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Since the winter storm has left us "trapped" in our homes at least for a couple of days, here is some "homework" to help you prepare your heart and mind for next Sunday. 
Next Sunday we'll be picking back up in Matthew 27:32-56. This section of Scripture covers the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Now, for many of us, this is very familiar territory. We've heard the story since we were children. We know what happens. And you know what? That's actually a beautiful thing—it means you've grown up hearing about Jesus, learning the Gospel, and being part of the church family.
But here's something I've noticed both in my own life and in ministry: sometimes our familiarity with a passage—even a good familiarity—can unintentionally cause us to miss things. When we know a story so well, it's easy to glide over details we've heard a hundred times before. We can almost go on autopilot.
There's no judgment in that. It's just human nature. It happens to all of us.
But the crucifixion of Christ? That's one event that we don't want to "glide over details".  There's too much depth there. Too much beauty. Too much to see about who Jesus is and what He's done for us.
So, this week, I want to provide you with an opportunity. I want to give you a chance to slow down and really prepare your heart for what we're going to study next Sunday.
Here's what I'd encourage you to do:
Monday or Tuesday: Set aside some time—maybe 15-20 minutes—and read Matthew 27:32-56 slowly. Read it twice. Let the details sink in. Picture the scene. Don't rush.
Wednesday or Thursday: Read Isaiah 53 prayerfully. As you read, think about how it connects to what you just read in Matthew. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you Jesus in that passage.
Friday: Read Psalm 22—the whole Psalm. Notice how the beginning sounds like despair but the ending turns to worship. Notice the specific details that show up at the crucifixion. See how God orchestrated it all.
Saturday night: Read Matthew 27:32-56 one more time. But this time, read it out loud if you can. 
Don't treat this like homework that you have to check off. Think of it as:

  • Softening your heart.

  • Opening your eyes.

So that when we gather next Sunday you're not just hearing about the crucifixion. You're coming to worship at the cross.