John 17:1-9 - Today it will feel like we’re moving backwards in time

Last week we jumped to the end of John’s gospel, because it was Easter Sunday– today we return to night of Jesus’ arrest prior to his crucifixion• think of what we are doing this way:◦ some films include flashbacks to events that occurred prior to the current period ◦ flashbacks supply explanations or fill in important details • so this week and next, will be like flashbacks for us ◦ scenes of events leading up to Jesus’ resurrection – the “Church Calendar” is an ancient tradition • it divides the year into seasons attached to specific events◦ it also provides daily scripture reading to keep those events in mind• according to the Church Calendar Easter is not a day but a season ◦ it goes from Easter Sunday up to Pentecost Sunday ◦ so it is fitting to return to the cross and resurrection during this “season”