A Lenten Study

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A Lenten Study

MDPC

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 epl.mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

2017

A Lenten Study

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 3

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

Lent is a solemn and reflective season for Christians, followed by a season of joy (the resurrection, Easter). It is fitting that we start this study with the grim picture of Jesus on the cross. The previous chapters in Luke show that Jesus had an intimate meal celebrating Passover with twelve of His closest friends (the disciples). Later, He was betrayed by one who was eating with Him at this last supper. As a result, Jesus was arrested, whipped, tortured, mocked, and subjected to other public humiliations. Another friend publicly denies three times that he knows Jesus. Abandoned by all but His mother and a few friends, in great pain and barely alive, Jesus hangs on a cross between two criminals who also are being executed. A sign above Him reads, “King of the Jews.” After enduring all this and on the brink of death, Jesus does something surprising: He asks God to forgive His executioners for their ignorance. Jesus is putting into practice what He preached about earlier in Luke: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27). After this prayer for mercy for His enemies, things do not get better for Jesus. The guards divide up His clothes; He is sneered at by those standing around, doubted, and challenged to save Himself. Prayer: Lord, open our minds and hearts as we study the Bible during this Lenten season. May we pay attention and listen to what You would have us learn, and grow closer to You. Help us to be imitators of Jesus even in challenging situations. We ask for Your blessing in Jesus’ Name. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:32-38 NRSV: 32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Him. 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on His right and one on His left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide His clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Messiah of God, His Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over Him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

The Message: 32 Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution. 33 When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. 34-35 Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!” 36-37  The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: “So you’re King of the Jews! Save yourself!” 38 Printed over him was a sign: This is the King of the Jews.

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 5

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin this first week’s small-group time by sharing one thing you hope to get out of this study. Is there anything you’re apprehensive about? If your group has been meeting together for a while, consider also sharing something God is teaching you or “working out” in you these days. Next, read aloud the opening reflection followed by the Scripture passage. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights from the “Digging into the Bible” worksheet on page 5. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week? Any questions, insights, convictions?

3. Were you raised in a religious tradition? If so, how much emphasis did it place on the death of Jesus?

4. Under what circumstances would you be willing to suffer for the sake of another person? When have you done so?

5. What acts of mercy, surprising or otherwise, have you seen in your life or the lives of others?

6. How hard would it be for you to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you”? Have you ever tried to follow this principle? What examples have you seen of this? What was the impact of seeing this principle demonstrated?

7. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of Mercy: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Meditation and Scripture Memory: Scripture meditation and scripture memory are spiritual practices that many have found bring them closer to God. Each week there will be a suggested verse to reflect on or memorize. Some find it helpful to meditate on a verse by re-reading it several times, writing it down, looking up the context of the verse, reading different translations/versions of the verse; speaking it out loud emphasizing different words each time, or simply reflecting on the verse and what it means to them. Others like to memorize the scripture verse, burying and treasuring it in their heart, so they can reflect on it at any time. The important thing is not to feel pressured or be legalistic about this practice. For more information about scripture memory, go to www.navigators.org/Tools. For an online tool to read different versions of the Bible, go to www.biblegateway.com. This week’s Scripture Memory Verse: Luke 6:27-28 (NRSV)

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

For a scholarly look at the crucifixion, see Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus, especially Chapter 11 on Jesus’ death. To understand what Christians believe and why, read this short classic, suitable for skeptics, seekers, new believers, and long-time followers of Christ: Basic Christianity by John Stott. For some of the more well-known Old Testament references to the death of Jesus, see Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 7

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

The Bible is full of interesting characters and layers of insight. Did you know you can read the entire Bible through the lens of leadership principles? You’d be astonished at all that God has to say on the subject, and how He desires to bless you as you put His ways into action. Then, you could turn back to the beginning and start again, this time paying special attention to every example of God’s heart of compassion for the poor and fringe members of society. Your world would be turned upside down! An especially interesting study is to pay attention to how men and women respond when caught in disobedience. The very first nail-biting drama of the Bible is found right at the beginning, in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve break God’s only rule. If you aren’t familiar with the story, pause now and go read Genesis 2:4-3:24, taking notes of any questions you have and things God might want you to learn about His character from this story. Careful readers will notice how Adam and Eve both subtly blame God for their disobedience. When God asks Adam to explain what’s going on, Adam says something like, “Well, God, it’s not really my fault. See, the woman, the one You created to help me, by the way, she gave me the fruit…oh, and, yeah, I ate it.” To which Eve replies, “Hold on a minute. It was that stupid snake’s fault. He lied to me! …and yeah, I ate, too.” Naked and ashamed, backed into a corner, their hearts beating wildly in their chests, Adam and Eve pointed fingers, shifted blame and sought to justify their actions. I bet they rehashed that awful day over and over in their minds for the rest of their lives, wishing they could have done things differently. Can you relate? The characters in this week’s passage can. They are having their audience with God, their “What happened here, Adam?” moment. And one of them behaves just like we’ve seen time and again. Pointing fingers, subtle accusations, frantically seeking a way out. But then there’s the other guy. Calm. Surrendered. Repentant. Hopeful. Why is he different? We can imagine that maybe he’d heard the stories of Jesus’ remarkable life and ministry; maybe he was even there, standing at the edge of the crowd, his heart softening, Jesus’ words sinking in. Maybe as a boy he learned the Scriptures and recognized in Jesus’ all the wondrous signs of the coming Messiah. Yes, he had made some terrible choices that landed him on death row, but somewhere along the way he had come to believe, in a real, tangible way, that Jesus is who He says He is. He stopped blaming and justifying. He knew he was a sinner deserving of punishment. But he also knew Jesus had come to save sinners. He placed his trust in Jesus to be his defense, and his life (and afterlife) was on a very different course. Prayer: Father God, I want to give up all the ways I feel I need to defend myself before You and others even after I repent and receive Your forgiveness. Your grace is sufficient for me. Please help me to remember that. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:39-43 NRSV: 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding Him and saying, “Are You not the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The Message: 39 One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!” 40-41  But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.” 43 He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 9

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin by reflecting on your experience of putting into action your “Takeaway” from the previous lesson. Next, read aloud the opening reflection followed by the Scripture passage. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights from the “Digging into the Bible” worksheet on page 9. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week? Any questions, insights, convictions?

3. There are over 100 invitations to repent and turn back to God found in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Read aloud Jeremiah 31:19, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 3:19, and 2 Peter 3:9. How do these verses describe repentance?

4. Christians often refer to a time (or times) in their lives when they made a major decision to follow Christ. This involves submitting to Him as Lord of your life, trusting in His promise of forgiveness, cultivating a relationship through prayer (among other things), and receiving the Holy Spirit as guide and friend. Have you made that decision? Can you share about it with the group?

5. Scholars think that the word “paradise” as used in this passage is of Persian origin. At that time, the Persians described a shady, well-watered, well-maintained garden as a “paradise.” So Jesus’ reference here echoes the Garden of Eden. Read Genesis 2:4-25. Together, come up with at least 5 ways this garden-paradise is life-giving for Adam and Eve. What do you make of Jesus’ reference to the Garden in this moment?

6. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of Repentance: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Memory Verse: Acts 3:19 (NIV) “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Meditative Song & Visio Divina: The Taize Community is an ecumenical monastic order in France that invites people of different Christian traditions to worship together. They are well known for their contemplative hymns in many languages. Each year thousands of young adults from all over the world travel to Taize to search for communion with God through community prayer, song, silence, personal reflection and sharing. Visio Diving means praying through art. Visit epl.2.1.mdpc.org to view a series of images of Jesus with a hymnal background from the Taize Community. Curious about Heaven? Watch this 5 minute illustrated video by The Bible Project Guys on RightNow Media: epl.2.2.mdpc.org

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 11

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

I’m not sure if you feel the same, but our third word of Christ from the cross seems like a real departure from the first two. In the first word, Jesus asks His Father to forgive His executioners. That is a paradigm shifting moment! Jesus is living out His own teaching about loving one’s enemies in the most dramatic way. In the second word, Jesus forgives the sins of the criminal on the cross next to Him and promises that they will be together in paradise. What an eternally significant moment! Then we come to word three: “Woman, here is your son.” It just doesn’t seem to have the same level of intensity. Why did John record these words? Why did God want this in the Bible? I believe there is something important about the character of God in these words that He desires us to know about Himself. This word from the cross seems far more personal, more down to earth. The first reason for this is that Jesus is addressing an imminent, earthly need. He wants to make sure that a widow is going to be taken care of. The second reason this word is so personal is obvious: He is speaking about His own mother. I could not overemphasize the level of anguish that Jesus is experiencing at this moment. He has been beaten and abused, forced to carry His own cross to the place where He is now being crucified. He has thorns piercing His scalp. And that’s just the physical distress. He is also going through the spiritual agony of separation from His heavenly Father. He carries the brokenness and injustice of the world on His shoulders. Even while Christ is living out the most significant act of mercy, He is never too tired, too torn, or too distracted to find time to make sure a widow has a safe place to stay. How do you react in times of stress? What happens when you’ve had a really bad day, are going through an uncertain time at work, or when something outside of your control derails your day? Many times we become distracted and uncaring towards the needs of others, even dull to the presence of God in our life. At other times, we are able to snap out of our self-centeredness and show some compassion. But even in those times, the compassion that we are able to show pales in comparison to compassion of God. Those of us who belong to Christ are God’s adopted children. As part of God’s family, God’s tribe, we can rest assured that He is never too preoccupied to care about our needs and our pain. Prayer: Father God, help me to understand and believe in Your profound love for me, and each of Your children. Help me to be a person who shares that love with others instead of being too preoccupied with my own stuff. Help me to joyfully participate in welcoming more into Your tribe with wide-open arms. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. SCRIPTURE: John 19:26-27 NRSV: 26 When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing beside her, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

The Message: 24-27 While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 13

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin by reflecting on your experience of putting into action your “Takeaway” from the previous lesson. Next, read aloud the opening reflection followed by the Scripture passage. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights using “Digging into the Bible” on page 13. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week? Any questions, insights, convictions?

3. Notice the words used to describe how John accepts Mary. What might that have meant practically for John? For Mary? Could you do something like that?

4. How do you react when you find yourself in a time of stress? How well do you respond to your family in those times?

5. Do you ever feel that your issues are too small for God to care about? How do Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture help form your opinion? Also read Matthew 10:29-31.

6. God calls those who have put their faith in Christ His adopted children. Read Romans 8:14-17. This passage describes those in Christ as “led by God’s Spirit.” What might this mean for us to be part of God’s “tribe”?

7. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of their Tribe: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Memory Verse: Romans 12:10 (NIV) “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Watch this 9-minute video documenting one family’s adoption journey. Reflect on the what the parents say about their adopted son becoming part of their “tribe”: epl.3.1.mdpc.org

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 15

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

After college graduation, I first (really) moved away from home. It was 800 miles this time, not quite the afternoon drive like from the ‘ole college dorm. This wasn’t that big of a deal to me. I seldom returned home except for the holidays, and, like a typical young adult, I was all about my independence. A big difference this time, however, was that I didn’t know anyone at all in the place I was headed. It’s easy to leave home when you can take enough of it with you. I had a girlfriend of three years at the time, and Skype is just as awkward from 90 miles away as it is from 800 miles. There were plenty of opportunities for continuing the running, hiking, fishing, soccer, and other activities I loved in this new city. And my college friends and I could still record music together online, sending and dubbing over tracks to one another. It seemed as if I wasn’t really going anywhere, my address was just changing. My second day of work they told me to pack a bag, book a hotel, and drive three hours out to the field where I’d live from Sunday night through Friday night for the next six months. So much for team sports or recording music, but I had other things to fall back on, right? Well, within a month or so, that three-year relationship ended (not by my choice), and a sprained ankle and injured knee put even running out of the picture for at least several months… Suddenly, I wasn’t at home anymore. I was alone. My spirit was broken. I had been rejected, and I felt empty inside. This feeling of isolation played a big part in my decision to seek God and start attending church again – something I had only done at my parents’ request, and sparingly so since beginning college. It was there that I learned what God’s grace truly meant to me, found a community of believers to support my growth in Christ, and began a new life with Christ as the foundation. We have all gone through phases when we have felt rejected or isolated to some degree. Christ experienced the extreme of this on the Cross the moment when He took on the sin of the world and was therefore removed from God’s presence. Despite the darkness, the pain, the rejection, and the suffering, God had a bigger plan that rose above it all: the redemption of the entire world. When the foundation of our life is built on Christ, we know that God can ultimately use difficult times for His glory, and we can trust that He will never abandon or forsake us as Jesus has already paid the price for our sin. Prayer: Our Father in heaven, You are omnipresent in our lives, never abandoning or forsaking us. We praise You for the gift of grace that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ, who took on suffering and the ultimate rejection for us. Help us to feel Your presence in times of need, and to trust that Your ways are bigger and better than we could ever imagine. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:45-49 NRSV: 45 From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 46 And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This Man is calling for Elijah.” 48 At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to Him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.”

The Message: 45-46 From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around midafternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” 47-49 Some bystanders who heard him said, “He’s calling for Elijah.” One of them ran and got a sponge soaked in sour wine and lifted it on a stick so he could drink. The others joked, “Don’t be in such a hurry. Let’s see if Elijah comes and saves him.”

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 17

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin by reflecting on your experience of putting into action your “Takeaway” from the previous lesson. Next, read aloud the opening reflection followed by the Scripture passage. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights from the “Digging into the Bible” worksheet on page 17. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week? Any questions, insights, convictions?

3. Try to pronounce “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.” What is the significance of Jesus crying this out on the cross?

4. We have all experienced rejection or isolation to some degree in our lives. Describe a time when you have felt abandoned that you feel comfortable sharing with the group. Did you or anyone around you ultimately learn or gain anything positive from this experience, despite how it felt at the time? (Hint: read James 1:2-4 for insights into ways God uses all things, including hardship, for our good).

5. Read Psalm 69:21, John 19:29-30 and Psalm 22:1. How do these passages relate to this week’s scripture, and what is the significance?

6. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of Abandonment: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Memory Verse: Joshua 1:9 (NRSV) “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Using steps borrowed from the Discovery Method, answer the following about the passage: • What did you like or not like? • What did you learn about God? • What did you learn about people? • What did you learn about living to please God? What do Joe Rantz, Louie Zamperini, and Eric Liddell have in common? I’ll give you a few hints: The Olympics, the 1920s & 1930s, strength, power, integrity, grace, and at least two of them have life stories pointing directly to the love of our Lord and Savior. • For a quick glance, search “Eric Liddell” on wikipedia.com (or visit epl.4.1.mdpc.org), and read the “Paris Olympics” section. • For more in-depth stories, check out the books The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown, and Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand, the latter of which is now a major motion picture (and the former should be within the next few years). The main characters of these two amazing non-fiction books rode to the 1936 Olympics together on the same ship, and had an impact on the world that wouldn’t have been possible if they hadn’t gone through some of the greatest hardships we could ever imagine. It’s inspiring to see how God can use isolation and rejection for something far greater than we could ever expect. MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 19

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

Jesus was both human and divine. “Thirst” is the most human of any of His last words. We get it. In a literal sense, we all thirst. In a figurative sense, we all long. To be human is to know desire. It’s what we do. We crave things like success, wealth, understanding, acceptance, love, the list goes on. The experience of unfulfilled desire is like being parched and longing for a glass of water. The thirstier we become, the more aware we are that our desire will never be satisfied on this side of Heaven. As a single woman, I often feel left behind. I have no spouse, no home, no child to talk about. I long for the next stage in life because I feel stuck in the one I’m in. This is benign compared to many of the stories I hear in the counseling room: parents longing for their children to be healed, marriages needing redemption, and grief constantly throbbing. Desire looks and feels different for each of us, but the thirst is the same. At the heart of all our desires is a longing for God. The Scriptures tell a similar story of thirst. Hannah was a barren woman. She longed for nothing more than a child of her own. She watched as those around her had multiple children and she thirsted in pain. In her angst, Hannah went to the temple and prayed to the Lord for a child of her own. The priest of the temple, watching the way she trembled and prayed, thought she may be drunk. When confronted, Hannah said she was pouring out her soul to the Lord. Hannah was thirsty enough her lips were mumbling and I’d imagine, her body was shaking. We see another example in Psalm 13. David cries out: “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” The writer of Ecclesiastes calls everything meaningless. Haven’t we all felt this? The emptiness even after chasing, perhaps even acquiring, the very thing we desire? Meanwhile, crying out, “God, can You hear me? Do You see me? Have You forgotten me? How much longer do I have to wait? When is relief coming?” We may thirst, but there is a source of Living Water. The answer is in this Scripture. These two verses are describing the moments before Jesus died on the cross. Picture Him with arms wide-open, nailed to the cross. Still breathing, but parched. Jesus says “I am thirsty” only after acknowledging that His work on earth was done. What exactly was His work? Isaiah 53:12 says, “He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” That’s our answer. All desire is in fact a longing for this very Jesus who died so that we may have eternal (and fullness of) life. Prayer: Lord, thank You for coming to us as a human. Thank You for being a personal God who understands and cares about our hurts, our wounds, and our longings. Forgive me for trying to meet my needs everywhere but You. Today, help me to remember that every desire is in fact a longing for You. Thank You for loving me enough to meet my needs like that. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. SCRIPTURE: John 19:28-29 NRSV: 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, He said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to His mouth.

The Message: 28-29 Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.” A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth.

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 21

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin by taking turns sharing a high or low from the past week, or reflect on your experience of putting into action your “Takeaway” from the previous lesson. Next, read aloud the opening story followed by the Scripture passage. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights from the “Digging into the Bible” worksheet on page 21. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week?

3. Three stories were mentioned in the reflection concerning people’s thirst in the Bible. Where else have you seen thirst mentioned in the Bible? How have you experienced thirst in your own life? If you are willing, share a personal experience with the group.

4. Jesus doesn’t acknowledge His thirst or take a drink of the sour wine (called posca—a non-alcoholic drink meant to quench) until His work is done. Why is this significant?

5. This Scripture highlights the humanity of Jesus, necessary for our saving. Why do you think Jesus needed to be both human and divine?

6. In verse 29, the word hyssop is used. Hyssop was a plant in Biblical times. This same plant was mentioned several others times in Scripture. The first was in Exodus 12:22 when hyssop was used to sprinkle blood on the doorposts during the Passover. Several other mentions associate hyssop with purification and sacrifice in the tabernacle (Leviticus 14:1-7 and Numbers 19:16-22). There is great power in the parallel between the hyssop used to deliver Christ his last drink and the hyssop used to spread the blood on the doorposts and make someone clean. This was Christ’s final mission. To come to earth and become the very blood that would save us all and make us new. What does this truth do for you personally? Communally?

7. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of Thirst: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Memory Verse: Matthew 5:6 (NRSV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” The Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes of God God has communicable (traits we can possess) and incommunicable (traits only He can possess) attributes. He is everything. He is as gentle as the coloring book pages show Him to be with all the children on His lap and at His feet. But, at the same time, He is just as powerful and righteous to flip tables in the temple for the sake of His name and holiness. When we find ourselves thirsty, the reality is we are longing for something. What is an attribute of God you may be longing for personally? Below is a table of some (not all) of God’s traits. (Look up the word if you’re not sure what it means. There are some tricky ones on there!) Pick one character trait you need to soak in. Find Scriptures that highlight this quality. Make a list of ways God has proven to be [insert trait] in your life. Pray that He will continue to reveal Himself to you. COMMUNICABLE Spirit Personal Good Holy Love Truthful Wise Merciful Kind

INCOMMUNICABLE Eternal Infinite Immutable (Never-Changing) Immanent Transcendent Omnipresent Omniscient Omnipotent Sovereign

Curious about God’s humanity and divinity? Read this article: epl.5.1.mdpc.org MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 23

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

You will notice that the passage this week is the same as last week with the addition of one more verse (John 19:30) where Jesus says, “It is finished,” and then dies. While the circumstances of Jesus’ death are brutal and sad, we are stunned and deeply grateful for what it means. Let me explain. We have a problem…and it’s a big one. Sin, the state of continually “missing the mark,” unfortunately separates us from our loving Creator. Sin creates a giant chasm or gulf between us, making it impossible for us to enjoy intimacy with our Creator. This is not at all what the Lord desires for His people. God knows that we will be miserable without Him and without His refining and cleansing of our souls. Consequently, reflecting the true character of God’s ongoing pursuit of us, the Lord has historically taken steps to bring us closer to Him. First, the temporary solution. In the old complicated Jewish sacrificial system, a sacrifice of a specific animal would act as a substitute on behalf of a person’s specific sin. The result of offering that animal sacrifice was a temporary cleansing before God. Not a bad deal, until one realizes that going through the motions of such an exhausting system is both tedious and incomplete. This short-term system would not permanently solve the problem. As you have probably noticed in your own experience, our tendencies as human beings is to commit sins with ongoing frequency. Enter Jesus and His work on the Cross. Now the greater plan would forever replace the temporary plan. On Calvary (the Latin name of the hill where Jesus is crucified), the stage is set for the most important and compassionate death in human history. Our Savior Jesus wasn’t just crucified between criminals. He was lovingly crucified for criminals as a criminal. God “made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is a phenomenal accomplishment that only the Lord Himself could orchestrate. As a result, we are provided with a permanent solution to our ongoing sin problem. When Jesus says, “It is finished,” we know that our debt has been fully paid. This is a complete atonement that came at an appalling cost…and we are the beneficiaries. There is nothing further to be done. Jesus, out of great faithfulness and love for us, volunteered to leave the glory of Heaven itself for this dirty and distasteful job. Yet, upon completion, Jesus was 100% confident that He had perfectly discharged the Father’s purpose and that His triumph over sin was flawless. Mission accomplished. In Christ’s victory, we should also live each day actively in this amazing triumph. We now can stand and even bask in the security of God’s generous grace. Although we brought nothing to this table, God nevertheless wants us to fully receive the blessings of this victory as His children. In this way, we will glorify God fully and be continual witnesses of His endless mercy. Prayer: Lord God, what in the world did I do to deserve this? Nothing! And yet, I receive this tremendous gift You have provided for a debt I couldn’t possibly pay! May I be faithful to live each day in the triumph of Your generosity. Help me to exalt You in all that I do so that I will resist any temptation to ever doubt Your finished work. May I be faithful to share this victorious news with others! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. SCRIPTURE: John 19:28-30 NRSV: 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, He said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to His mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, He said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

The Message: 28 Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.” 29-30 A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done...complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 25

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin by reflecting on your experience of putting into action your “Takeaway” from the previous lesson. Next, read aloud the Scripture passage. This time on the cross is a poignant account for all humankind. Take your time as you read it. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights from the “Digging into the Bible” worksheet on page 25. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week? Any questions, insights, convictions?

3. Read Romans 3:21-24. The Lord has given us a remarkable gift that we did not earn. We receive this tremendous generosity by faith. Why do you think this free gift of grace was so hard for the Jews to accept? What aspects of grace are hard for you yourself to grasp?

4. Righteousness can be defined as “the state of moral perfection required by God.” Through faith in Jesus, believers miraculously receive this kind of righteousness from Christ Himself. This doctrine is called “imputation.” Being righteous in this way also allows believers the privilege of becoming children of God. Have members of your group each name a benefit of being a child of God.

5. John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” When Jesus entered the world, everything changed. From then on, salvation would now be possible by faith through the wonderful grace of Christ. Our good works would no longer be a necessary requirement for salvation. How would you attempt to put grace into your own words?

6. We have read that our righteousness is by faith, yet it is so easy for us to drift back to a performance-based version of Christianity…which actually isn’t Christianity at all! This negative drift back to our own self efforts is a subtle trap. When we try to do things in our own strength, we don’t get very far. Ask members of your group to share times when they have noticed themselves trying to “earn” God’s approval. Why do you think we have this tendency?

7. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of Justification: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NRSV) “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Check out these articles to learn more about “Justification,” a core doctrine of the Christian faith. These two websites contain many helpful articles so be sure to bookmark for future reference. Justification by Faith Alone: epl.6.1.mdpc.org No discussion of the atonement could be complete without a consideration of the obedience of our Savior to His Father. After all, Jesus saw His death as fulfilling. Justification by Faith: epl.6.2.mdpc.org And as a result of the supernatural miracle of God’s grace I stand justified, not because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done.

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 27

Spend a few minutes reflecting on this word before reading further. Use this space to jot some thoughts or draw a picture:

Sometimes, there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting in a dark theater, eating fistfuls of buttery popcorn, and watching a great story unfold on screen, when all of a sudden… PLOT TWIST! Just when you think your movie-going experience couldn’t get any better, the exhilarating unexpected happens and changes the course of the entire story. Occasionally, these plot twists are delivered in one dramatic line spoken by a character in the story. For example, some of my favorites: “No, I am your father.” – Darth Vader, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” – Doc Brown, Back to the Future “I wasn’t aiming for the truck…” – Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story Several times in scripture, Jesus indicated to His disciples that He was going to die. He would say things like, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after three days He will rise” (Mark 9:31). Knowing how the story ends, we have an advantage over the disciples. When Jesus spoke this way, His followers pretty much said to each other, “What on earth is this guy talking about?” At the time, they couldn’t understand how Jesus was going to die and be raised from the dead – it was too inconceivable. But this is where the story gets really exciting! This week’s passage begins on the scene of probably the greatest plot twist of all time. Sunday morning after Jesus’ crucifixion, the women approaching the tomb were fully expecting to find His body awaiting preparation for a proper burial. Instead, a stranger welcomed them and uttered: “He has risen! He is not here.” The good news of Jesus’ resurrection carries much meaning for us. We were once dead in our transgressions and sin (Ephesians 2:1), but God, who is rich in mercy, offers us something resembling zest – not simply life, but full life! We are free from any semblance of a life burdened by sin, trying to be “good enough” to get into heaven, or a life of meandering, purposeless drudgery. God doesn’t want that for us! God wants joy-filled life for all those who trust in God’s great gift to mankind: “He is risen!” The greatest plot twist of all time. Prayer: God, this offer of full and lasting life sometimes sounds too good to be true. Help me to remember that You have promised abundant life to anyone and everyone who is willing to put their faith and trust in You. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:1-8a NRSV: When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; He is not here. Look, there is the place they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.” 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

The Message: 1-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, “Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?” 4-5 Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished. 6-7 He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.” 8 They got out as fast as they could, beside themselves, their heads swimming. Stunned, they said nothing to anyone.

Copy the scripture from above, or even try to put it in your own words:

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

Digging into the Bible

List each of the characters mentioned. How are they are described?

What is happening?

Draw a picture of the scene or an image this passage evokes in your mind.

What questions do you have?

What might this “Big Idea” have meant in What does this “Big Idea” mean for us today? What is the “Big Idea” of this passage? Is this consistent with what you believe to be true about Jesus’ time? How might this convict, comfort, or Does the significance of the message change for us? Why or why not? God? Can you think of other places in the Bible challenge the people with Him? or elsewhere this is taught?

Interpret

What does God want to teach us through this passage?

Observe

Read the text, making notes.

Start Here

Use these steps to help you get the most out of studying a passage of Scripture. Even better, discuss your thoughts with a group of friends!

What is the Spirit stirring up in you personally about living for God in light of this passage?

Write a short prayer to God, asking for His help to live this way.

Apply

What does this passage mean for my life?

How might a person’s thoughts or behaviors change because of this teaching?

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 29

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Begin by reflecting on your experience of putting into action your “Takeaway” from the previous lesson. Next, read aloud the opening reflection followed by the Scripture passage. 1. To ensure you have a solid understanding of this week’s Scripture passage, work together to uncover highlights and insights from the “Digging into the Bible” worksheet on page 29. 2. What did this passage stir up for you this week? Any questions, insights, convictions?

3. Jesus foretold His death numerous times (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:32–34.) Why do you think the empty tomb was so shocking to the women in the passage?

4. Read Matthew 26:55-56. What do the disciples do after Jesus’ arrest? Have you ever faced a hardship that has made you want to abandon your faith in God? Please share, if you feel comfortable.

5. Now look back to this week’s passage and focus on verse 7. Jesus instructed the messenger to send the women to tell His disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. When the situation became bleak, the disciples had abandoned Jesus, and Jesus had every right to disown them for it. But He makes sure to emphasize that they are still His disciples. Describe a time in your life where you have been extended grace when you didn’t deserve it. God offers us forgiveness in the midst of our unfaithfulness. This is the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection – through Him, our sins our forgiven!

6. What is your greatest takeaway this week? What has the Holy Spirit stirred up in you as a response to this lesson? How might you now look at life differently? Does this knowledge spark a deeper gratitude for Christ? How might this change your Christian walk? In what particular ways could the other members of the group encourage you, challenge you, and pray for you?

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

MY TAKEAWAY

GOING DEEPER Links referenced in the Going Deeper sections are accessible at epl.mdpc.org. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as a member of our own church shares their story of Zest: lentenpodcast.mdpc.org Scripture Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” The Prayer of Examen The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern His direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 2. Review the day with gratitude.  5. Look toward tomorrow. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. Excited about the Good News of Christ’s resurrection “plot twist”? Here’s a video by the guys from The Bible Project that makes it easy to share the gospel with the people in your life: epl.7.1.mdpc.org

MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross 31

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MDPC Lenten Study 2017: The 7 Last Words from the Cross

A Lenten Study

MDPC

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 epl.mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

2017