Palm Sunday: With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession.

As Jesus has his passion so did John. Indeed, Jesus' ministry began when John was in prison (Mark 1:14, "After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God.") The story of John's arrest and execution is told in Mark 6 and is set between the sending out of Jesus' disciples and their return with success stories. It's as if Mark wants us to see John's suffering both as pre-figuring Jesus' passion and as a counterbalance to the disciples' successes. John's fate epitomizes what Mark clearly believes; faithfulness to God results in suffering.

In light of Mark's gospel, I am this week reflecting on John's sufferings both to appreciate what our Lord experienced in his own death as well as what faithfulness to God may result in for anyone who might follow.

• Lent, Day 35 – "John the Baptist had risen from the dead."
  
• Lent, Day 36 – But he enjoyed listening to him.
  
• Lent, Day 37 – She pleased Herod and his guests
  
• Lent, Day 38 – John beheaded
  
• Good Friday – Behold the Lamb of God
  
• Holy Saturday – John's disciples bury John