In the weeks leading up to Easter, Christians around the world embark on a spiritual journey: the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. At the end of this journey stand the cross and the resurrection, which are at the heart of the Christian faith. 

As it is written in chapter 9, verse 51 in the Gospel of Luke: “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” 

The Way of Jesus: Encounters, Stories and Challenges 

According to the evangelist Luke, this journey was full of encounters, conversations and experiences. Jesus does not travel alone. People accompany him, ask him questions, and approach him with their troubles and hopes. He spends time with them, offers words of encouragement and admonishment, and leaves behind stories that invite reflection. 

Women often play an important role in these accounts, appearing confident and resisting injustice. At the same time, some men show uncertainty at decisive moments or withdraw. 

The biblical stories speak of power, courage, exclusion and solidarity — and thus also of issues that are still relevant today. 

Reflections by Young Theologians on Gender and Justice 

During Lent, this journey is to be rediscovered together. Seven young theologians will offer short weekly reflections on Instagram and Facebook. Reading these familiar texts with open minds, they ask: what resonates with us today? What emotions, experiences and structures emerge? What can these stories teach us about community, justice, and role models? 

This includes questions of gender and justice. At EMS, we are committed to a world in which people can live free from discrimination and violence, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. That is why we deliberately examine the traces that the biblical texts leave in this regard. Where are people empowered? Where are they excluded? What does this mean for our churches and society today? 

Join us on this journey through Lent and into Holy Week. Discover inspiring reflections on Instagram and Facebook that move the heart, challenge and encourage. 

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Joscha Quade, Theologian and responsible for third-party fundraising at EMS

Lk 9,51-61

During Lenten Season, seven young theologians connected to EMS will share short, fresh and thoughtful reflections close to everyday life.

Theologian Joscha Quade, who is responsible for third-party funding at EMS, will kick things off by reflecting on Luke 9:51-61 and asks: "Should I stay or should I go?"

Jesus sets out on the path to Jerusalem, leaving much behind. Not everyone follows him; some stay behind out of fear or habit.

But Jesus keeps going. He closes the door behind him. Turning back is not an option. Ahead lies a challenging path. He is not welcomed everywhere; sometimes he is 'too different' and disrupts the routine.

Many people face similar decisions: whether to stay or leave, be it in work, relationships, during a crisis or in our congregations. Often, the choice is not entirely free.

I hope for a church that offers an open refuge to people on their life's journey – a place where nobody is turned away for 'being disruptive' or 'not fitting in'. A space that encourages and empowers people. Since even Jesus would have needed such a refuge.

Joscha Quade
Theologian and responsible for third-party fundraising at EMS
 

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Marie Raschner, Substitute Pastor, Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW).

Lk 15,8-10

During Lenten Season, seven young theologians connected to EMS will share short, fresh and thoughtful reflections close to everyday life.

Marie Raschner, vicar of the EKKW, refers to a parable told by Jesus, focusing on what appears to be lost yet is of infinite value. 

When Jesus eats with those whom others call “lost”, it provokes criticism. He responds with an image: a woman loses a silver coin. She still has nine left, yet she does not say, “That's enough.” She searches persistently, lighting a lamp and sweeping thoroughly until she finds what is missing. 

I believe this image tells us something about God: in a world where women often remain invisible, Jesus tells the story of a woman. God's love is revealed through devotion, care, and patience – every person is valuable and counts. 

I dream of a church where people feel valued, where their questions and concerns are acknowledged, and where no one is overlooked. God seeks, and I wish that we would seek one another too: in the church, in society and in our private lives. Everyone counts.

Marie Raschner
Substitute Pastor, Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW)

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Sarah Hilmer, doctoral candidate in church history at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen.

Lk 18,1-8

During Lenten Season, seven young theologians will share short, fresh and thoughtful reflections close to everyday life.

Sarah Hilmer, a church history doctoral student at Georg August University in Göttingen, considers an emotion that is not usually considered to be pious:

 anger A widow repeatedly approaches a judge. He does not listen to her, only taking care of her concerns when she becomes a nuisance – not because he is interested in justice.

This judge makes me angry. His indifference seems frighteningly familiar. The widow, on the other hand, remains persistent. She does not allow herself to be discouraged and demands her rights. 

Her anger is a driving force for change. As the many pioneers of women's rights have shown us, many changes begin when people no longer put up with everything.

International Women's Day, which is cpming up soon, reminds us of the ongoing struggle for equality. Even today, there are many unheard voices that deserve to be heard.

Sarah Hilmer
PhD candidate in Church History at the Georg August University of Göttingen