threatening to drag you back down once again without warning. And yet, right there in the middle of the darkness, well that’s where the light dawns.

This verse points each of us to Jesus. He is the light of the world, God himself having left all glory to enter into his own creation. The very measure of his coming reminds us that we don’t ever walk through the darkness alone. And of course we remember that Christmas floods into Easter, when his purpose to defeat the very darkness and despair plaguing this world once and forever ensures us that hope indeed wins in the end.

Meanwhile, it’s still hard down here. And so I keep holding onto the encouragement of Psalm 84:11 that says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

I’m not perfect, none of us are. But if the gift of Christmas has found its way into our hearts, then we’re counted somehow among those whom God sees as blameless. And therefore, we can be sure his goodness and mercy are all over us. He is a sun and shield, shining into the darkest corners of our lives and protecting us as we move forward one day, one step at a time. Because of course shields aren’t designed for cowering or retreating, but rather they serve us as we press on.

Merry Christmas, friends. Rise. Shine. Take courage. Gaze outside into the beauty of the dawn with me and let’s dare to dream about the goodness still up ahead. God is with us.

#lightoftheworld #hopewins #godwithus #thedawnofgrace #sunrisesky #christmas #griefsucks #youarenotalone

My daughter ran across the street a couple weeks ago to join the neighbor girls in hosting a lemonade stand, racing back home with loads of smiles and a few dollars in her pocket. A cup of caterpillars was immediately dispatched to our address.

We’ve watched these wiggly little critters eat their very hungry way to magic; and here they are, ready for transformation. I must say, I’m moved.

Did you know that after caterpillars retreat into a chrysalis by molting inside their skin, that the next step is to digest their own bodies? It’s true! Inside that pod of change, they release enzymes which turn their bodies into caterpillar soup! That is, everything except their imaginal disc cells, which by grand design hold God’s instructions for adult butterfly body parts. Those imaginal discs then begin to quickly multiply and grow, using the soup as fuel for their marvelous transformation.

I’ve thought quite a lot this week, as we’ve observed our 5 little guys’ journeys to the top of the cup, about what it must be like for the caterpillars to do this. Dying to self and leaving behind everything they know - including every physical thing they’ve ever been and all they’ve known or imagined - they allow God to completely rewrite their life story. And he does it. In a raw and magnificent way that only God could do.

Yes, it hurts. Heck, virtually every old part of the caterpillar is destroyed.

Yep, it’s terrifying. All that once was is no more, and what’s to come is still a vast mystery.

And yet, God has a plan. A remarkable, beautiful plan.

And so, they do it. Trusting the One who created them for this very reimagining, who holds their faithful and shaky selves in the palm of his brilliant and loving hand, they surrender to the remaking.

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. -Maya Angelou

Are you grieving? Leaving something you’ve always known behind and afraid of what’s next? I am. Maybe you’re still wriggling around in the muck of pain and confusion. Been there.

Change is hard. And scary. But God is good.

Don’t forget: Love is at work. Beauty and goodness have been written on the wings of the dawn.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

The last months have been filled with tears, hardship and despair. At times, the words and actions of others have made the sting even greater. But, I believe now more than ever that it is the love that we have for one another and that we show one another in real, tangible ways that God uses to heal and restore and strengthen. I am learning how to better love others in seasons of suffering through the example of those who have ministered to me so well along the dirt road.

Sometimes it’s a cup of coffee and a listening ear. Sometimes it’s a warm embrace or a quick call asking if you’re okay or how to help and pray. A handwritten card or a thoughtfully chosen, simple gift on the front porch or in the mailbox from afar. And yes, sometimes it’s even a casserole or a meal to make one part of the day a little easier. Always, it’s the truth of God’s goodness, faithfulness and grace. And in the pain, which Jesus says we should all expect, those simple acts of love linger and continue to tell a different story than the one you might otherwise tell yourself.

You are not alone. You are loved. You will get through this. God is with you, and for you. And He can be trusted - even in this.

Then we find our way back to the steadiness of standing on the Rock of Ages, one wobbly step and one deep, longing breath at a time.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16

What's the bigger picture and purpose Jesus had in mind when He wrote each of our life stories? I think all of us at some point ask questions like, “Why am I here?” and, “Why is this happening to me?” You may be asking, for that matter, what is this discipleship thing all about, and why should I consider taking on a discipleship lifestyle when I already have more than enough on my plate to keep me running ragged into infinity? Furthermore, why now?

What does discipleship mean?

We hear the word “discipleship” used in so many ways in our churches today, and I'm afraid most of us are more than a little fuzzy on its actual meaning. Does discipleship mean attending church on Sundays and perhaps even dropping some money into the offering plate or basket as it passes by? Does it mean being present in our church bubbles every Sunday morning to hear sermons and again on Wednesday nights for additional studies? Perhaps discipleship is about showing up throughout the week for church-based sports, musical activities, and meals? Or maybe it means going to Bible studies and community groups and serving in the church nursery? Delivering casseroles to church members with new babies? Making coffee or directing traffic? No, I suggest it means something more. Something else.

Let me be clear, those aren't bad things. Sign me up for all the casseroles and kiddos and coffee! As a matter of fact, I think our experience within the local church setting is vitally important as members of the Body of Christ, and helping to create a sacred space for others to encounter God is nothing shy of a mighty work. Meanwhile, I dare to suggest that discipleship for a Christian is, in fact, simpler. Discipleship means literally being a personal disciple, or a student and follower, of Jesus. Discipleship is all about living our lives like Jesus and with Jesus. This requires taking a long, hard look at what Jesus actually said and did with His life.

Our Greater Purpose

Jesus called those of us who follow Him to use our lives for a very special and specific purpose: to make fellow disciples out of those who need Him, from our nearest neighbors to people in every nation.

Jesus came to earth, after all, to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He brought the truth about God's plan of salvation for all people, the good news we call the gospel. He showed us the heart and face of God, and He called those of us who follow Him to use our lives for a very special and specific purpose: to make fellow disciples out of those who need Him, from our nearest neighbors to people in every nation.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all called to obey the command of the Great Commission, to take up a discipleship lifestyle within our own unique context. During His final moments of life on earth, following His resurrection and just before His heavenly ascension, Jesus purposely selected His final words to humanity. Christ left no doubt of the divine importance of these final utterances.

Why bother doing all of this?

First and foremost, we do it because Jesus said to. We do it because Jesus himself did it. We do it because it helps others. We make disciples because it benefits us personally - we ourselves grow as we journey with those whom we invite to join us. We do it because it's the greatest thing we can do with our lives for the Kingdom of God.

As noted earlier, don't we already have enough on our plates to keep us busy in life? Yep, we do. Maybe you've heard of the "Yes, And" exercise that improv artists use to inspire their own creativity and collaboration? Yes, all of us seem to have more than enough on our plates to keep us busy…and, making space in our lives to relationally and spiritually come alongside others is critically important. Yes, we've all got the same 525,600 minutes in any given year. No more, no less. And, we do make time for what is truly important to us.

If your experience proves to be anything like mine, once you enjoy the depth and authenticity of relationships with other disciples in a “small batch” community of faith, nothing else will satisfy. When you are no longer meeting regularly, you'll long for more of this genuine fellowship and your own intimacy with Christ, and you'll be ready to start again with someone else at once.

It's just that good.

{excerpt from chapter 1, Small Batch Discipleship}

Learn more here.

Being in the center of God’s will for your life is where those things worth holding onto are found.

I had a dream last night that I was being presented with a special statue. I was told this statue was made of precious stone, and I waited while the artists finished carving it. Based on the pomp and pageantry of the makers, I got the feeling it was rich with worldly esteem and perhaps even spiritual significance. But when I had the first opportunity to grab hold of it, I noticed it was just painted concrete underneath. Having brought this to their attention, they carved deeper and it broke into pieces.

WORDLY IDOLS vs. God’s goodness

I wonder what worldly idols my heart is fixed on today that might just be broken concrete on the inside? Some false picture of ease and happiness, or maybe the attainment of worldly accomplishment and accolades?

Grasping at idols only leaves us holding dust. Meanwhile, according to God’s word, living right where God has planted us and seeking His goodness in the midst of it all is where life is found. The journey God has carved out for you and me is by design, and while not easy, there are moments and memories of precious and enduring worth for us at every step along the way, treasures worth holding onto, if we’ll trust God enough to live with open hands.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Heb. 10:36

“Now may the God of peace...equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Heb. 13:20-21

I was on a Zoom call today when I got a text. “I have a quick story to share.” Let me back up.

Some Context...

I had spent the previous ninety minutes with my Zoom collaborators brainstorming around how to develop and inspire leaders over the next several months in a way that would build upon the present spirit and strategic direction of our organization. Stories of those on the call were shared with the group. Personal and vulnerable ones. Some folks said it was the first time they’d felt emotional on a business call in a long while. It was a goosebumps-and-misty-eyes kind of experience in many ways.

Then, as this undercurrent around the power of human story began to bubble up with overwhelming punctuation, my phone rang and the above text came through. A quick story. I called back the leader with the story to share and walked around my house buzzing with energy and excitement as I listened. It was an amazing story. I laughed, had goosebumps again - the whole nine yards. Another overwhelming feeling began to ignite my humanity: This was going to be the first of many stories to follow. I can literally feel it in my bones. My work is about to get even more fun over the days to come with this movement of human story and purpose.

Circling back.

Here’s the thing…whenever there is a significant moment of personal growth and inspiration at work, I think it’s important to circle back around and try to connect the dots to the spiritual. God is absolutely in the details of our lives, don’t you think? He is orchestrating our work, our conversations, our friendships, and our stories. So, what’s the gospel takeaway?

Well, I’m honestly still marinating on it, but maybe it’s this: There is power in human stories! One story can ignite an endless string of impact on other people’s lives. YOUR STORY can inspire others and cause a cascade of Kingdom change. Truly!

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

— Jackie Robinson

Here’s an example that for some reason keeps coming to mind. Fifteen to twenty years ago while working in the Talent space of a large healthcare organization, our mission was clear: We saved lives. The heroes were the clinicians. But then, Leon Ivory. Leon was an environmental services technician. He cleaned the floors of the hospital on the night shift. He was often unseen, but certainly not without presence.

One night, a patient of ours passed away. Their family members received the news and walked through this terribly difficult moment in the hallways of the hospital where Leon had just been. He sang hymns that night as he usually did, and while mopping the floor, he saw them. He saw their emotions, their experience, as it unfolded. He stopped what he was doing, offered to pray with them, and he touched them. The truth was, Leon Ivory provided a ministry of healing that night for those family members, and they wrote a letter to the leadership of the hospital system to share what a powerful impact he’d had on their lives right there in the freshly mopped hallway. The power of one.

We shared Leon’s story at the center of a campaign to inspire our entire organization to live out the “Power of One,” each in our own roles and unique ways. We let the truth sink in to the deep places of our own hearts that whether you’re holding a mop, pen or a scalpel, you can bring hope and healing to the people around you every day. I will never forget this. Together, we were ignited and united toward something much greater than ourselves.

Coming full circle.

Today, the same electric spirit is brewing among those I’m privileged to work alongside. Therefore, it’s time to circle back to connect the dots once again, and here’s what God is impressing on my heart. God has given you and me a story. If we know Jesus, then ours is the story of grace, forgiveness, rescue and boundless love. It’s the story that those around us most need to hear. If we’re honest, being a part of God’s bigger story of redemption and love is what each of our hearts has always been longing for. Whatever letters God has used to pen that story for each of us individually, I pray today that we recognize the hope and healing power in the message. And with each of our narratives comes an invitation to those listening to become a part of the God Story themselves.

Your story is powerful.

 Let's celebrate the Risen Savior like never before! 

Easter or Christmas?

Holidays are a big deal for our family, especially around Easter and Christmas. I’m sure it’s true for your family, too. Believe it or not, the Lenten season has actually become my favorite of them all…

  

Back in 2012, we used a family advent devotional before Christmas for the first time, which really laid the foundation for how our kids would begin to see the beauty of the Gospel throughout the pages of scripture. After our first “Jesse Tree” and advent wreath experience, soon followed Lent.

Continuing on with the same pattern of nightly devotional activities, we drew together again each evening as a family to focus on the events of the Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter. That first year, our oldest son prayed at Easter to follow Jesus, and my heart will never be the same! Ever since, I’ve continued to look around for inspiring ideas to add to our traditions that fit our family well.

The time has once again arrived when our little family of five turn our hearts toward Calvary. And because we could all use a strong dose of hope and joy, I’m sharing our Easter Holy Week Family Devotional and Christian Passover Seder Guide below. These resources are sure to be helpful treasures you’ll return to again and again as you create your very own Holy Week traditions.

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' -Luke 24:6-7 

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all... -Acts 4:33 

       

Click on the images above to download the FREE printable Holy Week Family Activity Guide and Christian Passover Seder Guide.

   Easter Holy Week Family Devotional

Saturday before Palm Sunday – Create a Garden 

Begin Resurrection Garden today. (See Kristen Welch's awesome instructions here: DIY Mini Resurrection Garden)   

Palm Sunday – Resurrection Eggs 

Open all 12 eggs one at a time, reading the entire Easter story (included in the booklet). Have kids guess what will be in each egg as the story is read prior to opening.

Have the kids retell the story back to you by deciding together what order the eggs go back into the carton.

At nighttime, light 6 candles around your resurrection garden. Tell the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Place a palm leaf (large plastic one or a real palm branch) near your resurrection garden and the donkey (from the eggs) inside the garden.

Blow out one candle to show how we are getting closer to the day where the Light of the World was killed on the cross and the world was left in darkness. (But remember…the story doesn’t end there!!)

Monday – Jesus Turned the Tables

Read in scripture (or an Easter book) how Jesus turned the tables and chased the money changers out of the temple courts on this day, and give each child a coin to feel as they listen.

Blow out one more candle. Pray. (Here is a great summary sheet for The Events of the Holy Week.)   

Tuesday – Jesus Preached and Taught 

Tell your children how much God loves them and how He has created each of them with a special plan in mind for their lives. 
Teach your children something new (any short activity or skill).

Read in scripture (or an Easter book) how Jesus preached and taught in Jerusalem on this day. 
Blow out one candle. Pray.   

Wednesday – Preview Passover Seder, Prayer in the Garden, Jesus Was Arrested

Read in scripture (or an Easter book) how Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and was arrested by the temple guard and taken to an illegal night session of the Jewish court, the Sanhedrin, on Thursday night.

Blow out one candle. Pray.   

Thursday – Seder

Observe the Passover Seder Meal.  (Instructions below. For more info, see: Observing the Passover Seder Meal for Christians by Hebrew for Christians, or John Pontier's book, A Christian Passover Seder)

Blow out one candle.

*Note: Depending on your calendar, you could also switch this night with Wed and do those in the reverse order. Traditionally this is the day Jesus held the Passover meal, but Jewish observers may gather for Seder meals together all throughout the week.   

Friday – Crucifixion and Burial

Make three crosses with twigs and twine. Place them in your resurrection garden at 9:00AM.

Read in scripture (or an Easter book) how Jesus was crucified on the cross at Golgotha, the place of the skull. Place a pipe cleaner Jesus figure on the center cross. (I recommend adapting the pipe cleaners to something more symbolic as your kids get older.)

Blow out the last candle at NOON, and read in scripture (or an Easter book) how the noonday sun went dark at this time, the earth shook, and the curtain in the temple was torn in half as Jesus died.

At 3:00PM, take the Jesus figure off the cross, wrap in a small piece of linen (from the resurrection eggs), and place inside the tomb of your resurrection garden. Roll the stone in front of the tomb to seal it. Pray.   

Saturday – Sabbath Wait

Gather around your resurrection garden and talk about how Jesus’ body rested in the tomb today, and how the disciples observed the Sabbath on this day. Discuss how afraid and confused the disciples must have been feeling at this time. Pray.   

Easter Sunday – Worship!!! He is risen! 

Your seeds should be sprouting new life in your resurrection garden by today.

Before your kids wake up on Easter morning, place your Jesus figure/symbol triumphantly on top of the mountain in your garden. Roll the stone to the side of the tomb, and fold up the cloth inside the tomb.

Light all the candles – the Light of the world is alive and well! Display your Easter baskets nearby to celebrate.

Make resurrection rolls for breakfast with your kids. (recipe below)

   

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” -John 1:29

“He is not here, for He has risen just as He said.” -Matthew 28:6

   Passover Seder Meal

Materials Needed: 

Traditional Seder Plate Candles and lighter

Wine glass(es) – either one to share, or one per person

Bowl or Pitcher of Water

Towel 

Matzah Cloth – with 3 pockets 

1 Child’s Reward – small treat or prize 

Bible 

Seder plate coloring sheet and colors, if desired 

Food & Drink Needed: 

Wine/Grape Juice 

Matzah Bread (or crackers)

Index Cards w/4 Questions 

Horseradish 

Lettuce (Romaine or other) 

Parsley

Salt Water in a small dish 

Charoset (recipe below) 

Roasted egg 

Lamb Shank (You can usually get a free bone to roast from Whole Foods or Fresh Market.) 

Dinner food – additional things to eat after the ceremony   

SEDER CEREMONY

1. Lighting of the Candles by the Eldest Woman of the House 

DO: Eldest woman of the house waves her hands over the flames of the candles on your table 3x to welcome the holiday. 

READ/SAY: Since Messiah was “born of a woman, born under the Torah,” it is fitting that a woman begins the Seder and brings light to the table. As we look upon the candles, may we remember that Messiah is the Light of the world. Blessed are you, LORD, who calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light! Amen. 

2. Pouring Four Cups of Wine/Grape Juice

READ/SAY: Four Cups of Wine are traditionally drunk throughout the Jewish Passover Seder, each recalling a special promise made by God to his people. (Maybe this explains why the disciples were so sleepy later in the garden?!) 

DO: Pour your wine/grape juice into four glasses while reading the explanations below.

*Note: As an alternative, you could use only one cup of wine/juice and simply pour into your glass four times. 

The First Cup, the cup of Sanctification: God said, “I will bring you out of Egypt” and set you apart as holy. Therefore, we are reborn as his own special people (ie. passing through the cloud and the sea like baptism or rebirth). Jesus drank this cup according to the Jewish tradition with his disciples. Traditionally, all say while drinking, “Messiah our sanctification.” (1 Cor. 1:30) 

The Second Cup, the cup of Deliverance: “I will deliver you.” Jesus also drank this cup per tradition with his disciples. 

The Third Cup, the cup of Redemption: “I will redeem you with My power.” Jesus drank this cup and said, “This is my blood of the New Covenant.” (Matt.26:27-39)

The Fourth Cup, the cup of Restoration: “I will acquire you as My people.” Jesus did not drink this cup but promised his disciples he will do so with them in the coming Kingdom. (Matt.26:29) 

A Fifth Cup of Wine is traditionally observed only on the Jewish table, “Elijah’s Cup.” (Read a Jewish explanation of this here: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/117141/jewish/The-Silent-Cup.htm)

3. Ceremonial Hand Washing 

READ/SAY: While traditionally Jewish participants wash their hands at this point, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:4-12). We follow Jesus’ example, and the man of the house or leader of our ceremony will wash the feet of others.  

DO: Wash the feet of everyone at your seder meal.

4. Breaking & Wrapping the Afikoman 

READ/SAY: Three matzahs represent Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the middle represents Isaac, broken to recall how he was himself offered in sacrifice in obedience to the will of his father. The middle one is broken also to represent the heart of God, broken for the pain Messiah endured by taking our sins upon Him at the cross.

*Note: the word for “heart” in Hebrew means middle.

DO: Take the middle piece of matzah bread out of the matzah cloth. Break the middle piece and hold it up. Wrap the larger broken piece, the “Afikoman,” in linen or a cloth napkin (symbolizing a burial shroud).

READ/SAY: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 

DO: Hide the Afikoman for the children to find later.  

5. Telling the Passover Story & Four Questions

*Note: Have a child read each of the four questions below, written on index cards. 

QUESTION 1: WHY ARE WE EATING UNLEAVENED BREAD, OR MATZAH, TONIGHT? 

READ/SAY: Notice that the matzah is striped (“By his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5) and pierced (“They shall look upon me whom they’ve pierced.” Zechariah 12:10) and pure/without leaven, as Jesus’ body was without any sin (“God made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor. 5:21). And we break the bread, representing how Jesus was broken on our behalf. 

DO: Break the matzah and give each person a piece. Taste the matzah. 

READ/SAY: “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” Luke 22:19 

QUESTION 2: WHY ARE WE EATING BITTER HERBS? 

DO: Taste the horseradish on the lettuce leaves. 

READ/SAY: This reminds us of the bitterness of God’s people in slavery in Egypt and of our own slavery to sin. Our reaction to the bitter taste should resemble our reaction of disgust toward our own sin. 

QUESTION 3: WHY DO WE DIP OUR HERBS TWICE? 

DO: Dip parsley in salt water twice, shake some drops off, eat.

READ/SAY: This reminds us of the sweat and tears of God’s people as they endured slavery and as they painted the door with the blood of the Passover lamb so that the Angel of Death would pass over their homes, and of our own sadness over what it cost God to redeem us from the consequences of our sin. 

“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin.” Hebrews 9:22 

DO: Taste the Charoset. 

READ/SAY: This reminds us of the sweetness of hope in our Rescuer, Jesus, the one who willingly sacrificed himself on the cross because of his deep love for us. 

DO: Lift up the roasted egg and the lamb shank bone. 

READ/SAY: This reminds us of the sacrificial burnt offerings repeatedly brought to the Temple and of the Passover lamb, and we remember that Jesus was our ultimate and final sacrifice, offering us complete forgiveness of sin and new life that lasts forever! 

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 

QUESTION 4: WHY ARE WE EATING THIS MEAL RECLINING? 

DO: Pass the cup of wine/juice and drink. 

READ/SAY: Remember that our freedom has been bought at a high cost, and we are now Royalty, heirs of the King, princes and princesses who now have the freedom to live eternally with our Rescuer, Redeemer and King Jesus, and our Abba Father, our Daddy God.  

6. Eat Dinner (Yum!)

7. Children Find the Afikoman During Dinner

DO: Break it and have everyone eat a small piece. Reward the child who finds the Afikoman with a special reward!

READ/SAY: A child is rewarded for finding this to remind us of the special place in history and in the heart of God for women and children, who at this time in history were typically given little importance in society. Remember, Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the Risen Christ, and Jesus personally expressed his affection for children, saying the Kingdom belongs to “such as these.” (Mark 16:9, Matthew 19:14)  

8. Closing Benediction

DO: All hold hands out in an open, receiving position.

READ/SAY: “Now to the One who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence, to the only God our Savior through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord and great Lamb of God, be glory, majesty, power and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.” 

  Recipes   

Today is March fourth.

The only date that is also a sentence. This fun fact is new to me. I’m kind of super amazed by this, I’ll admit. And I’m also missing the beach, so I scrolled through my pictures from a beach trip this time last year and found this glorious bird marching forth by the sea.

We too are to march forth! Courageously, boldly. At times, shaking in our boots. But marching forth nonetheless. Where to? Well, our neighborhoods and the nations. Our workplaces, schools and playgrounds. The markets and on vacation. Close to home and over the ocean. The answer is wherever we’re going.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” Acts 1:8 NLT

We see in scripture that we are to be God’s witnesses in all the places. Our marching orders are to talk about God’s goodness throughout our own version of Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. For me, that looks something like my hometown of Wildwood, and the greater St. Louis area or perhaps the midwest, and across the tracks into places I’m less comfortable going, and to the nations.

There’s another snapshot in scripture of our marching orders found in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus commanded each one of us to be and make disciples as we are going, everywhere we’re going.

“Then Jesus approached them and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ISV

There is it. Our marching orders.

So whether your sights are set on the beach today or instead you’ll be sitting in front of countless Zoom meetings again, whether you’re chasing littles through the house or headed out all masked up into the great unknown, MARCH FORTH, my friend. 

With Jesus at our side (there was a promise in that verse, after all), let’s go boldly into all the places, seeking the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. And when the opportunity presents itself, let’s invite them to join us in this glorious discipleship adventure, pursuing and being pursued by God together.

#smallbachdiscipleship

Have you considered the Great Commission to be your “marching orders” before?

Where are you going today?

How does it give you courage to know that God is right there at your side?

Today is March fourth.

The only date that is also a sentence. This fun fact is new to me. I’m kind of super amazed by this, I’ll admit. And I’m also missing the beach, so I scrolled through my pictures from a beach trip this time last year and found this glorious bird marching forth by the sea.

We too are to march forth! Courageously, boldly. At times, shaking in our boots. But marching forth nonetheless. Where to? Well, our neighborhoods and the nations. Our workplaces, schools and playgrounds. The markets and on vacation. Close to home and over the ocean. The answer is wherever we’re going.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” Acts 1:8 NLT

We see in scripture that we are to be God’s witnesses in all the places. Our marching orders are to talk about God’s goodness throughout our own version of Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. For me, that looks something like my hometown of Wildwood, and the greater St. Louis area or perhaps the midwest, and across the tracks into places I’m less comfortable going, and to the nations.

There’s another snapshot in scripture of our marching orders found in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus commanded each one of us to be and make disciples as we are going, everywhere we’re going.

“Then Jesus approached them and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ISV

There is it. Our marching orders.

So whether your sights are set on the beach today or instead you’ll be sitting in front of countless Zoom meetings again, whether you’re chasing littles through the house or headed out all masked up into the great unknown, MARCH FORTH, my friend. 

With Jesus at our side (there was a promise in that verse, after all), let’s go boldly into all the places, seeking the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. And when the opportunity presents itself, let’s invite them to join us in this glorious discipleship adventure, pursuing and being pursued by God together.

#smallbachdiscipleship

Have you considered the Great Commission to be your “marching orders” before?

Where are you going today?

How does it give you courage to know that God is right there at your side?